Must See Beaches in Queensland

If there’s one thing Queensland is renowned for, it’s her beaches. The vast coastline between Cairns and Surfers Paradise boasts some of the best beaches in Australia; an irresistible draw card for thousands of sun and surf lovers every year.

Cairns

In far north Queensland, Cairns has a number of excellent beaches, lined with palm trees and lapped by the warm waters of the Coral Sea. If you’ve never been this far north, Cairns is definitely a must see. Its northern beaches are tropical paradise on earth, with a range of accommodation available right on the beach and the Great Barrier Reef just a short boat ride away.

Mission Beach

Further south, half way between Cairns and Townsville, is beautiful Mission Beach. Stretching for 14 kilometres and dotted with nearby tropical islands, this sparsely populated hideaway is well worth a visit. The beach has tropical rainforest on one side and magnificent Dunk Island on the other and, with crystal clear waters brimming with fish and a range of accommodation options from backpacker to 5-star, once you arrive, you’ll never want to leave. Another must see and stay awhile destination.

Airlie Beach

Keep heading south and you’ll come to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. While there’s no surf, the beaches are protected from the south easterly winds, making them perfect for fishing, sailing and swimming. Airlie Beach is a haven for yachties and backpackers alike and is the main departure point for the Whitsunday Islands, including Hamilton, Hayman, Lindeman and South Molle Islands. Another must see once in your life.

Fraser Island

Further south again to Hervey Bay and you can catch the ferry to Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. The main beach is 75 miles of beautiful windswept dunes, where 4 wheel driving is permitted and the fishing is out of this world. With its very own shipwreck on the beachfront and plenty of wildlife, including eastern Australia’s purest population of wild dingoes, Fraser Island is a must see for those who like nature in the raw.

Noosa

South again and you’re at Noosa Main Beach, one of the Sunshine Coast’s finest. A beautiful sheltered beach, due to its north facing aspect, Noosa is ideal for family swimming and those wanting to learn how to surf. Noosa Main Beach is also a great fishing spot, with bream, whiting and flathead taken off the beach all year round. If you’re holidaying on the Sunshine Coast, Noosa should definitely be high on your must see list.

Gold Coast

Head down past Brisbane and you come to the Gold Coast, Queensland’s premier beach holiday destination. From pro surfing at Burleigh Heads, to Malibu board riding at Coolangatta, the Gold Coast  is Queensland’s surf capital and in between lies the jewel in the crown,

Surfers Paradise

As well as having great surf, Surfers Paradise is a magnet for the young and young at heart, boasting theme parks, exciting nightlife, a great choice of accommodation and some of Australia’s best eateries, all overlooking three kilometres of stunning golden sands.