With golden sand, crystal-clear waters and a trendy cafe scene, Sunshine Beach is a slice of paradise and a gateway to some of Australia’s most glamorous coastal hotspots. Enjoy Sunshine Beach’s laid-back lifestyle, from relaxing by the water to browsing stylish surf boutiques.

Things to do

Duke Street is the town's main thoroughfare, with boutiques selling everything from designer swimsuits to high-end homewares. There's a lively cafe scene to enjoy, as well as numerous bars and bistros. The award-winning Sunshine Beach Surf Club restaurant is a local favourite, with a breezy deck and spectacular ocean views.

The beach in front of the surf club is patrolled year-round and has a grassy foreshore ideal for picnics. If you want to try surfing, Noosa Longboards is a great place to hire boards and sign up for a lesson.

Noosa National Park occupies most of the headland, with a seaside boardwalk that winds its way around some of the area’s most picturesque beaches and bays. Tea Tree Bay is a great place to spot koalas lazing in the gum trees, while dolphins are often seen around the rocky headlands of Alexandria Bay.

Every year, from May to November, thousands of humpback whales travel along the Sunshine Coast on their annual migration. Join a whale-watching cruise for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close with the gentle giants.

Getting around

Sunshine Beach is about a two-hour drive from Brisbane. The town is easy to get around on foot, but you'll need a car to explore the rest of the Sunshine Coast.