These 5 beautiful beaches in Bundaberg are calling your name

Elizabeth Whitehead Elizabeth Whitehead
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Check out why the coast near Bundaberg has a reputation for some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.

Bundaberg has carved out a reputation for its proximity to some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. The town has been dubbed the gateway to the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef and lies within a stone’s throw of pristine sands and shimmering waters. And with great weather year-round, there’s hardly a wrong time to visit.

While everyone below the navel of Australia combats the winter chills, Bundaberg is blessed with mild days and plenty of sun. For this reason, heading to the beach is one of the best things to do in Bundaberg.

Whether you’re keen to catch some waves or simply lounge on the sands, here are the best beaches in Bundaberg that you need to check out. If you’re travelling with kids, don’t fear— all the listed beaches are patrolled, but it’s best to check Beach Safe for the patrol schedule.

1. Bargara Beach

Bargara Beach is the region’s most popular bit of coastline, situated just a 15-minute drive from Bundaberg with the buzzing township of Bargara perched on its shores. Here, you’ll find yourself right in the centre of the action, with plenty of quaint beachside cafes, restaurants, takeaways and shops to explore.

It’s a great place for surfers, especially beginners who want to practice catching some gentle waves. Take notes from the locals, and start your day with a morning stroll, dip or surf before grabbing a coffee or sitting down for a spot of brunch at one of the friendly cafes.

A day out in Bargara will give you a taste of life on the subtropical Coast— and it’s just as picturesque as it sounds.

Purple sunset at Bargara Beach in Bundaberg
Enjoy watching the sunset on Bargara Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

2. Kelly’s Beach

Over the headland from Bargara Beach, you’ll find a vast stretch of golden sand that is Kelly’s beach. Kelly’s is a favourite swimming spot among locals – and for good reason. There’s plenty of space to sunbathe on the sands where you’ll be sandwiched between crystal blue waters and a shaded nature strip complete with BBQs.

If you’re swimming with kids, the Bargara Basin on the north end of the beach has calm and sheltered waters, which also makes it the perfect snorkelling spot.

Kelly's Beach during the day in Bundaberg.
Kelly’s is a favourite swimming spot among locals.

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3. Elliott Heads

Elliott Heads is where the river meets the sea, creating a unique marine landscape that yields lots to discover. It’s the perfect beach for a family day out.

On the ocean side, white sands meet azure waters, speckled with rock pools where you can discover aquatic life and little fish flitting about. However, you’ll find the most superb rockpools on Dr Mays Island.

Accessible by foot from the beach only at low tide, head over to admire the marine life and discover the rock pools that are large enough to swim in.

There’s great fishing on the riverside, and if you’re up for an adrenaline rush, the main beach is the perfect spot for kiteboarding. If you’ve never tried it before, that doesn’t have to stop you— Undertow Surf offers beginners kiteboarding lessons to show you the ropes.

aerial view of Elliott Heads Beach
Elliott Heads is known for its soft white sand and sparkling blue waters. (Image: Tracy Olive)

4. Woodgate Beach

Woodgate Beach is a quiet stretch of coast an hour’s drive south of Bundaberg. It’s home to a sleepy beach community, friendly locals and pristine shores.

If you enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path, then Woodgate Beach could be the perfect place to take an excursion that will reward you with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery.

Stroll along 16 kilometres of golden sands flanked by rolling waves and a line of shady She-Oaks.

Turtles are known to frequent the shores and lay eggs on the beach, so if you’re lucky, your day could be complete with a turtle sighting!

High shot overlooking Woodgate Beach in Bundaberg.
Turtles are known to frequent the shores of Woodgate Beach.

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5. Nielson Park Beach

On the north side of Bargara, the chain of peaceful holiday settlements continues with Nielson Park Beach. The beach is fringed by large basalt rocks which create large tidal pools buzzing with marine life.

The vast stretch of coast is perfect for swimming, surfing or just relaxing on the sand. There’s a picnic area, so you can enjoy a bite to eat from a local takeaway or restaurant in front of a marvellous view.

There’s a holiday park right a stone’s throw from the shore, so if you’re looking for beachside accommodation near Bundaberg, then Nielson Park Beach is a great place to put your feet up and enjoy.

Nielson Park Beach on the north side of Bargara. (Image: srv007/Flickr)
Heading to Bundaberg? We’ve also rounded up the best Bundaberg pubs and bars to grab a drink, and the best tours to take while you’re there.

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Elizabeth Whitehead
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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Tropical islands, good food & world-class shows: Your eventful guide to a holiday in Townsville

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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    Townsville is buzzing as the events capital of North Queensland, with a host of festivals, international sporting and arts events on offer.

    Perched between the Coral Sea, the towering pink monolith of Castle Hill, and fringed by ancient rainforest ranges, Townsville North Queensland is a genuine tropical playground.

    Here, find postcard-worthy landscapes all the way from nearby Magnetic Island to inland swimming holes and waterfalls – all dotted with an array of endemic wildlife. Get the heart racing with adrenaline water sports. Soak in a world-class arts scene. And take advantage of a culinary offering that punches well above its weight.

