Secret or less well-known coastal spots across the Sunshine State
Are you tired of navigating the crowds that congregate at all the most popular coastal destinations in the Sunshine State?
Do you yearn to top up your tan in a remote location where there are few people and lots of peace and quiet?
Well, thankfully, there are several under the radar Queensland beaches you can visit.
From the very southern tip of the Gold Coast, all the way up to the Cape York Peninsula, and round to the Gulf of Carpenteria is a coastline that stretches from over 13,000 km. Within it lies over 1700 beaches, many of which are virtually unknown, or at least not known to the masses.
So, if you want to feel the sand between your toes, hear the waves crashing along the shore and taste the saltiness in the air – without many or any other people around – here are 15 excellent places you should go.
Under the Radar Queensland Beaches on the Gold Coast
You are probably aware of some of the most most popular beaches on the Gold Coast, including Surfer’s Paradise, Main Beach, and Burleigh Heads.
But here are two less well known ones you may want to check out.
Froggies Beach
As it is nestled in between the surfing hot spot of Snapper Rocks, and the stunning Point Danger lookout, (which is a terrific spot for whale and dolphin watching), Froggies Beach is a place that many of the sun-seeking crowd miss.
However, those that do visit this picturesque sandy inlet can spend some time in a stunning location, backed by ancient cliffs and lush greenery, that provides a pleasant haven to rest and relax.
To get to it, park your vehicle at Coolangatta Hill then walk past Rainbow Bay until you reach the access point to Froggies.
Tallebudgera Creek
While Tallebudgera Creek is well known on the Gold Coast, it often is much less crowded than other beaches in the area.
As it is protected from the elements by a natural breakwater, this fabulous cove is a terrific area to bring the kids. The upper part of the creek can be reached from the Burleigh Head National Park’s southern entry point, and is much less busy than the Palm Beach section. So, if you want to avoid the crowds I would suggest getting to it from there.
Under the Radar Queensland Beaches Near Brisbane
There are quite a few beaches near Brisbane you can visit, such as Nudgee, Redcliffe, and Shorncliffe.
However, here is one that many people might not know about.
South Gorge Beach
For many Brisbanites, North Stradbroke Island or Minjerrinbah as it is known by its indigenous name is a popular day trip and weekend getaway spot.
However, while many tend to head to Main Beach or Cylinder Beach, those who want to escape the crowds head to South Gorge Beach.
This lovely spot is wedged between the Surf Life Saving Club and the North Gorge Headlands. When on the island, the best way to reach it is via the North Gorge Walk, which will give you your first dazzling glimpse of its comely blue waters.
Under the Radar Queensland Beaches on the Sunshine Coast
There are more than 35 beaches you can visit on the Sunshine Coast, most notably, Noosa Main Beach, Mooloolaba, and Alexandra Headland.
However, here are a couple of others that are easy to miss.
Alexandria Bay
Located within the Noosa National Park, Alexandria Bay is a remote beach that is set between two rocky promontories.
It stretches for 3 km between Lion’s Rock and Hell’s Gate and can only be accessed by a 20 minute walk from wherever you park your vehicle. (McAnally Drive in Sunshine Beach is your best bet).
The beach is a popular spot for surfing, although you will have to be careful as the waves can be powerful and the beach is not patrolled.
As the area offers privacy and isolation, it is a popular spot for nudism, although there are no official nudist beaches in Queensland. So, there is always the risk of a police crackdown.
Rainbow Beach
Many people don’t actually realise that Rainbow Beach is on the Sunshine Coast. (Sometimes it is referred to as being in the Gympie Region).
Although many people do come here, if you have a 4WD you can access large parts of it along Great Beach Drive where most other people don’t ever get to. The vibrant colours of the sand dunes are captivating. So, pick a spot that draws you the most and set yourself up for the day – just remember to bring everything you need.
Make sure you check out the Carlo Sand Blow, which is one of the few places in Queensland where you can take in both a sunrise and sunset.
Under the Radar Queensland Beaches in the Gladstone Region
There are some lovely beaches you can visit in the Gladstone region, the most popular of which are Agnes Water and the town of 1770. But here are a couple that often get missed by those who come to the area.
Chinaman’s Beach
Agnes Water is the northernmost surf beach in Queensland, and the Town of 1770 has historical significance as Captain James Cook’s second landing site, which is enough to attract plenty of visitors.
However, just a stone’s throw from both is the fabulous Chinaman’s Beach, which offers seclusion from the crowds and a lovely strip of golden sand to dip your toes in the Coral Sea and soak up some rays.
Rules Beach
For 14 glorious kilometres, Rules Beach extends with virtually a soul on it, other than at its immediate entrance – and then there are only ever a handful of people there.
This is the perfect beach for a nice long walk and if you are prepared to do it for two or three km or more, then you’ll be able to enjoy almost total solitude, other than the odd passing 4WD or odd fishing enthusiast.
