Top 5 Sunshine Coast Surfing Beaches

Top 5 Sunshine Coast Surfing Beaches

• By admin
• Date: January 21, 2022

The Sunshine Coast is renowned for its beach holiday appeal, and good surfing often comes as a part of the ultimate holiday package. While most of the surfing beach accolades are bestowed on the Northern end of the Sunshine Coast in Noosa, there are great surfing spots to try all over the beachy coastline. In fact, world-renowned pro surfers like three-time world champion Gary “Kong” Elkerton originated from our very own Mooloolaba area, surfing beaches closer to home.

Sunshine Coast Surfing Basics

If you are coming to the Sunshine Coast and hoping to find some surf, it’s important to do your research first. Unlike other surf destinations, the Sunshine Coast’s surf conditions can sometimes be unpredictable, and your time will be best spent if you know how to get the most out of our sandy shores. To begin with, winter is the most dependable time of year for the Sunshine Coast surf conditions. If that’s the sole purpose of your holiday, then this is definitely the time to come. The winds are often favourable at this time, and there’s usually a regular show of Southeast swells. Good surf conditions can still be found all year round, however.

Whenever you visit, you will always need to keep an eye on the weather conditions, as big storms can cause some serious surf pollution. The cyclonic swells can be very popular for surfers, but you must be careful of the poor water quality and debris from the inland hinterland waterways flushing into the ocean, and it can often bring in the bluebottles that have been known to appear from time to time. As a general rule though, you will usually find the Sunshine Coast’s waters are healthy and easily enjoyed.

Surf Beach Recommendations

1. Noosa Beaches

There is no way to start a list of Sunshine Coast surf locations without starting at Noosa. It is world-renowned for its longboard breaks and often listed in the top surfing beaches in the country. There is a long list of specific spots within the Noosa area that are popular for surfing, but the first place most holiday goers start is at First Point, tucked around the corner from Noosa’s main beach and the home to the annual Noosa Surfing Festival. Surfers more experienced with the area usually enjoy the beaches within the National Park that share an incredible, untouched view with 4000 hectares of natural bushland and winding walking tracks. Known for its treacherous rocks and incredible long rides, The Boiling Pot has widely considered the best spot to catch a wave in the National Park. This is not a place for beginners though, as the waves break almost on top of the rocks and it takes great skill and experience to know how to catch them safely.

2. Point Cartwright, Mooloolaba

Surfing greats like Gary “Kong” Elkerton and Sasha Stocker got their start learning to surf at Point Cartwright in Mooloolaba. This is one of the more consistent locations with good surf on the Sunshine Coast, but when the surf is pumping this is definitely a location for the more experienced surfer. It’s an exposed reef and point break well known for thick walls and barrels, with swells averaging anywhere from 1-3metres. The point is known for its hazards like rocks, rips, sharks, and boats as it neighbours the river mouth. So long as you know what you are doing, however, this is a really popular surfing spot for Sunshine Coast locals and experienced surfers.

3. Coolum Beaches

Coolum is also home to pro-surfer elites including ASP World Tour Winner Julian Wilson. Coolum’s beaches are made up of a number of surf locations that vary in skill level, making it a great area for every surfer. Coolum’s main beach is a popular option for beginners and has a popular surf school, Coolum Surf School, to help you get the hang of it. More advanced and experienced surfers will usually choose to surf further down around Point Perry and Point Arkwright, around the rocky headland area that is also popular for fishing and usually has a good right-hand break.

4. Moffat Beach, Caloundra

Heading to the Southern end of the Sunshine Coast, Moffat Beach is known for reasonably good surfing conditions throughout most of the year. Strong Southeast swells bring in long right-handers that make it a popular longboarding destination. The area is often used for local contests which speak to its consistency, but also means you should check what’s happening on the beach before heading out and landing yourself in the competition zone. A word from the wise – local surfers will also tell you to make sure there’s offshore wind, or you will get smashed onto the rocks at the headland, so check the conditions before you head out.

5. Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba

‘Alex Heads’ is a popular Mooloolaba holiday surf location. Just North of the popular Mooloolaba main beach and esplanade, it is an exposed beach and point break that has fairly reliable surf conditions. Surfers in this area suggest using long and mid-length boards and warn there can be crowds in busy holiday seasons because it’s one of the best spots around. You’ll get the best waves with a moderate to high swell, and these conditions usually bring great right-handers. You can even catch the breaks all the way up to the Maroochy River mouth.

Holidaying the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is a great holiday destination for anyone and everyone. You get the best of both worlds with the coastal beaches to the scenic hinterland mountain regions. Whether you are looking for good surf, food, wine, family-friendly entertainment, or a romantic getaway, you can be assured to find it all on the Sunshine Coast.

While you’re planning your Sunshine Coast holiday, make sure you check out our Sunshine Coast holiday rentals, with a wide range of short and long-term rental options all over the area. Just like the Sunshine Coast, we’ve got something for everyone with budget-friendly options and luxury homes of all sizes to choose from.