A local's guide to the Sunshine Coast's best beaches

List

By Sarah Bristow

Here in Queensland, we’re proud that our beaches live up to the hype. A quick two hours from Brisbane sits a concentration of these coastal beauties on the Sunshine Coast, a 100km stretch of sand, reaching from Caloundra in the south right up to the rainbow sands of the Cooloola Coast. With so many different beaches to choose from, our below guide will help you navigate your way through the best beaches of the Sunshine Coast.

For the families

Bulcock Beach

Armed with more than its fair share of playgrounds, Bulcock Beach is nirvana for the young and young at heart. Let the kids loose on the wooden pirate ship and castle that sit within the grassy parkland bordering the beach, while you spread out on the nearby sand.

Expect calm and patrolled water conditions here, with the chance for tiny tots to splash about in the paddling pools that form at low tide. The energetic are also in luck; a beginner’s surf break sits nearby at Happy Valley.

Kings Beach, Caloundra 

One dip in the water here and it's easy to see why Kings Beach has become a go-to for those with kids in tow. The jewel in this beach’s crown is the foreshore swimming pool, which boasts a 25-metre lap pool, and space to paddle for the tykes.

Follow your swim with a barbecue at one of the many scattered across the foreshore. On Caloundra’s main drag a bevy of cafes also await you; or head to Seafood Market Caloundra to pick up that all-important bucket of prawns.

Mooloolaba Spit 

Far more relaxed than its Esplanade is the Mooloolaba Spit on Parkyn Parade, away from the hustle and bustle of the main drag.

This peaceful pocket comes complete with protected waters courtesy of the neighbouring rock wall, which offers plenty of fishing potential so pack your rods and reels.

Mooloolaba is a hub for Queensland’s fishing fleets, so this is the place to snap up local seafood, which you can get straight from the trawler at Mooloolaba Fish Market and Fisheries on The Spit.

For the surfers

Coolum Beach

Photo by @sismar

Sitting pretty between Maroochydore and Noosa is Coolum, home to sand, rock pools, and a collection of surf breaks. With bare feet and boardies the local’s uniform, this is a suburb passionate about its swell, and there's different waves catering to everyone from beginners to seasoned pros. If you're a newbie, you can even take a lesson right here.

Post-surf, refuel at local favourites like New Earth Cafe, Daily Dose and Compound Secondhand Surf + Espresso; or grab a spot on the balcony overlooking the beach at Coolum Surf Club.

Noosa National Park 

The most famous Sunshine Coast resident, Noosa, has more to offer than just Main Beach, particularly for surfers. Meander along the track into Noosa National Park and you’ll find a collection of the best swim spots and surf breaks, like Nationals, Boiling Pot, Tea Tree Bay, Granite Bay, and Alexandria Bay. Your board will thank you.

Just be warned, Noosa National Park doesn’t offer anything in terms of food, aside from a quaint kiosk at the park entrance, so don’t forget to pack a hamper.

For the best of both worlds

Noosa Heads

Lively year-round, Noosa Heads is the most popular Sunshine Coast destination for good reason. The best of city and beach mingle her: the north-facing Main Beach offers calm waters for a paddle, with Hastings Street on its fringe a haven of boutiques, restaurants, cafes and specialty stores, and some of the best accommodation in Noosa.

It’s not just the beach itself which is considered an iconic part of town, but a number of Noosa’s eateries; follow a lazy day spent on the sand with a memorable meal at beachside fine diner Sails Restaurant, and a scoop of gelato from Massimo’s Gelateria or Happy Pops, where crowds gather daily.

Mooloolaba Beach

As recognised for its Esplanade as it is the sandy stretch out front is Sunshine Coast hub Mooloolaba. Take a dip in one of the number of patrolled beaches strewn throughout its length, or take the board out for a spin at nearby Alexandra Headland.

Once hunger pangs arise, make your way to the main drag, where countless bars, restaurants and eateries call home, including some of the region’s best cafes: The Velo Project and CK Cafe Bar and Wholefoods included.

Cotton Tree

Flanked by thriving Maroochydore on one side, and surfing paradise Alexandra Headland on the other, sits Cotton Tree. A meeting point of ocean and river inlet, the resulting calm waters here welcome leisurely dips, as well as a bevy of water-borne activities, from stand-up paddle boarding to kayaking downstream. Once you’ve exerted all your energy, treat your tastebuds to a sample of the suburb’s burgeoning cafe culture at local favourite Harvest Breads.

