The Sunshine Coast along the South East Coast of Australia is a place full of beautiful beach resorts, excellent surf spots and rural hinterlands. About 2 hours north of Brisbane you’ll meet the topical beaches of the Sunshine Coast. Spoilt for choice, this coastline has something for everyone with incredible river systems, dive sites, national parks, walking trails and amazing beaches with excellent beach holiday parks. We walk you through the top 5 beaches along the sunshine coast and where to stay whilst you’re there.
Perfect for a day trip or a family holiday, there are endless possibilities. From music festivals to underwater theme parks, you really can’t go wrong in a location like the sunshine coast.
The Top 5 Beaches On The Sunshine Coast
1. Noosa – Sunshine Coast North Beach
Located furthest North along the Sunshine Coast, Noosa is probably the most popular beach on the sunshine coast. Surrounded by stunning beaches, lakes, national parks and lush hinterlands, you really can’t go wrong. There’s a little bit of something for everyone here. You can learn to surf, try stand up paddleboarding, sail the crystal clear waters, kayak through the river canals, hop aboard a sunset cruise or swim with the humpback whales.
What To Do In Noosa
The Noosa village has an amazing selection of shops along the beachfront, just a stone throw away from Noosa Beach. You can take a scenic walk through the Noosa National park and visit Hells Gate. Try Paddleboarding through the intricate river canals with gorgeous surrounding houses. Eat at one of the delicious boutique restaurants along Hastings St. Stay in one of the wide range of accommodation available along the beach or riverfront or take a swim around the fairy pools. Head over to Noosa North Shore and visit the Red Canyon, Double Island Point or chill out on the mostly deserted beaches! Whilst spending time in Noosa Heads, we set up camp at the Noosa River Holiday Park. Adjacent to the Noosa River, the Holiday park offers great access to the river which offers a wide range of activities for the whole family.
Noosa has also recently become home to a music festival called The Drop Festival, which visits in February. The national touring festival is available for all ages which follows the waves, celebrating local music whilst being apart of the Noosa Festival of Surfing. To learn more about the Noosa River Holiday Park head here.
2. Coolum
Located half an hour south of Noosa, Coolum also happens to be the name of the beach in which the town is based. Known for its laid back and relaxing living, Coolum is quite a natural beauty and loved by the locals. With a number of boardwalks and walking tracks, you can even climb the summit of Mount Coolum if you’re feeling adventurous. Its no Everest, but mount Coolum claims to be the second-largest rock in the world.
What To Do In Coolum
If you’re looking for something a little more family orientated, the Coolum aqua park will keep the kids entertained for hours. With trampolines, slides, swings and more you can chill out under the shade and maybe even enjoy a bbq. Coolum also has a wonderful Twilight Market which has all your produce, arts, crafts and clothing needs.
Coolum Beach Holiday Park
During our time at Coolum Beach, we stopped into the Coolum Beach Holiday Park for a couple nights stay. Located right on Coolum’s patrolled beach, makes Coolum Beach Holiday Park one of the most popular camping and caravan destination along the Sunshine Coast. With Villas, Powered sites, campgrounds you really can’t go wrong. They are even a dog-friendly! Located right next door to the surf club, easy walking distance to the shops and restaurants, it couldn’t be in a more convenient location. Find out more information on their website.
3. Maroochydore – Cotton Tree
A neighbour to the suburb of Maroochydore, Cotton tree is located on the south side of the Maroochydore River. With access to the river mouth, you can choose between surfing the waves of the beach, or making use of the calmer river waters. A great location for Windsurfing or Sailing, Cotton Tree is a diverse location which is also great for fishing.
What To Do In Cotton Tree
This diverse location is also home to the Cotton Tree Holiday Park, which is where we settled in for a couple of nights to enjoy the tranquillity of the Maroochydore River living. With riverside bbq’s and sunsets over the river, it really is a beautiful sight. With over eight hectares of beach and riverfront land, you never feel overcrowded.
