Bucketlist Beaches in the Sunshine State That Will Instantly Capture Your Heart
In my opinion, the most beautiful beaches in Queensland are the most beautiful beaches in the world. But then I am a bit biased!
That said, with almost 7000 km of coastline stretching from Coolangatta Beach on the Gold Coast all the way up to Cape York at the very tip of the state, and then round to the Gulf of Carpenteria, and the Northern Territories border, there are plenty that are worthy of this title.
If you are planning on visiting the Sunshine State to enjoy some fun in the sun, there are more than 1700 beaches you can head to on the mainland. Not to forget over 1950 islands you can also check out. This begs the obvious question of which ones should you head to first?
Well, I believe there are a core group of coastal destinations that should feature on every thalassophile’s beach bucketlist.
With that in mind, allow me to introduce you to the 15 most beautiful beaches in Queensland.
1. Mooloolaba Beach (Sunshine Coast)
This is a beach close to my heart, as it is one that I walk at least four to five times a week.
Located on the Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba Beach is a popular holiday destination for international travellers, particularly those from the UK and New Zealand. It is also the preferred choice of many Brisbane residents who prefer its more laid back nature over the more frenetic pace of the Gold Coast.
For me, its fabulous sweep of golden sand makes it one of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland. Readers of TripAdvisor tend to agree as it was recently included in their list of the Top Ten Australian Beaches.
Once here, you’ll find decent surf (although nearby Alexandra Headlands is much better) and plenty of space to sunbathe. The adjacent Mooloolaba Esplanade also has plenty of family-friendly resorts, cafes and some nice boutique shops. So it is a holiday destination you don’t need to stray too far from, assuming you don’t want to.
2. Whitehaven Beach (The Whitsundays)
If you think Mooloolaba Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland just wait until you see Whitehaven Beach. The good readers of TripAdvisor voted it the number one beach in the world in 2021!
It might not hold that title now, however, it is consistently in the top five of many international expert lists.
Notable for its spectacular pure-white silica sands and crystal clear water this beach is unlike anywhere else in the world. As you are laying on a towel and soaking up the rays or hike up to the lookout to check out the magnificent swirling sands, you’ll think you’ve arrived in paradise.
Whitehaven Beach and the rest of the Whitsunday Islands are somewhere you can explore via sailing, speedboat, scenic flights or skydiving. My recommendation would be to do it through all these activities.
3. Palm Cove (Tropical North Queensland)
If you intend to visit Cairns, you should make a point of visiting Palm Cove.
Situated just a 20 minute drive from the city, this stretch of coastline, defined by its centuries-old paperbacks and iconic palm trees, can easily lay claim to being one of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland.
Like Mooloolaba, Palm Cove is backed by an esplanade of plush resorts and upscale dining venues. However, it is much more relaxed and quieter overall.
If your budget can stretch to it, make a reservation at Nu Nu. This wonderful, award-winning venue offers a fantastic menu of Asian flavours which is fused with local produce. It is curated by Head Chef Nick Holloway, who you might have seen on Masterchef, and offers a superb al-fresco deck in which to enjoy a delightful culinary experience directly overlooking the Coral Sea.
4. Rainbow Beach (Sunshine Coast)
Given how far it is away from Mooloolaba Beach, Noosa Beach and Caloundra, its hard to believe that Rainbow Beach is on the Sunshine Coast. However, apparently it is. Although true be told it feels more like it is part of the Gympie Region.
What is not in doubt is that it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland, thanks to its incredible extension of coloured sand cliffs that tower more than 200 metres above the Coral Sea.
Apparently, there are 72 different colours of sand on this beach overall, which is steeped with geological significance and Aboriginal legend. Probably the best way to see this natural phenomenon is via car, which you do on the Great Beach Drive that takes you from Noosa to Rainbow Beach.
Whilst at the beach, make sure you check out the Carlo Sand Blow, which is a stunning 15 hectare mass of desert sand that showcases spectacular 360-degree views which also incorporates Tin Can Bay and Double Island Point.
5. K’gari, (Fraser Coast)
The largest sand Island in the world needs no introduction, other than to say it is now referred to as K’gari, as opposed to Fraser Island, which it was formerly known as.
This island has sand for miles, literally. With 75 Mile Beach extending for a little distance beyond what its name suggests.
Best explored by 4WD, there are plenty of places to go fishing, sunbathing and a nice long walk. Unfortunately, it’s not advisable to go for a swim, due to the area being unpatrolled and there being lots of rips and drags in this part of the Coral Sea.
However, with one of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland at your disposal, the opportunity to enjoy the solitude and the incredible landscape should not be missed.
6. Cape Hillsborough (Mackay)
If you are an early riser, a trip to Casuarina Beach at the Cape Hillsborough National Park will provide you with one of the most incredible experiences you will ever have.
Its wonderful setting makes it one of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland, at any time of the day. However, if you are there at sunrise, you’ll be joined by groups of kangaroos and wallabies that come out of the bushland to fossick for the seed pods and other tasty treats that recently washed on the shoreline.
Against the backdrop of the dawn light, it is an incredible way to start your day. Once they have enjoyed their feed and departed the scene, you’ll be able to sunbathe or go for a gentle walk along its gentle sweep of sand.
7. Burleigh Heads (Gold Coast)
The Gold Coast boasts several beaches along its 57 km stretch, many of which are aesthetically very pleasing. So, for Burleigh Heads to be considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland, you can rest assured that it has something pretty special about it.