Looking to spend a few nights? There's a popular holiday park right here on the sands. 

For dog owners

Point Cartwright Reserve 

Dog owners can take their pick of serene stretches of sand to spend their days on the Sunshine Coast - as well as pet-friendly cafes to visit after their run. 

With natural beauty in spades, Point Cartwright Reserve is one of the more picturesque places to take your pooch for a walk. From the high cliffs of the coastal headland neighbouring the unpatrolled beach you can look out onto surrounding Mooloolaba and Mount Coolum, and more often than not spot both surfers and humpback whales in the swell. The rolling lawns in this reserve make it ideal for picnics; stop off at the weekly Kawana Waters Farmers Market first to stock up on gourmet goodies.

Sunshine Beach

Adventure seekers will find a friend in Noosa's Sunshine Beach. While the tide can turn rather wild and wooly, this pretty stretch remains a favourite for swimmers and surfers alike.

More importantly, it provides ample running space for dogs, who have access from Access point 27 and running all the way up to Noosa National Park’s southern headland.

While small in size, the district is big in foodie potential. Dog-friendly cafes like Entity (formerly Costa Noosa) mingle with burgeoning fine diner Sum Yung Guys, and local institution the Sunshine Beach Surf Club.

Twin Waters North Shore

This place is a dream for those with dogs in tow; from Access point 132 to the Maroochy River mouth sits a sandy playground for dogs to frolic.

Meander your way along the rolling hills and wade in the water with your four-legged friend, adventuring to Pincushion Island at low tide. If your dog is a socialite they'll love how popular this beach is, and it's conveniently close to Mudjimba for a well-deserved coffee and sweet treat after your stroll.

For calm waters

Currimundi Lake, Caloundra

Photo by @hideaway.hut

Get back in touch with nature at this Sunshine Coast conservation park not far from Maroochydore.

After a day spent exploring the bounty of native flora and fauna on offer, cool off with a dip in Currimundi Lake, a mass of shallow waters that has become a haven for kayaking, fishing, and swimming alike, or stroll over the dunes to reach the just as popular Currimundi Surf Beach.

Golden Beach, Caloundra 

Easy swims are an everyday occurrence at this beach sitting at the southernmost tip of the 25km Caloundra Coastal Walk.

Neighbouring Bribie Island protects the waters here, leaving mellow conditions ideal for a wallow or a stand-up paddle board. Ambitious fisherman can cast a line at nearby Fraser Park Jetty. Cook up your catch for a feed at the public barbecues that line the Esplanade and nearby Andrew’s Way Park.

For fans of a surf town

Moffat Beach, Caloundra

Photo by @anitaski

Great surf spots are a given on the Sunshine Coast - but so are its surf towns. A little bit quieter, there's a slower pace, a friendly hello and a great cup of coffee right here.

Nestled in Caloundra you’ll find Moffat Headland, a community favourite for its consistent swell, and the home to Australia’s longest running surf competition, The Ma and Pa Bendall Classic.

Moffat also boasts a protected inlet ideal for a dip, but the beach isn’t patrolled so be wary of the waves. Alternatively, turn towards neighbouring Tooway Creek for a stress-free splash in the shallows.

While watching surfers make the most of the right-handers, sip on a coffee from one of the many cafes that flank Moffat’s main strip, or a local beer from the beachside Moffat Beach Brewing Co.

Peregian Beach

The saying good things come in small packages is especially true of Peregian Beach. A collective of residents and a handful of holiday makers make up the population of this seaside village, that while a mere 10 minutes from Noosa’s thoroughfare, is remarkably more relaxed.

Community-driven, twice a month the suburb is home to the Peregian Beach Market, but year-round you can drop in to town for some of the region’s best coffee and breakfast on offer: Hand of Fatima, Skal and Raw Energy are a trio of stand-outs.

For those seeking serenity

Wurtulla Beach

Photo by @senatkst

Mosey on down the Caloundra Coastal Walk to greet this hidden gem. A local secret, Wurtulla Beach is 1km of patrolled sand and sea that remains a haven of peace and quiet for those hankering for a swim in solitude.

Surfers will also be tempted to visit; the offshore winds mean that surf swell remains consistent year-round.

And if you're looking for more peace and quiet, add these other secret beaches on the Sunshine Coast to your weekend agenda. There's always somewhere new to discover.

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