Sunshine Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sunshine Beach showing markets and street scenes as well as a large group of people
Sunshine Beach which includes general coastal views
Sunshine Beach
Sunshine Beach featuring rugged coastline, landscape views and a sandy beach
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 kilometers) 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

Activities


Our pick of the best Sunshine Beach Hotel Deals

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 AU$184 per night from 20 July to 21 July
AU$184
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (707 reviews)
"The property was clean, friendly staff, comfortable. Great breakfast. Walkable distance to shops n dining. Being able to chromecast/stream tv apps."

Reviewed on 21 Jun. 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
4 out of 5
923 David Low Way, Marcoola, QLD
The price is AU$189 per night from 24 June to 25 June
AU$189
24 June - 25 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Excellent location and value for money."

Reviewed on 14 Jun. 2025

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Mooloolaba Esplanade & Venning St, Mooloolaba, QLD
Fully refundable
The price is AU$294 per night from 15 July to 16 July
AU$294
15 July - 16 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,630 reviews)
"My third time to visit sunny coast. Third time to stay at this hotel. Everything is so good. Had a free bottle of wine. The outdoor pool is amazing. Room is so spacious and staff so friendly. On the last day my flight is in the afternoon. I still got the pass to enjoy the pool after I checked out. ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jun. 2025

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
4 out of 5
270 Ocean Drive, Sunshine Coast, Twin Waters, QLD
The price is AU$208 per night from 3 July to 4 July
AU$208
3 July - 4 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Rooms need a refurb - we have stayed various times & have noticed a lot of deterioration"

Reviewed on 13 Jun. 2025

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
Ivory Palms Resort
Ivory Palms Resort
4 out of 5
73 Hilton Terrace, Noosaville, QLD
The price is AU$319 per night from 24 June to 25 June
AU$319
24 June - 25 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (773 reviews)
"Nice people…beautiful place to stay. Everything was in great working condition (even though it’s off season, which you don’t always see). It was just perfect!!"

Reviewed on 20 Jun. 2025

Ivory Palms 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 WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,004 reviews)
"Although the building is a little outdated, its location makes up for its 1990s look. All it really needs is a different colour scheme on the outside. You are within walking distance of pretty much everything, shops, Cole’s, pubs, cafes, restaurants and 50m from patrolled swimming areas."

Reviewed on 15 Jun. 2025

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 Shorehaven Bushland Reserve and Keyser Island Conservation 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 Aqua Fun Park or Coolum Beach might round out your trip.

Coolum Beach

Sunshine Beach Travel Guide

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