The secret beaches in Queensland you need to know about

Pick a region: The Whitsundays | Gold Coast | Cairns & Great Barrier Reef | Brisbane | Townsville | Sunshine Coast | Gladstone

Queensland’s coast is no stranger to a good-looking beach. But beyond the well-trodden hot spots, there’s a whole collection of sandy hideaways just waiting for you to lay down your towel and claim your own stretch of sun-soaked seclusion.

From tucked-away tropical bays to calm coves with cassowary cameos, here are the secret beaches you need to know about (and keep to for yourself... maybe).

Blue Pearl Bay

Picture this: rugged cliffs, water so clear it’s practically see-through, and a coral reef buzzing with marine life (hello, Maori Wrasse). Blue Pearl Bay is your real-life screensaver, no filters needed.

How to get there: Head to the north-western side of Hayman Island via a day tour or liveaboard. Swim off your boat or tender onto the beach. Either way? Magic.

Dingo Beach 

Think the Whitsundays is all about the islands? Surprise – the mainland’s bringing the goods too. Dingo Beach dishes up quiet, tropical perfection with clear waters, soft sands and a serious fishing rep. 

How to get there: Drive north from Airlie Beach, hire a car if you need one, and don’t skip the scenic route to Cape Gloucester. Windows down, playlist on.

Tallebudgera Creek

Tallebudgera Creek is the ultimate local secret – calm water, shady spots, paddleboarding, BBQ’s and easy access to snacks (hi, Custard Canteen).

How to get there: Right off the Gold Coast Highway. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the scenic route through Burleigh Head National Park. It's also around a 15-minute drive from Surfers Paradise or just over an hour from Brisbane. 

Froggies Beach

Wedged between Snapper Rocks and Point Danger is Froggies – a tiny cove where crowds go MIA. Bring a book, some snacks, and stay all day.

How to get there: Park near Coolangatta Hill and sneak past Rainbow Bay. It’s close, but calm.

Nudey Beach

Despite the name, keep your swimmers on – Nudey Beach is all about reef meets rainforest, with coral-dotted shores and moments that make you go ‘wow’

How to get there: Ferry from Cairns to Fitzroy Island (45 minutes) . Hike 15 minutes through lush forest and voilà. Here's how you can make the most of your Fitzroy Island getaway.

Etty Bay

Cassowary Coast by name, cassowary by... actual sighting. Etty Bay’s rainforest-fringed beach is warm year-round and often features a feathery photobomber. 

How to get there: 10 mins from Innisfail or 35 from Mission Beach. Don’t feed the locals (even if they stare at your chips).

Thala Beach

Sitting pretty between two World Heritage heavyweights – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest – Thala Beach is all secluded luxury. Think eco-resort vibes and private beach access

How to get there: One-hour drive from Cairns. Eyes on the road, it's a stunner.

Mackay Coral Cay

Technically more cay than beach, but this patch of reef paradise is too good not to include. Mackay Coral Cay is a castaway dream meets underwater wonderland.

How to get there: Book the Outer Reef Experience with Sailaway Port Douglas and thank us later.

South Gorge Beach

North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) has no shortage of brilliant beaches, but South Gorge is where locals go to dodge the summer stampede. Our recommendation? Work up a sweat on the North Gorge Walk before dipping into the kind of blue waters that make you forget your return flight.

How to get there: Take the car- or passenger ferry from Brisbane to Minjerribah. South Gorge Beach is close to Point Lookout. Get here on foot via North Gorge Walk, or park the car at Point Lookout SLSC and wander down the hill. Here’s how to spend 48 hours on Stradbroke Island.

Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island

This one’s got character – just like Townsville herself. Horseshoe Bay, on Magnetic Island, is where locals paddle, snorkel and sip sunset drinks. Bonus points if you find Lovers Bay next door (you’ll need a kayak or a boat).

How to get there: Magnetic Island is a short 20-30 minute ferry ride from Townsville. Once you arrive, you'll need a car to reach Horseshoe Bay.

Lucinda Beach

You don't have to jump on a boat to find a secret beach in Townsville - simply drive north to the sleepy seaside town of Lucinda. 

Known for its eye-popping 6km jetty that stretches out into the Coral Sea to be the world's largest bulk sugar loading facility, Lucinda offers plenty of sand to stretch your legs. Keep an eye out and you might spot sea turtles and dugongs splashing in the water here.

How to get there: Under two hours north of Townsville by car. Bring snacks, and maybe binoculars. Here's a guide to the perfect day trip from Townsville.

Rainbow Beach

Off-grid in the best way. Bring a 4WD and claim your own corner of beachy bliss. The sand? Multicoloured. The vibe? Untouchable.

Rainbow Beach is also accessible via 2WD - just arrive in town and explore the main beach area, home to a surf club, horse riding tours and more. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Carlo Sand Blow while you're here. 

Want the beach driving experience but don't have the gear? Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours has you covered.

While most of the Sunshine Coast's spectacular beaches have been well discovered by travellers, here are a few more that go under the radar.

How to get here: Located at the northern tip of the Sunshine Coast, Rainbow Beach is around 90 minutes drive from Noosa. Those coming via 4WD should take the road less travelled: cross the Tewantin Ferry to Noosa North Shore then drive north along the beach toward Double Island Point. Beach camping is available at Teewah. 

Seventeen Seventy 

History buffs and beach bums unite. 1770 has calm waters, kayak-ready inlets and secret coves tucked around Joseph Banks Conservation Park.

How to get there: Drive to Agnes Water and 1770, then pick your favourite paddle spot. Or let 1770 Liquid Adventures show you the ropes (and reefs)

Ready to trade crowded coastlines for calm waters and your own patch of sand? You’ve now got Queensland’s best-kept beach secrets in your back pocket – but shhh... maybe don’t tell everyone.