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

Chez Noosa Holiday Apartments

Chez Noosa Holiday Apartments

3.5 out of 5
263 Edwards Street (David Low, Sunshine Beach, QLD
The price is NZ$209 per night from 29 July to 30 July
NZ$209
29 July - 30 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (533 reviews)
"I adored this place very peaceful. The staff were very friendly and accomodating. Location is fantastic short walk to everything you’ll ever need. Amazing and I will return. Thanks team appreciate it."

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

Chez Noosa Holiday Apartments
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$196 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$196
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
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! (737 reviews)
"Everything was great for a short stay. Room was clean and quiet - only thing I didn't like were the silly little pillows."

Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach

4.5 out of 5
Cnr Mooloolaba Esplanade & Venning St, Mooloolaba, QLD
The price is NZ$338 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$338
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,642 reviews)
"The staff were very helpful and friendly. Our room was spotless and very quiet."

Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach

4 out of 5
923 David Low Way, Marcoola, QLD
The price is NZ$218 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$218
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Handay to the beach."

Reviewed on 16 Jul. 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$241 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
NZ$241
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Great place to stay in order to attend an event in Maroochydore"

Reviewed on 11 Jul. 2025

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
RACV Noosa Resort

RACV Noosa Resort

5 out of 5
94 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads, QLD
The price is NZ$371 per night from 21 July to 22 July
NZ$371
21 July - 22 July
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,734 reviews)
"Fantastic destination for a family holiday. Perfect for our kids, ages 3 and 6. Really handy to have the shuttle bus down to Hastings st. Very attentive staff, excellent buffet breakfast"

Reviewed on 23 Jun. 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 a beach and tropical scenes

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 Yunaman Bushland Reserve.

Noosa Heads
Noosaville which includes 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 featuring 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 featuring 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 Doonan Wetlands Nature Refuge.

Peregian Beach
Coolum Beach showing a sandy beach and landscape views 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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