There are surely lots of things to do in Sunshine Coast, but one of the things that should be in your to-do list when you arrive there is to look for the beaches. In the mellow, lengthy summer, unwinding in one of the beaches is definitely a great idea.
Sunshine Coast has got some of the best beaches in Australia, with soft white sand, clear blue ocean, and consistently bright skies. Whatever your mood is- if you want to have a picnic, grill some BBQ with your group, or just relax and do nothing, the beaches have got everything for you.
Best Beaches in the Sunshine Coast
The beaches listed below are Sunshine Coast’s best beaches packed with keen surfers, swimmers and groups of people who want to unwind and relax for a day or two. Some of them are family-friendly, some of them are not, and some of them are also ideal for taking your doggy friends and having a marvelous time digging through the dunes.
Dive into the list of best beaches in the area to get started with your travel schedule:
1. Marcoola Beach
The Marcoola Beach of Coolum is one of the most famous beaches in Sunshine Coast. Walk for around 10 minutes south of Coolum to get there. The beach is widely known for its great surf breaks. For the people who have a thing for surfing, Marcoola Beach is one of the finest places. You get the sun, sand and surf. What more does a surfer need?
Keen sunbathers can also sunbathe by sitting on the sand. The surrounding is quite tranquil as it is uncrowded, therefore, people who love to take long strolls on beaches will surely love it here. If you are up for some swimming sessions, you can dip and dive with the waters, but make sure to swim amid the flags, in the areas where the lifeguards patrol. Due to the rips, swimming at this beach might be risky.
Marcoola Beach also makes an ideal place for picnics with family or friends. The surrounding is filled with grassy zones where you can sit and relax under shady trees if you don’t want to bask under the sun. You will find public BBQ facilities, a playground for the children, seafood restaurants, fish shops and Marcoola Surf Club for some snacks.
On Friday afternoons, you can plan to visit the Marcoola Market. The market gets set up with numerous food stalls and warm live music. The food and the music become the centre of attractions and promise the visitors as well as the locals for a great time.
The beach is a hidden gem but surely makes for one of the best beaches in Sunshine Coast. If you visit it during winter and are lucky enough, you might see migrating humpback whales near the shore. For some breathtaking coastal panoramas, you can climb the nearby Mount Coolum and witness the beauty of the blue-green water and the satiny white sands.
2. Tea Tree Bay
Tea Tree Bay of Noosa National Park also is one of those beaches in Sunshine Coast which makes it a favoured surf zone. The beach is a hidden gem in the Noosa Headlands territory at Noosa National Park. One needs to trek up the coastal path to reach the beach, but the long walk is worth it.
Tea Tree Bay makes for a great place to get away from the noises and crowds and embrace nature. Therefore, it is also a favourite spot for those who want to de-stress and chill. Bring your snacks and a blanket and sit amid the rocks to have a great relaxing day while you enjoy the pristine coast. For the kids, there are rock pools where they can experience unlimited fun.
If you trek further down the coastal path of Tea Tree Bay, you will come across a treasure trove of glistening surf-lapped coves, which invites the visitors for a swim or surf and can take you to Alexandria Bay (A-Bay). The Main Beach is also around the corner.
Walk up to Hastings Street and there you will find a sanctuary of boutiques, restaurants, cafes and speciality stores. If you forget to pack your food basket, don’t panic, because there is the Sails Restaurant, Massimo’s Gelateria and Happy Pops to rescue you. Numerous eateries at the beach will make sure you have an indelible feast after you laze on the warm sand.
3. Main Beach
Main Beach is the feather in the cap of Noosa Heads. It is one of the most renowned beaches in Sunshine Coast. Perfect for outings with families, friends or any group, the panoramic scene of the beach will engulf you. Golden sands bathed in sunlight and facing north, make yourself comfortable on the coast and feel the gentle waves hitting you. There are sheltered shores to rest on if you have got yourself enough tan.
The beach is also renowned among surfers, as surfing is among the top five activities that should be done once someone visits the Noosa Main Beach. If you are an experienced surfer, aim for the waves at First Point with all the other experts, or stay at the generally modest swells if you are a novice. You can go for a dip without any worries because the area is patrolled by lifeguards year-round.
For your stomach cravings, there are plenty of shops, bars, cafés and restaurants on Hastings Street. If you want to stay there for a day or two, you can opt for any of the luxury resorts that line the beach’s golden beachfront.
4. Kings Beach
Kings Beach is one of the famous beaches in Sunshine Coast and is an ideal spot for family hangouts. The kids will love the place because there is a playground to hop around in. There is a bandstand as well as an oceanfront saltwater pool for those who to take a quieter dip. There are upscaled accommodation options around the beach if you want to stay for a day or two.
