This article covers 12 of the very best beaches on the Sunshine Coast!
The Queensland Travel Guide acknowledges the Kabi Kabi peoples and the Jinibara peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Sunshine Coast is situated. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continued spiritual and cultural connections to Country. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
Last comprehensively reviewed and updated: 9 November 2026.
When I get the urge for a beach holiday, one of my favourite places to go is the Sunshine Coast. Why? Because the beaches in the Sunshine Coast are some of the very best in all of Queensland!
So, if you’re hunting for the perfect patch of sand to park your towel, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re into surfing monster waves, building sandcastles with the kids, or just want to chill with a book and the sound of the ocean, you’ll find your perfect Sunshine Coast beach within this guide.
From the hidden gems where you can escape the crowds to the bustling beaches with all the ice cream you can eat, this guide is packed with all the details you need to enjoy the sunny vibes.
Beach safety: Conditions and patrol times change. Always swim between the red and yellow flags, follow lifeguard directions and check Beachsafe before entering the water. Calm-looking coves, lakes and river mouths can still have currents, submerged hazards and changing water quality.
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12 OF THE VERY BEST BEACHES ON THE SUNSHINE COAST
With no particular order – here is my guide to the best beaches on the Sunshine Coast!
1. Noosa Main Beach
Noosa Main Beach is one of the few beaches on Australia’s east coast facing north. This is super cool because it means it’s sheltered from those pesky south and southeast winds, giving you calmer waters that are perfect for swimming. Its calm waters make it ideal for families and less confident swimmers.
For the wave-hunters, though, don’t worry — there’s enough surf to keep things interesting, especially towards the beach’s eastern end. Surfboards and bodyboards are a common sight, and if you want to join in but don’t have the gear, there are plenty of places nearby to rent some.
Strolling along the boardwalk at Noosa Main Beach is almost as popular as the beach itself. Hastings Street is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes; you’ll find everything from grab-and-go eats to sit-down fancy meals. Fancy a seafood platter with a view? You’ve got it. Or maybe a quick gelato as you meander along the boardwalk?
Noosa Main Beach has showers, toilets and year-round patrols. Parking is available nearby, but spaces can be difficult to find during weekends, holidays and other busy periods, so arrive early or use public transport where practical.
Click here for our full guide on things to do in Noosa.
2. Mooloolaba Beach
Mooloolaba Beach features beautiful soft sand and a wide esplanade perfect for strolling or cycling. The beach is patrolled year-round and is known for its excellent conditions for both swimming and surfing. It’s also great for families looking to enjoy a beach day with all the amenities nearby.
Along the beachfront, you’ll find all the facilities you need for a great day out, including BBQ facilities, toilets, showers, and playgrounds. Plus there’s plenty of parking.
The Mooloolaba Esplanade is lined with various cafes, restaurants, and shops, providing plenty of options for dining and shopping. And if you forgot any of your gear, you can rent everything from surfboards to snorkels from the shops on the beachfront.
So whether you’re looking to surf, swim, eat, or just lay back and take in the sea breeze, Mooloolaba Beach is your go-to spot.
3. Coolum Beach
Coolum Beach offers a mix of rocky coves and long sandy stretches, making it a favourite among surfers and sunbathers. The year-round patrolled beach is less commercial than others, offering a more laid-back vibe.
Coolum packs a punch when it comes to surf. The waves here are just right for surfers looking to catch a good ride without battling a crowd. While there is a great wide stretch of sand perfect for beach games, long walks, or even just zoning out under the sun.
The main beach area is backed by a bustling little esplanade that’s chock-full of cafes, restaurants, and the obligatory fish and chip shops. You can grab a snack and head back to the beach or sit down for a leisurely meal with an ocean view.
In terms of facilities you’ll find BBQ areas, public toilets, and showers are available. Parking is ample, and there’s a playground for children.
4. Kings Beach
Located in Caloundra, Kings Beach is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful views.
The year-round patrolled beach is a hit with families, and for good reason. There’s a saltwater pool right on the beach, perfect for the kids or anyone who’s not big on wave dodging. There’s also a great little water play area for the kids, as well as playgrounds.
