Surfs up at these Sunshine Coast hotspots

With more than 100 kilometres of glorious east coast shoreline, you’ll find no shortage of Sunshine Coast surfing hotspots to explore. Best of all? You don’t need to shred like local pro Julian Wilson to get your fix. Whether you want pumping point waves, a killer beach or reef break, gentle rolling swell for the groms, or a surf coach to show you the ropes, the Sunshine Coast is an epic surf trip destination for beginners and pros alike.

Rolling Waves for the groms

Surfing at Happy Valley, Bulcock Beach

There’s nothing like seeing the beaming face of a grom on their very first wave to amp up that feel-good factor – so grab the kids and get out there. For a scenic saltwater session and for making memories with your tribe, Noosa’s Little Cove is an absolute gem of a spot for a family surf.

Flanked by Australia’s longest stretch of coloured-sand cliffs, the northern side of Double Island Point at Rainbow Beach is another epic spot to push the kids on some fun waves in clear, picture-perfect water. Accessible by 4WD, you’ll want to spend the whole day here.

Known as one of the consistently best spots to learn to surf on the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra’s Happy Valley also offers long, gentle rolling waves which are perfect for beginners.

Best breaks for the pros

Moffat Beach

Make like a Sunshine Coast local and head to Alexandra Headland – or ‘Alex’ - located between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore to catch your morning wave. There’s a spot off the point, known as The Bluff, which is a local go-to when there’s decent swell but also good for a longboard wave in smaller conditions.

Further north and home of Australian professional surfer Julian Wilson, Coolum Beach is known as one of the best spots to surf in Queensland. With an exposed beach and reef break, Coolum offers consistent conditions, and better yet, there are a bunch of great cafes to grab an espresso and refuel with breakfast post-surf.

A little quieter than some of the neighbouring beaches and protected by a headland, the tree-lined Moffat Beach is a right-hand point break, ideal for long boarders all year round.

Surf Schools

Coolum Learn to Surf School, Coolum Beach

You don’t need to shred like Mick Fanning or Steph Gilmore to get out there and have some fun in the surf on the Sunshine Coast. There are a bunch of surf schools with experienced professional coaches who will have you on your feet in no time... and won’t judge when you get dumped more than once.

The family-owned Coolum Surf School offers individual and group classes with professional surf instructors who are passionate about passing on the ‘stoke’ of surfing.

As well as beginner lessons and more, North Caloundra Surf School has designed a Women on the Waves program: an inclusive women’s only surfing program for those who not only want to learn how to surf, but also want to be part of a social sisterhood and meet new friends.

Headed to Noosa? Check out Go Ride A Wave Noosa and Merrick’s Noosa Learn to Surf. Further south, the legends at XL Surfing Academy will show you the ropes at Alexandra Heads or Mooloolaba.

You’ll be hanging 10 in no time!