    And, then there’s the fact that Townsville has fast become the destination to an outstanding line-up of events – from live music to top-level sporting contests.

    Whether you have a weekend or weeks, there’s plenty here to fill your tropical getaway.

    Day 1: An eventful day

    Morning

    The Strand in townsville
    Explore The Strand.

    Daily flights offer easy connectivity from all capital cities to Townsville Airport, and within 10 minutes’ drive, you’re in the city centre. Start your stay by recharging with breakfast or coffee at the city’s newest spot, Botaniq Cafe, on the ground floor of the award-winning Bridgewater restaurant on the banks of Ross Creek.

    Start exploring on a breezy walk along the 2.5-kilometre foreshore of The Strand. Here, a waterfront path stretches all the way to the headland of Jezzine Barracks parklands. Admire more than 35 sculptures and artworks, as well as stunning views from the top of the park. Further along, Queens Gardens, established in 1870, offers a cool retreat and is Townsville’s oldest botanic garden.

    Stroll Gregory Street, off The Strand, for boutiques, homeware stores, cafes and restaurants, or follow a self-guided street art walking trail through the city centre, stopping to admire colourful works by big-name artists including Queenslander Fintan Magee.

    Afternoon

    concert in front of castle hill townsville events
    Time your trip for one of many Townsville events.

    For a casual lunch, stop in at Balabite for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired street food. Build your own pita with a choice of fillings, before enjoying a relaxing afternoon in preparation for one of Townsville’s big events.

    Whether it’s a concert from a big-name international band – think Foo Fighters or Guns ‘n’ Roses – or a night cheering on the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup, there’s plenty to entertain you.

    Time your visit for events like the Townsville Folk Festival (June 12-14), Supercars Townsville 500 (July 10-12), Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week (August 27-September 2), North Australian Festival of Arts (September 25 – October 11) or see the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup (coming in 2027).

    Day 2: Island dreaming

    Morning

    Pilgrim Sailing magnetic island
    Take a lunchtime sailing trip with Pilgrim Sailing.

    Fuel up with breakfast at Cbar on The Strand, looking out to your destination for the day: Magnetic Island (or ‘Maggie’ to the locals). Catch a quick ferry to spend the day exploring walking trails through national park, choosing from 23 beaches and trying a hand at the island’s water sports.

    The Forts Walk is the best place to see wild koalas in Australia, and you’re likely to find friendly wallabies at the Nelly or Geoffrey Bay headlands. Try guided snorkelling with Aquascene Magnetic Island or Pleasure Divers, or take a land-based tour with MI Ride Discovery Tours to the secluded west coast of the island.

    Pilgrim Magnetic Island offers four-hour lunchtime sailing trips aboard a 58-foot luxury yacht, dropping in to some of Magnetic Island’s remote bays for snorkelling or swimming and including gourmet grazing platters, drinks and ocean views.

    Afternoon

    picnic bay on magnetic island
    Head to Picnic Bay for delicious dining.

    Refuel after a morning of adventure. Seasalt Arcade at Picnic Bay has several good options. Savour craft brews and Latin tapas at Maggie Island Brewery, opt for bagels and light bites at Lava Lava cafe or fine dining at Restaurant Elsie.

    Now, it’s time to choose your own adventure. Stay the whole day on Maggie, or return to Townsville, where there’s plenty more to discover.

    Head to The Docks at Flinders Street Wharves for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or join Poseidon Adventures for water sport adventures.

    Evening

    Ardo's Rooftop townsville
    End your day watching the sunset from Ardo’s Rooftop.

    However your day looked, end it with cocktails and canapes at Townsville’s Ardo Rooftop. Find something more substantial at the hotel’s elegant but casual Chef-hatted Japanese restaurant Terasu, where each dish is a work of art.

    Day 3: Natural delights

    Morning

    couple holiding hands at the top of castle hill in townsville
    Join the locals for an early walk to the peak of Castle Hill. (Credit: My Colourful World)

    Join the local early morning pilgrimage to hike up Castle Hill for the best 360-degree views in town, before heading to breakfast at Spirited Goat for gourmet treats and locally brewed coffee.

    A trip to Townsville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef. For those with time, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive runs full-day trips to the Museum of Underwater Art for snorkellers and divers to admire the reef’s stunning collection of submerged sculptures on John Brewer Reef, about two hours by boat from Townsville.

    Afternoon

    Shorehouse restaurant townsville
    Stop into the award-winning Shorehouse.

    Round off your Townsville getaway with lunch at Shorehouse, awarded Best Restaurant in the North Queensland People’s Choice Awards every year since 2023. Dine on the deck to catch the breeze and sample modern Asian cuisine as you watch the world go.

    Keen for something more to extend your stay? There are always more adventures –new, familiar and with a twist – in the events capital of the North.

    Plan your eventful visit to Townsville North Queensland at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au.