If you’re into surfing, don’t worry – the waves here get plenty of thumbs up from local surfers. And when the tide pulls back, the rock pools make for a top-notch nature walk.
There are plenty of BBQ and picnic spots to grill up a feast. Or, if cooking feels like too much work, the boardwalk is dotted with places to eat where you can sit back, enjoy a meal, and watch the ocean do its thing.
Facilities include toilets, showers, BBQ spots, picnic areas, playgrounds, and disability access. There’s plenty of parking around too, although it gets filled up fast during peak times, so you might need to be prepared for a bit of a hike down to the beach.
5. Alexandra Headland
Known affectionately as ‘Alex’ to the locals, this beach is popular with both surfers and skaters thanks to its well-known surf break and nearby skate park. Alexandra Headland is perfect for those looking for a vibrant beach culture. It’s great for young people and families alike.
The year-round patrolled beach has a laid-back strip dotted with cafes and shops catering to the beach crowd and locals. It is generally less hectic than Mooloolaba or Noosa, although parking and the sand can still become busy during peak periods.
With consistent breaks, it’s a hit with surfers looking to catch some decent waves. Not a surfer? No worries. The skate park nearby is always buzzing with energy, and it’s just as fun to watch the action there as it is to dive into the surf.
If it’s too cold for a dip in the ocean, there is a great walking path along the scenic coastline. The path stretches far enough to feel like you’ve earned that ice cream or cold beer at the end, and the views are a pretty sweet payoff.
You’ll also find public toilets, showers, a playground and picnic areas along the beachfront.
6. Little Cove Noosa
Ahhhh, Little Cove is one of my favourite Sunshine Coast beaches! Tucked away between Noosa Main Beach’s hustle and Noosa National Park’s greenery, this spot is a bit of a local secret.
Little Cove is where you go when you want to escape the typical beach crowd. Getting here though, is a bit of a hike, but the scenic walk is well worth the effort and entirely doable, even if you’re carrying a cooler, beach chairs, or a couple of kids.
Little Cove is not patrolled. Although it is often sheltered, conditions can change and there are rocks, submerged objects and shallow areas. For swimming, the safer choice is nearby Noosa Main Beach between the red and yellow flags.
Little Cove has limited facilities, although Beachsafe lists drinking water and showers nearby. There are no shops at the beach, but Hastings Street and Noosa Main Beach are only a short walk away.
7. Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach is north of the Sunshine Coast, in the Gympie region near Cooloola and K’gari. Treat it as a separate trip rather than a quick stop between the Sunshine Coast beaches.
The broad beach has space for walking and beach activities, with facilities near town. Lifeguard patrols operate during selected peak periods, not year-round; check Beachsafe for current patrol times and conditions, and swim between the flags when patrols are operating.
The beach is named for its colourful sand cliffs, a sight to behold. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the cliffs up close on one of the walking tracks, which offer incredible coastline views.
Rainbow Beach is a gateway to some cool natural attractions. In a suitable high-clearance 4WD, you can explore approved beach routes towards Double Island Point, but a Cooloola vehicle access permit is required. Check tides, park alerts and the current conditions report before leaving; Mudlo Rocks and the Double Island Point approaches can become impassable.
After a day of adventure, the town has a friendly, small-community feel with just enough cafes and shops to keep you fed and entertained.
8. Bulcock Beach
Bulcock Beach sits beside the Pumicestone Passage and is popular for paddleboarding, kayaking and family outings. Patrols operate only at selected times—generally weekends, school holidays and public holidays from September to May—so check Beachsafe and swim between the flags when they are present.
Bulcock Beach isn’t just about water activities. The boardwalk along the beach is perfect for a stroll, offering picturesque views with plenty of benches along the way where you can take a break and maybe even catch a sunset.
The beachfront also offers plenty of facilities, including BBQs, picnic areas, toilets, and showers, so you can make a full day of it. There are also some great playgrounds close by for the kids.
Located in the heart of Caloundra, Bulcock Beach is surrounded by a variety of cafes and shops, making it super convenient to grab a bite or a drink without having to stray too far from your beach towel.
