Planning to be hopping around the Sunshine State? Lucky you—it has some of the best coastal towns in Australia. So, you’ll definitely need our list of the best Queensland beaches! After all, if you went to Queensland and not to the beach, did you really go at all?
Queensland’s pristine shorelines make it one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the world. But also, Queensland is one of the best places to live in Australia. With sweeps of fine, white sand, turquoise waters and 300 days of sunshine a year, visiting the Gold Coast isn’t complete without a swim in the cool waters.
So, which Queensland beaches do we choose? Well, it depends on what you’d like to do.
Snapper Rocks in Gold Coast is great for surfing. Cylinder Beach is good for families because it escapes the heavy winds. The Tangalooma Wrecks Beach in Moreton Island is famous for snorkelling through shipwrecks… what about the other best beaches in Queensland? Read on to find out.
Best beaches near Gold Coast
Snapper Rocks in Gold Coast
Good for: surfing
Location: Coolangatta, Gold Coast
Nested on the southern end of Rainbow Bay in Gold Coast is Snapper Rocks. Aside from Surfers Paradise beach, this is one of the most iconic Queensland beaches in one of the most famous Queensland coastal towns.
Famously known as one of the best surf breaks in Queensland, this beach is part of the Superbank, a manmade surf break extending from Snapper Rocks Point for two kilometres. This Superbank creates one of the longest wave rides in the world and is the setting for several international surf competitions.
All this to say, it’s a dream for surfers. But there is also plenty of shoreline for sitting and catching rays, as well as undercover cooking areas.
Cylinder Beach on North Stradbroke Island
Good for: Families with kids
Location: 30 kilometres from Brisbane
Head over to North Stradbroke Island and spend the day in peace on the beach. Sheltered from heavy winds, Cylinder Beach is a great option for kids. Lifeguards patrol the beach so you can feel safer when the kids are swimming.
When you want to take a break from the waters, a light hike along North Gorge Walk offers the opportunity to get a glimpse of dolphins, manta rays and turtles from the headland. If you’re there in November, you might even spot some Humpback Whales migrating on the whale highway.
Tallebudgera Creek in Gold Coast
Good for: families with kids
Location: 30 kilometres from Gold Coast
With gentle waters and powdery white sand, Tallebudgera Creek is perfect for families with young children. More of a cove than a creek, it has Palm Beach on one side and Burleigh Heads National Park on the other.
Swimming, sunbathing and watersports are popular here as the waters are still enough for those. Find many families setting up their spots and picnicking there throughout the summer season, arguably the best time to visit Queensland.
Burleigh Heads Beach
Good for: surfing, families
Location: Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast
Glistening waters and warm sand is what keeps locals and visitors coming back to Burleigh Heads. It’s one of the best coastal towns in Queensland. Surfers will love the right-hand point break at Burleigh Beach, which draws surfers in from around the world.
Lifeguards are on duty at this patrolled surf beach, so safety is a priority here. The kids will enjoy making sandcastles and swimming—just be sure to swim between the red and yellow flags. When it’s time for a snack, you can head over to Burleigh Heads Surf Club, conveniently located nearby.
Honourable mentions for best beaches in Gold Coast Australia:
- Surfers Paradise
- Broadbeach
- Mermaid Beach
- Nobby Beach
Best beaches near Sunshine Coast
Kings Beach on the Sunshine Coast
Good for: families, seeing rock pools
Location: 25 kilometres from Sunshine Coast
This beautiful beach is great for children who like to play in the sea. But better yet, it comes with extras! Find cool rock pools which you can bring the kids around. The best time to see them is during low tide where you might be able to spot marine life in the shallow pools of ocean water.
One of the other awesome amenities at Kings Beach is the oceanfront saltwater swimming pool. This 25-metre pool is great for laps but also for younger children with its wading pool—a great alternative to kids who aren’t a fan of the waves.
Lastly, Kings Beach also has great playground facilities. From standard swings to water fountains, the kids will be entertained all day.
