The Queensland coast covers over 2000 kilometers of land and stretches from the Gold Coast in the south to Cooktown in the North. Within this area, you have well over 1700 beaches in Queensland to check out, explore and relax on.
So what makes a great beach? We will look at things like popularity, ease to get to, crystal clear waters, and fine white sands.
Different beaches tick different boxes, and I’m sure you will find several Queensland beaches on this list that are perfect for you.
Queensland is the second-largest state in Australia, home to over 5 million people. It’s where the Great Barrier Reef lies off the coast. It’s my favorite part of Australia and that’s why I’d love to share 20 of the best beaches in Queensland with you, to show you just how beautiful it is here!
The Best Beaches in Queensland, Australia
1. Lake McKenzie Beach, Fraser Island
Fraser Island (K’Gari) can be accessed from Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay and is known for many wondrous and natural sites.
As we are talking about beaches in Queensland, you can’t go past the sublime freshwater shores of Lake McKenzie. It’s visited by over 300 thousand tourists each year for week-long camping trips, resort vacations, stays in holiday homes, or a day trip or short visit from the mainland.
The entire island is UNESCO World Heritage listed, part of the Great Sandy National Park, and the largest sand island in the world.
The waters from Lake McKenzie are filtered through the fine white sand, which is why it looks so pretty and crystal clear.
On the other hand, the silica sandy shores can be used to clean jewelry or even exfoliate the skin.
2. Tangalooma Beach
Moreton Island or Tangalooma Beach is located just off the coast of Brisbane, reached by ferry in 1.5 hours.
The beach is easy to access with a tour from Brisbane or you could plan a stay in the resort.
This is your perfect island paradise, known for its nightly dolphin feeding and the many different shipwrecks to explore.
The go-to place to stay at Tangalooma Beach is the eco-friendly Tangalooma Island Resort with several choices in accommodation styles and many different things to do. Interestingly enough, this resort was used in the filming of the original Scooby Doo movie. From the resort everything can be accessed on foot, and there is no need for a car.
Alternatively, you can also choose to camp on the island. Camping requires taking the other ferry to Moreton Island, which allows cars and campervans and drops you a fair distance away from the resort and near the beach driving section and camping sites.
3. Whitehaven Beach
The beautiful Whitehaven Beach is in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and part of the Whitsunday Islands, near Airlie Beach.
This is an Australian bucket-list destination for locals and overseas visitors and has to be seen to be believed. It’s award-winning, one of the largest beaches in the area, and often toured along with Hill Inlet.
Just like Lake McKenzie, Whitehaven Beach has fine white silica sand on its shores and almost looks like snow.
Sink your feet into the sand and swim around in the warm waters.
Hill Inlet is a lookout point nearby, with a short uphill hike. This is where you’ll get to admire the swirling white sands as the tide shifts in the pristine blue waters.
Ultimately, if you can only visit a few beaches in Queensland, this is one you don’t want to miss!
4. Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island
There are several different beaches on North Stradbroke Island to suit everyone’s situation. One of the more popular beaches would have to be Point Lookout, joined with Main Beach.
This is where you can find the rocky headland, the Gorge Walk, and the lookout point for whales, turtles, and dolphins.
Additionally, there are calm waters between the rocky outcrops and a long surfing beach for those who want the waves.
There is a short, 45-minute ferry ride to Stradbroke Island from the Queensland capital of Brisbane. You can choose to take your own car over, hire one when you get to the island, or use public transport to get around.
Accommodation includes a backpacker hostel, which doubles as the dive center, plus hotels, motels, Airbnbs, and luxury resorts with beachside views.
Also Read: Pros & Cons of Staying in a Hostel
5. Noosa Heads
Noosa Heads is located on the Sunshine Coast, about two hours north of Brisbane.
There are many different areas to explore when you’re here, like Noosa Main Beach, Noosa Coastal Walk, and the famous Noosa Fairy Pools.
Noosa Main Beach is where you find the most people, accommodations lining the streets, shops, and local stores.
The Coastal walk stretches over five kilometers, from Noosa to Sunshine Beach. Here you’ll find small isolated beaches, local wildlife like koalas, and private coves to explore and relax on. More importantly, it’s where you’ll also find the Fairy Rock Pools and a popular swimming spot at low tide.
6. Surfers Paradise Beach
The Gold Coast is the largest non-capital city in Australia and is located in the south-easterly corner of Queensland.
