Top 10 Beach Destinations in Queensland

It’s no secret that Queensland is home to some of the best beaches in the world. So, why not make your next holiday the ultimate summer escape with a visit to one of Queensland’s top beach destinations? With almost 7,000 kilometres of coastline to explore, it’s no wonder that Queensland’s picture-perfect beaches draw visitors from across the globe. Whether you’re searching for a quiet stretch of sand to relax with the family or a bustling beach town with world-class surf breaks, there’s a beach destination for everyone in the Sunshine State.

Not sure which beach is right for you? Check out our 10 favourite Queensland beach destinations below!

Tropical beach scene featuring palm trees, golden sand, and a tranquil blue ocean under a clear sky with distant hills.

Palm Cove, Cairns

Just 20 minutes north of Cairns, Palm Cove brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Tropical North Queensland. Known as ‘Australia’s most beautiful beach village’, Palm Cove offers visitors sugar-soft sand, exceptional water sports and warm weather, year-round. The beach here is lined with world-class luxury resorts, trendy day spas and award-winning restaurants – don’t miss the chance to dine at NuNu, which fuses impeccable Asian flavours with fresh local produce.

A woman stands on a sandy beach, framed by palm trees, with a serene ocean and boats in the background under a bright blue sky.

Airlie Beach, Whitsundays

If you’re planning a trip to the Whitsundays, don’t miss the mainland – the coastal resort town of Airlie Beach is home to some breathtakingly beautiful beaches. The perfect place to take it slow, Airlie Beach Esplanade is home to beautiful waterfront parks, al fresco restaurants and lively local markets. Between the palm-fringed beach and the bustling main street, you’ll also find Airlie Beach Lagoon – a manmade paradise particularly great for a family day out.

Scenic beach view with turquoise waters, rocky shore, palm trees, and a distant shore under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.

Noosa Main Beach, Sunshine Coast

Noosa Main Beach may be popular amongst tourists, however it’s for very good reason. As one of the only north-facing beaches in Queensland, Noosa Main Beach boasts calm waters that are ideal for both families and beginner surfers. When you’re done soaking in the sun, sand and salt water, head to buzzing Hastings Street, home to beachy boutiques and laidback cafes and bars. And, if you’re visiting in the winter months, be sure to keep your eye out for passing humpback whales!

Scenic coastline featuring turquoise waters, rocky shore, lush greenery, and distant city skyline under a bright blue sky.

Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast

While the Gold Coast is brimming with pristine, world-class beaches, Burleigh Heads stands out as a local favourite. Offering the best of both worlds, visitors can choose between the calmer waters of the main beach and world-class surf breaks around the headlands. Nearby, you’ll find Burleigh Head National Park – trek the Oceanview Walk for breathtaking coastal and rainforest vistas before topping off a perfect day with sunset cocktails at the famed Burleigh Pavillion. 

A serene beach framed by lush greenery and mountains under a clear blue sky, with gentle waves lapping at the shore.

Cape Tribulation, Tropical North Queensland

There aren’t many places on earth where you walk out from the rainforest and straight onto the beach. The remote headland of Cape Tribulation is where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Spend a day simply basking in the beauty of this secluded paradise or join a local guide on one of many walking trails that take in both the beach and the rainforest.

Two paddleboarders glide on clear turquoise waters near a sandy beach encircled by lush green trees and rocky formations.

Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island

Catch a quick, 45-minute ferry from Cairns to reach the unspoiled island of Fitzroy Island, located within the sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Here, you’ll find Nudey Beach, best known for its spectacular white sands and surrounding rainforest. Don your snorkelling gear and step straight from the shore into the colourful fringing reef before paying a visit to Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where you can learn about what goes into the recovery of sick and injured turtles.

A couple strolls hand-in-hand along a sandy path to the beach, surrounded by greenery and with the ocean waves in the background.

Mooloolaba Main Beach, Sunshine Coast

One of the most popular spots on the Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba Main Beach is lined with holiday accommodation options, providing easy access to the pure white sand and turquoise ocean water. After a day spent at the beach, swap bare feet for sandals and take a stroll along the seaside esplanade or grab a bite to eat at The Wharf Mooloolaba. Family favourite attraction, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, is also just a stone’s throw away from Mooloolaba Main Beach.

Aerial view of sunken shipwrecks in turquoise waters, with a sandy beach and boats nearby, creating a picturesque coastal scene.

Tangalooma Beach, Moreton Island

While Brisbane is better known as a city break destination, tropical paradise is just a 90-minute ferry ride away. Moreton Island is perhaps best known for Tangalooma Beach, where you can snorkel amongst deliberately sunken shipwrecks and spot turtles, dolphins and stingrays. Be sure to visit the Tangalooma Island Resort activity desk, where the friendly team can hook you up with a range of activities, including ATV quad biking, kayaking and snorkelling.

A panoramic view of the Gold Coast skyline, featuring modern skyscrapers along a beautiful sandy beach and sparkling turquoise ocean.

Surfers Paradise Beach, Gold Coast

No list of Queensland’s top beaches is complete without mentioning Surfers Paradise. Framed by a skyline of high-rise apartments, Surfers Paradise Beach is a Gold Coast icon. There’s no better place to learn to surf than this two-kilometre stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear water, made simple thanks to a range of surf schools available along the beach. Surfers Paradise Beach is patrolled by three lifeguard towers, keeping you safe as you while away a day in the water.

Aerial view of a winding river flowing through lush green hills into turquoise waters, with sandy shores and patches of mangroves.

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays

Whitehaven Beach, located on the idyllic Whitsunday Island, is perhaps Australia’s most celebrated beach. Stretching over seven kilometres, Whitehaven Beach boasts brilliant white silica sand and warm waters in unreal shades of turquoise and blue. At the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, you’ll find Hill Inlet, where tides shift the sand and water to create a swirling fusion of colours. Whitehaven Beach is best reached via a 30-minute catamaran from Hamilton Island – there are plenty of day tours to choose from.

Your Ultimate Beach Holiday Awaits

Make your next Queensland holiday the ultimate summer escape, filled with sandy feet, salty hair and sunkissed skin. Complete with Bonus Value extras like room upgrades, resort credits, local experiences and more, explore our range of irresistible holiday packages to experience the My Holiday difference.

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