Queensland’s coastline is a paradise for Kitesurfing – and there’s no better way to experience it than by road! With consistent winds, mild temperatures and a variety of stunning beaches and lakes, it’s the ultimate destination for riders of all skill levels. Beyond Kitesurfing, discover laid-back coastal towns, island destinations and explore the tropical rainforest and chilled rock pools that await. So, get ready for this wind-powered road trip that has it all!
What is the best time of year for Kitesurfing in Queensland?
Queensland’s trade winds are reliable during May to October, mainly directed from the Southeast, averaging 15–20 knots in the afternoons. In addition to this, Queensland is known as the ‘Sunshine State’ – the clear skies, lower rainfall, and mild temperatures contribute to perfect conditions for Kitesurfing.
While Queensland has excellent Kitesurfing conditions, it’s also important to know that north of Gladstone, surf breaks become rare. The bays and beaches are protected by the Great Barrier Reef, which blocks ocean swell.
In return, the wide, open, protected bays and breezes provide excellent conditions for Kiteboarding.
Epic Kitesurfing Road Trip Queensland!
So get ready for a sunny escape filled with turquoise horizons, steady winds, and some of the best crowd-free Kitesurfing spots across Queensland!
| Distance: Brisbane to Townsville | 1544 km |
| When to Visit: | Dry season: May to October |
| Where to Stay: | Accommodation suggestions (in the article) cover camping or self-contained options |
Plan your Kite Surfari escape with ease – use Road Trips Australia’s Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate your trip’s expenses before hitting Queensland’s best spots!
Brisbane to Lake Cootharaba (Boreen Point) – 165 km
From Brisbane, it is an easy drive along the A1 to Lake Cootharaba just North of Noosa. Lake Cootharaba is one of six lakes on the Noosa River. The lake is shallow with an average depth of 1-2 meters, making it suitable for beginners. The best spot to access the lake is from Boreen Point.
Things to do at Lake Cootharaba
The tropical setting of the Lake is ideal for camping, lake beach walks, spotting wildlife and relaxing! Other things to explore around the lakes and Noosa:
- Enjoy a meal or coffee at the Apollonian Hotel
- Take a kayak or boat tour upstream along the Noosa River. This natural habitat is a part of the Great Sandy National Park
- Visit cafes, pubs, and parklands at Noosaville or Noosa
- Walk the scenic Noosa National Park and Noosa Coastal Walk
- Stay option: Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp for camping or Glamping by the lake in a tropical setting.
Kitesurfing Lessons Noosa
If you’re looking to improve your Kiteboarding skills, Adventure Sports Kitesurf Australia Noosa offer experienced and qualified instructors specialising in SUP, Kite and Wing Foil Lessons. Lessons are tailored to suit your experience, covering a variety of destinations, including the Noosa River Mouth, Lake Weyba, and Noosa beaches.
Kitesurfing Stop 2: Tannum Sands – 386 km
Continue north to Tannum Sands Beach south of Gladstone, where this little beach meets Wild Cattle Creek. This spot is ideal with an E to SE wind. Just to the north is Boyne Rivermouth, offering more opportunities to get out on the water.
Things to do at Tannum Sands
Located across a tidal creek from Tannum Sands is Wild Cattle Island National Park, which can be accessed by 4×4 or on foot at low tide. The island features a 9 km long sandy beach while supporting a unique blend of vine, mangrove and dry woodland forests. Additionally, it is a prime nesting site for Loggerhead Sea Turtles and a variety of bird species, so tread carefully! Other sights include:
- Explore the scenic walking trails at Canoe Point
- Take in the ocean views from Millenium Beach Lookout
- Enjoy a drink or meal at the Truffle Pig or fish and chips on the beach
- Visit Lake Awoonga Picnic Area, which can double as a Kitesurfing destination!
- Stay option: Discovery Parks Tannum Sands, offers cozy cabins and camping facilities
Kitesurfing Stop 3: Yeppoon – 179 km
Carry on the road trip to Farnborough Beach in beautiful Yeppoon, where the southeast breeze sets the scene for a great session. The long open stretch of beach offers lots of space to launch and ride. Take in the stunning views across to Great Keppel Island and the surrounding headlands while riding the wind and waves!
Things to do at Yeppoon
Beyond the beach, Yeppoon offers a chilled seaside town vibe with various beaches, shops and islands to explore. Let’s see what’s on offer at Yeppoon:
- Yeppoon Lagoon on the foreshore precinct
- Tour the pristine beaches and lookouts from Yeppoon, south to Zilzie
- Explore the many cafes and restaurants on offer
- Tour to Great Keppel Island
- Visit Koorana Crocodile Farm
- Stay option: Discovery Parks Coolwaters, for camping or a variety of self-contained accommodation options.
