Top 10 Sunshine Coast beaches

Treat yourself to a relaxing holiday of sun, sand and surf in a blissful Sunshine Coast beach town.

The Sunshine Coast beaches of Australia all come with soft white sand and a clear blue ocean, but each one has a unique feel. You can visit secluded beaches, surf beaches, quiet beaches, the best beaches for kids and lifesaver-patrolled beaches for safe swimming. Our top Sunshine Coast beaches list will help you find your perfect holiday destination. Wherever you choose to stay, you'll be within easy reach or other seaside towns to explore.

Air New Zealand flies non-stop from Auckland to the Sunshine Coast seasonally between July and October. The after-breakfast departure from Auckland gets you to the Sunshine Coast in time for lunch, arriving just after 11am (Sunshine Coast time). At other times of the year you can fly non-stop to Brisbane then drive 60 minutes north to the Sunshine Coast.

1. Noosa Main Beach

Sheltered, sandy and north-facing, Noosa's beautiful Main Beach has gentle waves that are perfect for families or learning to surf with one of the local surf schools. Surf lifesavers are on duty every day and the sand is only a few steps from the shops, bars, cafés and foodie-celebrated restaurants of Hastings Street.

2. Mooloolaba Beach

Voted the fourth best beach in the country by TripAdvisor, Mooloolaba Beach is one of Australia's safest and most family-friendly surf beaches. A boardwalk follows the ocean to Mooloolaba Spit, known for sheltered water swimming and excellent seafood cafés.  Along the beachfront on Mooloolaba Esplanade you'll find a great selection of juice bars, cafés, restaurants, fashion boutiques and more.

3. Kings Beach

With a festive, energetic vibe, Kings Beach is all about fun in the sun. Explore rock pools, watch kids play in the fountain jets, swim in the oceanfront saltwater pool or enjoy the sandy beach with its rolling surf and protected swimming areas. You'll also find plenty of beachside parks, playgrounds, cafés and restaurants to enjoy.

4. Little Cove Noosa

A 10-minute stroll from Noosa Main Beach, unpatrolled Little Cove is a picture-perfect cosy beach with gentle waves, fewer people and plenty of sand for sunbathing. The boardwalk from Noosa Main Beach, which runs beneath shady trees and offers spectacular views, continues to the coastal tracks and forest trails of Noosa National Park.

5. Marcoola Beach

Keen surfers, sunbathers and beach walkers love the peaceful, uncrowded nature of Marcoola Beach. There are lifesaver-patrolled areas for swimming, public BBQs under shady trees, fish shops and seafood restaurants to enjoy. Migrating humpback whales pass close to shore in winter and you can climb nearby Mount Coolum for spectacular coastal views.

6. Moffat Beach

Moffat Beach is loved for its café scene, upmarket accommodation and a superb surf break along the headland that shelters the beautiful sandy beach. There's also a popular seaside playground for kids and a long coastal walk past Kings Beach to Bulcock Beach, or you can simply relax and enjoy a craft beer at the local brewery.

7. Sunshine Beach Noosa

Just south of Noosa National Park, 'Sunshine' has a peaceful village feel. Cafés, shops and restaurants sit beneath shady trees and pandanus palms, while the surf club has a restaurant deck that's perfect for whale spotting in winter. With a year-round surf patrol, reliable waves and plenty of beach house accommodation, there's a lot to like about Sunshine Beach.

8. Coolum Beach

Experience the relaxed holiday feel that sets this leafy beach town apart from its busy neighbours. A consistent reliable surf break has made Coolum Beach popular with both surfers and body boarders, plus there's a good selection of shops, casual cafés and fine dining restaurants to enjoy. Don't skip the hike up Mount Coolum – it's an epic walk that takes less than two hours return.

9. Bulcock Beach

A favourite for weddings, social get-togethers and young families, Bulcock Beach looks across sheltered azure blue water and sand banks to the northern tip of Bribie Island. There's plenty to do. You can kayak, paddleboard or sail into the tranquil Pumicestone Passage, go fishing or wander the waterside boardwalk to esplanade cafés and restaurants.

10. Alexandra Headland

Looking for a laid-back coastal town with a long curving white sand surf beach, a headland for walks with views and green parks to explore? 'Alex' could be your perfect holiday spot. There's a lifesaver patrol for safe swimming, a consistent surf break along the headland, an epic outdoor skate park and it's just a short walk to the vibrant towns of Maroochydore and Mooloolaba.

Keep exploring the Sunshine Coast

Sunrise over Old Woman Island (Mudjimba Island), image courtesy of Visit Sunshine Coast; Horse riding image courtesy of Tourism & Events Queensland; Kangaroos image courtesy of Mike Heydon