Sunshine Beach Travel Guide

Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Beach which includes general coastal views
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, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
42 First Avenue and Fairway Drive, Maroochydore, QLD
Fully refundable
The price is £89 per night from 15 Jul to 16 Jul
£89
per night
15 Jul - 16 Jul
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (374 reviews)
"Staff where excellent facilities great and overall stay was very comfortable"

Reviewed on 10 Jun 2024

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Mooloolaba Esplanade & Venning St, Mooloolaba, QLD
The price is £133 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
£133
per night
16 Jul - 17 Jul
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,494 reviews)
"Wish I could have stayed longer,hope to be going back very soon"

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2024

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
4 out of 5
270 Ocean Drive, Sunshine Coast, Twin Waters, QLD
The price is £112 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
£112
per night
10 Jul - 11 Jul
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Great property bedding option didn’t work out otherwise very good"

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2024

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
RACV Noosa Resort
RACV Noosa Resort
5 out of 5
94 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads, QLD
The price is £205 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
£205
per night
23 Jun - 24 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,672 reviews)
"Great stay."

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2024

RACV Noosa Resort
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 pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,816 reviews)
"Fantastic location. Friendly helpful staff. Will definitely be back😊"

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2024

Landmark Resort
Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
4 out of 5
923 David Low Way, Marcoola, QLD
The price is £104 per night from 21 Jun to 22 Jun
£104
per night
21 Jun - 22 Jun
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)
"Excellent staff, clean & tidy"

Reviewed on 26 May 2024

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
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 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
Default Image

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 Coolum Beach or Peregian Beach might round out your trip.

Coolum Beach

Sunshine Beach Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: