Queensland's Top 10 Bucket List Beaches

Continue reading for a list of the top Aussie Bucket List-worthy beaches in Queensland, Australia.

Do you have a suggestion for a top Queensland beach that has not made the cut below? Please write to us via this email: gday@aussiebucketlist.com.au, we would love to hear your suggestions!

Queensland

1 - Nudey Beach

Image credit: Fitzroy Island Resort

Nudey Beach is a must-see Aussie Bucket List destination located on Fitzroy Island, off the coast of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. Fitzroy Island is popular for day trips due to its proximity to the coast. Fitzroy Island is a national park island with a small portion occupied by Fitzroy Island Resort. Fitzroy Island has a steep mountain and two main walking trails that lead to beautiful lookouts. The island is nestled in amongst the Great Barrier Reef, surrounded by coral and rich colourful marine life and is covered in tropical rainforest, of which 95% is listed as a protected National Park.

Sheoak, Indian Beech, Native Nutmeg, Tamarinds and Turpentine as well as native orchids are just a few examples of the exotic flora you'll find on bushwalks through the island. Try the Secret Garden Walk for a short walk amongst the rainforest, or the Lighthouse and Summit Trail for a steep walk to the lighthouse for expansive views out to Little Fitzroy Island. Fitzroy is almost completely surrounded by coral reef, making it an excellent place for snorkeling. The most popular spot is Nudey Beach, which is only about one kilometre from the resort.

For further information and to add Nudey Beach to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

2 - Tallebudgera Creek

Image credit: Aussie Bucket List

Ancient Aboriginal people used to call this Gold Coast suburb "good fish" and you'll hear no argument from anyone on this apt name. For Tallebudgera is best known for its sparkling creek which is framed by the Burleigh Heads National Park on one side and Palm Beach on the other. This is the focal point for any visit to Tallebudgera where the lifestyle is all about camping, swimming, picnicking, kayaking and a spot of fishing or two.

So popular is the campground here, that generations of families return each summer to claim their favourite spot at the Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park which is perched on the edge of this estuary. For those looking for a little luxury there's also two and three bedroom waterfront villas, or basic lodgings for those on a budget.

While the waters in the creek are renowned for their relative calm, those seeking surf need only walk to nearby Tallebudgera Beach for a few waves. For a true taste of this part of the coast, head to the Tallebudgera Surf Lifesaving Club for a meal at Club Talle.

For further information and to add Tallebudgera Creek to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE

3 - 75 Mile Beach

Image credit: Fraser Coast Tourism and Events

It is not hard to guess how this location got its name. A bloke measured the beach one day and found out that it was 75 miles long. Apart from its length, there are many more impressive things about this rugged stretch of sand on the east coast of Fraser Island. It's where you'll find the Maheno shipwreck, the popular swimming spot known as Champagne Pools and the striking volcanic rock formation of Indian Head. The beach itself is not a safe place to swim due to dangerous currents and a large shark population. It's also a landing strip for light aircraft so be sure to take care when you are cruising along the sand in your four wheel drive.

For further information and to add 75 Mile Beach on Fraser Island to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

4 - Cape Hillsborough Beach

Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Cape Hillsborough National Park is one of the most striking and peaceful places on the Central Queensland coast. It's teeming with life and diverse habitats—from rainforest and eucalypts, to mangroves, beaches and rocky headlands. It's a brilliant place to hike, picnic, boat, fish, relax and explore.

You'll need a few days to fully appreciate this magical part of the world so make Smalleys Beach camping area your home-away-from-home—it's just a stone's throw from the beach and walking tracks. Dense rainforest meets the ocean and fine sandy beaches fringe the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Make your way over the intricate stippled patterns created by sand bubbler crabs, and search tidal rock pools for sea creatures. Agile wallabies gather on the beach to search for food at sunrise and sundown. Grab your camera! This is a truly iconic Australian experience that you shouldn't miss.

The Yuibera Aboriginal people lived in this country for many thousands of years before explorer James Cook named Cape Hillsborough in 1770. Visit The Diversity boardwalk and Yuibera plant trail to understand the Yuibera people's connection to this country, and their traditional way of life.

For further information and to add Cape Hillsborough Beach to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

5 - Ellis Beach

Image credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

With a population of 24, the relaxing atmosphere of this coastal community makes Ellis Beach the perfect relaxation location. Featuring beautiful pumice-filled shorelines, Ellis Beach offers a beachfront caravan park and a popular bar and grill restaurant. The local surf lifesaving club also regularly hosts competitions and events along the beach. A stinger net patrolled by the club is in place during the summer months. Swim only when the beach is patrolled by a lifeguard and follow safety instructions and signage.

