When it comes to beaches, no state in Australia does it better than Queensland. With almost 7000km of coastline to explore, choosing the best beaches in Queensland is no easy task.
You really are spoiled for choice and there are plenty of Queensland holiday packages available, but if you have to choose, here are some iconic beach attractions in Queensland that must be on every traveller’s bucket list.
Hamilton Island, The Whitsundays
You won’t get much closer to actual paradise than the idyllic beaches of Hamilton Island off the coast of North Queensland. This is where pure white sands, immaculate blue ocean water and the majesty of The Great Barrier Reef all collide for the most serene experience you are likely to find in Australia.
Hamilton Island will transport you to beaches where you can swim, snorkel and relax to your heart’s content. The main stretch is Catseye Beach which snakes its way around the island and has plenty of hire services available for paddleboards, snorkelling equipment, water skis – you can even hire your very own catamaran. There are many local reefs to explore and experts that can take you on guided tours to discover the most picturesque attractions just off the coast.
While Catseye is the largest beach, the most popular destination in the Whitsundays is just a short 30-minute catamaran ride away – Whitehaven Beach. This is where you find almost sand made of almost 100 per cent silica, immaculate clear water and natural bursts of rainbow that dance through the sea spray mist. Everyone has to experience Whitehaven Beach at some point in their lives – after all, it has been voted one of the best beaches in the world.
Palm Cove, Cairns
Located just north of Cairns is a tropical oasis that is also the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Forget the crowds of Bondi, here you can enjoy gorgeous beaches without the crowds, lined with tropical palm trees and loaded with fishing opportunities in the heart of Far North Queensland.
The entire Palm Cove region is a sanctuary including local resorts, wellness clinics, massages, yoga and so much more. You can stroll, shop and enjoy the cuisine on the esplanade or paddle a kayak on the serene waters of Double Bay. However, one of the best parts of Palm Cove is its location. You can embark on simple day trips to iconic local attractions like the rainforests of Kuranda, the shopping and cultural experiences in Cairns, the beaches and excitement of Port Douglas and – of course – The Great Barrier Reef itself.
Casuarina Beach, Cape Hillsborough, Mackay
Sunrise at Cape Hillsborough National Park’s Casuarina Beach is one of the most iconic views in Australia. Each morning a mob of wallabies and Eastern Grey kangaroos break through the darkness looking for seeds and other delicious snacks that the morning tide delivered to the beach for them to feast on.
While the sun rises, they nibble and play on the shore and in the shallows against a backdrop of spectacular colour from the morning sunrise. Please remember that these animals are wild and will retreat if threatened. Do not feed the animals (they have plenty to enjoy), keep a respectful distance and don’t use flash photography that could startle them.
Noosa Main Beach, Sunshine Coast
Noosa Main Beach is located at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast in South-East Queensland and receives over 2.36 million visitors a year. Why? The reasons are endless.
Firstly, lovers of the surf will be in heaven here as this is one of the only north-facing beaches on the entire east coast of the country. Secondly, it is a mecca for fine dining – even if that is just the best fish and chips you will ever eat, enjoyed by the sparkling water of Main Beach.
Want more? You can explore the National Parks and hinterland that makes the Sunshine Coast such a magical place to explore. And there are numerous other beaches that are just as special sprawling all the way down to Caloundra in the south – so book a few nights to get the most out of your trip.
Tallebudgera Creek, The Gold Coast
Sure, it would be simple to pick Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Beach or any of the other amazing attractions that make up the Gold Coast in South-East Queensland. But Tallebudgera Creek offers benefits none of the other beaches can.
Firstly, it is not a tourist trap so you will enjoy plenty of space to sprawl out along the near-endless stretch of blue water and white sand. There is plenty of parking, you are within striking distance of Burleigh Beach and Palm Beach and the dining and accommodation options are endless.
How many other places can you casually stand up paddleboard with giant sea turtles and friendly manta rays gliding beneath you in the crystal clear water? Tallebudgera Creek is the perfect location for those wanting to experience the beauty of the Gold Coast without any of the chaos.
