6 of Sunshine Coast's best beaches to throw a towel down at

When it comes to discovering the best beaches in Queensland, the Sunshine Coast is where it’s at.

Not sure where to start? Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to snorkel, surf, or soak up the sun, we’ve got you covered with our round-up of the Sunshine Coast’s best beaches.

First Bay

First Bay, Coolum Beach

At First Bay, you'll find a true hidden coastal delight. Nestled just south of Coolum’s Main Beach and next to Point Perry, you'll find this green-fringed cove full of pink-hued rockpools and calm waters to dip your toes into. Decent surf breaks abound here, and if you’re into fishing, you’ll see the likes of Dart, Jewfish, Strip Mullet and Tailor darting beneath the surface.

Mooloolaba Beach

Mooloolaba

If you’re looking for one the best all-rounder beaches with plenty of natural beauty and family-friendly vibes, then Mooloolaba’s stunning coastline is for you. Set up the beach umbrella and lay down the towel to enjoy the stretch of pristine sand and patrolled surf breaj. This gorgeous spot is framed by the town’s famous esplanade, so make sure you carve out some time to take a seaside stroll to the Mooloolaba Spit, or pick up a parcel of fish and chips for an early twilight picnic.

Cotton Tree Beach

Cotton Tree beach

Crystal-clear ocean meets the Maroochy River at Cotton Tree Beach, making it the ideal spot for everything from relaxing dips to stand-up paddle board sessions. Located between popular Alexandra Headland and bustling Maroochydore, this is the ultimate spot to take it slow and soak up the chilled-out vibes this sweet seaside town is known for. We recommend packing lunch supplies and making the most of the park BBQs located around the beach. If you still can’t get enough, there's also the option of camping at the nearby Cotton Tree Holiday Park to enjoy this spot from sunrise to sunset.

Moffat Beach

Moffat Beach, Caloundra

Nestled in Caloundra, this pocket of beauty is a must-visit beach on the Sunshine Coast. A bit of a hidden gem of the south, this spot boasts a lush, family-friendly park filled with Norfolk Pines and a playground, an excellent point break for keen surfers (especially longboarders), a cluster of cafes nearby to fuel your post-swim hunger, and one of the prettiest stretches of beach you’ll ever see. Need to get moving? Follow the beachfront path around the headland to Kings, then on to Bulcock Beach: we'd rate this as one of the best beach walks in the region!

Noosa Main Beach

It might seem like an obvious choice, but there’s a reason Noosa’s Main Beach is frequented by locals and visitors alike. It’s pure magic. Hands down one of the best beaches in the world, this sheltered spot is guaranteed to be a winner all year round—no matter the weather conditions. With the lush greenery of the national park at one end, there's a smattering of coves you can enjoy a dip at, and a long stretch of calm crystal clear water on the main stretch that'll keep you happily bobbing in the ocean for hours. Post swim, we highly recommend you pull up a chair at the Noosa Surf Club which offers sweeping views of the beach.

Alexandria Bay

A-Bay, as the locals call it, is a three-kilometre stretch of golden sand tucked between Sunshine Beach and Noosa. While you’ll have to walk around 20 minutes through Noosa National Park to get here (enter from the Sunshine Beach side), trust us when we say the trek is absolutely worth it. Relatively isolated, there’s a high chance you’ll have this gorgeous oasis all to yourself: just remember to pack all your supplies, because once you’re settled you won’t want to leave.