Sunshine Beach Travel Guide

Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Beach which includes markets and street scenes as well as a large group of people
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
The price is Rp1.688.778 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
Rp1.688.778
per night
20 Oct - 21 Oct
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! (459 reviews)
"The staff were very friendly and welcoming. It was walking distance to everything. The desk and the surrounding area's were exceptionally clean. It was nice to walk into"

Reviewed on 15 Sep 2024

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
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 Rp2.022.571 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
Rp2.022.571
per night
21 Oct - 22 Oct
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Thought $40 was a bit of a scam for breakfast main meal at night was cheaper"

Reviewed on 11 Sep 2024

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
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 Rp2.066.149 per night from 30 Sep to 1 Oct
Rp2.066.149
per night
30 Sep - 1 Oct
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Great location and very good service"

Reviewed on 16 Sep 2024

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 Rp2.947.341 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
Rp2.947.341
per night
21 Oct - 22 Oct
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! (2,524 reviews)
"Great view, small kitchen, washer dryer, and restaurants and grocery store next to hotel. Will be back!"

Reviewed on 12 Sep 2024

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
RACV Noosa Resort
RACV Noosa Resort
5 out of 5
94 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads, QLD
The price is Rp4.170.054 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
Rp4.170.054
per night
20 Oct - 21 Oct
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! (1,692 reviews)
"This place is amazing! It’s so family friendly but still giving off luxury vibes. The pool area is so clean and large enough for several families plus the gaming room is excellent for the kids. The buffet breakfast caters to all including gluten free. The apartment is just stunning and spacious. ..."

Reviewed on 15 Sep 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 helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,862 reviews)
"V good"

Reviewed on 15 Sep 2024

Landmark 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 Noosa Northrise Future Bushland and Shorehaven Bushland Reserve.

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 Road Nature Reserve 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