Summer holidays and beach visits go hand-in-hand, so weโve put together a list of our favourite family beaches in South-East Queensland for you to add to your bucket list. With features such as calm water for kids, seaside playgrounds, and other facilities to make life easier, these make it to our list for being truly outstanding.
Whether you have a day or a week to spare, all of these beaches are easily reachable within a couple of hours, so you can visit any time!
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Gold Coast Beaches
Tallebudgera Creek, Tallebudgera
Itโs nearly impossible to find calm water beaches on the Gold Coast, but Tallebudgera Creek is one of those rare exceptions. Kids can play in the cool, turquoise blue waters without the fear of giant breakers pulling them under, which equals a more enjoyable beach trip for everyone.
Why we love it:
- Calm, sandy beach
- Kayaking & SUP
- Water sports zone
- Nearby surf club
- Bushwalks (Burleigh Head National Park)
- Playground (Tallebudgera Surf Club)
Currumbin Creek, Currumbin
Popular with all forms of water sport and fishing, Currumbin Creek is a hot spot for BBQs, picnics, camping, and swimming! Another rare, tranquil place to swim on the Gold Coast, this estuary also features Currumbin Alleyโa gentle surf beach thatโs perfect for beginners.ย
Why we love it:
- Calm, sandy beach
- Gentle surf beach (Currumbin Alley)
- Kayaking & SUP
- Bushwalks
- Palm Beach Parklands playground (north side of creek)
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary nearby
Sunshine Coast Beaches
Kings Beach/Happy Valley/Bulcock Beach, Caloundra
We canโt go past Caloundra for all the family-friendly extras it offers, including Happy Valley playground, zero-depth water play and a tidal pool at Kings Beach, seaside dining options, and the boardwalk that leads all the way around the headland from Bulcock to Kings Beach.
Why we love it:
- Calm beach (Bulcock Beach)
- Surf beach (Kings Beach)
- Seaside dining & boardwalk
- Zero-depth water play ( Kings Beach)
- Tidal pool (Kings Beach)
- Playground (Happy Valley)
Lake Currimundi, Currimundi
Located at the mouth of Currimundi Creek, โLakeโ Currimundi is a naturally-occurring pool thatโs perfect for families wanting to set up for the day – you can float on the calm waters for hours! On the ocean-side of the lake, Currimundi Beach is a surf beach that older kids will love.
Why we love it:
- Calm, sandy โlakeโ
- Surf beach
- Trees for shade close to lakefront
- Good spot for fishing
- Shops nearby for snacks
- Kayaking & SUP
Island Beaches
Bongaree Beach, Bribie Island
Located on the western, passage side of Bribie Island, Bongaree features stunning blue waters and sparkling white sand. A tranquil and always popular beach, parklands run along the length of the beachfront and are perfect for families to set a shady spot up in for the whole day.
Why we love it:
- Calm, sandy beach
- Gentle waves
- Good spot for fishing
- Kayaking & SUP
- Nearby cafรฉs & stores
- Playgrounds (Brennan Park)
Cylinder Beach, North Stradbroke Island
Cylinder Beach on North Stradbroke Island offers a small lagoon that sits behind the surf beach for those with young ones, making it a great beach to visit with kids of different ages. The gentle surf beach allows bigger kids to practice their surfing and boogie board skills.
Why we love it:
- Calm, sandy beach
- Gentle surf
- Lagoon
- Snorkeling
- Nearby cafรฉs & stores
- Foreshore playground
Brisbane Beaches
Streets Beach, South Bank
We couldnโt make a list of our favourites and leave the beach in the middle of our city off this list! South Bankโs Streets Beach is loved by families for its convenience, as well as the attractions and facilities surrounding it. Just donโt forget to stop for an ice cream afterwards!
Why we love it:
- Wave-free, sandy beach
- Pools
- Zero-depth water play (Aquativity)
- Playgrounds
- Cafรฉs & restaurants
- Cultural Centre nearby
Where’s your favourite beach to visit with kids in South-East Queensland? Let us know in the comments below!
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