The secret (or lesser known) beaches in Queensland you need to know about

Pick a region: The Whitsundays | Gold Coast | Cairns & Great Barrier Reef | Brisbane | Townsville | Sunshine Coast | Gladstone

Queensland’s coast is no stranger to a good-looking beach. But beyond the postcard-famous stretches, there’s a whole collection of sandy hideaways where crowds are thin, footprints are few, and you can (almost) claim the place as your own.

From tucked-away tropical bays to rainforest-fringed coves, here are Queensland’s secret (or lesser-known) beaches you’ll want to keep quiet (or maybe not).

Blue Pearl Bay (Hayman Island)

Picture this: rugged cliffs, water so clear it’s practically see-through, and a coral reef buzzing with marine life (hello, Maori Wrasse). Blue Pearl Bay is your real-life screensaver, no filters needed.

How to get there: Head to the north-western side of Hayman Island via a day tour or liveaboard. Swim off your boat or tender onto the beach. Either way? Magic.

Dingo Beach (Mainland Whitsundays)

Think the Whitsundays is all about the islands? Surprise – the mainland’s bringing the goods too. Dingo Beach dishes up quiet, tropical perfection with clear waters, soft sands and a serious fishing rep. 

How to get there: Drive north from Airlie Beach, hire a car if you need one, and don’t skip the scenic route to Cape Gloucester. Windows down, playlist on.

Chalkies Beach (Haslewood Island, The Whitsundays)

Directly across from Whitehaven but without the crowds, Chalkies Beach is a locals’ favourite for snorkelling and picnicking. With soft white sand and vibrant coral gardens just offshore, it’s the Whitsundays’ quieter slice of paradise.

How to get there: Accessible only by boat or tour. Many Whitsunday day trips include a stop here, or you can hire a private charter from Airlie Beach to explore at your own pace.

Echo Beach (Burleigh Head National Park)

Tucked away at the base of Burleigh Headland, Echo Beach is as hidden as they come. You’ll need to walk the national park track to find it, but the reward is a tiny cove with turquoise water and hardly another soul.

How to get there: Park near Burleigh Hill or Tallebudgera Creek and follow the Oceanview Track through the national park. Look for the signed access path down to the sand.

Currumbin Alley Back Beach (Currumbin)

While the surfers battle for waves out front, slip behind the rock wall to Currumbin’s back beach. Quieter, calmer, and with fewer crowds, it feels like you’ve uncovered the Gold Coast’s best-kept sandy secret.

How to get there: Head to Currumbin Alley, walk toward the rock wall at the river mouth, and follow the path around to the back section of the beach.

Nudey Beach (Fitzroy Island)

Despite the name, keep your swimmers on – Nudey Beach is all about reef meets rainforest, with coral-dotted shores and moments that make you go ‘wow’

How to get there: Ferry from Cairns to Fitzroy Island (45 minutes) . Hike 15 minutes through lush forest and voilà. Here's how you can make the most of your Fitzroy Island getaway.

Etty Bay (Cassowary Coast)

Cassowary Coast by name, cassowary by... actual sighting. Etty Bay’s rainforest-fringed beach is warm year-round and often features a feathery photobomber. 

How to get there: 10 mins from Innisfail or 35 from Mission Beach. Don’t feed the locals (even if they stare at your chips).

Thala Beach (near Port Douglas)

Sitting pretty between two World Heritage heavyweights – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest – Thala Beach is all secluded luxury. Think eco-resort vibes and private beach access

How to get there: One-hour drive from Cairns. Eyes on the road, it's a stunner.

Mackay Coral Cay (Outer Reef, off Port Douglas, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef)

Technically more cay than beach, but this patch of reef paradise is too good not to include. Mackay Coral Cay is a castaway dream meets underwater wonderland.

How to get there: Book the Outer Reef Experience with Sailaway Port Douglas and thank us later.

South Gorge Beach (Minjerribah, North Stradbroke Island)

North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) has no shortage of brilliant beaches, but South Gorge is where locals go to dodge the summer stampede. Our recommendation? Hit the North Gorge Walk first – keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife. Then pop your brolly, roll out your towel at South Gorge and kick back by the water’s edge. Bliss.

How to get there: Take the car- or passenger ferry from Brisbane to Minjerribah. South Gorge Beach is close to Point Lookout. Get here on foot via North Gorge Walk, or park the car at Point Lookout SLSC and wander down the hill. Here’s how to spend 48 hours on Stradbroke Island.

Home Beach (Minjerribah, North Stradbroke Island)

Home Beach on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) is a quiet achiever. Dog-friendly and blissfully uncrowded, it’s the kind of spot locals whisper about. Keep an eye on the waves, dolphins often drop by for a surf.

How to get there: Take the car or passenger ferry from Cleveland to Dunwich on Minjerribah. From there, drive 20 minutes across the island to Point Lookout. 

Lucinda Beach (Townsville)

You don't have to jump on a boat to find a secret beach in Townsville - simply drive north to the sleepy seaside town of Lucinda. 

Known for its eye-popping 6km jetty that stretches out into the Coral Sea to be the world's largest bulk sugar loading facility, Lucinda offers plenty of sand to stretch your legs. Keep an eye out and you might spot sea turtles and dugongs splashing in the water here.

How to get there: Under two hours north of Townsville by car. Bring snacks, and maybe binoculars. Here's a guide to the perfect day trip from Townsville.

Horseshoe Bay (Magnetic Island)

This one’s got character – just like Townsville herself. Horseshoe Bay, on Magnetic Island, is where locals paddle, snorkel and sip sunset drinks. Bonus points if you find Lovers Bay next door (you’ll need a kayak or a boat).

How to get there: Magnetic Island is a short 20-30 minute ferry ride from Townsville. Once you arrive, you'll need a car to reach Horseshoe Bay.

Beaver Cay (Townsville)

Remote, raw, and ridiculously beautiful. Beaver Cay is a coral cay straight out of a castaway daydream. With reef all around and white sand underfoot, it’s the Townsville Region’s answer to finding your own private island.

How to get there: Located about 100km offshore from Townsville, Beaver Cay is only accessible by boat. Join a reef charter or private tour from Townsville or Lucinda to spend the day snorkelling, swimming, and exploring this untouched cay.

Shelly Beach (Caloundra)

If you like your beaches raw and rugged, Shelly’s your spot. With rocky outcrops, tidal rock pools, and a wilder edge than its busier neighbours, this is where locals come for quiet walks, beachcombing, and salty solitude.

How to get there: Head to Caloundra and follow Victoria Terrace to the small carpark above the beach. A short path leads down to the sand and rock pools.

Alexandria Bay (Noosa National Park)

Accessible only by foot, Alexandria Bay is Noosa’s wild side, a long, unpatrolled stretch where you can trade crowds for solitude. It’s raw, beautiful, and perfect if you like your beaches a little untamed.

How to get there: Enter Noosa National Park from Sunshine Beach or Noosa Heads and follow the coastal walking track. It’s around 20–30 minutes on foot, so pack light.

First Bay (Coolum)

Blink and you’ll miss it – First Bay is a pocket-sized slice of sand just south of Coolum’s main beach. Pretty, peaceful, and often overlooked, it’s where locals sneak off for a quiet dip.

How to get there: Look for the small parking area along David Low Way, just before you reach Coolum’s main beach from the south. A short set of stairs leads straight onto the sand.

Seventeen Seventy (Agnes Water & 1770)

History buffs and beach bums unite. 1770 has calm waters, kayak-ready inlets and secret coves tucked around Joseph Banks Conservation Park.

How to get there: Drive to Agnes Water and 1770, then pick your favourite paddle spot. Or let 1770 Liquid Adventures show you the ropes (and reefs)

Ready to trade crowded coastlines for calm waters and your own patch of sand? You’ve now got Queensland’s best-kept beach secrets in your back pocket – but shhh... maybe don’t tell everyone.