While the area may be a little quieter than its southern cousin on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast beaches are some of the best you will find in Queensland.
Beauty surrounds visitors to the sunny coast, with many opportunities to explore and enjoy decent surf and golden sands, whether spending the day by the sea or taking a coastal walk.
With various beaches, our guide will help you choose the right location for the type of activities you want to do, whether sitting back and relaxing or getting out in the surf.
Source: Queensland
Family-Friendly Sunshine Coast Beaches List
Parents with little ones often dread taking the whole family to the beach, especially when they hope for gentle waves but encounter rough surf instead. Kings and Bullock beaches are two of the Sunshine Coast’s best beaches for tourists and locals with young families.
Kings Beach
Located in Caloundra, Kings Beach is a firm favourite for families. It features a gentle shoreline, a free saltwater ocean pool, and plenty of shaded areas. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards year-round, giving parents extra peace of mind while the kids splash about. There’s also a fantastic playground, picnic areas, and nearby cafes for when hunger strikes. Parking is generally easy, and the wide promenade is perfect for a family stroll along the coast.
Bulcock Beach
Just around the corner from Kings Beach, Bulcock Beach sits along the Pumicestone Passage and is known for its calm, shallow waters. This is an ideal spot for toddlers and young swimmers who are just finding their feet in the ocean. The grassy foreshore area is perfect for picnics, and there’s a playground close by as well. With shops and eateries just a short walk away, it’s easy to make a full day of it with minimal effort.
Cotton Tree Beach
Cotton Tree Beach has everything you could want: clear, blue water, a well-kept playground, and BBQ areas, making it ideal for families with children of all ages. It’s also a popular spot for watersport activities and fishing and is close to many other family-friendly attractions.
We love this stunning location with everything the whole family needs to spend a day at the beach. It’s a must-see when visiting the coast.
Mooloolaba Beach
The perfect location for little waders and building sand castles in pure white sand, Mooloolaba Beach is also patrolled by two surf lifesaving flagged areas between September and May. It has a great children’s play area, toilets, and showers.
Fringed by the glistening banks of the Maroochy River and a short walk to Alexandra Headland Beach, this stunning location offers plenty of space for a family to spread out and stunning views to enjoy.
Source: Brisbane Kids
Catching Waves at Surf Beaches
If you’re keen to follow in the footsteps of pro surfer Julian Wilson or simply want to catch a few waves, Moffat and Coolum Beaches are top picks on the Sunshine Coast. These spots are perfect for beginners taking surf lessons or more experienced surfers looking to carve up some clean breaks.
Moffat Beach
Moffat Beach offers the ideal surf breaks if you’re looking for a place that attracts an experienced crowd. The coastline is picturesque, and there are set waves for long rides. But because it’s an unpatrolled beach, surfers need to watch out for the waves and watch out for humpback whales during the winter months.
There’s an inlet nearby for family-friendly swimming, ideal for paddle boarding and kayaking. When you get a little thirsty, be sure to enjoy some of the best Sunshine Coast craft beer at Moffat Beach Brewing.
Coolum Beach
Out of all the Sunshine Coast beaches, Coolum Beach is where you will find boardies, bare feet, and surfboards: the locals’ uniform. There are surrounding eateries to refuel, and if you’re new to the sport, Coolum Surf School will show you the ropes.
With different types of waves, the location is ideal for anyone, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
Sunshine Coast Beaches Suitable for Exploring
If you like to take in the natural beauty of your surroundings and discover treasures in rock pools, a day of fun is almost guaranteed at these two stunning Sunshine Coast locations: Shelly and Rainbow Beach.
Shelly Beach
While it’s not ideal for swimming, there is much you can explore on foot, and it is the perfect place for discovery for budding marine biologists. You’ll likely find blue periwinkles, barnacles and chiton in the clear, ankle-deep water.
If you’re visiting beaches on the Sunshine Coast, Shelly Beach is ideal for walking, picnicking, and enjoying a cool breeze to cool off.
Rainbow Beach
While it’s sometimes referred to as a secret beach, it’s known to many as a place for adventure. With its long stretch of sandy beach, you can easily spend a few nights in the area, taking advantage of 4WD, horseback riding, paragliding, and other activities.
For a slower pace, it’s a great spot to stretch out on the sand with your favourite book or simply relax.
Alexandra Headlands Beach
This fun spot is a place where you can marvel at the magic found amongst the rock pools and enjoy the beauty of the beachfront, where you can cycle and explore. Aside from being a calming place to visit, there is much to explore, whether directly on the beach or in surrounding picnic areas.
It’s a fun spot for families to enjoy together, along with budding surfers, with its decent swell and nearby surf school.
Beaches Where Pooches Are Welcome
Is your best friend four-legged and enjoys the pristine beach as much as you? There are many pooch-friendly beaches for you to explore together, with two of our favourites being Buddina and Sunshine Beach.
