Home to some of Australia's best beaches, mountain ranges and national parks, there is no better time of the day than first thing in the morning catch the Sunshine Coast’s natural beauty. Immerse yourself at daybreak in these seven stunning vantage spots.
Sunrise at Mudjimba Beach
Mudjimba
Hanging just off the coast, Mudjimba Island is what makes sunrise at Mudjimba so special. The eastern-facing beach means that you get front-row seats to one of nature’s five-star shows every single day. Why watch an epic sunrise on land when you can soak it up on a surfboard? Zip into your wetsuit, grab a surfboard and head to Mudjimba Beach for a one-of-a-kind sunrise experience! Fuel up for the rest of the day at High Tide with great coffee and food.
Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba Beach
Setting up camp between the Loo with a View and the Surf Club at Mooloolaba is one of the most chilled out ways to welcome a new day. Mooloolaba Beach faces north to north-east, so the sun emerges from just behind the Point Cartwright Lighthouse, making for a stellar photo. As an added bonus, there are plenty of nearby cafes to wake up with great coffee.
Above image: Mount Coolum sunrise
Mount Coolum
Early morning is one of the best times to climb Mt Coolum, before the heat of the day. If you start early enough, you can watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. It is magical as the light slowly starts to hit land. Scramble over to the far side of Mount Coolum lookout as the afternoon draws on, and you’ll have the privilege of witnessing the sun setting over panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast.
Mt Ngungun
Mount Ngungun
You need to be an early riser (and have a head torch!) to enjoy the incredible sunrise views atop Mount Ngungun, but the result is worth it. A decent but short hike will get you to the top for some stunning views over the Glass House Mountains and the sea. Make sure to review current park alerts before setting out.
Maroochy River
From Fishermans Rd to Chambers Island along the Maroochy River there are views aplenty. Join the locals and throw in a line or just sit back and watch the light change. The clear and still mornings make the river reflect the colours of sunrise in the most beautiful way.
Moffat Headland lookout
Pick a spot on one of the many benches on the headland overlooking Moffat Beach and you can see all the way to Mooloolaba and Kawana Beach. This may be in the direction away from sunrise but you will see the light change in a different way and lose count of the shades of pink on display.
Sunrise at Point Cartwright
Point Cartwright
Headlands are a great spot to enjoy sunrise and Point Cartwright is no exception. Here you will find some of the most stunning views on the Sunshine Coast.
Looking in a north-west direction, you’ll catch sight of Mooloolaba, Mount Coolum, Alexandra Headland, Maroochydore Beach and the beginnings of Cotton Tree. Walk to the other side of the headland and you get a straight shot right down the coastline all the way to Caloundra as the sun rises.
