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 NZ$182 per night from 19 June to 20 June
NZ$182
includes taxes & fees
19 June - 20 June
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! (683 reviews)
"Excellent facility but the parking is an issue. As a guest we shouldn’t have to pay. If we had to go out numerous times it would add up as well as the $12.50 per night. To enter the hotel was chaotic as Google maps directed us to another street due to construction. It wasn’t easy to find."

Reviewed on 29 May 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 NZ$193 per night from 19 June to 20 June
NZ$193
includes taxes & fees
19 June - 20 June
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Great atmosphere very clean rooms"

Reviewed on 30 May 2025

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
4 out of 5
270 Ocean Drive, Sunshine Coast, Twin Waters, QLD
The price is NZ$231 per night from 1 July to 2 July
NZ$231
includes taxes & fees
1 July - 2 July
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Great clean room great atmosphere vibe and relaxing place to stau definitely be back. The only issue for us was the back door mat was so slippery i could of really hurt my self multiple times. Overall 9/10 guys"

Reviewed on 25 May 2025

Novotel Sunshine Coast 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! (1,993 reviews)
"Great pool, sauna and gym"

Reviewed on 28 May 2025

Landmark Resort
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Mooloolaba Esplanade & Venning St, Mooloolaba, QLD
The price is NZ$276 per night from 16 June to 17 June
NZ$276
includes taxes & fees
16 June - 17 June
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! (2,626 reviews)
"Early morning cleaner next door"

Reviewed on 26 May 2025

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
RACV Noosa Resort
RACV Noosa Resort
5 out of 5
94 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads, QLD
The price is NZ$315 per night from 23 June to 24 June
NZ$315
includes taxes & fees
23 June - 24 June
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,726 reviews)
"Quiet and safe"

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

RACV Noosa 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
Default Image

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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