The Best Beaches on the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast stretches across some of Queensland's finest beaches, each with its own character. Whether you're after a patrolled swimming spot, a family-friendly cove, or a beach with a laid-back vibe, there's a stretch of sand here worth knowing about. We've mapped out 12 beaches that locals and visitors favour.
1
Beaches Noosa Heads1. Noosa Heads Main Beach
Head here for the most iconic swimming experience on the coast. Patrolled by lifeguards and backed by the headland, it's the flagship beach in Noosa Heads and draws a reliable crowd of swimmers and surfers.
View venue4.7(5,266)· Google68Spot ScoreWorth a Look2
Beaches Noosaville2. Alexandria Bay
Tucked in Noosaville, this bay offers a more sheltered swim than the main beach. The quieter setting makes it a good choice if you want to escape the busier spots nearby.
View venue4.8(203)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look3
Beaches Mooloolaba3. Mooloolaba Beach
This Mooloolaba favourite sits near cafés and shops, so it works well if you want to combine a swim with a coffee or bite to eat without leaving the beachfront.
View venue4.7(1,495)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look4
Beaches Caloundra4. Bulcock Beach
In Caloundra, this beach is known for being family-friendly and generally calm. It's a solid choice if you're bringing kids or prefer a less hectic waterfront.
View venue4.7(171)· Google61Spot ScoreWorth a Look5
Beaches Buderim5. Dicky Beach
Situated in Buderim, Dicky Beach appeals to swimmers looking for a local, quieter option away from the most crowded strips.
View venue4.6(257)· Google61Spot ScoreWorth a Look6
Beaches Peregian Beach6. Peregian Beach
This beach in Peregian Beach offers a more relaxed, village-like atmosphere. The area has a slower pace than some of the busier coastal hubs.
View venue4.6(153)· Google60Spot ScoreWorth a Look7
Restaurants Kawana Waters7. Kawana Surf Club
Located in Kawana Waters, this spot is worth visiting if you're interested in the local surf culture or want to combine a beach visit with a meal or drink at the club.
View venue4.2(1,024)· Google60Spot ScoreWorth a Look8
Beaches Buderim8. Dog Beach, Mudjimba
If you're traveling with a dog, this Buderim beach is specifically set aside for four-legged companions, making it a convenient spot for pet owners.
View venue4.7(480)· Google59Spot ScoreWorth a Look9
Beaches Noosaville9. Little Cove Beach
This Noosaville cove is compact and intimate, ideal for a quieter swim or a spot tucked away from the main beach action.
View venue4.8(360)· Google59Spot ScoreWorth a Look10
Beaches Caloundra10. Kings Beach
Another Caloundra gem, Kings Beach works well as a secondary option if Bulcock Beach is too busy, or as part of a beach-hopping day along the coast.
View venue4.7(419)· Google59Spot ScoreWorth a Look11
Beaches Buderim11. Wurtulla Beach
This Buderim beach rounds out the quieter, local options on the northern Sunshine Coast. It's less promoted than some beaches, so you may find fewer crowds.
View venue4.7(101)· Google59Spot ScoreWorth a Look12
Beaches Coolum Beach12. First Bay Coolum
Coolum Beach's First Bay is worth a visit if you're exploring the central coast and want a beach experience in a slightly different setting from the Noosa or Mooloolaba clusters.
View venue4.7(384)· Google58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noosa Heads Main Beach | 68/100 | 4.7(5,266) | — | Noosa Heads | — |
| Alexandria Bay | 63/100 | 4.8(203) | — | Noosaville | — |
| Mooloolaba Beach | 62/100 | 4.7(1,495) | — | Mooloolaba | — |
| Bulcock Beach | 61/100 | 4.7(171) | — | Caloundra | — |
| Dicky Beach | 61/100 | 4.6(257) | — | Buderim | — |
| Peregian Beach | 60/100 | 4.6(153) | — | Peregian Beach | — |
| Kawana Surf Club | 60/100 | 4.2(1,024) | — | Kawana Waters | — |
| Dog Beach, Mudjimba | 59/100 | 4.7(480) | — | Buderim | — |
| Little Cove Beach | 59/100 | 4.8(360) | — | Noosaville | — |
| Kings Beach | 59/100 | 4.7(419) | — | Caloundra | — |
| Wurtulla Beach | 59/100 | 4.7(101) | — | Buderim | — |
| First Bay Coolum | 58/100 | 4.7(384) | — | Coolum Beach | — |
Frequently asked questions
Which Sunshine Coast beaches are patrolled by lifeguards?+
The source data does not specify which beaches have lifeguard patrols. We recommend checking with local council or Surf Life Saving Queensland for current patrol schedules before visiting.
Are there beaches on the Sunshine Coast where dogs are allowed?+
Yes. Dog Beach at Mudjimba in Buderim is specifically designated for dogs. However, rules vary across other beaches and seasons, so it's best to check local council guidelines for each location.
Which beaches are best for families?+
Bulcock Beach in Caloundra and Kings Beach in the same area are noted as family-friendly. Alexandria Bay and Little Cove offer sheltered swims, which can suit families with younger children.
What's the difference between the beaches in Noosa, Caloundra, and Mooloolaba?+
Noosa Heads Main Beach is the most prominent and patrolled. Caloundra's beaches (Bulcock and Kings) tend to be quieter and family-oriented. Mooloolaba Beach sits within walking distance of shops and cafés.
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