Sunshine Beach Travel Guide

Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Beach which includes markets and street scenes as well as a large group of people
Sunshine Beach which includes general coastal views
Sunshine Beach
Sunshine Beach showing rugged coastline, a sandy beach and landscape views
Sunshine Beach featuring general coastal views as well as an individual male
Open-air bars and cafés meet golden sands at this laid-back beach just a short distance from the stunning Noosa National Park.

The gorgeous Sunshine Beach is renowned for its blue-green waters and perfect surfing spots. Enjoy Sunshine Beach’s cosmopolitan waterfront, with stylish boutiques, cafés and restaurants. Take a walk on the beach and explore the bush trails within the rocky northeast headland of Noosa National Park.

Stroll through the national park, one of Australia’s most visited parks. The wild coastline is an important refuge for native wildlife and contains wallum heaths, rainforest and kauri pine. It takes about 40 minutes to walk to Alexandria Bay and 1 hour to walk to Noosa’s Laguna Bay. Explore the scenic Noosa Heads along a selection of five trails, ranging from 0.6 to 3 miles (1 to 5 kilometres) each way and catering to all fitness levels.

Stretch out on the golden sands of Sunshine Beach and relax with a good book. The northern part of the beach is friendly to dogs watch locals bringing their pooches to enjoy the sunshine and salty air. Enjoy an uncrowded surfing session at the open coastline. If you’re a beginner, arrange a lesson with the experts at the local surf school.

Head to the local beach bar and find a spot on the deck for a delicious meal or cool drink. Stroll along the shady main street, enjoy a coffee or browse the clothing boutiques. If you are at Sunshine Beach on a Sunday, head to the Sunshine Beach Surf Club for Sunday Sessions. These afternoon live-music events are a hit with locals and visitors alike. Enjoy the music with a backdrop of uninterrupted ocean views.

Sunshine Beach is on the southern side of Noosa National Park, located between Noosa and Coolum. The beach is only a 5-minute drive from Noosa Heads. The laid-back atmosphere and picturesque sights of Sunshine Beach make it the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Sunshine Beach

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
4 out of 5
42 First Avenue and Fairway Drive, Maroochydore, QLD
The price is £80 per night from 21 May to 22 May
£80
includes taxes & fees
21 May - 22 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (658 reviews)
"Walking distance to lots of restaurants and Sunshine Plaza. Easy parking. Room was clean and modern."

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
4 out of 5
270 Ocean Drive, Sunshine Coast, Twin Waters, QLD
The price is £103 per night from 21 May to 22 May
£103
includes taxes & fees
21 May - 22 May
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"An excellent family resort. Very safe and with excellent professional staff."

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2025

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
4 out of 5
923 David Low Way, Marcoola, QLD
The price is £95 per night from 4 May to 5 May
£95
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
"Nice accommodation."

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2025

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Mooloolaba Esplanade & Venning St, Mooloolaba, QLD
Fully refundable
The price is £131 per night from 14 May to 15 May
£131
includes taxes & fees
14 May - 15 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,616 reviews)
"We stayed for 7 days in 2 bedroom apartment. Fantastic master bedroom, small 2nd room (for 2 teenagers). 2 bathrooms that were lovely and decent sized. Great balcony. Great location near beach and headland. Not too far to reach the flags for swimming. Great options for food. Quiet. Location. Very ..."

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2025

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Landmark Resort
Landmark Resort
4 out of 5
11 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba, QLD
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,981 reviews)
Excellent Stay
"Peaceful central location. Facilities well appointed and staff friendly, courteous and promptly accommodating."

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2025

Landmark Resort
Ivory Palms Resort
Ivory Palms Resort
4 out of 5
73 Hilton Terrace, Noosaville, QLD
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (759 reviews)
"Great place for families"

Reviewed on 12 Apr 2025

Ivory Palms Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Sunshine Beach

Noosa Heads featuring tropical scenes and a beach

Noosa Heads

A noteworthy feature of Noosa Heads is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Hastings Street and Noosa National Park.

Noosa Heads
Noosaville featuring general coastal views and a coastal town

Noosaville

Noosaville is known for its stunning river views, and you can see some sights area like Shorehaven Bushland Reserve and Keyser Island Conservation Park.

Noosaville
Tewantin showing general coastal views and a bay or harbour

Tewantin

Tewantin is noteworthy for its river views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Noosa Marina and Tewantin Noosa Golf Club.

Tewantin
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Noosa North Shore

Travellers like the beaches in Noosa North Shore, and Beach Park Noosa North Shore is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Noosa North Shore
Peregian Beach which includes a sandy beach

Peregian Beach

Peregian Beach is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Peregian Beach or Lake Weyba.

Peregian Beach
Coolum Beach showing landscape views and a beach as well as a couple

Coolum Beach

The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Coolum Beach. A stop by Aqua Fun Park or Coolum Beach might round out your trip.

Coolum Beach


Sunshine Beach Travel Guide

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