The sandy shores stretch 50 kilometers from Main Beach to Coolangatta, but Surfers Paradise Beach is famous worldwide and is where you’ll want to start.
People have been flocking to the area since the 1980s for the lifeguarded beaches, year-round sunny weather, high-rise buildings, and the surf.
The surf will depend on the conditions, swells, and tides, but you’ll always find a little surf.
Also Read: Surfing Tips for Beginners – 10 Common Mistakes When Learning to Surf
Holidays and weekends will have organized group activities on the beach like volleyball, kayaking, or kids’ games.
Surfers Paradise Beach is also a great place for a sunset stroll along the beach before the evening sets in.
7. Double Island Point
Double Island Point is not the easiest beach to get to, but it’s well known for its fishing, people learning to surf, and four-wheel-drive locations.
It’s located near Rainbow Beach, about three hours north of Brisbane. You will need your own four-wheel drive to get there or take a tour from Rainbow Beach.
At low tide, Double Island Point opens up a large sandy spit where you can escape the city life and just sit back and listen to the waves.
People will visit for a few hours to swim, have lunch, or check out the colored sands cliff face. Either way, you will enjoy the magnificent views and understand why it’s included in our list of best beaches in Queensland.
8. Rainbow Beach
The small town of Rainbow Beach is located about three hours north of Brisbane and has a population of 1200 people. It offers many different types of accommodation from budget motels to resorts, and luxury hotels overlooking the waters.
You’ll constantly find people walking along the shores, fishing in the surf, or children playing in the sand.
Although it’s a small town, people will visit for the laid-back atmosphere, the beaches and to explore the amazing colored sands.
The colored sands were created over thousands of years where iron-rich minerals have stained the sand. Consequently, wind and rain are changing this coastline and feature shades of yellow, brown, red, and white.
9. Port Douglas
Welcome to the top end of Australia in the beautiful small town of Port Douglas. It’s located about 60 kilometers north of Cairns and has a population of just over 3000 people.
Port Douglas is home to Four Mile Beach which is one of the biggest contenders for one of the nicest beaches in Australia.
What sets it apart from other beaches in Queensland is the unspoiled beauty and wildlife from the Daintree Rainforest, meeting the Great Barrier Reef waters.
Palm trees line the beach, and it curves into a large cove.
The beach area is also a hive of activities including paddle boarding, yoga, and segways. Or just relax, and watch the sunrise cross the horizon.
10. Tallebudgera Creek
This might be a creek but it still has a beautiful beach for you to enjoy and is another addition to the Gold Coast area.
If you don’t want the crowds of Surfers Paradise Beach, then you might like to try Tallebudgera Creek.
The beach is popular among families and people looking for low-key flat waters. It’s also conveniently lifeguarded.
There is a surf lifesaving club right off the beach, and you’ll often see the members training in the waters. It’s also popular for canoeing, paddle boarding, or swimming.
The white sandy beaches here have plenty of room to set up your gazebo, and you can also find picnic tables, barbeques, and bathroom facilities.
11. Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads attracts those who like to surf around the headland or those who like protected calm waters.
Burleigh Beach is another brilliant beach that’s located on the Gold Coast. The beach is lined with rental accommodations, restaurants, and cafes. Additionally, picnic tables and barbeques are available in the parklands.
The foreshore is lined with fragrant pine trees, which meander through the National Park’s hiking trails and lookout points.
Ultimately, this is where you can feel like a million miles away from everything while still being in the middle of city life.
12. Cape Hillsborough Beach
Cape Hillsborough Beach is included in this list of beaches in Queensland not necessarily for the beach, but for the wildlife experience.
Located about 45 minutes north of Mackay, Cape Hillsborough is a popular stop for its unique kangaroo interaction.
If you happen to be on the beach before sunrise, you’ll be lucky enough to catch the wild kangaroos feeding off the seaweed and pods left over from high tide.
The kangaroos are used to people but will hop away if you get too close. If you would like to capture the moment, then it’s a great idea to have a camera that is good in low light circumstances, with a good zoom lens.
Or just sit, watch, and admire the kangaroos, before they retreat into the surrounding bushland.
13. Woodgate Beach
There are only just over 1000 permanent residents of Woodgate, which allows the beach to stay so beautiful and clean.
