BT's Best is all about finding the very best of Queensland. And when it comes to our beaches, there are more than 1000 sandy strips in our fine state from which to choose.
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We've had more than 200 submissions, consulted tourism industry gurus, and come up with a list which reflects the entire Queensland coast. It's all about the very best surf, sand and social scenes.
1. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands
We thought about pulling a surprise by putting Whitehaven into number 2, but that would have been unfair. It's a stunning saturation of sparkling turquoise and brilliant white. Whether you go for the birdseye view via helicopter or seaplane, float nearby in a yacht, cab cruiser or catamaran or camp overnight on the beach itself, these secluded crystal clear waters and pristine silica sands are well worth a visit. There are plenty of day trips from Daydream and other Whitsunday islands.
2. Palm Cove
About 20 years ago, Palm Cove was a getaway primarily for locals. Now, it's an international destination with five-star hotels, first-class restaurants and a spot of shopping. The view of Double Island is still a treat as are the 500-year-old melaleuca 'paperbark' trees which line the beach.
3. Rainbow Beach
Do yourself a favour and walk up the hill at the southern end of Rainbow Beach. You'll see spectacular views of a magical beach, and a bit further you'll catch the sunset at Carlo Sandblow, considered one of Queensland's best natural attractions. Backpackers flock to Rainbow Beach. It won't be long before others are too.
4. North Kirra
It's difficult to single out one Gold Coast beach, but North Kirra has plenty of space and is one of the best recreational beaches in the country. With a passionate Surf Live Saving Club, good beach fishing and a surfer's dream of long right-handers at Kirra Point, it is home to a beach community. Eateries also have a strong presence.
5. Lake McKenzie
Not all beaches are on the coastline, and this one's as much about the water as it is about the beach itself. Lake McKenzie on Fraser Island has crystal clear rainwater and nearly pure silica sands which are said to be great for the skin. And it's free of jellyfish, sharks, crabs and sea lice.
6. Michaelmas Cay
Again, not all great pieces of sand are on the coastline. This popular cay is smack bang in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef which means there's swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving like nowhere else in the world. Marine life is in abundance and it's a protected national park. The only drawback is a lack of shade.
7. Four Mile Beach
Close to Port Douglas, Four Mile Beach has minimal development and an area with stinger nets. It's the definition of "long walks on the beach", and leads to Island Point's reefs and mangroves at the mouth of the Mowbray River mouth.
8. Mooloolaba Beach
It's become a bustling centre with shops, restaurants, a nearby harbour and high-end accommodation, but Mooloolaba Beach still remains a favourite with families. Nearby Alexandra Headland hosts surfers, but waves at the Mooloolaba strip are considered non-threatening and are patrolled by lifesavers.
9. Agnes Water to 1770
The stretch of golden sand from Agnes Water to the Town of 1770 offers the best of both worlds. At 1770, there are calm waters and lush natural settings, while 8km further, there are swells at Agnes Water, the most northern surf beach on the Queensland coast. It's a quiet family getaway gaining in popularity as more hotels are built.
10. Peregian Beach
Peregian Beach locals don't really want others to know how good they've got it. They are quite happy for the swarms of tourists to make their way to Noosa, which is also a great beach. The difference is that Peregian has so much room to move. The waves can occasionally be rough, but it's a spectacular beach with an easy-going village nearby.
Other favourites which just missed the cut ...
Horseshoe Bay, Bowen
Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island
Daintree Rainforest beaches
Etty Bay, Innisfail
Kings Beach, Caloundra
Bulcock Beach, Caloundra
Cylinder Beach, North Stradbroke
Surfers Paradise
Marcoola
Alexandra Headlands
Noosa Cove
Burleigh Heads
Broadbeach
Palm Beach
Toorbul
Oaks Beach
Coolum
Tully Heads
Mission Beach
Daydream Island
... and there are many more.
Information compiled by Eveline Fielding.
