Sunshine Beach Travel Guide

Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Beach which includes general coastal views
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 kilometres) 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


Top hotels in Sunshine Beach

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
42 First Avenue and Fairway Drive, Maroochydore, QLD
The price is ₹9,378 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
₹9,378
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (355 reviews)
Close to shops and eateries.
"Great small room for 4 people. 3 adults and 1 child. Great heated pool and surroundings. Good location close to shops and eateries. Have to pay for parking. Some pillows were not washed well. They were smelly which made using them not an option. I didn't tell reception as it was late when we noticed ..."

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
Chez Noosa Resort Motel
Chez Noosa Resort Motel
3.5 out of 5
263 Edwards Street (David Low, Sunshine Beach, QLD
The price is ₹9,814 per night from 21 May to 22 May
₹9,814
per night
21 May - 22 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
9/10 Wonderful! (458 reviews)
"Second visit, will stay again!"

Reviewed on 1 May 2024

Chez Noosa Resort Motel
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
4 out of 5
270 Ocean Drive, Sunshine Coast, Twin Waters, QLD
The price is ₹11,564 per night from 6 Jun to 7 Jun
₹11,564
per night
6 Jun - 7 Jun
Enjoy free parking, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews.
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"The floors in our room were sandy, no lifts or ramps to our room meant carrying prams and babies up stairs with no bellboy offer, no spare blankets in room, can very clearly hear noise on neighbours balcony and outside of the rooms door. All staff were awesome. Breakfast was awesome- although all ..."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Mooloolaba Esplanade & Venning St, Mooloolaba, QLD
The price is ₹14,313 per night from 27 May to 28 May
₹14,313
per night
27 May - 28 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,481 reviews)
"Have stayed previously and returned because we like the motel and the location. Unfortunately, our room was near a lift and the continued ding of the lift especially from early morning was rather loud and disturbing. Perhaps the ding of the lift does not need to be on after all we are standing there ..."

Reviewed on 14 May 2024

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
RACV Noosa Resort
RACV Noosa Resort
5 out of 5
94 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads, QLD
The price is ₹20,026 per night from 19 May to 20 May
₹20,026
per night
19 May - 20 May
Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,663 reviews)
"Lovely stay fantastic for children!"

Reviewed on 14 May 2024

RACV Noosa Resort
Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
4 out of 5
923 David Low Way, Marcoola, QLD
The price is ₹10,115 per night from 19 May to 20 May
₹10,115
per night
19 May - 20 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Staff at the property were great and helpful. Hotel room was a little dated but had everything you need."

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
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 Lake Weyba and Noosa National 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 Beach Road Nature Reserve 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