The Sunday markets are a local highlight, offering everything from fresh produce to crafts.
9. Cotton Tree
Cotton Tree Beach is a favourite among my family and friends. Tucked away in the Maroochydore area, this beach is less about the hustle and more about kicking back and soaking in the coastal charm.
Cotton Tree sits beside the mouth of the Maroochy River and is popular for paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing. The water can look calm, but tides and river currents still create hazards, so check conditions and avoid treating the unpatrolled river area like a supervised swimming beach.
Around the beach, there’s a great walking path perfect for a leisurely stroll or jog, as well as BBQ facilities, picnic tables, playgrounds, toilets, and showers. The area is also dotted with quaint cafes and eateries where you can grab a coffee, a meal, or just a quick snack to refuel.
And for those who like to mix a bit of shopping with their beach time, there are some charming little shops where you can hunt for everything from local crafts to surf gear. Plus, if you’re around on a Sunday, you can’t miss the local markets that pop up, offering everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods.
The river area at Cotton Tree is not routinely patrolled, although the Maroochy River Mouth receives a limited school-holiday service. For regular year-round patrols, use nearby Maroochydore Beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
Click here for our full guide on things to do in Maroochydore.
10. Currimundi Lake
Currimundi Lake is popular with families because sections are often calm and shallow, but children still need close supervision. Water depth, currents and quality can change, particularly after heavy rain or when the lake mouth is open.
Kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding are popular here. Currimundi Beach is a short walk away, but its patrol service is limited to weekends and selected holiday periods, so confirm the current flags and patrol times before swimming.
There’s a walking track around the lake, as well as facilities such as BBQs, picnic tables, toilets, and showers. For the little ones, there’s also a playground.
Shops and places to grab a bite to eat are limited, but there are a few just across the road from the lake. As you can imagine though, these get incredibly busy during peak hours, so plan accordingly.
11. Tea Tree Bay
If Little Cove isn’t secluded enough for you – then you’ll want to walk a bit further into the Noosa National Park for the gorgeous Tea Tree Bay. The path from Noosa Main Beach to Tea Tree Bay is nothing short of spectacular, winding through lush bushland with occasional vistas that’ll make you want to stop for a photo (or ten).
Once you arrive, you’ll find a picturesque bay backed by dense greenery. Tea Tree Bay is unpatrolled, and conditions can change despite its sheltered appearance. Enjoy the scenery and surf only within your ability; for supervised swimming, return to Noosa Main Beach.
No shops or restaurants are here, so remember to pack what you need. That also goes for toilets – there aren’t any – nor are there any lifeguards on duty, so do take caution.
12. Peregian Beach
Peregian Beach is a local favourite on the Sunshine Coast, known for its laid-back charm and slightly off-the-beaten-path feel. It’s the kind of place you go when you want to escape the usual tourist traps and enjoy a more local beach life vibe.
The waves at Peregian are just right for bodysurfing, board riding, or even frolicking in the foam. They’re not too wild but certainly not too tame, making them ideal for families and casual surfers alike. Plus, there’s plenty of space, with a wide stretch of sand, offering plenty of room for everyone to find their perfect spot.
Peregian Beach has seasonal patrols rather than a continuous year-round service, so check Beachsafe and swim only between the flags when patrols are operating. Toilets, showers and parking are available, while nearby Peregian Beach Village has boutique shops, cafes and restaurants.
The village atmosphere near the shore is part of its charm. There’s a grassy square where community events and markets are held, offering everything from local crafts to gourmet snacks. It’s a great spot to wander around, grab a coffee, or enjoy live music on market days.
ENJOY THE SUNSHINE COAST!
Hopefully, this guide has got you super excited about visiting the Sunshine Coast.
If you’re planning a trip up the coast, I highly recommend you check out our Sunshine Coast guide, which provides links to everything you need to know to plan your trip. For a start, you should definitely read the guide on all there is to do on the Sunshine Coast.
I’d also recommend you join our free Queensland Travel Guide Facebook community, where you can ask all your questions and find even more great trip suggestions.
If you’re heading to the Sunshine Coast, you might also be interested in the following nearby hinterland destinations:
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