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Father and Son Surfing on Wurtulla Beach

15 Best Sunshine Coast Beaches For Surfing and Swimming


The best Sunshine Coast beaches offer surf, sand and sun, three ingredients every summer getaway needs to encompass. Australia’s iconic eastern coastline is known for its stunning shoreline, so narrowing down the best beaches on the Sunshine Coast, a picturesque pocket on the east coast of Queensland is no easy task. With sand so white it looks like flour and waters so enticing it’s impossible to resist a dip, we have managed to bring you our top picks for the very best beaches on the Sunshine Coast. Grab your sunscreen, sit back and enjoy.

tea tree bay noosa lookout

1. Tea Tree Bay, Noosa

Head slightly off the beaten track away from Noosa’s Main Beach and you’ll find Tea Tree Bay. You’ll have to find your way through the winding paths of the National Park to find this gem, and after about 30 minutes of walking, you will be met with picturesque clear waters and a sandy oasis. This beach is a favourite among surfers, with world-class waves and a peaceful atmosphere. The unlikely combination makes this beach one of the best on the Sunshine Coast.

Address: Noosa Heads, QLD 4567
Length: 0.1km
General Hazard Rating: 2/10 (Least hazardous)
Beach Key: qld1534

Tea Tree Bay

Surf Rescue Car on marcoola beach

2. Marcoola Beach

Marcoola Beach is the answer to a crowd-less beach perfect for the whole family. Tucked away just north of the Maroochy River, this white sand beach has a vast grass area perfect for long lunches and even has play equipment for the little ones. If you’re a keen surfer, the break here is also drool-worthy. It’s a long beach as well, so leave the kids with someone responsible and take a long, peaceful walk with just your thoughts and the sound of the waves.

Address: Marcoola, QLD 4564
Includes beaches: Yaroomba-mudjimba Beaches, Yaroomba, Coolum Resort, Mudjimba, Golden Beach, Discovery Beach, Boardwalk Beach
Length: 0km
General Hazard Rating: 6/10 (Moderately hazardous)
Beach Key: qld1543C

Marcoola

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kings beach caloundra lookout

3. Kings Beach, Caloundra

If you prefer a more vibrant beach vibe, Kings Beach in Caloundra is right next to the main town and has plenty of action going on in every direction you look. There is an abundance of eating options across the road and lots of space for your own BBQ or picnic. The ocean pool is just as enticing as the crashing waves and is the perfect spot for early morning laps and a post-swim coffee.

Address: Kings Beach, QLD 4551
Includes beaches: Kings Beach Pool
Length: 0.5km
General Hazard Rating: 5/10 (Moderately hazardous)
Beach Key: qld1554

Kings Beach

woman surfing on moffat beach

4. Moffat Beach

A true hidden gem of the Sunshine Coast, Moffat Beach’s distinct charm is making its way into the hearts of many more than just the usual locals that wander its sands. Not as popular as its neighbours, the beach is peaceful and quiet. Moffat Beach is also the start of a beautiful beach track that winds its way around the headlands. The tall trees that line Moffat Beach offer the perfect amount of shade whilst also adding to the undeniable serenity.

Address: Moffat Beach, QLD 4551
Length: 0.8km
General Hazard Rating: 3/10 (Least hazardous)
Beach Key: qld1552

Moffat Beach

alexandria bay noosa lookout

5. Alexandria Bay, Noosa

If you ever find yourself in Noosa, make sure you give yourself time to suss out Alexandria Bay and you’ll be met with a nudist-friendly paradise like no other. Take your kit off, or not, this beach is perfect if you love remote beaches that look like they go on forever. Of course, this means it’s a bit of a walk to get there, so pack snacks and plenty of sunscreen, especially if you plan to have your whole body exposed to the elements!

Address: Sunshine Beach, QLD 4567
Length: 1.2km
General Hazard Rating: 6/10 (Moderately hazardous)
Beach Key: qld1537

Alexandria Bay

Surfer On Mudjimba Beach Looking At Waves

6. Mudjimba Beach

A stone’s throw away from Sunshine Coast airport, Mudjimba is one of the best beaches on the Sunshine Coast if convenience and natural beauty are your top priorities. Its location tucked away in the backstreets means it doesn’t get too busy and its stretch of sand is vast enough to accommodate a large number of people regardless. Nearby playgrounds and plentiful parking- a beach day here is guaranteed to be stress-free.

Address: Mudjimba, QLD 4564
Includes beaches: Yaroomba-mudjimba Beaches, Yaroomba, Coolum Resort, Marcoola, Golden Beach, Discovery Beach, Boardwalk Beach
Length: 0km
General Hazard Rating: 6/10 (Moderately hazardous)
Beach Key: qld1543D

Mudjimba

Couple Walking Down The Coolum Beach

7. Coolum Beach

Spend a day at Coolum Beach and you’ll be oozing with chillness, just like the locals. The beach is a favourite for surfers, with perfect waves and crystal clear waters. The town is just as relaxing as the beach itself, the endless leafy streets and mountainous aspect making for the quintessential coastal town. There is also a park and plenty of fine places to eat- what more could you need?

