Queensland has the best beaches ever. There are 100+ beaches here. You can find quiet spots or busy beaches with lots of fun stuff. Want to swim? Surf? Just sit on the sand? Queensland has it all.
The weather stays warm most of the year, so beach days are always possible. From the Great Barrier Reef to small hidden spots, every beach is different. Let’s look at the 10 best beaches that make Queensland so beautiful.
Top 10 Best Beaches in Queensland
1. Whitehaven Beach
Known for: Having the whitest sand ever
Whitehaven Beach is super famous. The sand here is really white—like powder. It doesn’t get hot when it’s sunny, and it feels soft on your feet. The beach is 7 kilometres long.
You take a boat to get here from Airlie Beach. Takes 45 minutes on a fast boat or 90 minutes on a slow boat. People say the boat ride is fun because you see this place called Hill Inlet, where the sand and water make pretty patterns.
The water is clear and good for swimming. But there’s nothing on the beach – no shops or toilets. You bring your own food and drinks. Go between May and October when the weather’s nice, and there aren’t many jellyfish.
2. Surfers Paradise Beach
Known for: Being the most famous beach on the Gold Coast, with lots happening
This is the second most famous beach in Queensland. It’s on the Gold Coast with tall buildings behind it. The Surfers Paradise Beach is 3 kilometers long with nice yellow sand.
Good for families because lifeguards watch the beach every day. There are clean bathrooms, and the water isn’t deep for kids. The waves are small, so it’s good for people learning to surf.
Easy to get to by car, bus, or train. Lots of parking, but it gets busy during school holidays. They have special wheelchairs for people who need them.
3. Nudey Beach
Known for: Being a secret spot on Fitzroy Island with lots of fish to see
Don’t worry about the name—it’s just a normal beach. It got its name from some sea animals that live here. This small beach is on Fitzroy Island, 45 minutes by boat from Cairns.
Trees are all around it and you can see fish underwater. There are colourful fish, sea turtles, and other sea animals. To get there, you walk 20 minutes through the forest from the main part of Fitzroy Island.
4. Noosa Main Beach
Known for: Good waves for beginners and a chill feel
The location of this beach is in Noosa Heads, which is a 2 hours drive north of Brisbane. The beach is a north-facing one; hence, it does not receive huge waves, only small waves that can be used to learn how to surf or by children.
There is a street with cafes, restaurants, and shops next to the beach. You can spend your mornings at the sea, have lunch, and continue to sit on the sand all day.
Read Also: Best Beaches in Canberra
5. Red Beach
Known for: Red rocks and being very quiet on Whitsunday Island
Another hidden spot on Whitsunday Island, but different from Whitehaven Beach. This small beach has red rocks around it. It looks pretty with the white sand and blue water.
Much quieter than Whitehaven because it takes longer to get to, and you have to walk through bushes. Most day trips don’t go here, so you see people with their own boats.
You can see fish and coral close to the shore. The beach faces west, so you get pretty sunsets. Remember to bring everything – no shops or toilets here.
6. Rainbow Beach
Known for: Colored sand hills and being where you go to Fraser Island
Rainbow Beach is in a small town in Queensland. Famous for its colored sand hills that are red, yellow, orange, and white. These formed over many years and look cool.
Good for swimming, fishing, and long walks. It’s also where people catch boats to Fraser Island, the world’s biggest sand island. The boat takes 15 minutes. Overall, a relaxed town with good cafes and places to stay. You can see dolphins or go to Fraser Island.
7. Four Mile Beach
Known for: Palm trees along nice sand in Port Douglas
This beach is in Port Douglas, 1 hour north of Cairns by car. It’s called Four Mile Beach because it’s 4 miles long. Palm trees line the beach and give you shade.
Feels tropical and good for long walks, especially at sunset when the sky changes colors. Water is calm and good for swimming, but swim between flags during jellyfish time (November to May).
Port Douglas is where lots of Great Barrier Reef trips start. The town has good restaurants, shops, and hotels, so you can do beach stuff and other things.
8. Scarborough Beach
Known for: Being good for families with fun stuff for kids
Scarborough Beach is 45 minutes North of Brisbane. It is perfect for the family since the waves are not so big, there are lifeguards, and there are many amenities such as a playground, barbecue, and parking.
The beach is located in a bay where the water is calm for swimming. The long pier is ideal for fishing and crabbing, and there are restaurants and cafes located at the nearby marina.
It is a good part since it is near Brisbane. It takes less than an hour, or you can use public transportation, which has bike paths and walking tracks as well.
9. Kings Beach
Known for: A safe swimming pool and good for families
Kings Beach is in Caloundra at the start of the Sunshine Coast. Famous for its rock swimming pool that’s safe for families with small kids.
People say it’s one of the best beaches in Australia many times. Good things like BBQ areas, playgrounds, showers, and cafes right on the beach. Sand is clean and soft – good for sandcastles.
You can reach the beach by car from Brisbane in 1.5 hours or take the train to the nearby station. Lifeguards are on duty all year, and there is wheelchair access for everyone.
10. Palm Cove Beach
Known for: Fancy hotels and a nice tropical feel
Palm Cove Beach is between Cairns and Port Douglas, 30 minutes north of Cairns airport. This beautiful beach spot has luxury hotels, good restaurants, and palm trees along the shore.
The beach is 2 kilometers of white sand with calm, clear water that’s good for swimming most of the year. During jellyfish time (November to May), there are nets to keep you safe. The beach has lifeguards and good things.
Palm Cove feels amazing. The street by the beach has great restaurants, spas, and shops. Many hotels here have won awards, making Palm Cove popular for romantic trips and luxury holidays.
Planning Your Queensland Beach Adventure?
Here is what you should know when you are planning to visit these best beaches in Queensland. Go between May and October for sunny weather and safer waters with fewer jellyfish.
If you go during the wet season (November to April), you can still have fun at these beaches. Just swim between the flags at beaches with lifeguards and look for jellyfish warning signs. Many beaches put up nets during this time to keep you safe.
You can drive to most of these beaches easily – Queensland has good roads. Don’t want to drive? There are buses, trains, and planes that can get you to these beach places.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best beaches to visit in Queensland?
Whitehaven Beach, Palm Cove, Noosa Main Beach, and Surfer Paradise are some of the best beaches.
Are dogs allowed on Queensland beaches?
In some places, dogs will be welcomed on beaches or at particular times of the year, but always make sure that you check the local regulations before taking your pets to the beach.
When is the best time to visit Queensland beaches?
Queensland is a warm region, and therefore, it is possible to visit beaches all the time.
Which Queensland beach is best for families?
Noosa Main Beach is suitable for families because of the calm waters, lifeguards, cafes close by, and activities that all ages can enjoy.
Can I stay overnight near the beaches?
You can stay near beaches like Palm Cove and Surfers Paradise in hotels, resorts, or holiday rentals within walking distance.
Conclusion
Queensland really has some of the best beaches ever. From Whitehaven Beach’s white sand to Kings Beach’s family fun, there’s something here for everyone who loves beaches.
These ten beaches show how different and cool Queensland’s coastline is—whether you want adventure, to relax, or just watch a pretty sunset.
Every beach is different and has its own cool things, but they all have Queensland’s warm weather, friendly people, and pretty nature. Follow the Australia City Guide and pack sunscreen and swimmers, and come see why Queensland beaches are counted among the very best worldwide.
