Queensland is loved for its iconic beaches, and while famous stretches of sand such as Surfers Paradise and idyllic Whitehaven may steal the spotlight, there’s plenty of gems that fly under the radar for those looking to sprawl out somewhere a little lesser known. Forget the navy-striped cabanas lined toe-to-toe on the sand: these beaches offer a bit more space to soak up sun, sea and solitude – with a few unique adventures thrown in along the way.

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Tallebudgera Creek and Echo Beach, Gold Coast

Swap the bustling northern Gold Coast beaches for the piercing blue, calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek. Tucked between Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach and protected by a natural breakwater, Tallebudgera is a local haven for relaxing family dips, paddleboards and kayaks. It’s even more special arriving via Burleigh Head National Park’s Oceanview Track to find a quiet spot to lay out a beach towel at Echo Beach, on the creek’s north side.

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Sign up for a soulful sunrise SUP yoga class with Pure Aloha or gain a deeper appreciation of the surrounds and cultural significance of the headland on a walking tour with Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

South Gorge Beach, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Brisbane

Escape the mainland for the world’s second largest sand island. Minjerribah is just a 25-minute passenger ferry ride away from Brisbane’s southern suburbs – and South Gorge Beach is a spectacular treasure: a small sandy pocket guarded by the island’s towering cliff faces on both sides.

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The stunning Gorge Walk along the headland hugs the rocky coastline and is a must-do while here. Sea turtles, manta rays and dolphins are frequently spotted in the waters below – it’s also a superb whale-watching spot between June and November. To reach South George Beach, take the ferry from Cleveland, drive to Point Lookout Surf Lifesaving Club, and head down the hill to the left of the surf club.

Rainbow Beach, Sunshine Coast

Holiday like the Hemsworths at Rainbow Beach on the Sunshine Coast’s northern tip. Well known to Queensland locals and just an hour-and-a-half jaunt up the highway from famed Noosa Main Beach, this stunning spot is named after its strikingly colourful ancient sand dunes. While the patrolled beach in front of the township proves a popular spot for families, visitors will need a 4WD to get to explore most secluded patches of this 23km-long beach, discovering otherworldly sandscapes along the Great Beach Drive.

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Explore remote and protected areas safely with Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours, kayak through pristine waters to meet wild dolphins with Epic Ocean Adventures, or dive with grey nurse sharks through Wolf Rock Dive Centre.

Rainbow Beach’s township is accessible via 2WD. For experienced off road drivers, 4WD beach access is available from town, or drive the scenic route from Noosa via the Tewantin ferry crossing, up Teewah Beach and around Double Island Point.

Etty Bay, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Powder-soft sands. Sparkling bathtub warm waters. Wrapped in ancient Wet Tropics rainforest. Etty Bay is the postcard definition of paradise – but that’s not even the main drawcard. This secret beach is one of the best spots to see endangered southern cassowaries – dinosaur-like flightless birds found only in Queensland. Keep your eyes peeled for a magical sighting between dips: cassowaries often forage in the scrub right beside the sand.

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Soak up serenity overnight at Etty Bay Cabins and Caravan Park then discover rainforest canopy views on Mamu Tropical Skywalk, swimming holes along the Waterfall Circuit, and enchanting Spanish ruins at Paronella Park.

Blue Pearl Bay, Hayman Island, The Whitsundays

A secret Queensland beach so spectacular you might think it was photoshopped, remote Blue Pearl Bay is an enchanting setting where rugged cliffs tumble down to meet pristine pockets of white sand and sparkling blue water. This Whitsundays jewel is home to fringing coral reef and an abundance of marine life, including the majestic Maori Wrasse – which makes it perfect for snorkelling.

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Intercontinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef guests can join daily hiking tours to Blue Pearl Bay. The 45-minute bushwalk is rewarded with awe-inspiring Coral Sea views and snorkelling (must have moderate fitness level and be aged 10 years and older to participate).

Geoffrey Bay, Magnetic Island, Townsville

Visitors to Townsville keen on snorkelling should make a beeline for Geoffrey Bayon Magnetic Island, which boasts its very own snorkel trail where visitors can explore coral reef teeming with tropical fish, and even spot 30-year-old giant clams. Simply rent snorkel gear from local Pleasure Divers and jump in to follow the marked trail. Strong swimmers can venture further out to see a shipwreck and a WWII propeller at rest on the sea floor. On land, you might catch a glimpse of the bay’s playful rock wallabies that dart and hop across the boulders that fringe the bay.

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Discover more of the island’s secret coves and beaches, only accessible by boat, with local Master Reef Guides on board Aquascene.

Magnetic Island is a 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville, then a 15-minute walk or five-minute local bus to Geoffrey Bay. A car isn’t required to reach this spot but is handy if you’d like to explore the rest of the island and other beaches such as Horseshoe Bay.

South Cumberland Island, Mackay

Just 60 kilometres northeast of Mackay lies the South Cumberland Islands National Park, a secluded island chain known only to locals – but perhaps not for much longer. Here, rugged headlands draped in hoop pine lead to secluded coves and untouched sandy stretches. Surrounded by fringing reefs and home to green and flatback turtle rookeries, this is a hidden slice of Queensland where solitude meets natural beauty.

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Spend a day snorkelling untouched coral gardens and beachcombing the South Cumberland Islands on board Wildcat Mackay.

The only way to South Cumberland Islands is by private or charter boat, so join a tour with an award-winning local operator like Wildcat Mackay.

Elliott Heads Beach, Bundaberg

In sleepy southern Bundaberg where the Elliott River meets the ocean, Elliott Heads Beach offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity. With white sands and clear waters ideal for swimming, kayaking, and kite surfing, it’s also a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and a nesting site for sea turtles, like famous neighbour Mon Repos.

Walk along the sand at low tide to Dr Mays Island for a serene soak in tidal rock pools (note: the island is closed seasonally during migratory bird nesting).

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Drive 15 minutes south from Bundaberg CBD or 17 minutes from the new Turtle Sands Holiday Resort at Mon Repos (opened September 2024).

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