Sandwiched nicely between the vibrant northern and more remote southern parts of the Gold Coast, this beach provides visitors with the best of both worlds. Swimming within the protected waters that you’ll find at the main beach area and surfing at the world-class breaks that crash into the headlands.
If you don’t fancy doing either, you can simply lay down on your towel or under your cabana, and take in the superb views of the skyline that runs all the way from Surfers Paradise to Broadbeach.
Like Palm Cove, you can even enjoy a meal in a venue like the Burleigh Pavilion that is right next to the sand.
8. Tangalooma Beach (Brisbane)
One of the best things about living in or near Brisbane is that it is home to some of the largest sand islands in the world. Which means you have access to many coastal areas that can easily be considered to be among the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Situated just a 75-minute ferry ride from the CBD is Moreton Island, or Mulgumpin, as it is known in the local indigenous language. It is home to the magnificent Tangalooma Beach which is famous for its golden sand, turquoise waters and more than a dozen rusty shipwrecks not far from the shore, which is now home to vibrant Coral and marine life.
The island really is somewhere you should spend a couple of nights at least, and the Tangalooma Island Resort is a terrific place to do that.
If you do stay there and fancy going snorkelling, kayaking, 4WD or ATV quad biking, you’ll be able to book all of these activities at the resort’s tour desk.
9. Four Mile Beach, (Tropical North Queensland)
There is a good chance you will feel goosebumps when you get to Four Mile Beach in Tropical North Queensland, and not because you’ll feel cold. You’ll get them because this stunning beach in Port Douglas is one of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland.
Situated about an hour north of Cairns, this lovely seaside village is a place where the stunning beauty of nature fuses perfectly with an upscale town centre of deluxe resorts, fine dining restaurants and palm-tree lined streets. It may remind you a bit of Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, just without the crowds.
The beach is patrolled here all year round and there is a stinger net during the season to protect you from the jellyfish. You can also enjoy kitesurfing and sailing, and if you head up to the Flagstaff Hill Trail, you’ll be treated to spectacular full length views of the beach from a lookout.
Best of all, you are just a stone’s throw from the Great Barrier Reef. So, you can book a snorkelling tour there if you have the time available.
10. Kelly’s Beach, (Bundaberg)
If you happen to visit the Bundaberg region, and in particular Bargara, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The area has plenty of terrific coastal inlets you can spend some time at, but Kelly’s Beach is probably the best of them.
Although it only stretches for 600 metres, it deserves to be on this list of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland simply because of its golden sand, gently rolling surf and quiet nature. It is also backed by the Bargara Golf Club which gives it an even more delightful and lush setting.
11. Nudey Beach, (Fitzroy Island)
If you are a fan of donning your birthday suit, Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island is somewhere that might pique your interest.
However, while the only nudity you are likely to see are the pristine pockets of raw untouched nature that defines this national park, it shouldn’t detract you from visiting this beach.
Reached via a 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns, you’ll have to trek through a small section of rainforest and past coastal woodlands and massive granite boulders to get to it. But once there, you will quickly get to understand why it deserves to be included in any list of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland. It’s setting is nothing short of breathtaking.
Make sure you bring your snorkelling gear with you, the fringing Coral reefs are just a few metres from the shore.
12. Radical Bay, (Magnetic Island)
With no less than 23 beaches and bays dotted around its coastline, Magnetic Island is a place you’ll want to spend some quality time at. If you do, you should make a point of visiting Radical Bay, which is guaranteed to take your breath away.
It is easy to see why it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland. Its intoxicating mix of soaring coconut palms, boulder-scattered headlands, hoop-pines and fringing reefs is the very definition of paradisaical.
To get to ‘Maggie’, you’ll have to complete a short ferry journey from Townsville. Once at the beach, consider hiring snorkelling equipment and venturing onto the self-guided trail that begins at Nelly Bay and taes you to the wreck of the SS Moltke, and the remnants of a fighter plane from the Second World War II.
13. Punsand Bay Beach, (Cape York)
There aren’t that many places in Queensland where you can watch both the sun rise and set in the same location, but Punsand Bay in Cape York is one where you can.
It is not the easiest place in the Sunshine State to get to. From Cairns it’s a 13 hour (and probably two day) drive to Australia’s northernmost point. But if you make the effort to reach this coastal outpost, you’ll be rewarded with a brilliant experience by one of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland.
As it might be one of those destinations you only get to once in your lifetime, you should make an effort to enjoy every second of your time there.
14. Cylinder Beach, (North Stradbroke Island)
North Stradbroke Island aka Minjerribah is the world’s second largest behind K’gari.
While it might not get quite the recognition of some of the other islands in the state, it can boast having one of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland in the shape of Cylinder Beach.
The beach is the kind of stunning sweep of sand that will instantly help you forget your troubles. Though North Straddie receives a lot of visitors, there is usually more than enough space to set yourself up for a day or weekend of unashamed, and blissful relaxation.
15. Noosa Main Beach, (Sunshine Coast)
Attracting over 2 million visitors every year to its sunny shores, Noosa Main Beach is a bucketlist destination for many.
To be fair there is a lot to draw you to the area, including a stunning national park, the fabulous dining and shopping scene of Hastings Street and of course, one of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland.
The great thing about this beach is that it is one of the few north-facing beaches on the whole of the eastern coastline of Australia. This means you can expect tranquil conditions all year round, which is why it is so popular with families and tourists.
Noosa is a popular day trip option from Brisbane. However, if you can spare the time, you should make a point of coming here for a couple of days at least. That way, you will really get to appreciate its magical vibes.
