Sail Away To These Secret Beaches Near Brisbane

Life’s a (hidden) beach, so why not hit the surf this weekend and explore these secret waterholes the next time you’re craving salt water? Whether you’re planning a day trip or a long weekend away, we’re spoiled for choice in Queensland when it comes to watering holes. 

We’ve found the best beaches near Brisbane that are perfect for taking a dip, surfing or relaxing with your doggo and a great book. 

Castaways Beach | Noosa

Tucked between Sunshine Beach & Peregian, Castaways Beach is a quiet strip of glorious golden sand and clear blue water. This relaxed and low-key beach is the antithesis of the popular beaches you’d regularly visit, as it’s not surrounded by cafes, coffee shops or esplanades. Just a gorgeous beach and some rainforest trails where you might even spot a koala or kangaroo. Whilst Noosa is a little drive from Brisbane, it’s worth it for this beach! Pack an esky with drinks and snacks, and make a day of it. This beach is pet friendly but not patrolled, so make sure you buddy up and swim safe. 

Castaways Beach, Noosa Area

Peregian Beach | Noosa

This secluded beach is popular amongst the wave-chasers, as its crystal clear waters are patrolled year-round, and it’s the perfect spot to learn to surf! Peregian is close enough to the thoroughfare that it’s convenient to grab lunch or a coffee, yet somehow still tucked away enough to feel like you’ve truly escaped. Why don’t book yourself some accommodation and make a weekend away out of it? 

Peregian Beach, Noosa

Tallebudgera Creek | Gold Coast

Although not quite a beach, Tallebudgera Creek has been a local favourite for quite some time. This calm swimming hole is protected by a natural breakwater, making it the perfect place for a gentle splash around. To get the locals-only experience, access Tallebudgera Creek by taking the southern entrance of Burleigh Hill National Park.

Sitchu Tip: Burleigh Hill has some gorgeous bush trails, so pack a pair of joggers and a water bottle if you feel like exploring!

Tallebudgera Creek, Yugambeh Country, Gold Coast

Froggies Beach

You’ve likely heard of Snapper Rocks as one of Queensland’s best known surfing spots, but have you ventured a little further to find Froggies Beach? Between Snapper Rocks and Point Danger lookout (an excellent whale and dolphin watching location) is this cosy inlet that sees smaller crowds and lower foot traffic. With lush greenery around you, Froggies is a wonderful hidden oasis on the Gold Coast.

You’ll happen upon Froggies by parking near Coolangatta Hill, passing Rainbow Beach on foot.

Froggies Beach, Bundjalung Country, Coolangatta

South Gorge Beach | Stradbroke

If Stradbroke is a regular on your getaway rotation, or you’re yet to visit, you must add South Gorge Beach to your itinerary! Nestled between the Surf Life Saving Club at Point Lookout and the North Gorge Headlands, this quiet cove offers pristine waters and sparkling blonde sand. You can also sort your step count for the day by taking the North Gorge Walk to warm up before cooling off in the azure waters.

Sitchu Tip: Arrive by car or passenger ferry, this beach is close to Point Lookout so that you can find your bearings. You can access the beach via the North Gorge Walk, or by parking at the surf club and walking down the hill.

Kennedy Dr, Point Lookout, Minjerrinbah Country

Kings Beach Salt Water Pool | Sunshine Coast

Craving the salt water and ocean breeze without the sand and breaking waves? Travel to Kings Beach in Caloundra to take a dip in the gorgeous ocean pool that sits on the water. There are shade sails to keep you sun-safe and plenty of spaces to stretch out on your towel with a good book.

Kings Beach, Kabi Kabi and the Jinibara Country, Caloundra

Red Beach | Bongaree

One of the best-kept secret beaches near Brisbane is Red Beach located in Bongaree. This quiet beach is dog friendly, allowing leashed dogs to play and swim with their humans. The sunsets on Red Beach are something truly special, so we recommend sticking around until the sun goes down. This hidden beach can be accessed via Tully Street, after following a vegetation path. The waves on Red Beach are usually low and gentle, adding to the relaxing vibe of this quiet strip of sand. 

Red Beach, Bongaree

Nudgee Beach Reserve | Nudgee 

If you don’t want to travel far from Brisbane to find a beach, we’ve got good news. Nudgee Beach Reserve is a great spot for a dip at low tide and is also close to a park, walking trails, picnic areas and off-leash dog play parks. You can also fish and even bring your boat out via the boat ramp at Tuckeroo Street. 

Fortitude Street, Nudgee Beach

Victoria Point Beach Front Walk | Victoria Point

Feel like popping on a podcast and going for a walk by the water? Perhaps you don’t feel like the long-haul drive to the Gold Coast? We’ve got a tip for you. There’s a lovely long esplanade stroll you can take along Victoria Point off an unnamed road off Orana Esplanade. It doesn’t get much more secret than that! 

Unnamed Road, Victoria Point 

Ruster’s Reserve | Redland Bay 

Here’s another hot tip for a hot day – head out to Ruster’s Reserve to take in the fresh breeze off the water in Redland Bay. Ruster’s is best known for it’s calm waters, enclosed swimming spot and dog-friendly locale. Just to pop a cherry on the top, free parking is available on the Esplanade as well as The Boulevard, meaning you just have a short walk down the steps to get to the swimming hole. 

333 Esplanade, Redland Bay

Cougal Cascades

The Cougal Cascades are a not-so-secret hidden gem of the Gold Coast, and are definitely one for the bucket list. Hiding within the stunning hinterland of the Springbrook National Park in Currumbin Valley, this quiet waterfall and rockpool is a short 800 metre bushwalk from the picnic area, and requires a little bit of agility to access. Though not a beach, this stunning watering hole is a refreshing and rejuvenating secret spot to take a dip on a hot and humid Queensland day!

Cougal Cascades, Currumbin Valley 

If you’re craving more seaside adventures, why not book in for a holiday at gorgeous Noosa? We’ve found the most luxurious accommodation options to help you fill your cup. There are so many stunning places to stay on the Sunshine Coast, so why not book in at one of the best accommodation options and explore every beach in the area? It sounds like a dream come true!

Don’t forget to slip, slop, slap and tag us in your adventures! You’ll find us staying #sositchu online @sitchu.brisbane. 

Writer

Lexie Mamo

29 September 2023

Lexie is the Brisbane Editor at Sitchu and has been part of the team since October 2020. Her background lies in fashion eCommerce and content marketing, having worked in digital roles across brands like Lorna Jane, Black Milk Clothing and dk active. A Brisbane native, Lexie covers food, lifestyle, events, and travel guides for the Sunshine State. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading, visiting coffee spots or snapping shots of her rescue cat for his Instagram account.