📍12 Best & Most Beautiful Queensland Beaches For Swimming, Surfing, Snorkelling & Sightseeing. (2025.)

LOOKING FOR THE BEST QUEENSLAND BEACHES TO SWIM, SURF, SNORKEL & SIGHTSEE?

Nothing about the Australian landscape is more famous than its beaches. Famed for its beauty and cleanliness, the country has over a whopping 10,000 to explore across its vast continental expanse and many offshore islands and territories.

From the long and golden to the pristine and white and everything in between, people travel from all over the world to experience just a little slice of this sandy paradise the country is globally renowned for. Whether that be in prolific destinations such as Sydney and the Gold Coast, somewhere quiet and under the radar, like the Esperence or Lord Howe Island, or remote and miles away from civilisation like you find everywhere in between, there is truly something for everyone.

And no state is better for this than the Sunshine State where the warm weather and many days of bright, bright, bright sunshiney days offer the most incredible year-round weather to swim, surf, snorkel and explore the 1,700+ breathtaking Queensland beaches there are to see. Here are some of the elite ones I’ve been to and loved and will add to as I continue exploring this breathtaking state.

Home to the state capital and famous river city, Brisbane, along with Australia’s 6th largest city and ultimate seaside paradise, the Gold Coast, Southeast Queensland is the most prolific gateway to Queensland’s beaches thanks to both cities having domestic and international airports bringing in millions of people from across the country and world to experience what life is like in the Sunshine State.

And with the Sunshine Coast’s relaxed seashore atmosphere polar opposite to the Gold Coast’s more chaotic city vibes just a stone’s throw away from Brisbane on the opposite side, you can experience the best of both worlds.

1. Burleigh Beach.

Nestled halfway along the Gold Coast’s iconic 35km stretch of sandy coastline between The Spit and Point Danger, Burleigh Heads has one of the best and most easily accessible beaches in Queensland thanks to it being in the state’s biggest coastal city that welcomes international flights.

But despite being in such a prolific landscape, this beautiful place isn’t as touristy as other Gold Coast beaches as it’s more akin to the relaxed vibes of idyllic coastal towns such as Byron Bay, Noosa & Agnes Water/1770. This makes it especially fantastic if you aren’t able to destination hop, but want to experience that idyllic seaside atmosphere and lifestyle that Australia is world famous for.

However, the pristine patrolled beach, towering palm trees and low-rise buildings that work harmoniously together to give it its enviable ambience are only half of the story as to why this place is on this list.

What pushes it further into being one of Queensland’s elite beaches is that adjacent to the shoreline is Burleigh Hill, an oceanside parkland that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline with glittering skyscrapers of Surfers Paradise skyline in the distance.

But then it gets even better because just up from there is Burleigh Heads National Park, the city’s only seaside national park and must-visit thanks to it harbouring some of the Gold Coast’s most breathtaking viewpoints, including Tumgun Lookout.

This unforgettable spot has spectacular views overlooking the southern shoreline as far as the eye can see, which is beautiful enough. But it’s the magnificent turquoise blue waters of neighbouring Tallebudgera Creek that make this place such a visual feast for the eyes and my favourite natural vantage point this city has to offer. Luckily, you can walk to it from here, which leads perfectly into the next top Queensland beach.

2. Tallebudgera Creek Beach.

Located just inland from the mouth of Tallebudgera Creek Beach is one of the most spectacular and inviting, family-friendly beaches in Queensland.

For starters, the waters of this place are gorgeously crystal clear, ranging from stunning azure blue to turquoise, making it look like something that you’d find surrounding a remote idyllic island paradise way out in the middle of the sea and less something you’d expect to see on the mainland!

And thanks to it being away from the coastline it is sheltered from the direct impact of the waves allowing it to have beautiful, calm waters through which to swim, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard or just chill out in a giant novelty pool inflatable, making it a great day out for everyone, especially for little kids.

Plus, as mentioned above, the northern banks back directly onto the beautiful Burleigh Head National Park, the only remnant coastal rainforest, I believe, on the Queensland coastline, which harbours breathtaking views of this very creek, so it’s well worth venturing over to, whether that be by foot or more adventurously by water!

3. Snapper Rocks.

For thrill-seeking, board-riding enthusiasts, the world-famous Snapper Rocks is the definition of legendary. Located at the southern tip of Queensland’s coastline just shy of the state border in the stunning Gold Coast suburb of Coolangatta, this beach is globally renowned for its Superbank: a surf break that produces the longest, most hollow waves on the planet. I mean, you know it’s good when surfers from around the world, including pro riders like 3-time world champion Mick Fanning, flock here to soak up this iconic experience.

