Welcome to the Sunshine Coast Beaches — a stunning 100km stretch of golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back Queensland charm from Caloundra in the south to Noosa in the north. Famous for its perfect blend of world-class surfing, sheltered family bays, and pristine national parks, this region offers uncrowded waves, warm year-round swimming, and breathtaking coastal scenery backed by the Glass House Mountains. Whether you’re chasing epic point breaks at Noosa’s iconic spots or relaxing on patrolled shores with playgrounds and cafes, the Sunshine Coast delivers that authentic, relaxed beach lifestyle Queensland is known for.
At its core is incredible surf consistency shaped by gentle sandbanks and headland protection—making it a surfer’s paradise for beginners learning in calm bays to pros riding long peelers at Moffat, Alexandra Headland, and Coolum. Beyond the waves, enjoy vibrant beachside towns like Mooloolaba and Maroochydore for dining and shopping, or escape to quieter gems like Peregian and Kings Beach for picnics and sunsets. With easy access from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast is the ultimate coastal getaway blending adventure, nature, and pure relaxation.
Popular Sunshine Coast Beaches
From iconic surf spots to calm family havens, here’s a selection of standout Sunshine Coast beaches beyond the main breaks:
- Noosa Main Beach: Patrolled, north-facing gem with gentle waves, soft sands, and Hastings Street cafes nearby—perfect for families, swimming, and relaxed surfing.
- Mooloolaba Beach: Vibrant patrolled strip with calm waters, surf club, playgrounds, and esplanade dining—ideal for families and beachside strolls.
- Coolum Beach: Long open sands with consistent waves, patrolled areas, and boardwalk—great for surfing, walking, and dog-friendly sections.
- Kings Beach (Caloundra): Family favorite with ocean pool, patrolled swimming, playgrounds, and foreshore parks—excellent for kids and picnics.
- Alexandra Headland (Alex): Patrolled beach with reliable waves, skate park, and coastal path—popular for surfing and family days.
- Maroochydore Beach: Wide patrolled sands with river mouth, cafes, and shopping nearby—versatile for swimming, surfing, and relaxation.
- Moffat Beach: Laid-back local spot with reef breaks, headland walks, and cafes—great for intermediate surfing and chill vibes.
- Peregian Beach: Quiet, natural stretch with off-leash areas and village charm—perfect for uncrowded walks and dog-friendly escapes.
- Cotton Tree (Maroochydore): Sheltered river/beach combo with calm swimming and parks—family-oriented with shade and facilities.
Explore individual pages for maps, surf reports, photos, and tips—submit your favorites below!
Key Surf Spots on Sunshine Coast 🌞
- Noosa Heads (First Point / Tea Tree / National Park / Granite Bay / Johnsons) — Iconic right-hand point breaks in the Noosa National Park. Consistent walls with clean faces and long peelers — First Point for beginners/intermediates (mellow, forgiving rides); Tea Tree/National Park/Granite Bay for advanced sections with better shape and power on NE swells. World-class but often crowded; stunning scenic walks and whale watching nearby (June-Nov). 🏄♂️
- Alexandra Headland (Alex / The Bluff) — Reliable right reef/point break leading into sand-bottom peelers. Ripppable walls, occasional barrels on bigger SE swells; great for progression, longboards, and intermediates. Central location, patrolled, less crowded than Noosa on smaller days. Classic Sunshine Coast vibe. 🌴
- Mooloolaba / Point Cartwright — Powerful beach and reef/point spots (e.g., Point Cartwright lighthouse area, The Bluff at Alex). Hardcore locals’ favorites with punchy rights, tubes on groins/sandbars; works on SE swells, handles size for experienced surfers. Less crowded options nearby; watch for rips and sharks. 🔥
- Mudjimba Island (Old Woman Point Island) — Remote offshore reef with excellent lefts/rights. Challenging paddle, heavy and inconsistent but highly rewarding on the right swell (SE). Advanced only — 4WD/boat access or long paddle; quality waves when it fires, very sharky waters. 🦈
- Coolum Beach — Long open beach with shifting sandbar peaks. Fun, rippable lefts/rights for intermediates; mellower sections on smaller days. Less pressured than southern spots; good family vibes nearby with patrolled areas. 🏖️
- Wurtulla / Moffat Beach — Beginner-friendly beach breaks and protected points. Gentle rolling waves, ideal for learners, longboards, and surf schools. Family-oriented, low crowds, patrolled; great intro to Sunshine Coast surfing. 🌊
(Note: Noosa points shine on NE summer swells but can be inconsistent otherwise; open beaches more reliable year-round on SE winter swells. Conditions shift with sand movement — always check local reports, tides, and shark sightings.)
Explore Nearby Attractions
Beyond the surf and sands, the Sunshine Coast boasts incredible experiences—from Noosa Everglades kayaking and Australia Zoo adventures to hinterland hikes in the Glass House Mountains, Eumundi Markets, and Kondalilla Falls swims. Dive deeper on our full Sunshine Coast Attractions guide for maps, tips, and exclusive booking deals.
