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Top 10 Beaches on the Sunshine Coast - You Will Enjoy Exploring
- Feb 26, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 31
Top 10 Beaches on the Sunshine Coast - You Will
Enjoy Exploring
Stretching for more than 100 kilometres from Caloundra in the south to the Cooloola Coast in the north, the Sunshine Coast is one of Queensland’s most loved coastal regions. This sun-drenched stretch of coastline is famous for its long sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and relaxed lifestyle, where mornings start with ocean swims and end with sunset walks along the shore.
From buzzing beachside hubs to quieter pockets backed by headlands and national parks, the Sunshine Coast offers a beach for every kind of traveller. Here are some of the most beautiful and popular beaches to explore along this iconic coastline.
Noosa Main Beach
Set right in the heart of Noosa, Noosa Main Beach is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most recognisable beaches. With its pristine white sand, gentle waves and north-facing position, it’s perfect for swimming, learning to surf or simply stretching out on a towel and watching the world go by.
Its central location makes it incredibly easy to combine beach time with shopping, dining and coastal walks, and the family-friendly conditions are a big reason it remains a favourite year after year.
Mooloolaba Beach
Mooloolaba Beach delivers the classic Sunshine Coast beach experience. A wide sweep of golden sand, blue water and a lively esplanade give this beach a vibrant holiday feel. It’s a popular spot for swimming and surfing, while paddleboarding and jet skiing add extra energy offshore.
Patrolled by the Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club, the beach is safe and welcoming, and the nearby cafés and restaurants make it easy to spend an entire day by the sea.
Kings Beach
Down in Caloundra, Kings Beach is one of the region’s most family-friendly beaches. The combination of rolling surf, grassy foreshore and a free 25-metre saltwater swimming pool makes it ideal for all ages.
Cafés, picnic areas, playgrounds and walking paths line the beachfront, while rockpools at low tide reveal a colourful underwater world. Kings Beach has a lively atmosphere that still manages to feel relaxed and welcoming.
Maroochydore Beach
Maroochydore Beach stretches for 1.6 kilometres and is a favourite with both surfers and casual beachgoers. With golden sand and reliable waves, it’s a great place to catch some action or enjoy a long beach walk.
Patrolled by the Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club — one of Queensland’s oldest surf clubs — the beach feels safe and energetic, with the nearby river mouth adding variety to the coastal scenery.
Moffat Beach
Tucked beneath a tree-lined headland, Moffat Beach has a distinctly local feel. The protected bay is not patrolled, but the sandy inlet of Tooway Creek offers shallow, calm water that’s popular with families.
The grassy foreshore shaded by pandanus and pine trees is perfect for picnics, and the laid-back atmosphere makes this beach a favourite for those wanting a quieter coastal escape.
Coolum Beach
With its long stretch of sand and consistent surf, Coolum Beach is well known for its relaxed surf culture. The foreshore features grassy parks, playgrounds and a scenic coastal boardwalk with sweeping ocean views.
Along the Esplanade, cafés, restaurants and boutique shops create an easy holiday vibe, making Coolum a great place to linger after a morning swim or surf.
Bulcock Beach
Located right near Caloundra’s town centre, Bulcock Beach faces south and enjoys calm, sheltered waters. It’s ideal for swimming, fishing, boating and windsurfing, especially for those who prefer gentler conditions.
The beachfront esplanade is lined with shady parks, picnic areas and playgrounds, making it a popular choice for families and anyone wanting an easy, accessible beach day.
Cotton Tree Beach
Near the mouth of the Maroochy River, Cotton Tree Beach is a beautiful and versatile stretch of coastline. It’s well suited to swimming, surfing and long, peaceful walks along the sand.
The Surf Life Saving Club patrols the area from the Seabreeze Caravan Park to the river mouth, and the mix of river and ocean scenery gives Cotton Tree a unique coastal character.
Golden Beach
Running for more than four kilometres along the Pumicestone Passage, Golden Beach is sheltered from ocean swell by Bribie Island. The result is calm, flat water that’s perfect for swimming, fishing and windsurfing.
With long sandy stretches and gentle conditions, Golden Beach is ideal for relaxed beach days, sunset walks and water activities without the surf.
Sunshine Beach
For a more rugged coastal feel, Sunshine Beach delivers open ocean drama and natural beauty. Located just south of Noosa National Park, this 15-kilometre stretch of coastline offers powerful surf breaks, brilliant white sand and crystal-clear water.
It’s the perfect escape from the busier beaches, especially for those who love long walks, fresh sea air and a sense of space.
Why the Sunshine Coast Beaches Are So Special
The Sunshine Coast isn’t defined by just one perfect beach — it’s the variety that makes it unforgettable. From calm, family-friendly shores and buzzing esplanades to surf beaches backed by headlands and national parks, there’s a stretch of sand here for every mood and moment.
Whether you’re swimming, surfing, strolling or simply soaking up the sunshine, the Sunshine Coast delivers beach days that feel effortless, beautiful and endlessly inviting.
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