The Best Beaches in Queensland
The Best Beaches in QueenslandWhen it comes to sun-soaked getaways, the beaches in Queensland are at the top of every traveller’s list. If you, too, are eager to explore some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches, his blog is your ultimate guide to discovering the best (beaches) that Queensland has to offer.
Whether you’re after serene, palm-fringed shores of Cairns' northern beaches or the vibrant energy of surf spots in the south, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of eight must-visit beaches in QLD for an unforgettable experience (plus a few extra hidden gems for good measure…)
From the iconic Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays to the charming Agnes Water and the crystal-clear water coastline along the Captain Cook Highway to the Great Barrier Reef, we will make sure you have a stretch of sand that suits your itinerary. But first...
Why the beaches in Queensland should be on your bucket list
Queensland, renowned for its stunning coastline, is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. From the pristine white sands of the Whitsundays to the vibrant year-round surf culture of the Gold Coast, this region offers a beach experience for every type of beachgoer.
Imagine starting your day with an early morning beach walk on the secluded shores of Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas, followed by a dip in the warm, crystal-clear waters of Palm Cove or venturing south to ride the waves at Surfers Paradise.
Adding these beaches to your bucket list is the perfect way to experience a slice of Aussie culture and immerse yourself in a world of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation.
What's the best way to explore the beaches in Queensland?
When it comes to exploring Queensland’s sprawling coastline, there’s no better way to do it than with the freedom and flexibility of a campervan. Unlike traditional travel methods, where you’re confined to a strict itinerary and fixed accommodations, a campervan allows you to embrace the open road and explore at your own pace.
Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing just a few steps from your camper or enjoying a spontaneous stop at a secluded beach that you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. A campervan hire gives you the unique opportunity to experience the beaches of Queensland in a way that few others can. You can easily create your own travel itinerary, hopping from one stunning beach to the next and truly embracing the spirit of an Australia road trip.
While it’s important to note that Cheapa campervans aren’t allowed to drive on the beach itself, driving your camper along the coastline is the ultimate way to explore these stunning coastlines. Plus, with so many beachside camping spots and scenic coastal drives, you won’t feel like you’re missing out.
The 8 best beaches in Queensland
In the next sections, we’ll explore eight of the best beaches in Queensland, offering insights and tips on what makes each one unique and why it deserves a spot on your Queensland best beaches list.
1. Whitehaven Beach
Located on Whitsunday Island (near the coastal town of Airlie Beach), Whitehaven Beach stretches over seven kilometres along the island's eastern shore. This beach is often celebrated as one of the most beautiful in the world, and once you see it in person, it’s easy to see why.
The sand here is nearly pure silica, giving it an incredible white colour contrasting beautifully with the crystal-clear turquoise waters. Whether swimming in the warm, clear waters, hiking to Hill Inlet for panoramic views, or simply relaxing on the sandy shores on a beach towel, any visit to this beach is nothing short of spectacular. Moreover, the beach is only accessible by boat from Airlie Beach, making it a perfect day trip destination for those exploring the Whitsundays.
Where to stay near Whitehaven Beach
If you plan to visit this beautiful beach, consider staying at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, a fantastic base for camper travellers. Located in Airlie Beach, the resort offers excellent facilities, including a lagoon-style pool, a water park for kids, and easy access to local attractions. It’s just a short drive from Brisbane (approximately 12 hours) or a quicker trip from Cairns (about 7 hours).
2. Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most famous beaches. Known for its golden sands, vibrant surf culture, and iconic skyline of towering skyscrapers, Surfers Paradise is a must-visit for anyone travelling through Queensland.
The beach here is perfect for both novice and experienced surfers, with reliable swells and a lively atmosphere with the nearby beachfront markets, shopping at Burleigh Heads and exciting nightlife scene.
Where to stay near Surfers Paradise
If you're driving from Brisbane, it's only about an hour's drive, making it easily accessible for a day trip. But for those looking to stay nearby in a campervan, Gold Coast Holiday Park is an excellent choice. This holiday park offers spacious sites for campervan hire travellers, along with amenities like a heated pool, a water slide, and even a dog park. Its convenient location near theme parks and other attractions makes it a perfect base for exploring Surfers Paradise and the surrounding areas.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
3. Four Mile Beach
No visit to Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland is complete without spending time at Four Mile Beach. As its name suggests, this beach stretches for four miles, offering golden sands beneath the shade of palm trees and framed by a stunning mountainous backdrop.
