Queensland’s best-kept beach secrets revealed
Discover these eight lesser-known beaches you should consider visiting on your next holiday.
Queensland is loved for its iconic beaches, and while famous stretches of sand such as Surfers Paradise and idyllic Whitehaven may steal the spotlight, there are plenty of gems that fly under the radar for those looking to sprawl out somewhere a little less-known.
Tallebudgera Creek and Echo Beach, Gold Coast
Swap the bustling northern Gold Coast beaches for the piercing blue, calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek. Tucked between Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach and protected by a natural breakwater, Tallebudgera is a haven for relaxing family dips, paddleboards and kayaks. It’s even more special arriving via Burleigh Head National Park’s Oceanview Track to find a quiet spot to lay out a beach towel at Echo Beach, on the creek’s north side.
Unique experiences: Sign up for a soulful sunrise SUP yoga class with Pure Aloha or gain a deeper appreciation of the surrounds and cultural significance of the headland on a walking tour with Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
How to get there: Park at Burleigh Heads and walk in or drive directly to Tallebudgera Creek Beach in Palm Beach (where you can pick up coffee and pastries from Custard Canteen for a picnic).
South Gorge Beach, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Brisbane
Escape the mainland for the world’s second-largest sand island. Minjerribah is just a 25-minute passenger ferry ride away from Brisbane’s southern suburbs and South Gorge Beach is a spectacular treasure – a small sandy pocket guarded by the island’s towering cliff faces on both sides.
Unique experiences: The stunning Gorge Walk along the headland hugs the rocky coastline and is a must-do while here. Sea turtles, manta rays and dolphins are frequently spotted in the waters below. It’s also a superb whale-watching spot between June and November.
How to get there: Take the ferry from Cleveland, drive to Point Lookout Surf Lifesaving Club, and head down the hill to the left of the surf club to find South Gorge Beach.
Rainbow Beach, Sunshine Coast
Well known to locals and just an hour-and-a-half jaunt up the highway from famed Noosa Main Beach, this Rainbow Beach is named after its strikingly colourful ancient sand dunes. While the patrolled beach in front of the township proves a popular spot for families, visitors will need a 4WD to get to explore most secluded patches of this 23km beach, discovering otherworldly sandscapes along the Great Beach Drive.
Unique experiences: Explore remote and protected areas safely with Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours, kayak through pristine waters to meet wild dolphins with Epic Ocean Adventures, or dive with grey nurse sharks through Wolf Rock Dive Centre.
How to get there: Rainbow Beach’s township is accessible via 2WD. For experienced off-road drivers, 4WD beach access is available from town, or drive the scenic route from Noosa via the Tewantin ferry crossing, up Teewah Beach and around Double Island Point.
Etty Bay, Cairns and Great Barrier Reef
Unique experiences: Soak up serenity overnight at Etty Bay Cabins and Caravan Park then discover rainforest canopy views on Mamu Tropical Skywalk, swimming holes along the Waterfall Circuit, and enchanting Spanish ruins at Paronella Park.
How to get there: Drive 10 minutes from Innisfail, or 35 minutes north from Mission Beach – a great base for beach, rainforest and reef adventures.
Blue Pearl Bay, Hayman Island, The Whitsundays
A secret Queensland beach so spectacular you might think it was photoshopped, remote Blue Pearl Bay is an enchanting setting where rugged cliffs tumble down to meet pristine pockets of white sand and sparkling blue water. This Whitsundays jewel is home to fringing coral reef and an abundance of marine life which makes it perfect for snorkelling.
Unique experiences: InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef guests can join daily hiking tours to Blue Pearl Bay. The 45-minute bushwalk is rewarded with awe-inspiring Coral Sea views and snorkelling (you must have moderate fitness level and be aged 10 years and older to participate).
How to get there: Blue Pearl Bay is on the north-western side of Hayman Island. Boat and helicopter transfers are available from nearby Hamilton Island to the resort.
Geoffrey Bay, Magnetic Island, Townsville
Visitors to Townsville keen on snorkelling should make a beeline for Geoffrey Bay on Magnetic Island, which boasts its very own snorkel trail. Visitors can explore coral reef teeming with tropical fish, and even spot 30-year-old giant clams. Simply rent snorkel gear from local Pleasure Divers and jump in to follow the marked trail. Strong swimmers can venture further out to see a shipwreck and a World War II propeller on the sea floor. On land, you might catch a glimpse of the bay’s playful rock wallabies that dart and hop across the boulders that fringe the bay.
Unique experiences: Discover more of the island’s secret coves and beaches, only accessible by boat, with local Master Reef Guides on board Aquascene.
How to get there: Magnetic Island is a 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville, then a 15-minute walk or five-minute local bus to Geoffrey Bay. A car isn’t required to reach this spot but is handy if you’d like to explore the rest of the island and other beaches, such as Horseshoe Bay.
South Cumberland Island, Mackay
Just 60km north-east of Mackay, the South Cumberland Islands National Park is a secluded island chain known only to locals – but perhaps not for much longer. Here, rugged headlands draped in hoop pine lead to secluded coves and untouched sandy stretches. Surrounded by fringing reefs and home to green and flatback turtle rookeries, this is a hidden slice of Queensland where solitude meets natural beauty.
Unique experiences: Spend a day snorkelling untouched coral gardens and beachcombing the South Cumberland Islands on board Wildcat Mackay.
How to get there: The only way to South Cumberland Islands is by private or charter boat, so join a tour with an award-winning local operator like Wildcat Mackay.
Elliott Heads Beach, Bundaberg
In sleepy southern Bundaberg where the Elliott River meets the ocean, Elliott Heads Beach offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity. With white sands and clear waters ideal for swimming, kayaking, and kite surfing, it’s also a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and a nesting site for sea turtles, like famous neighbour Mon Repos.
Unique experience: Walk along the sand at low tide to Dr Mays Island for a serene soak in tidal rock pools (note the island is closed seasonally during migratory bird nesting).
How to get there: Drive 15 minutes south from Bundaberg CBD or 17 minutes from the new Turtle Sands Holiday Resort at Mon Repos.
As always, swimmers should take caution when entering the water and swim between the red and yellow flags. RACQ members enjoy discounted accommodation at NRMA Parks and Resorts.
Source Tourism Queensland
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