Cabbage Tree Creek is a tidal waterway in the northern suburbs of Brisbane, Queensland, accessible from the Shorncliffe Public Boat Ramp on Sinbad Street in Shorncliffe, approximately 30 minutes north of the city. The creek extends roughly 5.6 kilometres upstream before becoming impassable due to fallen trees shortly after passing beneath the Gateway Motorway. A typical out-and-back paddle covers around 15 kilometres and takes approximately five hours to complete.

The creek is tidal, and because the route travels upstream, timing is critical. Paddling should be planned within two to three hours either side of an incoming high tide, as sections can bottom out at low tide. The route passes under several infrastructure underpasses, including a road bridge at Sandgate Road, a train line, and a cycleway. Trains typically pass each other at quarter past and quarter to the hour, and the bridge shakes noticeably as they do.

Water quality is a significant concern on this creek. E. coli levels are reported to be high, attributed to urban runoff from the Chermside area and the presence of a sewerage outlet along the route. Paddlers are strongly advised not to deliberately capsize or swim in the creek, and washing hands before eating is recommended. Bull sharks have reportedly been observed in the creek by local fishermen, and some paddlers have reported their kayaks being bumped.

The paddle is rated moderate in difficulty. For most of its length the creek is wide and sheltered from wind, making conditions generally manageable. About two-thirds of the way along, a section surrounded by mangroves opens into a more expansive body of water. The surroundings transition between mangroves, residential properties, and bridge underpasses. Traffic noise increases noticeably near the Gateway Motorway.

The paddle can be undertaken year-round. Shade is limited during the middle of the day, so morning or early afternoon starts are preferable. Low-wind conditions are recommended. Parking at the Shorncliffe boat ramp is ample but can become busy during peak periods, as the ramp is shared with motorised boaties. Curlew Park, located approximately two kilometres from the start, provides toilets and a rest area, though the toilet block is around 500 metres from the water.