Address: Coolum Beach, QLD 4573
Includes beaches: Sunshine-coolum, Sunshine, Sunrise, Marcus, Peregian, North Peregian, Coolum North
Length: 0km
General Hazard Rating: 6/10 (Moderately hazardous)
Beach Key: qld1539E

Coolum

Happy Family Running On main beach noosa

8. Main Beach, Noosa

One of the most popular beaches on the Sunshine Coast, you can see why, once you manage a glimpse through the sea of crowds, of course. One of the few north-facing beaches in Queensland, it is nicely sheltered which means calm waters and windless runs or walks along the soft sand. It’s safe and close to a range of trendy cafes, pubs and shops- it’s no secret why it’s a number one holiday spot!

Address: Noosa Heads, QLD 4567
Includes beaches: Noosa West
Length: 0km
General Hazard Rating: 3/10 (Least hazardous)
Beach Key: qld1532

Main Beach Noosa

mooloolaba beach lookout

9. Mooloolaba Beach

There is no shortage of things to do at Mooloolaba Beach, nor is there a shortage of activewear and green juices! This is your one-stop shop for everything a healthy, beach lifestyle has to claim. Set against a backdrop of clear, calm waters and flat, white sand, it’s no wonder why so many people choose to flock here for their morning stroll and vitamin-d and are back by the time evening rolls around for a delicious foodie fix.

Address: Mooloolaba, QLD 4557
Includes beaches: Mooloolaba- Main, Mooloolaba- Spit
Length: 0km
General Hazard Rating: 5/10 (Moderately hazardous)
Beach Key: qld1547

Mooloolaba

two surfers walking on wurtulla beach

10. Wurtulla Beach

A secret spot known mainly to locals and one of the best beaches on the Sunshine Coast, Wurtulla Beach is a true gem. If you have a four-legged friend you hate to leave at home when you go to the beach, luckily for you Wurtulla allows dogs in certain sections. It is peaceful and popular with local surfers.

Address: Wurtulla, QLD 4575
Includes beaches: Kawana Waters, Point Cartwright, Buddina, Kawana, Warana, Bokarina
Length: 0km
General Hazard Rating: 6/10 (Moderately hazardous)
Beach Key: qld1549F

Wurtulla Beach

Kid fishing and People Swimming In Kayaks on lake currimundi

11. Lake Currimundi

Technically a lake, connected to an unspoilt stretch of a surf beach, Currimundi is a glorious spot. The calm waters offer the perfect oasis for little ones who prefer to take it easy, with plenty of parks and walkways nearby for bike riding. Something about the soft folds of the water against the wet sand makes this one of the most peaceful beaches along the Sunshine Coast.

Address: Battery Hill, QLD 4551
Length: 0km
General Hazard Rating: 6/10 (Moderately hazardous)
Beach Key: qld1550

Currimundi

Kings Beach lookout

12. Kings Beach

A big name among the Sunshine Coast beach scene, it’s no secret why. Kings Beach is located in Caloundra and has a vibrant atmosphere all year round. The countless cafes, restaurants and parks make it feel like you’re on holiday with every visit. The beach itself is stunning, with rock pools for the kiddies and clear waters for you to float in, all day long.

Address: Kings Beach, QLD 4551
Includes beaches: Kings Beach Pool
Length: 0.5km
General Hazard Rating: 5/10 (Moderately hazardous)
Beach Key: qld1554

Kings Beach

Happy Family Playing In Water On shelly beach caloundra

13. Shelly Beach, Caloundra

This beach can often guarantee complete solitude, the fact that it’s unsuitable for swimming meaning you will rarely see a crowd. Perfect views for sunrise, bring a picnic and perch on one of the rocks while you watch the morning pass you by. Ideal for the whole family, you can bring your dog here too!

Address: Shelly Beach, QLD 4551
Length: 0.9km
General Hazard Rating: 4/10 (Moderately hazardous)
Beach Key: qld1553

Shelly Beach

Woman Relaxing In Hammock On cotton tree beach

14. Cotton Tree Beach

If you’re a fan of water-sports, Cotton Tree Beach may very well be your idea of paradise. Located on the banks of the Maroochy River and the shores of the Pacific Ocean, you can surf, hire a boat, kayak or even get on your jet ski if you have one! Our suggestion is to come by on a Sunday so you can catch the weekly markets- the joyful, relaxed atmosphere will make you feel like you’re in a fairytale.

Address: Cotton Tree, QLD 4558
Length: 0km
General Hazard Rating: 5/10 (Moderately hazardous)
Beach Key: qld1545

Cotton Tree Beach

Rainbow Beach lookout

15. Rainbow Beach

50 kilometres of sand heaven await you at Rainbow Beach, perfect if you have a four-wheel drive you like to take off-roading! Nestled perfectly between Noosa and Fraser Island, it is remote and peaceful. You will easily find a big patch of sand to park your car for the day. So, prepare for swims, snacks, and plenty of naps.

Area: 14.3 km²
Elevation: 14 m
Founded: 1969
Postal code: 4581

Rainbow Beach

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General FAQs

What's the best beach in Noosa?

The best beach in Noosa is Main Beach.

What's the best beach in Maroochydore?

The best beach in Maroochydore is Cotton Tree Beach.

Where's the best beach on Sunshine Coast?

There are so many stunning beaches on the Sunshine Coast, but our favourites are Kings Beach and Moffat Beach.