Top Sunshine Coast beaches to see this Summer

Top Sunshine Coast beaches to see this Summer

• By admin
• Date: January 13, 2022

The Sunshine Coast is a perfect spot for any holiday with a great variety of landscapes on offer. The beaches on our coast line are one of the most popular landscapes that draw a crowd and make it one of the best places for your summer holiday.
Chances are you’ve seen photos on social media of some beautiful Sunshine Coast beaches, and when there are so many it can be hard to pick where to go. Here are some of our suggestions listed from North to South of our beaches we think you will love!

Noosa Heads

Noosa takes the cake for beaches on the Sunshine Coast, being one of the biggest tourist destinations around.
Where else can you wander off one of the country’s most popular shopping strips full of boutique shops and top-notch restaurants, straight into the calm, glassy waters that comes from being one of Australia’s few East Coast beaches that faces North?
Right next door to one of Australia’s most visited national parks, Noosa Heads is a great swimming spot as the waves tend to be relatively low, but if you’re into surfing you can paddle out to the point where the surf picks up.

Noosa Fairy Pools

Noosa’s fairy pools are the ones to find if you’re looking for that perfect Instagram shot. These picture-perfect tidal pools look like they’ve come straight from a travel magazine.
They are two natural tidal pools lying behind rocks that boast all kinds of coral and sea life, so it’s worth bringing your snorkel or goggles. Make sure you check the tides before going as the smaller pool is only separated from the ocean at low tide, but the large one may still be useable at high tide depending on the swell.
Be prepared to work for your perfect insta-shot though. The pools are located in the Noosa National park and are around a 30-40 minute walk from the closest carpark. The path is unpaved but generally flat and well-maintained, and it’s worth noting that there are no bathroom facilities close by.

Coolum Beach

If you’re wanting to escape the crowds, then Coolum is the laid-back beach you are looking for.

Located half way between Noosa and Mooloolaba, Coolum is a long stretch of coastline surrounded by a small esplanade strip with relaxed cafes and dining options that give the area a friendly and relaxed vibe.

If you get tired of the water, there is a beautiful boardwalk stroll you can take from the Esplanade up to Point Perry look out. From there you can spot all the rock pools and hidden bays that surround the main beach to explore.

Twin Waters North Shore

If you’re bringing your fur-babies with you on holidays, North Shore is a dog friendly beach they will love. They will go crazy for the long, uninhabited beach sand hills on the beach side of the point, and the calm inlet to wade in on the river mouth side.

It never feels crowded here as there seems to be endless sand and space available to play fetch or go for that long walk to work off the holiday eating!

Cotton Tree

Cotton Tree seems much less like your typical beach in comparison to the rest of the Sunshine Coast. Located just inside the mouth of the Maroochy River, it’s protected from any waves, but still has the cool water and sandy shores you want for your summer holiday.
The flat water makes it a perfect swimming option for young children, or your flat-water sport activities. There are lots of places down near the water to hire a stand-up paddle board, kayak, or even tour boats that will take you further down the river.
There’s also a playground and lots of picnic space, tables and barbeques along here making a great spot for get togethers and kids birthday parties.

Mooloolaba

Mooloolaba is one of the iconic beach holiday destinations on the Sunshine Coast. A beautiful strip of white sand with small to medium sized waves, just across from a big esplanade of shopping, dining and accommodation options. It’s also a great spot to plan a picnic or barbeque with a big grassy hill area with tables and barbeque facilities.
Patrolled all year around, this is a great place to take a swim and then spend your time relaxing on the sand. If the main beach gets a little too crowded it is only a short walk along the beach or boardwalk to the Mooloolaba spit beach (near the ‘Cheeseblock’ building shaped like a triangle). This beach is also patrolled 365 days a year with toilets, showers, playgrounds and undercover barbeque facilities.
If you are wanting to get active, the walk from one end of the beach to the rock wall at the other is approximately 2kms, or a 20-minute walk, either on the sand or on the footpath/boardwalk above.

Point Cartwright

Point Cartwright is the place for the views! Follow the path up the headland and watch the sun dip behind Mooloolaba for a jaw dropping, photo worthy sunset.
Below the headland is a rocky beach area worth exploring and is an off-leash dog area from 4-8pm.
This is also a great spot for kids and families with picnic facilities and playgrounds.
If you’re planning where to watch the fireworks for new years and don’t want to brave the Mooloolaba crowds, this is the next best vantage point to see the night sky light up.

Kings Beach

Heading further south, Kings Beach is the main beach for swimming around the Caloundra area.
There are patrolled swimming spots, an ocean front saltwater swimming pool, child-friendly water fountains, playgrounds, barbeques and often decent surf if you want to bring your board.
The eating options aren’t as abundant as places like Mooloolaba or Noosa, but there are plenty of places within walking distance for all your dining needs.

Bulcock Beach

Connected to Kings Beach via a boardwalk down Pumicestone Passage, Bulcock beach is the place where you can enjoy the beach and the mountains in one go. On a clear day you can see the Glasshouse Mountains poking their heads out above Caloundra as you float in the calm water below.
There is a strip of cafes and restaurants just across the road, and a big grassy area around Happy Valley you can throw the frisbee and spend hours of play time in the sun.

These are just a few of the many incredible beaches the Sunshine Coast has to offer for your summer holiday that we hope you will love just as much as we do!
Just remember to slip-slop-slap and bring your camera for the amazing views.