For further information and to add Ellis Beach to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

6 - Murrays Bay

Image credit: Tourism Bowen

Located between Horseshoe Bay and Rose Bay, Murray Bay is a beautiful tropical beach complete with coconut trees and fringing reef. Access to the secluded beach is solely down a narrow track or via the Cape Edgecumbe walking trail. It is a great beach for those looking for a quiet, private place to enjoy the tropical climate and impressive island views. With views of the Cape's impressive granite boulders and offshore islands, the outlook is incredible and is also a prime spot for whale watching during Winter. Murray Bay is a favourite for photographers and provides excellent snorkelling, diving and fishing. The beach is pet friendly and perfect for families.

For further information and to add Murrays Bay to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

7 - Horseshoe Bay

Image credit: Tourism Bowen

Horseshoe Bay is Bowen's most iconic beach and a favourite for locals and visitors alike, regularly topping best beaches lists. The beach is framed by two granite outcrops which provide a haven for a wonderful range of fish and coral just a short swim from the beach. The bay's fringing reef is a top spot for divers and snorkelers and for a small fee, snorkeling equipment can be hired from the Horseshoe Bay Resort.

New to the bay in 2019, Bywa is an inter-tidal sculpture installed as part of the Whitsunday Reef Recovery and Public Art Project. Bywa was created by artist Brian Robinson and tells the story of reef, creation and marine life. Horseshoe Bay also has an entry point to the Cape Edgecumbe Walking Trail, which links the fringing reef beaches of Horseshoe, Murray and Rose Bays. The whole trail will take approximately one hour return, however a short 10 minute hike takes you to the Rotary scenic lookout over Horseshoe Bay. To round off a wonderfully relaxing day exploring the bay, treat yourself to a meal at the fully licensed beachfront cafe.

For further information and to add Horseshoe Bay to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

8 - Grays Bay

Image credit: Bowen Tourism

One of the most picturesque bays in Queensland is Gray’s Bay - one of the few places on the East Coast where you can watch the sun set over the ocean. It really is a treat, especially when the stand up paddleboarders are silhouetted against the darkening sky. When the tide is in, the water laps less than a metre from the road, and with its azure water, white sand and rocky outcrops, it is truly spectacular.

There’s ample parking, a boat ramp providing easy access to offshore mackerel fishing, free barbecues and a playground situated under big shady trees. Find your perfect spot to sit and enjoy, or bring your SUP, kayak or canoe for coastal adventuring.

For further information and to add Grays Bay to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

9 - Whitehaven Beach

Image credit: Tourism Whitsundays

Whitehaven Beach is a pristine, award winning beach on Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays. Whitehaven Beach stretches over seven kilometres and boasts brilliant white silica sand that is among the purest in the world. Sink your feet into the sand and wade into the warm waves that gently lap the shore and you'll soon realise why people come here from all over the world.

At the northern end of Whitehaven Beach is Hill Inlet, a stunning inlet where the tide shifts the sand and water to create a beautiful fusion of colours. Many people claim Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach are the most beautiful places they've ever seen.

The lookout at Tongue Point is the best spot from which to view the swirling sands of Hill Inlet, so if you don't mind a short bushwalk, book your Whitehaven tour with an operator that visits the lookout. We recommend the Whitsunday Bullet with Explore Whitsundays from Airlie Beach, or hire your own private yacht to explore the Whitsundays in your own time.

Whitehaven Beach can be experienced in several ways. If you're interested in a day trip there are ferries, yachts, power boats and luxury cruising yachts that depart from Airlie Beach. A variety of sailing companies also offer multi-day charters that include a memorable visit to Whitehaven Beach.

For further information and to add Whitehaven Beach to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

10 - Radical Bay

Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Radical Bay is a must-see natural bucket list attraction located on Magnetic Island off the coast of Townsville, Queensland. This stunning bay can be accessed via Horseshoe Bay. From the eastern end of Horseshoe Bay Beach, access to the start of the trail may be through shallow water at high tide. There is another track from Henry Lawson Street that goes behind some houses at the end of Horseshoe Bay to a bridge over the mangroves. By taking this route, you can avoid traversing the shallow water. The track then climbs through a steep gully and forest to a ridge with open eucalyptus woodland. The left branch of the track leads down to the secluded Balding Bay. Continue from the turnoff to Balding Bay and over the ridge to Radical Bay.

Radical Bay will greet you with its beautiful beach surrounded by hoop-pine and boulder-strewn headlands. There are no toilets or facilities here, and note that parts of the land behind the beach are privately owned. Please observe signs.

For further information and to add Radical Bay to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

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We hope that you are able to tick these top 10 beaches in Queensland off your Aussie Bucket List soon! Feel free to browse our other blog posts for further inspiration on travelling Australia.

Written by Samantha Raine - Aussie Bucket List Founder & Travel Writer

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