The Sunshine Coast stretches over 55 kilometres of coastline, from Caloundra in the south to Noosa Heads in the north, with 36 stunning sun-soaked beaches to choose from!
From Caloundra to Noosa the coastline offers an aquatic playground, each beach with it’s own unique charm, features and facilities. Some of the beaches provide the perfect spot for safe swimming, others are well known for surfing and then there’s those that are ideal for a long leisurely stroll along the sandy shores.
So here’s our guide to the beautiful sun-soaked beaches of the Sunshine Coast:
Mooloolaba
Naturally our very own Mooloolaba Beach is extremely popular boasting countless barbecue areas, great amenities, and regularly patrolled swimming areas. Mooloolaba’s serene beaches are a visitor’s dream and popular with families due to the generally calm, sheltered swimming areas. After you’ve hit the beach you can enjoy a bit of retail therapy at Mooloolaba’s exclusive boutiques or relax at one of the many cafes and restaurants for some alfresco dining along the beachfront. Just a short stroll from the beach you’ll also find SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast and The Wharf Marina.
Alexandra Headland Beach
Just north of Mooloolaba is the beach known by locals as ‘Alex’. As the name suggests, the beach is on a headland which provides a popular surf break. The beach is also patrolled, so it’s a great place to enjoy swimming in the waves in a safe environment. On the foreshore there’s also an outdoor skate park and beachside BBQ facilities.
Maroochydore
The beaches surrounding Maroochydore offer something for everyone, with superb surfing and many recreation activities including kite surfing and fishing. Maroochydore Beach is patrolled by lifeguards. If you want to try some calmer waters then the Maroochy River has lovely sandy shores and is perfect for paddling a kayak or standup paddleboard. Fun fact: Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club is one of the oldest in Queensland – founded on New Years Day in 1916!
Caloundra
Beaches in Caloundra vary from the calm protected waters in the Pumicestone Passage at Golden Beach and Bulcock Beach, to the surf break at Moffat Beach, to family friendly Kings Beach with it’s oceanfront saltwater swimming pool and water activity area. You can enjoy a wide range of activities including jet skiing, windsurfing, volleyball or just relax with friends and family over a beachside BBQ.
Kawana
With its long stretch of open beaches, this region hosts some of the best surfing spots on the Sunshine Coast with names like Wurtulla, Buddina, Currumundi and Warana Beaches. Keen surfers are spoilt with their pick of uncrowded banks on this superb section of coastline.
Coolum
Coolum has a laid-back atmosphere and offers a large grassy beachfront park with skate park and BBQ facilities, so it’s a great spot to spend the day with family. The beach is known for it’s surf and is the home break of pro surfer Julian Wilson.
Further north of Coolum, if you are looking for some quieter more secluded and lesser known beaches on the Sunshine Coast, try some of the spots between Coolum and Noosa – Marcus Beach, Sunrise Beach and Sunshine Beach. They are simply superb.
Fun fact: Mount Coolum is the second largest rock in the world! The volcanic dome boasts 360degree view over the coastal town.
Noosa
Noosa has a spectacular assortment of beaches offering everything from horse riding to snorkelling, leisurely swimming and great surfing. The main beach is patrolled 365 days a year and is perfectly protected from strong southerly winds. The area also boasts many uncrowded and secluded beaches hidden amongst the cliffs and bays throughout the Noosa National Park. From Mooloolaba it’s a great option for a day or half day trip.
With an amazing selection of golden beaches offering families, couples or solo travellers numerous options, there is no wonder that visitors flock to the Sunshine Coast. You can surf, swim, sunbake, snorkel or SUP at one of these stunning beaches one day and try a different one the next!
Book your Sunshine Coast Accommodation at Seaview Resort Mooloolaba and explore the beautiful beaches of the Sunshine Coast. Select from spacious and comfortable one, two or three bedroom apartments all with magnificent sea views, within a short stroll to coffee shops, cafes, restaurants, shopping, patrolled surf beaches and attractions.