Four Mile Beach is the perfect spot for long beach walks at sunrise or sunset, where you can take in the serene surroundings and enjoy the warm tropical climate. With convenient stinger nets, swimming is also a popular activity on this beautiful beach of Tropical North Queensland, particularly at the northern end near the town of Port Douglas, where the waters are calm and inviting. However, it's always a good idea to check the signs for stinger safety, especially in the summer months.
Where to stay near Four Mile Beach
For those travelling from Cairns, it’s about an hour's drive, making it a convenient day trip or part of a longer Australia road trip. If you're staying in a campervan, consider BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park. This holiday park offers excellent facilities, including a resort-style pool, a splash park, and easy access to local attractions. The park's serene setting makes it a perfect base for exploring Four Mile Beach and the greater Port Douglas area.
4. Noosa Main Beach
Located on the Sunshine Coast, Noosa Main Beach is one of the few north-facing beaches in Australia, which means it often enjoys calm, clear waters that are perfect for swimming. This beach is popular with families and travellers looking for a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. The lush Noosa National Park borders the beach on one side and the expansive Noosa North Shore on the other, providing stunning views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Visitors to Noosa Main Beach can enjoy the full gamut of water sports, including swimming, surfing, paddle boarding, and fishing. You can even pack your snorkelling gear, as you never know what marine life you may find! The nearby Hastings Street offers a variety of cafes, boutiques, and restaurants, making it easy to spend an entire day enjoying the area.
Where to stay near Noosa Main Beach
If you're driving from Brisbane, it's about a 2-hour journey, making it easily accessible for a weekend getaway. For campervan travellers, Noosa River Holiday Park is an excellent base. Situated along the banks of the Noosa River, this park offers picturesque waterfront sites, modern amenities, and a tranquil setting perfect for relaxing after a day at the beach.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
5. Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach is a coastal gem nestled along the famed Great Beach Drive, serving as the southern gateway to K’gari (Fraser Island). This idyllic subtropical town is renowned for its striking natural beauty, with diverse ecosystems ranging from towering sand dunes to lush rainforests.
For those seeking unique experiences, horseback riding along the beach, canoeing through tranquil waterways, or kayaking alongside dolphins are just a few of the adventures that await in this beachside paradise. The Carlo Sand Blow is another must-see, offering panoramic views of the coloured sands and the vast ocean beyond.
Where to stay near Rainbow Beach
If you're travelling from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, Rainbow Beach is about a 2.5-hour drive, making it an easily accessible destination for a weekend getaway. When visiting Rainbow Beach, Breeze Holiday Parks (formerly known as Rainbow Beach Holiday Village) is an excellent base for campervan hire travellers. Located just a stone’s throw from the beach, this holiday park offers spacious, powered sites, modern amenities, and a relaxed atmosphere.
6. Palm Cove
Situated just 25 minutes north of Cairns, Palm Cove is a picturesque coastal village that blends luxury and natural beauty. This tiny enclave in Tropical North Queensland is known for its stunning palm trees and is lined with luxury hotels, fine-dining restaurants, and boutique shops.
Beyond its tranquil beach, Palm Cove offers a range of activities, including spa treatments, beachside dining, and exploring nearby attractions like the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. For adventure seekers, there’s also the opportunity to participate in water sports like jet skiing and paddleboarding or take a relaxing walk next to the coconut trees on the esplanade.
Where to stay near Palm Cove
For those travelling from Brisbane, Palm Cove is about a 19-hour drive, making it a more feasible destination for travellers starting from Cairns. If you’re staying in a camper, the NRMA Cairns Holiday Park is an excellent choice. Located just a short drive from Palm Cove, this park offers powered sites for campervans. The park features a swimming pool, BBQ areas, a camp kitchen, and easy access to local attractions, providing everything you need for a comfortable stay while you explore the beauty of Palm Cove and other nearby beaches like Clifton Beach, Ellis Beach and Trinity Beach.
