Queensland's Top Beaches named for 2021
Released to coincide with the end of summer, the annual list of Queensland’s top ten patrolled beaches ranks popular locations based on safety, facilities and nearby services.
While The Stand Net 1 (Townsville) claimed the overall honour, Alma Bay (Magnetic Island) and Cylinder Beach (North Stradbroke Island) also ranked highly, rounding out the top three.
SLSQ Lifesaving Services Manager Peta Lawlor said a range of factors had been considered when compiling the list and selecting an overall winner.
“No doubt, many Queenslanders have their own favourite beach. Determining our top ten is always a tough job, but it allows us to highlight some of the safer beaches for swimmers to visit,” she said.
“Safety is our core focus as we aim for zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters. With that in mind, when determining our top beaches, we consider patrol times and services, incident history and coastal conditions.
“Given we have an abundance of beaches right along the coastline, we also wanted to make sure we highlighted beaches from each region.”
Ms Lawlor said it has been a busy summer on Queensland beaches, with thousands of people flocking to the coastline.
“Our beaches have been absolutely packed throughout the summer period as more people chose to holiday at home,” she said.
“Along with the large crowds we have seen some challenging surf conditions on South East Queensland beaches throughout summer, which has kept our patrols busy.
“Across Queensland lifesavers and lifeguards performed 1,700 rescues, 299,075 preventative actions and 17,406 first aid treatments.”
It is a timely reminder to always consider your safety and only swim between the red and yellow flags during patrolled hours.
The flagged areas not only represent the safest conditions on that particular beach, but are also patrolled by qualified surf lifesavers and lifeguards who are able to assist you.
SLSQ’s Top Beaches for 2020/21*:
- The Strand Net 1 – Townsville
- Alma Bay – Magnetic Island
- Cylinder Beach – North Stradbroke Island
- Kings Beach – Sunshine Coast
- Palm Cove – North Queensland
- Torquay Beach – Hervey Bay
- Mooloolaba Beach – Sunshine Coast
- Coolangatta – Gold Coast
- Burleigh Heads – Gold Coast
- Kirra – Gold Coast
*SLSQ’s criteria for compiling the top ten beaches list includes a range of factors such as patrol times and service, incident history, coastal conditions, safety signage, cleanliness, access to amenities, parking and public transport.
Image Credit: Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland