📍11 Best Sunshine Coast Beaches To Plan Your Next Seaside Escape Around. (2024.)

CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT THE BEST SUNSHINE COAST BEACHES ARE?

If you’re looking for an idyllic seaside getaway, the Sunshine Coast in Queensland’s South East is one of the most spectacular places to look. Located an hour and a half north of Brisbane, this beautiful region with its quaint towns dotting the coastline is the epitome of seaside peace and tranquillity, offering an unspoilt beach experience vastly different from what’s available at the more well-known city of the Gold Coast, south of the capital.

During my time on this Earth, I’ve explored many of these coastal gems and am eager to share with you the places with the best beachfront. So, whether you’re looking for some ocean-facing beaches with waves to splash around in and surf, ones that are more sheltered from direct impact for families with young kids, or kayakers and paddleboats, something isolated, hidden and hard to get to, or somewhere sandy to take your four-legged friend, here are the top beaches the Sunshine Coast has to offer.

1. Maroochydore Beach & Alexandra Headland Beach.
Maroochydore.

Halfway along the Sunshine Coast’s exceptional lineup of coastal towns lies the region’s only seaside city, Maroochydore, an alluring blend of urban appeal and beachside tranquillity. Among its most captivating attractions are the side-by-side beaches of Maroochydore Beach and Alexandra Headland Beach, an extensive lineup of golden sands directly in front or across the road from the city’s best beachfront accommodation.

Both are great all-around beaches thanks to the east-north-east direction they face, providing gentle waves averaging around 1m at Maroochydore Beach and slightly lower towards Alexandria Headland, perfect for swimmers and boogie-boarders. Be aware, though, that rips are common along this stretch of sand, so, as always, it’s highly recommended to swim between the red and yellow flags where the water is the safest and lifeguards are on hand to help out should something go awry.

Pros.

• Patrolled.
• Great for swimming & boogie-boarding.
• Beachfront accommodation.

Cons.

• Touristy.

🤩 Best Nearby Accommodation: Alexandria Apartments

2. Kawana Beach.
Buddina.

One of the longest open beaches on the Sunshine Coast lies just a stone’s throw southeast of Maroochydore at Kawana Beach. Stretching over an impressive 9 km from Point Cartwright to the mouth of Curmmundi Creek, this place is fantastic for those who enjoy long barefoot walks feeling the sand between their toes. 

The beach is also a dream destination for surfers, with numerous wave breaks averaging 1.5m in height, making it a great place to go for people who love riding the waves without the company of other beachgoers. 

As a swimming experience, it is more limited as the many rips that create hazardous conditions, especially near Point Cartwright. The safest place to go for a dip is at the northern end around Buddina, where the signature red and yellow flags earmark the safest area to bathe under the professional supervision of lifeguards. 

Pros.

• Great for surfing.
• Has one area patrolled by lifeguards at Buddina.
• Fantastic for long walks on the beach.

Cons.

• Not patrolled.
• Hazardous conditions, especially near Point Cartwright.
• Not advisable for swimming outside the red and yellow flags.

3. Coolum Main Beach.
Coolum.

Halfway between the idyllic coastal destinations of Noosa and Mooloolaba lies the spectacular seaside town of Coolum. This stunning place is blessed with being one of the most beautiful places on the Sunshine Coast, thanks to its gorgeous natural landscapes, which include the friendly neighbourhood mountain, sheer coastal cliffs and of course its beaches.

The most popular is Coolum Main Beach, which thanks to its consistent waves and clear waters, is a particular favourite amongst surfers, most notably, as the beach of choice for pro surfer Julian Wilson. But it’s not only for the elite. Its fantastic surf conditions make it an excellent spot for both seasoned and beginner surfers learning how to ride the waves for the first time.

The beach is also patrolled by lifeguards, making it a safe spot for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy swimming or boogie-boarding in the ocean, all are which are great activities to do to cool off after enjoying the sweeping panoramic views from the nearby Mt Coolum trail.

Pros.

• Patrolled.
• Great for surfing, swimming & boogie-boarding.
• In one of the prettiest towns on the Sunshine Coast.

4. Dicky Beach & Moffat Beach.
Caloundra.

Occupying the northern side of the Moffat Headland in the coastal destination of Caloundra lies Dicky Beach and Moffatt Beach, two of the best side-by-side ocean-facing beaches on the Sunshine Coast.

Dicky Beach stretches over 800 meters south of Currimundi Lake and faces a slightly northerly direction, giving a median wave height of 1m, providing a moderately safe beach experience under general conditions. However, it is always best to swim between the red and yellow flags near the Dicky Beach SLSC.

On the southern end closest to the headland lies Moffatt Beach, a fantastic spot for those who prefer calmer waves. Smaller swells and fewer hazards mean it is one of the safest places to swim in the ocean on the Sunshine Coast. But it is important to know this beach is NOT patrolled by lifeguards.

It’s still an appealing place to visit, though, as the beach along here caps off Tooway Creek, making it an excellent location for people who want to switch between doing ocean activities such as splashing around in the waves and boogie boarding and creek activities, such as snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding, make it ideal for flexible beach-goers or groups who want to do it all.

Pros.

• Dicky Beach is patrolled.
• Great for swimming in the waves and boogie-boarding.
• Can enjoy traditional beach activities and sheltered creek activities at Moffat Beach.

Cons.

• Moffatt Beach is not patrolled, although it is still one of the safest places to swim.
• One of the busier places to find parking.

5. Mooloolaba Beach.
Mooloolaba.

Between Maroochydore Beach and Kawana Beach lies one of the best Sunshine Coast beaches for families seeking a safe, fun-filled day by the ocean. Mooloolaba Beaches lies on the northward-facing curve between Alexandra Headland and Point Cartwright on the narrow spit separating the Mooloolaba River from the sea.

This unique orientation means the waves here are typically gentle, averaging between 0.5 to 1 metre high, perfect for young kids taking their first forays into the ocean. Helping to put parents’ and guardians’ minds at ease, the beach is also patrolled by lifeguards, ensuring help is on hand should something go awry.

Pros.

• Patrolled.
• Small waves, great for young kids.

Cons.

• Awkward spot.
• Hard to find parking.
• Touristy city.

6. Cotton Tree Beach.
Maroochydore.

A short distance inland from the mouth of the Maroochy River at the northernmost end of Maroochydore Beach lies one of the best places for families with young children seeking a serene environment for the little members of the brood to play.

Cotton Tree Beach is a beautiful spot renowned for its calm waters, making it an excellent choice for those with young children. If having a peaceful place for them to create sandcastles, dip their toes into the water or try their hand at snorkelling in a safe environment or other beach activities is the order of the day, this picturesque spot is pretty unbeatable.

For bigger kids and adults, the still waters provide the perfect conditions for activities like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, a great way to incorporate adventure and relaxation into your beachside holiday.

Pros.

• Patrolled.
• Great for families.
• Fantastic for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

7. Noosa Main Beach.
Noosa.

Noosa is one of the country’s best coastal destinations, and it’s not hard to see why. With a laid-back atmosphere, two national parks on its doorstep and pristine beaches galore, the seaside town is the epitome of the idyllic lifestyle Australia is famous for. One of those beaches is Noosa Main Beach. And it is the perfect place for spending those hot days bathing in the ocean.

This gorgeous stretch of northeast-facing sand lies between the base of Noosa Heads and the river mouth and is divided into two sections. While both sides have lifeguards patrolling it, swimming is not recommended near the groyne or anywhere west of it as rips are usually present along with strong tidal currents near the river mouth.

The eastern side, however, is a fantastic spot for a family fun day at the beach as the picturesque area has low, gentle waves averaging between 0.5m and 1m. This is thanks to its unique location tucked behind the headland, preventing the swell from impacting it directly, and providing the perfect playground for young kids and inexperienced swimmers to safely splash around in.

Pros.

• Patrolled east of the groyne.
• Small swells.

Cons.

• Dangerous being in the water near the groyne or anywhere west of it.
• Touristy.
• Hard to find parking.

8. Currimundi Lake.
Caloundra.

Currimundi Lake is another fantastic spot for a family beach vacation. This tranquil waterway, just north of Caloundra, is easily accessible from both sides, making it an ideal location for many water-based activities, such as swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding and kayaking.