The town itself has a caravan park, a local pub, a grocery store, and a few cafes. You’ll find most people will stay in the fixed cabins, beach houses, or bring their own camping supplies.
The sandy shores stretch over 16 kilometers and provide several different swimming spots, boat access, and four-wheel drive tracks.
Walk the beaches at sunset, or pack a picnic for a romantic lunch on the beach. Either way, this brilliant escape will certainly relieve the stress levels.
14. Agnes Water Beach
Agnes Water is located in central Queensland, about five hours north of Brisbane. It’s a quiet beachside town known for its beach activities and has a population of 2000 people.
Surfing breaks draw a younger crowd, while families will enjoy the low-key waters in the inlet of Seventeen Seventy.
There is a friendly community, serving local products and fresh seafood to tourists.
In the area you can enjoy hiking trails, amphibious vehicle tours, and exploring Lady Musgrave Island in the southern area of the Great Barrier Reef.
Fixed cabins and hotels are on offer, but you’ll also find lots of luxury beachside or bushland resorts for those romantic getaways.
15. Mon Repos Beach
Mon Repos Beach can be accessed all year round near the town of Bundaberg. However, it’s included in our beaches in Queensland list because of the wild turtle experience.
From October to January each year, loggerhead turtles will come to Mon Repos Beach to lay their eggs. Eight weeks later you’re able to witness the baby turtles hatch and scurry down into the waters.
This is managed and monitored by the Bundaberg Tourist Information and the local rangers. You can visit the beach anytime throughout this period, but December and January are the best months to catch both experiences.
16. Alma Bay, Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is located off the coast of Townsville in North Queensland and is only a short 30-minute ferry ride away.
Alma Bay is just one of the beaches, but one of the most popular on Magnetic Island.
This beach features crystal clear waters, with large rock boulders lining the sides and protecting the bay.
This is a brilliant sunrise location and is often visited for swimming and some snorkeling. The park provides lots of shade, picnic tables, and bathroom facilities.
17. Kings Beach
Kings Beach is one of the more popular beaches available on the Sunshine Coast in South East Queensland. It’s conveniently lifeguarded, really great for surfing or body boarding, and features brilliant white sand.
If you don’t want to swim in the actual beach waters, then there’s a man-made ocean water pool, along with a small water park for the kids.
Either way, you’ll enjoy the views, year-round warm weather, and clear sunny days.
18. Bribie Island Beach
Bribie might be an island, but since you can drive there, it’s the most easily accessible island in Australia. It’s located on the north side of Brisbane and separated from the mainland by Pumicestone Passage.
It’s the fourth largest sand island in the world but has the largest population of any sand island, with over 18 thousand people.
On the west side of the island, you have the low-key, flat waters that are popular for paddle boarding, boating, and jet skiing.
The east side of the island is open to the elements, offering some surfing conditions, and giving access to the National Park and camping facilities.
Bribie Island is great to explore on a day trip, or on a week-long vacation in the many accommodation choices.
19. Palm Cove
Palm Cove Beach is about 30 minutes north of Cairns and offers one of the most loved palm-fringed beaches in Queensland.
The sunny hot climate, relaxed lifestyle, and beachfront accommodation offers visitors a vibe of relaxation.
Step off the beach into the blue waters of the Coral Sea or explore both the Kuranda and Daintree National Parks nearby.
Search for turtles on your kayak, try mastering the paddle board or snorkel through the limestone caves.
Whatever you’re doing, this is a superb day trip from Cairns or a great place to spend several days.
20. Mission Beach
Mission Beach is located two hours south of Cairns and is known for being the closest town to the Great Barrier Reef (40 kilometers offshore).
You’ll find palm trees lining the beach with one particular palm tree that’s an Instagram favorite, due to how far it’s leaning.
Mission Beach also contains the largest concentration of endangered Cassowary birds. These are rather large flightless birds with distinctive blue coloring on their necks and what looks to be a helmet on their head.
Queensland’s Beaches
Thanks for reading this blog post on 20 of the best beaches in Queensland. I hope it’s been able to show you that there are many beautiful beaches to explore here!
Which ones will you be choosing for your next vacation?
Also Read:
- Free Things to Do in Hervey Bay, Queensland
- Why You Shouldn’t Take Seashells From the Beach
- 15 of the Best Beaches in the World to Visit
- Things to Know Before Traveling to Sydney
- 3 Days in Adelaide – Itinerary
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