Sunshine Coast Beaches
The Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia is celebrated for its stunning beaches, each offering a unique coastal experience. Highlights include Noosa Main Beach, Mooloolaba Beach, Kings Beach, and Sunshine Beach, where visitors can enjoy everything from gentle, family‑friendly waters to world‑class surf breaks for seasoned wave riders.
Surfing Hotspots:
Sunshine Beach - Favoured by both experienced and beginner surfers thanks to its versatile wave conditions.
Coolum Beach - Known for consistent surf and a laid‑back beach vibe.
Other Notable Beaches:
Kings Beach (Caloundra) - Famous for its oceanfront swimming pool, perfect for families.
Moffat Beach - A local favourite with a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere.
Little Cove (Noosa) - A secluded, sheltered beach ideal for peaceful escapes.
Alexandra Headland Beach - Great for swimming, surfing, or simply soaking in panoramic ocean views.
Peregian Beach - Offers a charming village feel and a relaxed coastal pace.
Beach Trip Planning Tips:
Check the season and weather conditions before visiting.
Look for patrolled beaches with surf lifesavers for safe swimming.
Explore nearby cafés, markets, and attractions to make the most of your trip.
Note that some locations, like Teewah Beach, require 4WD access.
Cotton Tree Beach
Cotton Tree Beach lies at the mouth of the Maroochy River in Maroochydore. This sheltered, calm beach is perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and leisure swimming.
Surrounded by a boardwalk, grassy parklands, and BBQ facilities, it's family‑friendly and ideal for full‑day relaxation. Nearby cafés, markets, and riverside trails add to its coastal lifestyle appeal.
Maroochydore Beach
Maroochydore Beach is a long, patrolled surf beach along the mouth of the Maroochy River, maintained by the historic Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club. Its rolling novice‑friendly waves and wide sandy stretch make it perfect for swimming, surfing lessons, and family beach days.
Behind the beach, you'll find buzzing esplanade cafés, riverfront parks, and easy access to stand-up paddleboarding and boating activities.
Alexandra Beach
Alexandra Headland Beach (often called “Alex Heads”) features a curving white‑sand coastline flanked by a rocky headland, popular for longboarding and surfing in south‑east winds. It’s patrolled year‑round by the Alexandra Surf Life Saving Club.
Adjacent to the beach, you'll discover parks, cafés, and scenic walking tracks across the bluff, ideal for panoramic ocean views and beachside strolls.
Mudjimba Beach
Mudjimba Beach is a patrolled surf beach on the southern Sunshine Coast, adjacent to the Mudjimba Surf Life Saving Club and Power Memorial Park. Known for its good surf breaks and proximity to Mudjimba Island, it’s a favourite among experienced surfers and fishermen.
A coastal bushland buffer and nearby holiday park enhance its relaxed coastal charm and natural setting.
Mooloolaba Beach
Mooloolaba Beach is a turquoise‑water surf beach fronting the lively Esplanade, lined with restaurants, boutiques, and tourist attractions. A patrolled family‑friendly stretch, it’s consistently ranked among Australia’s safest beaches and ideal for swimming, surfing, and coastal sunset walks.
The nearby Sea Life aquarium and harbour access add to its appeal as a vibrant Sunshine Coast hub.
Yaroomba Beach
Yaroomba Beach stretches about 1.3 km of pristine white sand in the Yaroomba suburb of Coolum. This scenic surf beach is popular with surfers, especially near Point Arkwright headland, and features seasonal lifeguard patrols at access points 89 - 90.
Visitors can enjoy boardwalks and headland walks offering panoramic ocean views and a quieter beach vibe.
Coolum Beach
Coolum Beach features wide sandy shores, boardwalks, and grassy parklands, overlooked by Mt Coolum. Known for its surfing culture, safe swimming zones, and coastal charm, it’s a hub for families, walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
With its surf club, cafés, and ocean views, Coolum blends natural beauty with convenient amenities in a relaxed beach town atmosphere.
First Bay
First Bay lies just south of Coolum Main Beach, nestled between rocky headlands and Point Perry. This hidden gem offers secluded golden sand, rock pools, and gentle surf breaks popular for surfing and fishing.
The beach is not patrolled, making it suited to more confident swimmers and surfers. A nearby lookout and walking tracks provide stunning coastal views and a sense of tranquil natural beauty
Peregian Beach
Peregian Beach sits about 13 km south of Noosa Heads, offering long white sandy shores and a peaceful village atmosphere. This patrolled beach, backed by dune vegetation and casuarina trees, is ideal for swimming, walking, and relaxing away from crowds.
The beach is close to shops, cafés, and provides easy access to Noosa National Park via scenic coastal paths
Bulcock Beach
Bulcock Beach in Caloundra is a gentle, patrolled seaside stretch backed by the Maroochy River inlet and offering expansive boardwalks, piers, and grassy parklands.
It’s family‑friendly and great for leisure swimming, kayaking, and coastal walking along the Des Dwyer Oceanway. Nearby cafés and picnic facilities make it perfect for a full‑day beach outing
Sunrise Beach
Sunrise Beach lies just south of Sunshine Beach, offering soft white sand and clear waters. Surrounded by bushland and nature reserves, it’s a quiet, family-friendly option ideal for beach walks, swimming, and surfing.
Lifeguard patrols operate in peak seasons, and the coastal location provides easy access to Noosa National Park and scenic trails.
Sunshine Beach
Sunshine Beach offers over 3 km of white sand coastline with surf breaks popular among surfers. Just south of Noosa Heads, it features boutiques, cafés, and access to Noosa National Park trails.
This laid-back coastal town combines holiday vibes with natural beauty, making it a favourite for swimming, surfing, and beach walks. Lifeguards patrol designated areas year-round.
Noosa Main Beach
Noosa Main Beach is a north‑facing stretch of golden sand along Hastings Street, backed by cafés, shops, and hotels. Known for its gentle waves and family-friendly swimming, it’s ideal for beginner surfers.
With views of Noosa National Park and lifeguard-patrolled areas, it’s consistently ranked among Australia’s best beaches, perfect for relaxation and water activities.
Little Cove Beach
Little Cove Beach is a secluded pocket of golden sand framed by lush rainforest and rocky headlands. Its calm turquoise waters are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and paddleboarding.
Located between Noosa Main Beach and Noosa National Park, it’s a peaceful hidden gem for those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty just steps from coastal walking trails.