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

With beaches like ours, it’s not hard to see why so many choose to holiday along the coastline.

There’s nothing better than hearing the waves fizz along the shore, feeling the sand between your toes or tasting the salty air. But, why not skip the holiday droves for a spot on the sand that's a little more serene?

We’ve uncovered the best secret beaches in Queensland you need to visit.

Blue Pearl Bay

Where rugged cliffs drop down to sparkling white sands, Blue Pearl Bay looks like it's been pulled straight from a movie set. And when you arrive, the toughest decision you'll have to make is whether to explore its beauty from all angles on land or dive into the crystal clear waters that beckon beyond.

This secret beauty is known for its fringing coral reef and marine life, including a large population of Maori Wrasse.

How to get there:  You’ll find this slice of paradise on the north-western side of Hayman Island. Day tours and overnight boats visit Blue Pearl Bay for snorkelling and or scuba diving. You can swim directly off your boat, or tender into the southern beach and enter the water from the coral beach.

Dingo Beach 

You might think most of the beach beauty in The Whitsundays will be found on its many islands - like its most famous resident Whitehaven Beach - but the mainland holds its own.

One of the best mainland destinations, Dingo Beach, offers a perfect stretch of the tropics to set up your towel. Boasting miles of sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and bountiful fishing, this tropical stunner is well worth the detour.

How to get there: You can only get there by car, so if you didn’t bring your own, hire one from the many outlets in Airlie Beach and explore one of the hidden wonders of The Whitsundays at your own pace, for a day or a few nights. The drive from Airlie to Cape Gloucester is one of the most scenic drives along Queensland's coast.

Did you know that The Whitsundays is one of the only places in the world where you can rent a multi-million-dollar sailing yacht without a licence? Find out how to bareboat your way around the islands and beaches here.

Tallebudgera Creek

It might have the word ‘creek’ in it, but this dreamy cove is all about sun, sand, and piercing blue gentle waters.

Protected by a natural breakwater, you can reach it via the southern entrance of Burleigh Head National Park if you want that off-the-beaten-track feel, or pop across the bridge to Palm Beach where you can set yourselves up in the park for a midday BBQ and hire SUPs and kayaks. Naturally, the Palm Beach side's easy access makes it a more popular destination, however, if you're the kind of beach-goer who likes to grab a coffee and pastry before you throw down a towel, make your way here and visit Custard Canteen as you stroll to the sand.  

How to get there: Tallebudgera Creek is located right off Gold Coast Highway, around 15 15-minute drive from Surfers Paradise or just over an hour from Brisbane. While patrolled by surf lifesavers, the Palm Beach side packs a crowd so if you want seclusion (and are a more confident swimmer), access the upper end of the creek from Burleigh Heads National Park.

Froggies Beach

Tucked between one of Queensland’s iconic surfing spots, Snapper Rocks, and the equally impressive Point Danger lookout (a prime dolphin and whale viewing point) is Froggies Beach.

Dodge the chaos of sun-seeking crowds and pro surfers, and avoid the often crowded but very lovely adjacent sea baths. Instead, lay claim to this idyllic sandy inlet. Sheltered from the elements and surrounded by lush greenery and ancient cliffs, Froggies Beach is a quiet haven.

How to get there: Park around Coolangatta Hill. Wander past busy Rainbow Bay and you’ll find Froggies close by.

Nudey Beach

Nudey by name not by nature – so make sure to bring your togs –  Nudey Beach is a small stretch of pristine white sand, coral beach and clear blue water on Fitzroy Island. While Nudey Beach might not be so secret anymore, its island location keeps the crowds at bay.

How to get there: Take a quick 45-minute ferry ride to Fitzroy Island from Cairns. If you want to stay longer, there is national park camping and a resort right here on the island. Check out our guide here.

Etty Bay

There’s a reason why they call this region the Cassowary Coast, and one of the most distinguishing aspects of this haven (other than the fact it’s like swimming in a glorious bathtub with warm waters year-round) are the local residents you’ll find here: cassowaries!

Enclosed by Wet Tropic rainforest, the beach is regularly frequented by these spectacular dinosaur-like birds, but remember, admire only from afar and do not share your delish fish’n’chip lunch from the beachfront kiosk.

How to get there: Take a 10-minute drive from Innisfail, or head 35 minutes north from sleepy holiday town Mission Beach. 

Thala Beach

If exploring the Great Barrier Reef and one of the world’s oldest rainforests is on your bucket list, we know just the place.

Take a road trip from Cairns to Port Douglas where you’ll pass the iconic tree-lined Thala Beach Nature Reserve. Smack in the middle of two World Heritage-listed wonders, this eco-resort boasts a collection of bungalows set amongst 58 hectares of lush native forest along with a spectacular private beach. 

How to get there: Take an hour’s drive along the Captain Cook Highway to Thala Beach Nature Reserve.

Mackay Coral Cay

To truly feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, you need to experience the stunning Mackay Coral Cay. Approximately fifty kilometers from Port Douglas on the Great Barrier Reef, it's a mini paradise.

How to get there: Hop on board the Outer Reef Experience with Sailaway Port Douglas. 

South Gorge Beach

While the summer crowds on Minjerrinbah (North Stradbroke Island) typically flock to enticing spots like Cylinder Beach and Main Beach - there's somewhere you can usually escape the foot traffic. Tucked in between the Surf Life Saving Club at Point Lookout and the North Gorge Headlands, South Gorge Beach is a must-visit. 

Our recommendation? Work up a sweat on the North Gorge Walk before dipping into the luminous blue waters guarded by the island’s massive cliff faces. 

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

While it’s a popular spot with the locals, Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island comes as an unexpected surprise.

Framed by two large-scale granite outcrops on either side, the turquoise waters of this bay are a hot spot for snorkelling, kayaking and diving, with a coral reef just a short swim from the beach.

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. To discover an even more secret beach here, find Lovers Bay on the left side of Horseshoe Bay - you'll need a boat, jet-ski or kayak to get here. 

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: An ideal day trip from Townsville, Lucinda is just under two-hour drive from the city. 

Rainbow Beach

You'll need a 4WD to get to the quietest patches of this secret Queensland beach, where you'll find the most vibrant colours and dramatic beauty along Great Beach Drive. This is the kind of beach where you can pull up and have a whole stretch to yourself for the day, watching fellow beach drivers pass along the way. 

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 

You may have heard of The Town of 1770 and its historical background as the second landing site of Captain James Cook, but what you might not realise is this coastal village is packing some serious salty goodness on the side.

Surrounded by the Coral Sea and Bustard Bay on three sides, you’ll find adjacent to the foreshore a tranquil still-water inlet, perfect calm swims, kayaking and SUP adventures. Join a kayak tour with 1770 Liquid Adventures and you'll surely come across many secret beaches, with Joseph Banks Conservation Park home to some of the most peaceful. 

How to get there: The twin towns of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy are located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, in Gladstone.