Queensland is known to have some of the world's best beaches, with Surfers Paradise and Mission beach frequently topping the lists.

These beaches are largely what the Australian lifestyle and culture is all about. Beaches are frequented by all types, throughout the year, no matter what conditions.

While most of Queensland's beaches are great places to take a dip or ride a wave, some are incredibly dangerous and can make for a day that is memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Queensland beaches to avoid swimming at include:

From Cape York to Townsville

These beaches are best avoided between the months of October and June due to the high danger of marine stingers.

While some beaches in this area have stinger enclosures, many of them don't so it is a wise idea to stick to these few select beaches to avoid being stung.

Safe beaches in this area include: Four Mile Beach (Port Douglas), Holloways beach, Yorkeys Knob, Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach, Clifton Beach, Palm Cove, Ellis Beach (Cairns), Mission Beach, Rowes Bay, The Strand and Picnic Bay at Magnetic Island (Townsville).

From Townsville to Gladstone

While the beaches between Townsville and Gladstone are extremely beautiful, they can also be extremely dangerous. Avoiding swimming at these beaches between the months of December and March and you will inevitably avoid a marine stinger attack.

While beaches in the Mackay area like Seaforth, Bucasia, Halliday Bay and Mackay Harbour have stinger nets in place during these months, the others are best avoided.

Christine Barton