6 of Sunshine Coast's best beaches to throw a towel down at
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First Bay, Coolum

Not sure where to start? Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to snorkel, surf or sun worship, we’ve got you covered with our round up of the Sunshine Coast’s best beaches. 

First Bay

A true hidden gem - and a firm favourite amongst locals—put First Bay to the top of your must-visit list. Nestled just south of Coolum’s Main Beach and next to Point Perry lies this tranquil spot. Ditch the crowds and settle in this green-fringed cove full of pink-hued rock pools and calm waters perfect to take a dip in. You’ll also find some decent surf breaks at this special spot, and if you’re into fishing, you’ll see the likes of Dart, Jewfish, Strip Mullet and Tailor Fish. While there are no flags here, it's one of the best beaches on the Sunshine Coast, so you’re going to want to check it out.

First Bay, Coolum Beach
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First Bay, Coolum Beach

Mooloolaba Beach

If you’re looking for one the best all-rounder beaches on the Sunshine Coast—one that has bags of natural beauty and is family friendly year-round, then Mooloolaba’s stunning coastline is for you. With long stretches of white sand that rivals that of the Mediterranean, and a gentle, patrolled surf break that’s perfect for all swimmers, you’ll want to set yourself up here for a full day of sun-loving. The pristine beach is framed by the town’s famous esplanade so make sure you carve out some time to take a seaside stroll to the Mooloolaba Spit for yet another stunning swimming spot.

Mooloolaba Beach
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Mooloolaba Beach

Cotton Tree Beach

Crystal-clear ocean meets the Maroochy River at Cotton Tree Beach, making it the perfect spot for everything from a calm dip to a stand-up paddle board session. Located between popular Alexandra Headland and bustling Maroochydore, this is the ultimate spot to take it slow and soak up the chilled-out vibes this sweet seaside town is known for. Pro tip: pack lunch supplies for your post water activities with park BBQs located around the beach. And if you still can’t get enough you can even camp at nearby Cotton Tree Holiday Park so you can enjoy this stunning spot from sunrise to sunset.

Cotton Tree
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Cotton Tree

Moffat Beach

Nestled in Caloundra, this pocket of beauty is absolutely one of the best beaches on the Sunshine Coast. A bit of a hidden gem of the south, this spot boasts a lush, family-friendly park filled with Norfolk Pines and a playground, an excellent point break for keen surfers (especially longboarders), a cluster of cafes nearby to fuel your post-swim hunger and one of the prettiest stretches of beach you’ll ever see. Need to get moving? Follow the beachfront path around the headland to Kings, then on to Bulcock Beach—we rate it as one of the best beach walks in the region.

Currimundi to Moffat Beach
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Currimundi to Moffat Beach

Noosa Main Beach

It might seem like an obvious choice, but there’s a reason Noosa’s Main Beach is frequented by locals and visitors alike—it’s pure magic. Hands down one of the best beaches on the Sunshine Coast, this sheltered spot is guaranteed to be a winner all year round—no matter the weather conditions. With the lush greenery of the national park at one end, there’s a smattering of coves you can take a dip at, or the long stretch of calm crystal clear water on the main stretch will keep you happily bobbing in the ocean for hours. Post swim, we highly recommend you pull up a chair at the Noosa Surf Club which offers sweeping views of the beach.

Noosa Main Beach
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Noosa Main Beach

Alexandria Bay

A-Bay, as the locals call it, is a three-kilometre stretch of golden sand tucked between Sunshine Beach and Noosa. And while you’ll have to walk around 20 minutes through Noosa National Park to get here (enter from the Sunshine Beach side), trust us when we say the trek is absolutely worth it. Relatively isolated, there’s a high chance you’ll have this gorgeous oasis all to yourself, just remember to pack all your supplies because once you’re settled you won’t want to leave.