Even if surfing isn’t your thing, Snapper Rocks also offers breathtaking coastal views. Plus, the headland it is at the base of is the easternmost end of the Queensland and NSW border, earmarked by the visually unique Point Danger Lighthouse. Here, you can simultaneously look into both states and joyfully jump across state lines, which is a quintessential must when visiting this geopolitically significant landmark.

4. Noosa Main Beach.
Noosa.

Famed as one of the most enviable and idyllic seaside towns in Australia, no trip along Queensland’s east coast is complete without pulling off the Bruce Highway to spend a few days in Noosa, which has the Sunshine Coast’s most magnificent seascapes. These lie within the bordering national park of the same name, while in the neighbouring Cooloola Section of Great Sandy National Park on the opposite side of the main estuary, lie tonnes more opportunities for outdoor adventure.

And when it comes to swimming beaches, it’s got one of the region’s best too. Thanks to its unique geographical configuration facing northeast between Noosa National Park and the river mouth, the eastern section of Main Beach offers a scenic sheltered swimming and boogie-boarding experience for novice beachgoers and kids, even more so since it is lifeguard patrolled.

There is also a lifeguard monitoring the western half, but more caution needs to be to there as rips are more present, so it’s always best to stay within the red and yellow flags.

5. Alexandria Beach.
Noosa National Park, Noosa.

Back to Noosa National Park. It is unequivocally Noosa’s best attraction, harbouring the most magnificent headlands between here and the border. At the northeastern corner is the Hell’s Gate, which has a seacliff that looks like it has had a massive chunk of rock bitten out of it then you can peer down into, while on the southern side is Devil’s Kitchen, a stunning rocky landmass that juts out towards the sea that provide the town with two of it’s most gorgeous lookouts and sunrise photography location.

Between these two unforgettable landmarks lies a long stretch of pristine sand known as Alexandria Beach that is so untouched by civilisation that it makes you feel like you’ve shipwrecked on a gorgeous remote island Captain Jack Sparrow Style, which is what I loved the most about it, especially since it’s so close to a prolific national destination, so Pirates Of The Caribbean cosplays are recommended.

6. First Bay.
Coolum.

Home to the only coastal peak of the 13 magnificent individual Glass House Mountains that rise dramatically from the plains across the Sunshine Coast landscape, it’s easy to see why Coolum is one of the region’s most breathtaking seaside towns.

But while that’s the headliner, it certainly isn’t the only reason this place has some of the best untouched coastal scenery that the Sunshine Coast is renowned for. Nestled in a hidden cove, surrounded by rugged cliffs, it’s one of the state’s smallest but most unforgettably gorgeous seascapes.

However, it’s not a place you can’t appreciate just driving by, despite its proximity to the main road. The best spot to get out and see the spectacular pristine beach is at Point Perry, on its northern headland, where uninterrupted views overlooking this stunning location await. It’s such a lovely, easily accessible, and photogenic location that engagement photoshoots and wedding ceremonies are often held here to complement the beauty of love, marriage and commitment.

7. Coloured Sands.
Rainbow Beach.

There is no seaside town in Australia with a coastline as mesmerizingly unique and unforgettable as what Rainbow Beach has to offer. Just south of town in the Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy National Park, lies the magnificent Coloured Sands, an outstanding naturally occurring geological phenomenon absolutely no one ticking off the “Best Beaches in Queensland” bucket list should miss.

Deriving its name from the spectacular hues that colour the towering 40m sand dune cliffs that stretch almost the entire 16km distance from the township to Double Island Point, this famous environmental landmark is incredible to see as you pass by in your 4WD or a hired one as beach driving is permitted.

However, an offroad vehicle is not essential to seeing this spectacular marvel of nature as you can just walk to it directly from town. And it’s not even that far to reach.

Starting from the end of Griffin Esplanade, it’s a gentle 1km stroll along the pristine beachfront before the towering wind-carved cliffs come into view, displaying their cornucopia of gorgeous colours and hues ranging between red, yellow, orange and grey.

I liked it even better heading out well before dawn so you can enjoy walking in the moonlight to the sound of the waves gently lapping at the beach, so then by the time daybreak comes, it’s even more magnificent seeing the Coloured Sands bathed in the warm golden light of sunrise.

