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 £97 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
£97
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 Mar
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! (625 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay"

Reviewed on 14 Mar 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 £111 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
£111
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 Mar
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! (1,001 reviews)
I’ll be back!
"Rooms remain modern, clean and there are good facilities available. The gardens are extensive with local wildlife to enjoy watching. Definitely worth coming back again."

Reviewed on 11 Mar 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £97 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
£97
includes taxes & fees
25 Mar - 26 Mar
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Great resort facilities but the room we stayed in needed a repaint. Great location and only a short drive to all the Sunshine Coast attractions"

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2025

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Mooloolaba Esplanade & Venning St, Mooloolaba, QLD
The price is £138 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
£138
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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! (2,604 reviews)
"Loved our stay. Thanks Mantra!"

Reviewed on 5 Mar 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! (1,960 reviews)
"Excellent - would definitely stay here again and recommend it!"

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2025

Landmark Resort
RACV Noosa Resort
RACV Noosa Resort
5 out of 5
94 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads, QLD
The price is £182 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
£182
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,714 reviews)
"Lovely hotel, pools and nice and warm. Super friendly staff, great atmosphere. Free games room for kids. Would definitely recommend."

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2025

RACV Noosa 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 Yunaman Bushland Reserve.

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 Lake Weyba and Noosa National 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 Noosa North Shore Nature Refuge 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 Coolum Beach or Peregian Beach might round out your trip.

Coolum Beach


Sunshine Beach Travel Guide

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