You’ll find this unpatrolled beach sandwiched between Baffle Creek and Broadwater Creek and should be mesmerised by the views of the rolling surf.
Under the Radar Queensland Beaches in the Whitsundays Islands
There are plenty of wonderful beaches in the Whitsundays, including Whitehaven Beach, which was once voted the best beach in the world by TripAdvisor. Catseye Beach on Hamilton Island is another popular beach you can visit as well.
However, here are a couple you might not be aware of that you should factor a visit into.
Dingo Beach
While many of the best beaches in The Whitsundays reside on the islands, Dingo Beach is one that you can access from the mainland.
To reach it you’ll have to drive towards Cape Gloucester from Airlie Beach, which is one of the most stunning scenic drives in Queensland.
Once there, you’ll be greeted by a tropical destination which is defined by kilometres of pristine sands, the shimmering waters of the Coral Sea and plenty of excellent conditions for sunbathing, picnicking and fishing.
Blue Pearl Bay
If you ever find yourself on Hayman Island then you can be forgiven for thinking you’ve stumbled onto the set of a Hollywood movie when you get to Blue Pearl Bay.
As under the radar Queensland beaches go, this one is mightily impressive because it is a place where dramatic craggy cliffs and immaculate white sands are beautifully offset by crystal clear waters that accommodates fringing coral reefs. These reefs teem with marine life, including a sizeable Maori Wrasse population.
The beach is situated on the island’s north-western side and is best accessed by boat – even if you are staying there.
Under the Radar Queensland Beaches Around Townsville
The Strand is by far and away the most visited of all beaches near Townsville.
But here are a couple you should make a point of going to if you want to escape the crowds.
Lucinda Beach
Situated about a 100 minute drive up the Bruce Highway from Townsville is the stunning Lucinda Beach, which you’ll find in the sleepy seaside town of the same name.
It is best known for its splendid jetty that extends for 6km into the Coral Sea and forms part of the largest bulk sugar loading facility in the world. However, it also provides plenty of sand to walk on when you want to stretch your legs.
Keep an eye out for dugongs and sea turtles when you are patrolling up and down the shoreline.
Horseshoe Bay
Not to be confused with the place of the same name in Bowen, beautiful Horseshoe Bay is an idyllic spot on Magnetic Island.
As it is book-ended by a pair of massive granite outcrops, this beach enjoys a splendid location, and is also renowned for being a top spot for diving, kayaking, and snorkelling on account of there being a coral reef not far from the beach.
Best of all, as there are never many people here, you’ll be able to enjoy your time at the bay without distraction.
Under the Radar Queensland Beaches Near Cairns
You’ll find plenty of amazing beaches around Cairns and Tropical North Queensland, such as Palm Cove, Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas, and Machans Beach.
However, here are two that you should head too if you want to spend some time on the sand by the Coral Sea without distraction.
Nudey Beach
While its name might suggest so, Nudey Beach is not a nudist beach. So, you will have to wear your togs if you want to go here. That said, its beautiful mix of white sand, coral beach, and turquoise waters is so captivating that you’ll probably not get noticed even if you had your birthday suit on!
The beach is situated on Fitzroy Island and is accessed via 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns. Although it is well known to tourists, its offshore location ensures that the sand is never too crowded.
If you would like to stay here for a couple of days, you will find a resort and national park camping as part of the accommodation options.
Buchan Point
Now Buchan Point is one beach where people partake in nude sunbathing as it is unofficially recognised as a clothing optional destination. However, it, like Alexandria Bay on the Sunshine Coast is prone to the odd police crackdown (usually only after complaints).
The beach is tucked in between Palm Cove and Ellis Beach and can be reached by the Captain Cook Highway either northwards from Cairns or southwards from Port Douglas. From the car park you turn right onto the beach and head to the main rocks, which is where most of the nudists will be.
If you don’t mind seeing others in their birthday suit you will find the ambience here very relaxed, and the views (no I am not talking about the naked bodies!) are quite lovely.
Other Under the Radar Queensland Beaches
The Gulf of Carpenteria might be an entire region that flies under the radar of tourists and travellers. Primarily, because of its remote nature, which isn’t made any more accessible by there only being one beach you can get to by bitumen road – Karumba Beach.
Karumba Beach
Don’t expect to see miles of pristine white sand when you get to Karumba Beach. There is a reason why it is called the ‘Outback by the Sea’.
Unfortunately, swimming is a no-go because there are plenty of crocodiles around, which is a real shame because the water colour is an amazing blue colour which would otherwise find impossible to resist. However, you can fish at certain points here.
Rather than sand, this beach is full of intriguing rock formations that line its dusty shoreline, many of which have been creatively turned into cairns. It also has several picnic tables, as well as public amenities, which make a great spot to witness some truly amazing sunset views.