It is one of the best swimming beaches in Sunshine Coast, and you will find out why once you dive into the water. Don’t forget to visit the beachfront swimming pool. It is the main attraction of the beach and has a 25-meter lap pool and space for kids to paddle.
There are more joys packed in the bundle of Kings Beach for the little ones. Find a water park behind the beach where they can run wild without hitting the crowds. After some sessions with the water hitting your feet, set up a barbeque session with your group. If you lack BBQ equipment, you don’t need to worry at all. Walk some steps away from the sandy beach to find plenty of cafés and restaurants to relish.
5. Alexandria Bay
Alexandria Bay, also known as A-Bay as locals like to call it, is one of the best nudist beaches in Sunshine Coast as well as Australia. It is not recommended to bring the kiddies to the beach, but you can visit it with other adult family members or friends.
To find this fetching beach, you need to follow the trails through the Noosa National Park from the Sunshine Beach side. Clothing on this beach is always an option, despite of being famous as one of the best nudist beaches. The long stretch of sandy beach will welcome you openly, and it makes the ultimate spot to de-stress. Bring some snacks to munch and some sunscreen to put on while you relax on the golden sands.
6. Mudjimba Beach
Once a hidden jewel, Mudjimba Beach is just a short walk away from the Sunshine Coast Airport. It is one of those beaches in Sunshine Coast that offers the best water sports. The Maroochy River and the Pacific Ocean enfold the area’s more than three kilometres of soft sand coasts. Surf and swim on the waves at the ocean side, while taking a sunbathing session and listening to the crashing waves staying on the beachfront.
At the back of the beach, there is a kids’ play area and a big park made for barbeques and picnics. Bring your things and set up for BBQ or picnic. In case you don’t want to bring food, you don’t need to worry because you can get everything you want from the shops nearby.
Another great thing about the beach is that it is dog friendly. Bring your furry friends and unleash them without any worry. For beach lovers who want to take a walk away from the gushing waters, they can leisurely trek around Pincushion Island to the sheltered river mouth.
From Mudjimba Beach, you can view Mudjimba Island. It is the most notable place and one of the best swimming zones in Sunshine Coast. There are some decent fishing zones along the entire beach. In case you are planning a staycation, there is Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park made just for you. It is one of the best campgrounds in Sunshine Coast and is just a couple of minutes’ walk away from the seaside.
7. Coolum Beach
You will find Coolum Beach nestled amid Maroochydore and Noosa. One of the best beaches in Sunshine Coast where you can watch migrating whales during migration season, there is more to the beach that will draw you right towards it. The sand, rock pools and pretty weather will give you a ring.
One of the top activities that you should try out while you are at the beach is surfing. It is one of the ideal places to learn surfing if you are a newbie. Patrolled by lifeguards all the time, you can even get an instructor to help you out. Between surf breaks and hitting the high waves, you will have expertise in surfing. Enthusiastic swimmers have also a place on the beach. There are some wonderful sites to take a plunge. Though patrolled all the time, you should be cautious and swim amid the flags.
Before jumping into the water, you can soak up the sun while lying lazing on the white sand, or take a walk along the coast. The elongated beachside boardwalk is loved by those who seek ideal beach walks. You can also hike to Stumers Creek with your canine friend if you have one. The place is famous for its off-leash doggish entertainment.
If your stomach calls for some munchies, cross the road to find shops that sell fish and chips, locals’ choices like New Earth Cafe, Daily Dose and Compound Secondhand Surf + Espresso. Once your stomach has its meal, don’t forget to go all the way up to Mount Coolum. It is a must-do activity if you are at Coolum Beach.
For individuals who seek more isolation from the crowds, there are First Beach, Second Beach, and Third Beach. These are the hidden beaches in Sunshine Coast and you can get there if you walk southward along the beach path of the Point Arkwright Trail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Sunshine Coast have a beach?
Some of the most dazzling beaches in Australia can be found on Sunshine Coast. Some are patrolled year-round, and some are not. The details about the finest Sunshine Coast beaches are given above in our article.
2. What is the safest beach in Sunshine Coast?
Noosa Main Beach is the safest beach in Sunshine Coast. Perfect for outings of families, friends or any groups, the beach is also renowned among surfers, as surfing is among the top five activities that should be done once someone visits the Main Beach.
3. Are there sandy beaches on the Sunshine Coast?
Sunshine Coast has numerous beaches to explore, and there are lots of sandy beaches, like Kings Beach, Bulcock Beach, Golden Beach, and Alexandria Bay to name a few. The list of best Sunshine Coast beaches is given above.
4. How many beaches are there in Sunshine Coast?
There are numerous beaches in Sunshine Coast. From sandy, tropical beaches to rocky, desolate beaches, you will find a plethora. The finest beaches in Sunshine Coast are mentioned above.
Also read: 5 Amazing Things to Do in Wagga
Last Updated on May 11, 2024 by Kaushiki Mahato
