Learn to surf at Coolum Beach
Rimmed with wide stretches of clear white sand, you can choose from beaches with pumping surf breaks or calm bays sparkling with clear warm water. Most of our coastal hotspots are patrolled by surf lifesavers, with plenty of great waves to catch between the flags.
Here for a week? We've got you covered in this guide to 7 gorgeous Sunshine Coast beaches you HAVE to check out.
Day 1 – Noosa Main Beach
Australia loves our famous Noosa Main Beach – and it's easy to see why. This idyllic stretch of golden sand and clear blue water is bounded by Australia’s most visited national park and is backed by luxurious beachfront accommodation. Main Beach is just a stone’s throw from some of the coast’s coolest restaurants, cafés and boutiques in upmarket Hastings Street and is home to one of the country’s finest foodie events, the Noosa Eat & Drink Festival. A winning combination in anyone’s book!
Day 2 – Coolum Beach
Paddleboard at Coolum Beach
Coolum Beach has a laid-back, holiday atmosphere that makes a nice change from the hustle and bustle of neighbouring beach towns. The home break of pro surfer Julian Wilson, the beach’s consistent waves and glassy waters make it a favourite spot for surfers and bodyboarders. Coolum Beach is backed by a shopping and entertainment strip featuring a range of fine dining and casual eateries. And you can’t miss Mount Coolum – a grand volcanic dome that offers 360-degree views of the region - presiding over the leafy streets of this beautiful coastal town.
Day 3 – Mudjimba Beach
Mudjimba Beach boasts quiet uncrowded beaches which are ideal for surfers, sun worshippers, and beach walkers, as well as stunning views of Mudjimba Island and Mount Coolum. Enjoy a barbecue under the shade of a native Pandanus tree, take a dip at the patrolled beach, or retire to one of the fresh seafood shops and restaurants dotted around this seaside town. Mudjimba is a well-known spot to watch humpback whales migrate during the winter months, and watching turtles hatching at night is a special experience the kids will not forget.
Day 4 – Alexandra Headland Beach
Family at Alexandra Headland Beach
Alexandra Headland, known by the locals as 'Alex', is a coastal town with a relaxed Aussie surf-club atmosphere that complements the soothing rolling surf and inviting beaches. Alexandra Headland's main attraction is its magnificent coastal frontage of beach, headland, and parks extending to Maroochydore in the north and Mooloolaba in the south.
The swimming beach is patrolled, and on any day, visitors can enjoy watching the surfers riding the waves off the headland, or better yet, join them! For the skaters and bikers, there is an outdoor skate park right alongside the beach where you will also find brand new absolute beachfront BBQs.
Day 5 – Mooloolaba Beach
Mooloolaba Beach
Step onto the soft white sand of Mooloolaba Beach and enjoy one of the safest and most family-friendly surf beaches in Australia. Stroll along the beachside boardwalk to the Mooloolaba Spit for calm, sheltered swimming, and excellent seafood cafes and restaurants. Enjoy shopping and foodie delights along Mooloolaba’s bustling beachfront esplanade which boasts an enviable array of award-winning hotels, outdoor cafes, juice bars, alfresco restaurants, and fashion boutiques. Attractions like SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast and The Wharf marina are also close by, as are some of the Sunshine Coast’s best waterfront restaurants.
Day 6 – Kings Beach
Kings Beach pool, Caloundra
Kings Beach in Caloundra has a festive atmosphere year-round, so whenever you visit, you’ll be assured of plenty of fun in the warm, golden sunshine. Between the enchanting rockpools, the child-friendly water fountain with its time-delayed spurts of water, the oceanfront saltwater swimming pool, and the rolling surf break with protected swimming areas, Kings Beach is an exhilarating place to spend the day.
Day 7 – Bulcock Beach
Bulcock Beach is popular for families who have young children, as there are often warm paddling pools on the sand to splash in at low tide. Relax and enjoy panoramic views of Bribie Island and the sparkling azure waters that lead into the Pumicestone Passage or hire a paddleboard, kayak, jet ski, or catamaran and sail out onto the idyllic waters. A long wooden boardwalk runs right along the coastline, connecting you to waterside cafes and restaurants on the Esplanade to the surf beach of Kings Beach, a short 10-minute walk around the scenic headland. Fishing enthusiasts will also love the gentle tides, shallow sandbars, and a great variety of species waiting to be caught and cooked on one of the beachside BBQs.
