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5 Queensland Beaches That Locals Love

Beach Road Trip Romance Family

Queensland is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the whole world, from the white sands of the Whitsundays to the surf breaks or the Gold or Sunshine coasts, there’s no shortage of sandy stretches to lay your towel and enjoy a beach break. 

But where is it that the locals go when the peak of summer hits or the crowds get too much? Here we’re sharing our five favourite local beaches that are all but guaranteed to be quieter than the more popular stretches. 

Mudjimba, Sunshine Coast

Tucked away between Coolum and Maroochydore, this serene stretch of sand is frequented only by locals. Perfect for early morning walks, there’s an open beach break for surfing, a playground for the kids, parks and great little cafés plus barely any tourists. Venture down towards Pincushion Island and you’ll find yourself on a quiet green peninsula with the ocean on one side and Maroochy River on the other. Bliss.

Cape Hillsborough, Mackay Region

You won’t have to worry about sharing the beach here, unless it’s with the resident wallaby variety, of course. The Mackay region has so much to offer beyond the small city and with a car you can explore from the rainforest to the reef. A 45-minute drive from the CBD, venture to Cape Hillsborough, a forest backed beach, at dawn to catch the furry locals enjoying a breakfast of washed up seed pods and seaweed on the shoreline. This particular sandy stretch is home to both rainforest and the Coral Sea as well as 150 species of birds, 25 species of butterflies and other wildlife.  

Kangaroo at the Cape Hillsborough Queensland

Ellis Beach, Tropical North Queensland

Close to the ever popular and gorgeous Palm Cove, this lesser known gem of a beach is ideal for family days filled with sunshine, sand and the sea. Tropical North Queensland is the place to be year-round (yes, even in winter) and this village is home to just 24 permanent residents, making for a very quiet stretch of sand. At Ellis Beach you can swim where the stinger net is patrolled by the local surf club in the summer months, wander the 5km stretch of sandy beach, or grab a bite to eat at the local lunch spots before retiring back at Port Douglas after your day in the sun.

Ellis Beach, Tropical North Queensland

Tannum Sands, Gladstone Region

Located in Central Queensland this super-secret spot boasts year-round swimming thanks to the consistent Queensland temperatures. With lush landscaped foreshore parks, gardens, playgrounds and free-to-use barbeques, this is a haven for families to come and relax by the sea for the day.  Tannum Sands is ideal for water-spots, and with fantastic fishing it’s sure to have something for the whole family to enjoy. Bring your bathers and set up beneath a tree at this stunning location just 20 mins from downtown Gladstone.

Beautiful stretch of the Tannum Sands in Gladstone Region

Coolangatta, Gold Coast

Nestled at the southern tip of the Gold Coast and touching the border with New South Wales, this sleepy beachside town is a favourite among locals with loads to do, but it’s less frequented than most beaches on the Gold Coast. With a huge stretch of sand, there’s always plenty of space to throw down your towel, plus when the heat of the day hits it’s easy to retreat to the main street where cafes, boutiques and hip bars will keep you entertained. Coolangatta has a much more chilled out vibe, far removed from the craziness of Surfers Paradise, but still has so much to offer with picture perfect coastline, arguably the state’s best surf and excellent eateries. Plus if you stay at the Oaks Calypso Plaza you’ll be just steps from the sand.

Couple walking by the beachside of Coolangatta, Gold Coast