Whether you’re needing a salt-water soak, craving a read in the sun or frothing for a surf, our line-up of Brisbane’s best beaches has something for water babies, beach bums and city folk alike.
Rainbow Bay, Coolangatta
Just over an hour away at the southern end of the Gold Coast you will find Rainbow Bay – a pristine white-sand beach that arches around Snapper Rocks and Greenmount. This laid-back beach is perfect for every type of beachgoer. Patrolled all year round, Rainbow Bay is sheltered from southerly breezes and often boasts calm waters. The rocky outcrop of Snapper Rocks at the south end of the bay offers a surfing playground for the water junkies, which in favourable conditions, provides one of the longest right-handers in the world – a glorious 2-km ride from Snapper to Coolangatta. Hit the road early, and start the day with coffee and breakfast at Kirra Sol Cafe before heading down to the hideaway of Rainbow. After a long day of basking in the sunshine, finish the day off at the Rainbow Bay Surf Club, or try the latest addition to the strip, Kirra Beach House.
Noosa Main Beach, Noosa Heads
Now this wouldn’t be a round-up of the best beaches without mentioning Noosa Main Beach, and while it can be a little busy at times its popularity is for good reason. It’s also conveniently positioned quite literally on Hastings Street, where you will find award-winning restaurants, first-class fashion and endless sip spots. Despite Noosa being well-known for its surf, due to its north-facing position Noosa Main Beach is often protected from harsh weather and large waves making it perfect for swimmers and those learning to surf. This stretch of sun-soaked pale-golden sand and crystal clear water is certainly worth the two-hour drive from Brisbane. Noosa is also nestled amongst numerous coveted beach spots like Peregian and Coolum so you can really make a day out of the journey.
Little Cove, Noosa
Venture a mere 350 m from Noosa Main Beach and you will stumble upon your very own private paradise, Little Cove Beach. This 100-m stretch of sandy beach and sparkling turquoise water is surrounded by the lush greenery of Noosa National Park and boasts a far more secluded and intimate vibe than its bustling neighbour. Despite its proximity to Queensland’s most popular beach, this not-so-hidden hidden gem is often quiet, in fact for most of the year (outside of peak times) you may find you have the place completely to yourself. The waters are generally calm with waves rarely exceeding 0.5 metres, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkelling.
Tangalooma Beach, Moreton Island
Hop on a catamaran cruise from Brisbane and 75 minutes later you will stumble upon the jewel of Moreton Bay and islands, Tangalooma. Sheltered between Moreton Island and Moreton Bay, Tangalooma Beach is the perfect seaside strand for all of your water activities, boasting beautiful white sand and calm waters. Whether you’re into sight-seeing, snorkelling, swimming or paddle boarding, with so much to do in such close proximity you will not find yourself bored. Explore a cluster of sunken ships at the Tangalooma Wrecks, which are located just a short ten to 15 minute beach walk from the Tangalooma Island Resort or fall in love with a family of wild dolphins who frequent the jetty at Tangalooma Beach nightly.
Bongaree Beach, Bribie Island
Overlooking the pristine Pumicestone Passage lies Bongaree Beach, located only an hour’s drive north of Brisbane. It has everything you could ever want from your beach-themed escape, including endless swim spots, views to die for and plenty of picnic areas. The beach is also home to a jetty that provides hours of bomb-diving and fishing fun for the whole family. This local beach is the perfect getaway for a sunny weekend, but can get quite busy so to avoid the crowds and secure a spot, it is best to head there early. Whilst in the area, you may as well hit up Kenilworth Country Bakery, famous for its 1-kg donut challenge. With a menu of drool-worthy flavours, it’s the perfect stop for beach snacks.
South Gorge, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)
Accessible via water taxi or car ferry, trust us when we say that it’s worth the additional logistics. Located on Minjerribah, South Gorge is a scenic spot that boasts a kind of ‘summer in Italy’ vibe thanks to the surrounding rock formations. This beach is not a patrolled beach, so extra caution should be taken. With a convenient bus available up the island to the beach-lined Point Lookout, a trip to Minjerribah will have you feeling totally disconnected from city life. Whilst there, try some of the island’s famous seafood on the headland and take a walk along the cliffs of the Gorge for captivating views of turquoise water, kangaroos and even sometimes sea turtles.
Cabarita Beach, Kingscliff
Affectionately known as Caba, this beach location boasts dreamy swimming conditions and stunning views. Voted as Australia’s best beach in 2020, the laid-back township is just 90 minutes from Brisbane, but its idyllic clear waters and surrounding nature-reserve make it feel worlds away. Surfers can expect to find a great swell when the winds are right whilst amateur adventurers can enjoy the grassy headland overlooking the beach’s southern end. Once you’ve finished cooling down in Cabarita’s sparkling waters, you can take in the panoramic views of the coastline all the way to Byron from the beautiful boardwalk over Norries Headland. The Cabarita Beach main strip is also home to numerous local cafes and shops for you to peruse. Fuel Bakehouse Cabarita is a local and visitor favourite, with delicious coffee and a menu of freshly baked goodies.
Torakina Beach, Brunswick Heads
Think of Brunswick Heads as your gateway into the Byron Bay scene, featuring the same crystal blue waves on rolling white shores as well as plenty of cool food and cultural offerings. Brunswick Heads can typically be just a taste more quiet. Twenty minutes before you’d turn into Byron Bay, you’ll find Torakina Beach over the bridge of Simpson’s Creek and tucked between two break walls. This man-made beach rarely has swells and boasts beautiful swimming conditions for the whole family. Whilst not patrolled, a quick walk over the southern break wall and you’ll be at Brunswick Heads Main Beach, which is patrolled by the Brunswick Surf Life Saving Club. Here you’ll find world-class surf breaks as well as dog-friendly shores. Whilst in the area, you’ll find no shortage of cool cafes, wine bars and restaurants. Brands from Lottie Hall to Thrills even have their flagships here so a day-trip to Brunswick Heads promises plenty to do, eat and shop.
Honourable mention: We must give Streets Beach in South Bank a shout out purely due to its prime location. If you’re like us and treat a day of eating, drinking and shopping like an extreme sport, Streets Beach is located smack bang in the middle of South Bank and comes in clutch when you need a minute or two to cool down and recharge. There’s no need to designate an entire day to this beach trip, just an hour or so before, after or in between your sipping, shopping and dining.
Image 1 credit: Stradbroke Island
Image 2–4 credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
