5 Best Beaches on the Sunshine Coast Australia

5 Best Beaches on the Sunshine Coast Australia feature

 

There are plenty of coastal hotspots to choose from in this Land Down Under, but personally I really think the Sunshine Coast of Australia is hard to beat.

Maybe I’m a bit biased, having been stationed here for a while now, but honestly the crystal clear water, the colour of the sand, the nearby nature as well as the cleanliness and accessibility of the beaches is hard to beat.

The Sunshine Coast Australia is located in southeast Queensland, just north of Brisbane and therefore is also blessed with the sort of weather and climate that makes enjoying the great beaches here even more possible and worthwhile.

With temperatures averaging around 20 degrees in the winter and then shooting up to around 30-35 degrees in the summer, there really is no reason not to get down and enjoy a swim in the ocean or the feeling of sand between your toes almost any day of the year.

This makes the Sunshine Coast Australia a hugely popular destination for home-grown tourists, who flock here from the generally colder states of Victoria and South Australia.

Surprisingly however, the Sunshine Coast is not a widely known destination for many international travellers.

As such, I thought I’d give those of you in the dark a glimpse of what this stunning area can offer by showing you my 5 favourite beaches on the Sunshine Coast Australia.


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#1 Sunshine Beach

Sunshine Beach Surfer

Coming in at number 1 has to be my local. Only a 5 minute stroll from my front door, Sunshine Beach is a massive expanse of white sand popular with surfers and walkers.

As such there is a pretty laidback feel to this beach and the suburb in general.

With the surf club sitting right above, tempting you with its fantastic views, it would be rude not to stop here and enjoy a drink in the sun too.

The famous Noosa National Park also sits at the head of Sunshine Beach where dolphins, turtles and even whales are a common sighting at the right time of year.

If your in the Sunshine Beach area make sure you get to the local bar/restaurant Mooshka too – it has a great happy hour and regular live music.

 

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#2 First Bay, Coolum

First Bay

At the end of the Coolum boardwalk lies the beautiful cove beach of First Bay, probably my favourite on the whole of the Sunshine Coast Australia.

Small and stunning, this tucked away little gem has some great swimming as well as beautiful pandanus to get some shade under when the sun gets too hot.

Being only a small cove, the tide does get pretty high here, restricting the amount of sand to lie on, but time it right and this incredible bay gives you the perfect Australian coastal colourscape – blue sky, white sand and gorgeous turquoise waters.

 

#3 Noosa Main Beach

Noosa Main Beach

Incredibly popular with families this firm favourite on the Sunshine Coast Australia is great for people of all ages.

Tucked around a corner, the rough waves of Pacific here are gentler meaning it’s an excellent beach for swimming or SUP-ing.

Lifeguards on duty add to the safety level and there are showers and changing rooms available that make it an easy place for those with young kids.

Just behind the beach is Noosa’s famous Hasting Street, so if the sun becomes too much, you can always swap the beach for the street and enjoy a spot of shopping or a sip on a cocktail from one of the many restaurants and bars.

 

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#4 Mooloolaba

Mooloolaba

Another popular pick for the whole family is Mooloolaba’s beach.

Larger and busier than most in these parts, there is plenty here to keep everyone entertained.

With safe swimming, lifeguards, excellent toilets and showers it’s another easy beach destination on the Sunshine Coast Australia if you have young kids.

This is emphasised by the nearby playground area where they can run around, or there are plenty of shops and restaurants along the seafront, as well as a great surf club, to keep adults happy too.

We often go to Mooloolaba if we’re looking to get a bit further out of Noosa and to enjoy a bit more of a lively, happening atmosphere.

 

#5 Peregian Beach

Peregian

I love Peregian Beach on the Sunshine Coast Australia because of the real community feel that this little village has.

In particular, once a month on a Sunday, a free music event happens just above the beach in a small park area.

Known as the Peregian Originals this great event brings many Sunshine Coast locals out and while it’s a great place to chat, socialise, enjoy the music and dance in the sun you can also walk 2 minutes away and enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea.

There is a skate park here too and lots of lovely little boutique shops and cafes serving up some great coffee.

My favourites are Annie’s Books and the Skal Coffee.

Check them out and enjoy this beautiful location even without the free music.

 

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5 Best Beaches on the Sunshine Coast of Australia {Big World Small Pockets}

So those are my 5 favourite beaches on the Sunshine Coast, Australia.

Have you visited this area?

What were your favourites?

 

4 thoughts on “5 Best Beaches on the Sunshine Coast Australia

  1. Eloise says:

    Great list! 🙂 I don’t think I’ve been to First Bay, it’s now on the list!

    Alexandria Bay (between Noosa’s main beach and Sunshine Beach) is amongst my favourite beaches up there. Not that I like nudism, but it’s beautiful and peaceful compared to the busy Noosa. And I love escaping to the National Park and have a stop there. There are other beaches on the way that are beautiful and quiet as well.

    • Steph says:

      So true Elouise – we live right near A Bay and love it too (although not the naked old men!) I was hard picked to select my favs! – Tea Tree Bay and Little Cove in the National Park also narrowly missed out! See you at First Bay soon 🙂

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