Scenic Stop 4: Finch Hatton Gorge (West of Mackay) – 420 km
Progressing north towards Bowen is a long stretch of road. A short 72 km detour can take you to a tropical rainforest, featuring clear cascading rock pools and waterfalls. Finch Hatton Gorge is a worthwhile stop.
Gorge Road leads you across shallow creek crossings into the rainforest-filled mountain valley. From the Finch Hatton Gorge car park, a 1.4 km walking trail leads to Araluen Cascades. The walking trail continues along the cascading Finch Hatton Creek to Wheel of Fire Falls, a total of 4.2 km return walk.
- Stay option: Aaron’s Central Tourist Park near Mackay City, or for a scenic location, Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park.
Kitesurfing Stop 4: Bowen – 193 km
Bowen is becoming a Kitesurfing hotspot due to the consistent wind and variety of beaches. Kings Beach overlooks Gloucester Island, which completes the northern section of the Whitsunday Islands. This offers an attractive backdrop for kitesurfing in a northeast or southeast breeze.
For a SE to ESE wind or NW to E wind, Queens Beach (Queens Beach Park) offers flat, warm water for kiteboarding, wing foiling, and kiting.
Just to the north of Queens Beach is the Don River Mouth. Depending on the tide and wind, it can offer flat water to ride into the river mouth.
Things to do in Bowen
Including the beaches already mentioned, Bowen offers 10 beaches to explore. A favourite to tour is Horseshoe Bay. Boulder outcroppings frame the scenic bay, and you can see it all from Rotary Lookout, just a short walk up through the boulders. A coastal walking trail continues along the picture-perfect bays, showcasing several spectacular lookouts. Let’s explore Bowen more:
- Visit from Flagstaff Lookout
- Purchase fresh local prawns and seafood from the marina on Henry Darwen Drive
- Bowen Jetty and foreshore parkland
- Pub grub at Grand View Hotel
- The Big Mango on the south side of Bowen
- Stay option: Tropical Beach Caravan Park for waterfront cabins or camping sites.
Kitesurfing Lessons Bowen
If you want to improve your Kiteboarding technique further, lessons with an accredited instructor at Smile Kitesurf Bowen can help! A two-hour lesson can cover riding upwind, jumps, kite tuning, launch and land techniques and much more.
Kitesurfing Stop 5: Townsville – 201 km
Completing the road trip in the vibrant city of Townsville, overlooking Magnetic Island, is Roberton Park, Palleranda, or Kite Boarders Point, Palleranda, for the Kiteboarding spot! Depending on the tide and wind direction, this location suits both beginners and experienced kiteboarders.
Things to do in Townsville
Townsville also offers a range of activities and sightseeing opportunities to discover. From scenic lookouts, vast tropical parklands, and foodie delights to island escapes. Townsville is the perfect place to explore and conclude the journey.
- Explore ‘The Strand’ parkland on the waterfront
- Walking paths to Kissing Point Fortification and lookout
- Castle Hill lookout
- Day trip to beautiful Magnetic Island
- Reef tour or Dive the Yongala Ship Wreck
- Foodie experience at City Lane on Flinders Street
- See native wildlife and Crocodiles at Billabong Sanctuary
- Visit Paluma Range National Park, Little Crystal Creek, 74 km north of Townsville
- Stay option: Big 4 Tasman Holiday Parks, Rowes Bay – centrally located beachfront cabins or campsites.
Kitesurfing in Queensland Tropical Waters
When entering waterways in central and northern Queensland, it is essential to be aware of the risks. Marine stingers are most prevalent in the water during the summer months, from May to November. To prevent stings, it is recommended to wear a stinger suit. Stinger suits can be purchased at outdoor stores, such as BCF. In addition to stingers, there is the threat of the Estuarine Crocodile. Crocodiles are more commonly found in estuaries; however, they can also hang out at the beach.
While marine stingers and crocodiles may seem daunting, being armed with the right tips and information will help ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure!
Tips for Keeping Croc Safe in Queensland:
- Check local Council websites and Facebook pages for recent crocodile sightings
- Avoid the water and beaches at dusk, dawn and nighttime
- Avoid staying close to the water’s edge for a long time – get out on the water!
- Avoid the water after flooding, as this can displace crocodiles and reduce visibility in muddy water
- Don’t dispose of food at the water’s edge
- Report croc sightings to keep others aware
What Makes This the Ultimate Kitesurfing Road Trip?
Kitesurfing Queensland from May to October offers ideal weather conditions in a variety of stunning settings. For interstate or overseas visitors, a fly-and-drive Kiteboarding holiday allows you to experience a string of epic kitesurfing and scenic destinations along the road from Brisbane to Townsville. So get ready to hit the road on a wind-powered Kitesurfing adventure in sunny Queensland!
