Best Coastal Regions to Swim, Sunbathe, 4WD and Fish on the Discovery Coast in Queensland
Overall, the Gladstone Beaches Region tends not to get as much attention as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Yeppoon or Tropical North Queensland.
However, those who do visit this area will find a great selection of secluded coastal areas and stunning stretches of sand that are sure to impress.
Providing access to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, these beaches are a nice alternative for those who want to experience less crowds and a more laid-back vibe.
All up there are six Gladstone beaches in the Discovery Coast that you can visit. Here is more information about all of them.
Rules Beach
If your idea of a good beach time is a long stretch of sand which you pretty much have to yourself, then you’ll want to hit up Rules Beach.
This gorgeous 14 km stretch of pristine white beach is well beyond the tourist trail but it is the perfect spot for quiet relaxation, long walks, fishing and, perhaps best of all, four-wheel driving.
As the only one of all the Gladstone beaches on this list where you can legally do this you can make your way from Baffle Creek to Broadwater Creek, taking in wonderful views of the Coral Sea as you make your way along the sand.
Agnes Water
As the most northern surf beach in Queensland, Agnes Water Main Beach, is very popular with surfers.
Its proximity to the South Great Barrier Reef also makes it one of the most popular of all Gladstone Beaches to visit for snorkelling tours and day trips to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The dog friendly beach stretches for 6 km and is a good place for walking, sunbathing and swimming. It is also a renowned destination for spotting turtles laying eggs on the beach at night, which you can do if you time your visit between November and December.
Town of 1770
Twinned with Agnes Water is the more relaxed coastal town of 1770, which is famous for being the destination where Captain Cook first landed in Queensland.
Surrounded on three sides by the Coral Sea, Seventeen Seventy – as it is sometimes written – is one of the best Gladstone beaches for SUP or kayaking. Just make sure you keep your eyes open for turtles and dolphins.
The calm waters here are also excellent for swimming, particularly if for children, while if you happen to be around at sunset, you’ll be treated to some amazing sunset views.
Tannum Sands
If you want to visit somewhere a little quieter, but no less beautiful than Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy, then the laid-back beachside community of Tannum Sands, is a lovely place to head to.
The idyllic stretch of beach is a good spot for walking, while the main beach is patrolled by the local surf club between September and May.
However,if you would prefer to stroll off-sand, the ‘Turtle Way’ walking tracks showcases fabulous views of the coastline. You can also enjoy a BBQ in the stunning parklands that flank it.
Should you happen to be in the parklands between March and December, (specifically on the first Saturday of every month), you can also enjoy browsing through the lively Beach Arts Music (BAM) Markets.
Turkey Beach
Turkey Beach is a destination many beach lovers completely bypass en route to the more popular Gladstone beaches of Seventeen Seventy and Agnes Water.
As one of Queensland’s few beach townships that remains ‘undeveloped’ Turkey Beach is notable for being the closest destination in mainland Queensland to the Great Barrier Reef.
While the beach here is very small, and the town, which has a population of less than 150 permanent residents, has a lovely vibe to it, most people come here for the fantastic fishing and mud crabbing opportunities this hidden gem offers.
Thanks to it being protected by Rodds Bay, there are plenty of estuaries, mangrove inlets and creeks in the area that are perfect for throwing in a line. (As well as bream, flathead and mangrove Jack, you can even catch cod here if you are lucky.
Not far away from the main beach, Pancake Creek is another good place you can go for a dip.
Lilley’s Beach
Of all the Gladstone Beaches you can visit, Lilley’s Beach is probably the least well known.
This might be due, in part, to it being located on Boyne Island (which is twinned with Tannum Sands) and only accessible by 4WD at low tide. You also need to get yourself a permit if you want to go there, which sometimes puts people off.
However, those who do go to this beach about 25 km south of Gladstone CBD, will find a wonderful stretch of sand that extends for 1.7 km on the eastern part of the island.
Unfortunately, there are no facilities anywhere on it, but the campgrounds provide you with direct beach access and the walking trails take you to lush wetlands and rainforest. Make sure you bring your own camping supplies and equipment with you if you do want to spend a few nights here.
Overall, Lilley’s Beach is a top spot for fishing with bream, flathead, barramundi, trevally and whiting being plentiful. The subtropical temperatures and its location in the Southern Great Barrier Reef make for excellent swimming conditions all year round and you can spot a wide range of bird life on the island.