🐕 Sunshine Coast – Dog-Friendly Beaches
The Sunshine Coast region (Sunshine Coast Council) offers some of Queensland’s most generous dog access, with over 16km of off-leash and 17km of on-leash beach areas as of December 2025. A new Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan (adopted December 2025) maintains or expands access while protecting sensitive dunes/shorebirds—minor changes include safety rules at carparks (e.g., on-leash until 10m onto beach) and no dogs in coastal dunes at all times. Many beaches have 24-hour off-leash zones; others are timed or on-leash. Noosa-area beaches (northern end) are highly dog-friendly. Always check signs for exact boundaries.
- Alexandra Headland: Partial—on-leash generally; nearby Buddina/Kawana sections have off-leash (e.g., access 210-217 all times).
- Bulcock Beach: Partial—on-leash or timed off-leash in sections (Caloundra area; check for 4pm-8am allowances near Moffat/Shelly).
- Coolum: Yes, one of the best. Large 24-hour off-leash around Stumers Creek (northern end of Coolum Caravan Park, access 67-72, extending ~3km north/south of creek)—iconic spot with calm lagoon for swims (minor 2025 carpark safety rule: on-leash until 10m beachside).
- Cotton Tree: Partial—on-leash along foreshore; no full off-leash beach section (nearby parks may allow).
- Dicky Beach: Partial—on-leash or timed (Caloundra area; similar to Moffat with 4pm-8am off-leash possible).
- Golden Beach: Partial—on-leash generally (Caloundra foreshore).
- Kings Beach: Restricted—often prohibited in main patrolled/family areas; on-leash in outer sections.
- Little Cove, Noosa: No—dogs prohibited (near Noosa National Park; sensitive area).
- Marcoola: Yes, dog-friendly. Timed off-leash in sections (e.g., access 97-98: 5am-8am & 5pm-8pm).
- Maroochydore: Partial—on-leash along main beach/foreshore; off-leash in quieter northern/southern extensions.
- Moffat Beach: Partial—timed off-leash (4pm-8am as signed).
- Mooloolaba: Restricted—no dogs on main Mooloolaba Beach foreshore (patrolled/high-traffic); nearby Buddina has off-leash.
- Noosa Heads – Main Beach: No—dogs prohibited (main patrolled area); but nearby Noosa Spit (river side) is excellent off-leash.
- Peregian: Yes, dog-friendly. Large 24-hour off-leash stretches (often connected south to Coolum/Stumers).
- Point Cartwright Reserve: Yes, good options. 24-hour off-leash in sections (e.g., access 198-201 & 210-217 Buddina side).
- Shelly Beach: Partial—timed off-leash (e.g., 4pm-8am May-Oct as signed; Caloundra area).
- Sunshine Beach: Yes, highly dog-friendly. 24-hour off-leash at northern end (from access 27/Seaview Terrace north to Noosa National Park boundary).
- Wurtulla: Partial—connects to Currimundi/Kawana off-leash zones (on-leash daytime in some).
Important notes: Standouts include Coolum/Stumers Creek (retained large off-leash after community feedback), Sunshine Beach North, and Buddina/Kawana stretches. No dogs in playgrounds, patrolled flags, or dunes. The 2025 plan adds future expansions but keeps current generous access. Rules current as of December 2025 (post-plan adoption). Always check on-site signage, the interactive map/app, or Sunshine Coast Council website (pets.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au—search “dog off-leash areas”) for precise zones—pick up after your dog, keep under effective control, and respect wildlife/other users.
💬 Share Your Sunshine Coast Beach Photos & Reviews
📸 We’d love to see your favourite moments from the Sunshine Coast! Upload your photos, share your experiences, and leave a review to help other visitors discover the region’s best beaches and hidden coastal gems.
💡 Please note: Full names and emails are kept private — only your chosen Display Name will appear publicly.
🌿 Click below to submit your photos and review — we can’t wait to hear from you!
🏨 Share Your Accommodation Experience
Stayed along the Sunshine Coast’s stunning beaches? Upload your photos and share your experience at local resorts, beachfront apartments, or boutique holiday stays. Help other travellers find the best accommodation across the Sunshine Coast.
💡 Please note: Full names and emails are kept private — only your chosen Display Name will appear publicly.
🌿 Click below to submit your photos and review — we can’t wait to hear from you!
📸 Submit Your Accommodation Review
🍴 Places to Eat & Drink
The Sunshine Coast is a foodie’s paradise, offering everything from beachfront cafés and stylish surf-club restaurants to vibrant markets and relaxed coastal dining. Discover fresh local produce, ocean-view brunch spots, and hidden gems along the coast — then share your own favourites below!
💡 Please note: Full names and emails are kept private — only your chosen Display Name will appear publicly.
🌿 Click below to submit your photos and review — we can’t wait to hear from you!
📸 Submit Your Food & Drinks Review
💡 Please note: Full names and emails are kept private — only your chosen Display Name will appear publicly with your review.