Inspiration

Sun, sea, sand and smiles: the best kid-friendly beaches in Queensland

There are few things kids love more than a day at the beach, so why not book a holiday where you can do this every day. To save you time, we’ve done the research for you and found some great patrolled beaches in favourite holiday hotspots. What makes them kid-friendly? Calm waters with lifeguards on hand, soft sand and access to amenities like toilets, showers and changing rooms to make life that little bit easier. Here are our top picks of the best kid-friendly beaches in Queensland.

Tips and Inspiration

Noosa

Hervey Bay

Rivershore

Cairns

SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND

Best kid-friendly beaches on the Sunshine Coast

Noosa Main Beach

Noosa Main Beach is popular among families with young children. The beach faces north and is sheltered by a headland, making it a safe place for kids to play, with gentle rolling waves they’ll love. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby if you want to grab a bite to eat.

Tip: Pack sunscreen, rashies, hats and sunglasses for the whole family.

Stay: Ingenia Holidays Noosa or Ingenia Holidays Noosa North

Mooloolaba

Another Sunnie Coast favourite is Mooloolaba Beach. Also north facing, its waters are calm in most weather. And, at 1.7km long, there’s plenty of room for everyone without feeling crowded. Right behind the beach you find those all-important amenities and an array of dining venues.

Tip: Kids will love exploring the rock pools at the far left-hand end of the beach.

Stay: Ingenia Holidays Rivershore

FRASER COAST

Best kid-friendly beach in Hervey Bay

You can’t go wrong with a day spent at Torquay Beach. North facing and sheltered by Fraser Island, the waters are almost always calm. And with bright white sand, it’s picture perfect too. Drinks and snacks are readily available on the Esplanade behind the beach.

Tip: Buckets, spades, frisbees and boogie boards are all great ways to keep kids entertained.

Stay: Ingenia Holidays Hervey Bay

NORTH QUEENSLAND

Best kid-friendly beach in Townsville

If you’re holidaying in Townsville, head to The Strand. Protected by stinger nets and patrolled by lifeguards, the kids can enjoy the water safely while you soak in the views of Magnetic Island. With playgrounds behind the beach, the kids are spoilt for choice of things to do.

Tip: Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks to keep everyone hydrated and energised.

Stay: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville

FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

Best kid-friendly beach in Cairns

While not a beach in the truest sense. The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a man-made paradise that ticks all the beach boxes, including a view of the sea. Paddle in shallow waters with the added bonus of sprinklers and water spouts … and no pesky stingers or rips to contend with. You’ll find amenities and toilets right next door and a host of food and beverage options just across the road.

Tip: Neighbouring Muddy’s playground has a water play park ideal for adventurous tots.

Stay: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut