Craving a place to cool off without having to battle the summer crowds? The Sunshine State is no stranger to a beach; in fact, its sandy strips are legendary. With so many beaches scattered up and down the state to choose from, there are plenty that remain a secret begging to be shared. So here is our pick of the best hidden beaches in Queensland.
Hidden around the headland south from Coolum Main Beach is another swimming spot just as worthy of your time and attention. The dog-friendly stretch of sand called First Bay may be small, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in natural beauty. Think water ripe for surfing and swimming, surrounded by rock pools aplenty.
Sure Noosa attracts tourists by the truckload, but it tends to be Noosa Main Beach nudging Hastings Street which garners all of the attention. One of Queensland’s best hidden beaches lies not far away, nestled among the coves of the picturesque Noosa National Park. The surfing haven Tea Tree sits between Little Cove and Granite Bay, and can be reached via a short walk.
Wedged between Burleigh Beach and Palm Beach sits Tallebudgera Creek. Picture a place sheltered from summer’s northerly winds, a protected waterway that tends to attract families aplenty. While one side of the creek is lifeguard patrolled, the other (accessible through Burleigh Heads National Park) promises more solitude.
Thanks to their boating and surfing potential, the neighbouring towns of Agnes Water and The Town of 1770 are beloved by holidaymakers from all over. While there are plenty of beaches here to enjoy a dip, it’s Chinaman’s Beach that offers arguably the most seclusion thanks to being away from town. But be careful if you’re after a swim – the beach isn’t patrolled.
It tends to be just 4WD enthusiasts who are familiar with Rainbow Beach, thanks to its lengthy stretches of beach-based highways. Within arm’s reach of Fraser Island and the Great Sandy National Park, this place is renowned for its rugged natural beauty, which includes richly coloured sandy cliffs and sand dunes.
A short ferry ride from Brisbane sits North Stradbroke Island, a dreamy escape that makes for an easy summer weekender thanks to an impressive array of beaches. Among them are a handful of lesser-known spots for spending some time, including South Gorge, a petite rocky cove protected from the northerly winds. But be careful if you plan on having a swim – it’s not patrolled and rips are common.
This secret beach is not easy to uncover. Located on Magnetic Island, beach-lovers will need to catch a ferry from Townsville to Magnetic Island, which takes about 20-30 minutes, and then drive to Horseshoe Bay. It’s a hot spot for snorkelling, kayaking and diving.
Whitehaven Beach may be the most famous beach in The Whitsundays, but there are loads more that you don’t have to leave the mainland to get to. One of the best and most underrated is Dingo Beach. It boasts crystal clear waters and bountiful fishing. Heads up: this beach is only accessible by car.
It’s no secret that Hayman Island is synonymous with paradise, but if you venture to the north-western side of the island you’ll find a secret slice very few know about. It’s here, you’ll find Blue Pearl Bay. It’s known for its fringing coral reef and marine life, making it the perfect snorkelling spot.