Buddina Beach
Buddina is an off-leash dog beach you cannot go past. Your pup can chase the waves all day, every day, and enjoy the shady grass foreshore for a picnic or coffee with friends. While the dog section may be small, there is still plenty of room for you to enjoy a run and splash together.
Sunshine Beach, Noosa
Also known as Noosa’s Main Beach, aside from being an adventurer’s playground, it has an off-leash area for your favourite four-legged friend. Surrounded by dog-friendly cafes, the Sunshine Beach Surf Club, and places to swim, it’s an ideal location for the whole family.
The Sunshine Coast’s Best Beaches for Rest & Relaxation
If you’re looking for calm waters and a beautiful haven, Golden Beach and Little Cove are quiet havens compared to Noosa North Shore and Kings Beach on the Sunshine Coast.
Golden Beach
The calm waters that hug the shore of Golden Beach are the perfect spot for swimming, fishing, windsurfing, or getting out on your boat. You can cook your catch on the supplied barbeque and watch the beautiful sunset to finish your day.
It is an ideal location for swimming as it is a patrolled beach, making it a safe place for the whole family to swim and play.
Little Cove
Even though it’s only a ten-minute walk from Noosa’s main beach, Little Cove’s serenity makes it a hidden gem. While most enjoy the hustle and bustle of the main beach, fewer people make the most of the soft white sand and the calm water flow.
Aside from being one of the Sunshine Coast’s best beaches, you can enjoy Noosa National Park and the main beach with all they have to offer if you continue a little further.
Marcoola Beach
If you’re looking for a peaceful beach escape away from the crowds, Marcoola Beach is the place to be. With its long, quiet stretch of sand and laid-back vibe, it’s perfect for those who just want to relax, read a book, or enjoy a gentle walk by the ocean. While the beach is patrolled seasonally, it’s far less busy than some of the Sunshine Coast’s bigger names, making it ideal for a slower-paced day out.
Nearby picnic spots, cafes, and walking paths make it easy to spend a few hours here without any rush. And if you’re bringing your pup, Marcoola Beach also allows dogs during certain hours, adding to its welcoming, low-key charm.
Alexandria Bay
We couldn’t go past mentioning Alexandria Bay, located in Noosa National Park, which you can only reach on foot. You cannot get a more hidden gem, as this Sunshine Coast beach is an unofficial nudist-friendly paradise, so all you’re likely to need is some sunscreen and a towel!
Sunshine Coast Sunrise Spots
Point Cartwright, Buddina
Perched at the northern end of Kawana Beach, Point Cartwright offers panoramic views stretching from Mooloolaba to Caloundra. It’s a favorite among photographers and early risers for its stunning coastal vistas.
Mount Coolum
An early morning hike up Mount Coolum rewards you with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean as the sun rises. The climb is moderately challenging but well worth the effort.
Mudjimba Beach
Facing east, Mudjimba Beach provides unobstructed views of the sunrise over the ocean. The presence of Mudjimba Island adds a unique touch to the morning scenery.
Mount Tinbeerwah, Noosa Hinterland
Just a short drive from Noosa, Mount Tinbeerwah offers a relatively easy 1km hike to a lookout with 360-degree views of the coast and hinterland. It’s an accessible spot for families and those seeking a less strenuous climb.
Mooloolaba Beach
Set up near the “Loo with a View” and watch the sun emerge from behind Point Cartwright Lighthouse. With nearby cafes, it’s a great spot to enjoy a coffee post-sunrise.
Sunshine Beach Lookout
Located at the southern end of Noosa National Park, this lookout provides stunning views over Sunshine Beach. It’s a short but steep climb, rewarding visitors with a peaceful sunrise experience.
Dunethin Rock, Maroochy River
This heritage-listed site offers panoramic views of the Maroochy River, Mount Coolum, and the surrounding countryside. It’s a tranquil spot to witness the sunrise away from the crowds.
Tip: Remember to check local conditions and access points before heading out and enjoy the natural beauty that awaits you at dawn.
Visit Sunshine Coast Beaches on Your Next Getaway
If you’re in search of the best beach the Sunshine Coast has to offer, you’ll be glad to find not just one but a multitude of top-tier options.
There are many things to love, from the soft white sand on Mooloolaba Beach to the consistent surf at Tea Tree Bay. The golden shores and calm waters at Bulcock Beach are also quite popular.
With so many choices, there’s bound to be a location with what you’re looking for, be it golden shores, places to paddle, a wooden pirate ship, a nearby skate park, or shady trees. The only thing left is to find some of the best Sunshine Coast beach house accommodation with breathtaking views of your favourite beach with Sunshine Coast Getaways. The Sunshine Towers are a popular place to stay that is good for families and is close to Maroochydore Surf Beach.
From lavish hotels to family-friendly spots, the sparkling waters and golden sand await each day. If you want to know more about what’s on offer in the region as soon as you begin dreaming of your next getaway, contact our team and get the most out of your holiday.
