Surfers Paradise and Whitehaven beaches deliver on their promise of iconic Australian beach culture but Tourism Queensland says there are lots of other beaches for Kiwi travellers to explore.
Between Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach is Tallebudgera Creek and Echo Beach, a local haven for relaxing family dips, paddleboards, kayaks and yoga (pictured).
Access is via Burleigh Head National Park’s Oceanview Track. On Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island, Brisbane) is South Gorge Beach, a 25-minute passenger ferry ride away from Brisbane’s southern suburbs. It is a small sandy pocket and sea turtles, manta rays and Beyond The Iconic
QLD Beaches dolphins are frequently spotted here, as well as whales Jun-Nov, says TQ, adding the Gorge Walk along the headland is a must-do.
. . .A Little Bit Further
On the Sunshine Coast is Rainbow Beach, 90 minutes from Noosa Main Beach. Part of the 23km long stretch is patrolled but the rest is only explorable by 4WD or with Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours. Kayaking is an option with the chance to see dolphins, or visitors can dive with sharks with Wolf Rock Dive Centre.
Elliott Heads Beach further north in Bundaberg is also recommended, a nesting site for sea turtles. It is suitable for swimming, kayaking and kite surfing and visitors can walk to Dr Mays Island at low tide to take a dip in the rock pools.
Etty Bay out of Cairns borders on rainforest where there is a chance to swap salt water for fresh at swimming holes on the inland Waterfall Circuit walk. There is also a chance to see the cassowary bird, which likes to graze near the sand, adds TEQ. And then, of course, there are off-shore beaches on the Great Barrier Reef, Hayman Island (Blue Pearl Bay), Magnetic Island (Geoffrey Bay) and South Cumberland Island off Mackay.
To find out more see HERE.
