The 23-year-old woman was taken to Mackay Hospital on Monday after paramedics were called to Blacks Beach, Mackay, around 12.20pm.

Early investigations by police suggest the woman was sunbaking when she was confronted by a man unknown to her, who stabbed her multiple times in the neck and body before fleeing the scene.

She sought help at a nearby construction site before being transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Queensland Ambulance Services confirmed.

Queensland Police later said a 16-year-old male had been taken into custody and was assisting with inquiries.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.