There is a good reason why they call Queensland the Sunshine State. It boasts some of the best weather conditions in the world and some of the most pristine beaches in Australia as well.
From Hamilton Island packages in the gorgeous Whitsundays in North Queensland to the numerous beaches and places to explore along the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads in the south, you really are spoiled for choice when you explore the Queensland coastline.
Queensland boasts around 300 days of sunshine every year, clear and sunny winter days where the temperature averages a cool and comfortable 9-19 degrees Celsius and summer temperatures between 21-31 degrees Celsius. You won’t find conditions like that anywhere else in Australia and the sub-tropical climate is perfect for anyone looking to holiday and explore the many iconic beaches Queensland has to offer, including:
Port Douglas
The palm-tree-lined streets of Port Douglas in tropical Far North Queensland lead to many of the most pristine beaches in Australia where locals, tourists and even celebrities love to relax and soak up the year-round sunshine. Nestled between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas is home to beautiful beaches with white sands and sparkling blue water including Four Mile Beach, Wonga Beach and the jewel in the crown, Palm Cove.
There is luxury accommodation, fishing opportunities, catamarans that will take you to dive locations on the Great Barrier Reef and locations where the rainforest meets the sea. If you plan on swimming, just remember that stinger season runs from November to May so use the designated enclosures and wear the right protective swimming gear.
Casuarina Beach, Mackay
If you are looking for more of a natural experience than a tourism destination, Casuarina Beach in Cape Hillsborough National Park is a perfect destination. For the early riser, you can watch the sunrise over the water as literally hundreds of kangaroos and wallabies come out to fossick for food.
Remember this is a national park, so you can’t bring your pets and you have to take your rubbish with you. These are wild animals, not suitable for patting. This is a truly Australian experience that should be a bucket list item for locals and visitors alike.
The Whitsundays, North Queensland
You can take your pick from a wide selection of the most pristine beaches in the world here, from Whitehaven Beach to the sparkling water on the many tourist islands including Hinchinbrook, Daydream and much more. If you want to explore, there are plenty of secluded bays and coves to discover and you can often have your own little slice of paradise all to yourself.
The Sunshine Coast
Just two hours north of the Brisbane CBD is the Sunshine Coast which boasts too many beaches to mention all in close proximity. You have 100km of coastline to explore from Noosa in the north down to Caloundra in the south with plenty on offer for people from all walks of life.
There are beaches that are perfect for families like Bulcock Beach and Kings Beach which include shallow swimming waters, sprawling children’s play areas and some of the best fish and chips you will find in the country.
For those that love the surf, you will find immaculate breaks at Coolum Beach and Noosa National Park which have a collection of beaches, coves and places to catch the best waves. And for places that provide a little bit of everything, you can explore the esplanade of Mooloolaba Beach or Sunshine Beach if you want to bring your dog(s) along with you.
The Gold Coast
Just like the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast is a long stretch of the best beaches in Australia that extend all the way down to Tweed Heads on the New South Wales border. You can base yourself at Surfers Paradise and branch out to explore all of the beaches on offer.
There really is something for everyone, from the tourist hot spots including Surfers, Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach and plenty of smaller, hidden treasures as well. For example, it is highly recommended you try stand-up paddle boarding at Tallebudgera and surfing at Main Beach.