It’s no secret that Queensland has beautiful beaches – but not all of them are famous. Here are some secluded stretches of coastline you may not know about.
Hoping to soak up a little sun and seawater on your next trip to the Sunshine State? Worried that you’ll have to fight for your sand space amongst a flock of other swimmers and sunbathers?
Maybe you don’t have to.
Tucked away in isolated bays and sheltered coves, there are several scenic beaches in Queensland that are less populated but just as pristine. To help you track down these pockets of paradise, we’ve put together a list of the state’s best secret beaches.
Prepare to enjoy some secluded surf, sand and sun during your Queensland getaway.
Ellis Beach, Palm Cove
5-minute drive from The Sebel Palm Cove Coral Coast (or a 45-minute walk)
Ellis Beach can be found just north of Cairns, in the Far North Queensland community of Palm Cove. Separated from the town by a rocky outcrop, this spot has the kind of peace and quiet you’d expect to find on a deserted island.
The beach itself is long and thin, providing over a kilometre of wave-lapped land for leisurely walks.
If you plan to go swimming, be sure to heed any warnings about stingers. Several species of jellyfish can be found in this part of Queensland.
Yaroomba, Sunshine Coast
25-minute drive from The Sebel Maroochydore
Nestled between Maroochydore and Noosa, Yaroomba is often overlooked. Most people tend to zoom straight past it on their way to a more popular seaside destination.
But anyone who skips Yaroomba is missing out because this long expanse of coastline is definitely worth a visit. It’s a lot less crowded than some of the other beaches on the Sunshine Coast, which means parking is much easier.
Huge pandanus trees hide the beach from the road, making it feel much more isolated than it really is.
If you happen to be staying at The Sebel Maroochydore, Yaroomba makes for a great daytrip destination.
Bilinga, Gold Coast
5-minute drive from The Sebel Coolangatta (or a 45-minute walk)
Looking for a little seaside bliss? This quaint suburb makes for a great alternative to uber-touristy places like Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads. Given its close proximity to the airport, Bilinga gives visitors to the Gold Coast the chance to step straight off their plane and onto the beach.
Whether you want to stop by on your way to other Gold Coast attractions or spend an entire day at Bilinga, you’ll love how refreshingly uncrowded this beach is. If you want to stay close by, The Sebel Coolangatta is located just up the road.
Alexandria Bay, Sunshine Coast
10-minute drive from The Sebel Noosa (or a 50-minute walk)
This picturesque bay is one of the Sunshine Coast’s best kept secrets.
Located in Noosa National Park, Alexandria Bay is completely cut off from major roads… and for a good reason – Alexandria Bay is actually a nudist beach. If you’re not bothered by a little bare flesh and you’re looking for things to do in Noosa, this is the perfect place to go for a dip.
The beach can only be accessed on foot from a coastal bushwalking track known as Hell’s Gate. The panoramic views along this trek make the journey well worthwhile – even if there wasn’t a refreshing swim waiting for you at the end!
Though it might not be as easy to reach as some of the other beaches in Noosa, you’re virtually guaranteed to find a private patch of sand at Alexandria Bay.
Keen to dive into one of these secret beaches next time you’re on holiday in Queensland? To begin planning your itinerary, explore our Queensland accommodation options to find the perfect space for you today. Once you’ve got your dose of sand and sunshine, your room at The Sebel Hotels & Apartments will have a hot shower and comfortable bed waiting for you.