Adding to the allure is the Currimundi Lake Conservation Park on the river mouth’s northern bank. This untouched green space is a lovely place to enjoy a scenic stroll, with a well-maintained walking trail that leads to quiet Wurtella Beach, where, when the tide is low, you can walk across the exposed tidal flats to the southern banks or vice versa.

Pros.

• Fantastic calm waterway, especially for families with small kids
• Great for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding.
• The southern side is patrolled.
• Conservation park nearby.
• Can cross back and forth from the northern to southern bank.

10. First Bay.
Coolum.

One of the most beautiful beaches on the Sunshine Coast is First Bay in the picturesque town of Coolum. This breathtaking place is nestled in a secluded cove surrounded by rugged cliffs that aren’t visible to people driving on the road, making it one of the region’s best coastal gems.

For casual visitors, it’s a beloved spot to go for a walk or pop into the water for a swim or a surf, however, this isn’t a patrolled beach, so enter at your own risk. It’s also a popular wedding venue, with ceremonies being held atop the northern headland of Point Perry, with First Bay providing a romantic backdrop for those exchanging nuptials and engagement shoots being held on the beach, which is understandable given the sheer beauty of the viewpoint, and the reason it’s my favourite beach too.

Pros.

• The most beautiful beach on the Sunshine Coast. (I think so anyway)
• Numerous lookouts dot the headlands nearby, including Point Perry & Point Arkwright.
• Best place along the coast for weddings, vow renewals and photoshoots.

Cons.

• Not patrolled.

11. Alexandria Beach.
Noosa National Park, Noosa.

Those looking for an isolated beach adventure needn’t look further than Alexandria Beach. Nestled in the furthest reaches of the magnificent Noosa National Park, traversing along this long, unspoilt stretch of golden sand will make you like a pirate sailing the seven seas whose ship washed up on a distinct shore! At least that’s how it made me feel.

Several trails throughout the park lead to the pristine beach. The most scenic route is the southern half of the Coastal Walk which starts at Sunshine Beach and goes past the spectacular Devil’s Kitchen, followed by the western entrance of that same route which commences at Park Road and leads to several picturesque viewpoints including the magnificent Hell’s Gate. Alternatively, you can start from Parkedge Road for a more forested walk.

As for swimming, however, it’s not advised as strong currents and surf are particularly dangerous at this unpatrolled and isolated location.

Pros.

• Involves a picturesque walk past some of the best coastal landscapes in the region.
• Great way to spend a day out in nature, rather than just going to the beach. Great for getting family members off their devices.

Cons.

• Not patrolled.
• Dangerous surf and currents.
• Noosa is one of Australia’s premier seaside destinations, so it’s busy and hard to find parking.
• Unofficial nude beaches. If go naked, you might get fined. If you go clothed, you may encounter nude people. But it’s a big beach so there is plenty of space to go around.

12. Teewah Beach.
Great Sandy National Park.

For those looking for a secluded paradise even more off the beaten path, Great Sandy National Park on the northern side of the Noosa River has the ultimate Sunshine Coast beach for you.

Firstly, just getting to Teewah Beach involves more effort as it requires catching a ferry to reach the access point at North Shore. Once there, you can swim, surf and do all the regular beach activities. But the best way to experience this unspoilt paradise with a high-clearance 4WD, as between here and Double Island Point, where the lighthouse resides, there is nothing but 40km of pristine driveable beachfront, untouched coastline and picturesque trails waiting to be explored.

A day trip through this coastal wilderness is always time well spent, but it’s not nearly enough to appreciate this expansive national park that crosses into the greater Gympie region. Luckily, two campgrounds, Teewah, towards the southern end and Freshwater, toward Double Island Point, lie just behind the dunes, providing the ultimate secret beach getaway for adventurous types.

Pros.

• Tonnes of space!
• Great for outdoorsy people.

Cons.

• Not lifeguard patrolled.

Sunshine Coast Beaches Map.

The beautiful Sunshine Coast is blessed with plenty of beautiful beachfront perfect for your next coastal getaway. From places that exist directly outside prime beachfront accommodation such as at Maroochydore to the sheltered shores of Currimundi Lake and the remote and untouched beauty of Teewah Beach in Great Sandy National Park, there’s no shortage of breathtaking Sunshine Coast beaches to make your next seaside trip a memorable one.