8. Mon Repos Beach.
Bundaberg.

If you love wild animal encounters, specifically sea turtles, there is no better beach in Queensland to venture to than Mon Repos. Because while Bundaberg has its fair share of beautiful sandy oceanic playgrounds, this one is far more special thanks to it being the home of mainland Australia’s largest turtle nesting site!

The best way to see them is with a QPWS provides night tours where, depending on the time of year you visit, you can either observe mother turtles nesting and laying their eggs (from October to December) or freshly hatched tiny baby turtles emerging from their warm sandy dens (from January to March).

Both experiences are spectacular and unquestionably one of Bundaberg’s most unforgettable activities. I have such incredible memories of watching a mother turtle laying her eggs in the dark of night while it was absolutely pouring down with rain. But it’s not just a seasonal breeding ground that these majestic marine animals come back to every year to incubate the next generation of green and loggerhead turtles.

Mon Repos is also a wonderful year-round beach to enjoy during the day, especially outside of turtle nesting season. This long, secluded stretch of sand offers many access points, making it ideal for those who love relaxing seaside outings. But if are strolling around on the beach when it is that time of year, you might even catch catch glimpse of them during the day without participating in a tour as some occasionally come up when the sun’s out.

I had this amazing fortune when a friendly researcher approached me while I was sitting on the sand and invited me to see one laying eggs, which was incredible to see without all the people. If you do get the chance to stumble across one, remember to respect their space, and maintain a safe distance behind them, as they can easily be startled and stop the whole process and return to the ocean. However, I still recommend joining a tour, as they nearly guarantee that you’ll see one, whereas daytime sightings leave much more to chance.

Note: For more turtle and turtle nesting experiences, the coral cays of the Great Barrier Reef are the best places to go. Some of them are on this list further down in the GBR section.

9. Theodolite Creek.
Burrum Coast National Park.

One of the best-sheltered beaches in Queensland I’ve discovered is Theodolite Creek. Located in Burrum Coast National Park along Bundaberg’s southern coastline, this spectacular waterway is perhaps the region’s most beloved. This is thanks to it being a gorgeously pristine and remote, but easily accessible, shallow water hole with stunning white sand that provides the perfect family-friendly opportunity to enjoy numerous calm water activities in a beautiful natural setting.

Some ideas for sticking close to shore include wild swimming, skip boarding or chilling in pool floaties, while those who would like to adventure further afield have incredible still water to stand up paddleboard or kayaking with boating being a great way to explore the far end.

I loved paddling the northern banks where the untouched sands and the flock of pied oystercatchers made me feel like I had stepped back in time to an era before human civilisation, which was magical. And when the tidal flats and their intricate patterns revealed themselves at low tide back at the boat ramp they too, are were awe-inspiring to see.

10. Coves Of Joseph Banks Conservation Park.

Tucked away in the famous idyllic Central Queensland town of 1770, Joseph Banks Conservation Park is one of those magnificent places spots that make you feel like you’ve just discovered heaven on Earth.

Occupying the historically significant Bustard Head, the first place in the state where famous British explorer Captain James Cook (who at the time was Lieutenant) first stepped foot on Queensland soil. And he couldn’t have picked anywhere better as this narrow peninsula-like headland is a spectacular paradise with a tonne of outstanding visual interest every way you look.

From its rugged rocky sea cliffs and secluded coves with pristine sandy beaches, this small place is one of the most photogenic scenic coastal landscapes in Queensland. One lovely lady I came across three times during my visit said that this was the most beautiful place that she had come across even better than what there was to see where she’s from in Cairns, which is some damn high praise, and it’s hard to disagree there. After all, I spent many hours photographing its raw and untamed beauty.

Plus, its north-south facing orientation, means it’s possibly the only place on the mainland where you can uniquely watch the sun rising and setting over the ocean!

Queensland Beaches Map.

From the spectacular beauty of Burleigh Heads and neighbouring Tallebudgera Creek, which has gorgeous azure blue waters along the easily internationally accessible Gold Coast to Rainbow Beach’s spectacular wind-carved, multicoloured cliffs, and the wild, untamed reef the magnificent Great Barrier Reef’s Lady Musgrave Island, these breathtaking Queensland beaches exemplify Australia’s proud identity as having some of the best seaside sandy landscapes in the landscapes for swimming, surfing, snorkelling and sightseeing.

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