7. Mooloolaba Beach
Mooloolaba Beach on the Sunshine Coast is a favourite among Queensland beaches for families and beach lovers alike. This stunning stretch of coastline is known for its soft, white sands and calm, sheltered waters, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Mooloolaba's vibrant esplanade is lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, offering plenty of options for dining and shopping just steps away from the beach.
A visit to Mooloolaba isn’t complete without a trip to Mooloolaba Spit, where you can enjoy fresh seafood straight from the trawlers or take a leisurely walk along the foreshore. The beach is also a gateway to the nearby Underwater World SEA LIFE Aquarium, where you can get up close with marine life. Whether you're cycling along the scenic paths or simply relaxing on the beach, Mooloolaba offers a quintessential Queensland beach experience.
Where to stay near Mooloolaba Beach
If you're driving from Brisbane, Mooloolaba is only about an hour away, making it a convenient destination for a day trip or a longer stay. For campervan travellers, Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park is the perfect base. Located right on the beach, this holiday park offers stunning ocean views, direct beach access, and modern facilities, including a camp kitchen, BBQ areas, and clean amenities. It’s an ideal spot to park your camper and enjoy everything that Mooloolaba Beach has to offer.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
8. Agnes Water
At the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, Agnes Water and the nearby town of 1770 offer a serene and scenic getaway. These twin coastal towns are the last surf beach heading north on Australia’s East Coast, making them a popular destination for surfers and beach lovers alike.
Agnes Water is known for its laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and easy access to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from surfing and stand-up paddleboarding to exploring the nearby Deepwater National Park. The calm waters of 1770 also make it a great spot for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Where to stay near Agnes Water
Driving to Agnes Water from Brisbane takes about 6.5 hours, making it a great option for a longer road trip. From Cairns, it’s a much longer journey, taking approximately 13.5 hours. If you’re looking for accommodation options in a camper, the 1770 Camping Ground is an ideal place to stay. Located right on the beach, this campground offers powered sites, beachfront views, and direct access to the calm waters of 1770.
A few other beautiful beaches to consider adding to your campervan itinerary
Queensland is blessed with an abundance of beautiful beaches, so you can imagine it is hard to narrow it down to just eight! While iconic spots like Whitehaven Beach and Surfers Paradise often steal the spotlight, there are many other lesser-known gems that are well worth a visit on your Australia road trip. Here’s a few more beaches you should consider adding to your campervan itinerary:
Mission Beach
A tropical paradise stretching 14 kilometres along the Coral Sea, offering stunning views and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and Dunk Island.
Ellis Beach
Located just north of Cairns, this quiet, palm-fringed beach is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat with spectacular ocean views.
Trinity Beach
A popular local hangout just north of Cairns, known for its relaxed atmosphere, golden sands, and proximity to cafes and restaurants.
Clifton Beach
A serene and uncrowded beach, perfect for a relaxing day by the water, just a short drive from the bustling town of Palm Cove.
Casuarina Beach
Located on the northern outskirts of Cairns, this secluded beach is surrounded by dense tropical vegetation.
Kewarra Beach
A family-friendly spot with calm waters and a laid-back vibe, ideal for picnicking.
Tangalooma Beach
Famous for its crystal-clear waters and the opportunity to hand-feed wild dolphins, located on Moreton Island near Brisbane.
Wongaling Beach
A quiet, unspoiled beach in the Mission Beach area, offering stunning views of Dunk Island and a relaxed, tropical ambience.
Myall Beach
Situated in the Daintree Rainforest, this remote beach offers a unique blend of lush greenery and pristine sands.
Etty Bay
A hidden gem south of Cairns, known for its picturesque beach and the chance to spot wild cassowaries wandering along the shore.
Book your Cheapa campervan hire today
Ready to experience your own slice of paradise among the coconut trees and sandy shores of Queensland? You can book your Cheapa camper online and pick it up from any Cheapa branch before hitting the road to explore Tropical North Queensland and beyond.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a stop through this state on an extended Australia road trip, a campervan gives you the chance to experience the best of Queensland’s beaches on your own terms.