Cotton Tree Caravan Park
The Holiday Park is home to 372 powered Tourist caravan sites, 29 unpowered tent sites, 9 deluxe villas, 5 amenity buildings, laundry facilities and more. They even have free wi-fi so you never feel out of touch. If you’re looking for a location with local activities, the park is close to a lot, including bike paths, an aquatic centre, sunshine plaza, surf beaches and a selection of lovely restaurants. Find out more on the Cotton Tree Holiday Park website.
4. Mooloolaba
About 97km north of the state capital, Brisbane, is the coastal suburb Mooloolaba. A beautiful Sunshine coast suburb with all the most popular beachfront shops you could find. Towered by some big holiday hotels, this place has got you sorted for accommodation. Home to the great Under Water World, there’s plenty of fun around town to keep the family happy.
What To Do In Mooloolaba
If you’re into food, Mooloolaba is the place to go as the dining scene there is really heating up. With the Backlane bar, The Dock Restaurant, The Wharf, Spice Bar, the Boathouse Surf Club, along with a number of other restaurants, you’ll be wanting to eat out every evening.
Along with the food, comes the shops. From jewellery to vintage baubles, you’ll have Mum in a tizzy. The Mooloolaba Esplanade is home to an exciting shopping precinct by the water. From beach towels to designer labels, to swimwear and art pieces, you can find it here.
Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park
Thankfully for the campr crew, we weren’t there for the fancy shops – although we weren’t too far from them. The Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park is located just next door to the Mooloolaba Beach Surf club and opposite the Sea Life Aquarium (formally known as Underwater World) and the Wharf precinct. The Park offers a number of facilities, along with a full redevelopment in 2019. It has fully serviced powered slab sites, amenity building with baby change and bath, laundry facilities, modern camp kitchen with fridge, microwave, toaster, bbq facilities, along with free wifi for the whole area. Find out more about Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park here.
5. Caloundra – Sunshine Coast South Beach
With views of the glasshouse mountains, well-maintained boardwalks and gorgeous coastal paths, you can’t get more scenic than Caloundra. The southernmost end of the Sunshine Coast Region, it’s really a great place to start. Along with being the closest in distance to the main city of Brisbane.
What To Do In Caloundra
Caloundra has a gorgeous stretch of beaches along the 25 km path around town. From Golden Beach, to Bulcock beach, to heritage listed Kings Beach Bathing Pavilion and Coastal Rainforest at Dicky’s Beach, you’ll be spoilt for choice! They even have a fun aquatic playground at Dickies Beach for the kids to play in.
Not only does the town offer amazing beaches, but they also hold a number of festivals around town. Each year, Caloundra holds the IGNITE Caloundra Chilli Festival. Where you can sample spicy and delicious cuisine from around the world, with cooking tips, demonstrations, information and more. But it doesn’t just stop there, Caloundra is also home to the Caloundra Music Festival. Held in October, this cruisy beachside event attracts big artist who love their blues, roots, rock and jazz.
Big4 Holiday Park
Unfortunately, we didn’t make it in time for the music festival. However, we did make it to the always open BIG4 Caloundra Holiday Park. Located on the waters edge of the famed Pumicestone Passage, you can choose any accommodation from outdoor camping to powered sites, luxury cabins and more. Their facilities also hold some activities including Jumping pillow and pedal carts for kids, Swimming pool, Tom & Andy’s Espresso Van, BBQ area and camp kitchen and laundry facilities. Jam-packed full of fun and activities, you’re sure to have a great time. To Find out more go to their website.
Want More?
So what are you waiting for? Rally the troops and head north for a Sunshine Coast escape, visit www.queensland.com for further information. If your thinking about a van for a beachside holiday on the Sunny Coast or anywhere else, you can check out the range of new and used vans at Brisbane Camperland. Another great caravanning destination to visit is the Agnes Water, Holiday Park.