Honourable mentions for best beaches in Sunshine Coast Australia:
- Main Beach
- Alexandria Beach in Noosa National Park
- Sunshine Beach
- Rainbow Beach
Best beaches in the Great Barrier Reef
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays
Good for: families
Location: 1 hour boat from Airlie Beach, Whitsundays
Can we argue with the winner of the ‘2021 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards for Beaches? We think not. Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Islands has it all. From the fine, powder-like sand, azure waters and warm shallows suited for all ages, this Queensland beach is a bonafide tropical paradise.
What makes this beach so special is that it’s located within the Great Barrier Reef and is protected by the Whitsunday Islands National Park. Not only is it spotless, but its shores welcome you all year round with perfect, 26-degree celsius waters.
Honourable mentions for beaches in the Great Barrier Reef:
- Four Mile Beach (Port Douglas)
- Hamilton Island
- Airlie Beach
- Heron Island
- The Strand
Best beaches in Cairns
Palm Cove in Cairns
Good for: families, relaxing, watersports
Location: 30 minute drive from Cairns
Looking for a real holiday feel? Head over to Palm Cove Beach, lined by towering palm trees swaying in the breeze.
There’s plenty to do here. You can take in the waters and scenery of Coral Sea, then head over to one of the great cafes offering salads, sandwiches and delicious brunch style fare. Watersports like stand up paddle boarding and kayaking are popular here because you have the chance to make your way to Double Island, nearby.
Palm Cove is also one of the best suburbs in Cairns to live in, with family friendly parks and great accessibility.
Then check out Clifton Beach which was awarded Queensland’s friendliest and cleanest beach. This is a netted beach so no fears of scary marine life here!
Honourable mentions for best beaches near Cairns Australia:
- Nudey Beach Fitzroy Island
- Ellis beach
- Green Island.
- Trinity Beach.
- Clifton Beach.
- Kewarra Beach.
Best beaches near Townsville
Radical Bay, Magnetic Island
Good for: relaxing, adventure, snorkelling
Location: 40 minute ferry ride from Townsville
With a name like that, it’s no wonder this spot of wondrous nature attracts people all year round. Magnetic Island is home to 23 beaches and bays, and Radical Bay is not to be missed.
Affectionately named Maggie, the bay captivates with its bouldered headlands, coconut palm trees and reefs. You’re only a quick ferry ride from Townsville here but will feel a world’s away.
Grab some snorkelling gear at Nelly Bay and start a self-guided snorkel trail that takes you across shipwreck remains, the SS Moltke and a portion of a World War II fighter plane.
Honorable mentions for beaches in Townsville
- Bingil Bay
- Mission Beach
- Wongaling Beach
- South Mission Beach
- The Strand
- Rowes Bay
- Pallarenda Beach
- Bushland Beach
Best beaches near Bundaberg
Mon Repos Beach in Bundaberg
Good for: sea life, adventure
Location: 15 minute drive from Bundaberg, 4.5 hours from Brisbane
The real wonder of Mon Repos Beach is the magical wildlife. Every year from November to late March, thousands of loggerhead turtles hatch on the shores and begin their trek into the water. These tiny turtles are seen during nesting season and their more adult versions (while still babies) come up a few months later.
Schedule a tour with the Mon Repos Turtle Centre to learn more about these amazing creatures and how to help conserve wildlife.
You also have the picturesque Mon Repos Walking Track which is a 4.5 kilometre scenic walk along the coastline.
Honourable mentions for beaches neat Bundaberg:
- Bargara Beach
- Kelly’s Beach
- Elliott Heads Beach
- Woodgate Beach
So, now you know the best Queensland beaches
Are you ready to pack up and call the a Queensland city home? If so, you might want to check out our round up of cheap houses for sale in Cairns. Or explore the Gold Coast. Known for awesome weather, solid entertainment options and a laid back lifestyle, it also plays host to the best Queensland beaches.
Check out Soho’s properties for rent in Gold Coast to see what’s available. Better yet, set up your match profile on Soho and get property matches sent straight to your inbox so you never miss a beat.
