Discovering Paradise: The Ultimate Guide to Noosa Beaches

Queensland has Australia’s second-longest coastline and boasts more than 1700 beaches. And the Sunshine Coast’s Noosa Shire has dozens of them to explore! It’s hard to go wrong here; visit any of them, and you’ll be in for an amazing time, whether you’re after a swim, wave, or kid/dog-friendly experience. So if you’re planning a break (surf-wise or not) on the Sunshine Coast, here are some of the Noosa beaches we highly recommend.

Great for kids

Apart from the ever-popular Noosa Main Beach (see more on it below), the Noosa River has some of the best wave-free (and therefore, kid-friendly) beaches in Noosa. This tranquil river provides a peaceful swimming experience away from the challenges of ocean waves, where little ones can frolic to their hearts’ content. Next to the Lions Park on the corner of Noosa Parade and Noosa Drive is also ideal as it has a neat little playground and a huge grassy area for the kids to kick a ball or two. Older ones can also launch a SUPB (stand-up paddle board, for those who aren’t hip with the lingo) - either your own or one for hire. You can also rent a no-boat-licence-required small run-about to explore the river as you and the kids please. Need an RV-friendly place to stay? Check out the Noosa River Holiday Park.

Located in the Noosa Hinterlands at Boreen Point, Lake Cootharaba is a massive saltwater lake that’s quite shallow, so it is ideal for parents who prefer to laze about as their young ones splash about. There is a decent stretch of clean sand to play on within a beautiful natural bush setting, and SUPB’ing and canoeing are also options. Need an RV-friendly place to stay? Check out Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp.

Great for wave-seekers

Located close to Noosa National Park, Little Cove is a favourite for beginner ‘grommets’. This scenic spot is sheltered with gentle, rolling waves and is often quieter than other surf areas. If you’re up for some surf-viewing action to hone your skills, keep an eye out for the Noosa Festival of Surfing. Generally held around March each year, it’s Australia’s largest longboard surfing event, attracting 450 competitors and 50,000 attendees.

If you’re at the immediate level, First Point and Tea Tree Bay are recommended. Tea Tree Bay is reachable by following the Coastal Walk from the park entrance (around 20 minutes). Scattered with boulders and edged by lush bush vegetation, the bay evokes images of a tropical island. It’s known for its steep, hollow waves at low tide and fat, slow waves at high tide. However, beware of the rocks, especially at low tide. This is a favourite spot among local surfers, although visitors should be aware that there are no lifeguards, and the area is not recommended for swimming. The rock pools closer to the water are fun to explore at low tide and are home to a ton of marine creatures, including fish, crabs, and sea anemones.

Some of the best beaches in Noosa for experienced surfers keen to avoid “drop-ins” are Granite Bay and Sunshine Beach. They are dream locations, but only for the advanced. Leave it to the experts!

Great for furry friends

The chilled beachfront village of Sunshine Beach in Noosa is on the southern side of the Noosa National Park headland, about a 5-minute drive from Noosa Heads. The beach is the start of a 15 km stretch of open beaches with surf breaks and plenty of white sand, perfect for long walks or even a bike ride. More importantly, it provides ample running space for dogs, who have access from Access Point 27 and can run all the way up to Noosa National Park’s southern headland (dare you to catch up). Need an RV-friendly place to stay? Check out Noosa North Shore Retreat.

Noosa’s eastern beaches include Marcus Beach and Castaways Beach. While not patrolled by surf life savers, they are popular with locals and visitors after a more relaxed beach experience. Located between Sunshine and Peregian Beach, many sections are dog-friendly, so expect to meet a few friendly resident canines as you walk the open stretches of shoreline that lead all the way to Peregian.

Great for everyone!

With Noosa National Park to one side and Hasting Street’s cafes, bars and boutiques to the rear, Noosa Heads Main Beach is in a prime spot. This expansive stretch of sun-soaked sand is one of the finest beaches on the Sunshine Coast. It is a rarity on the east coast as the beach is north-facing meaning the waves tend to be fairly gentle, and it’s considered one of the safest beaches in the Noosa area. Relatively sheltered and with a year-round lifeguard presence, swimming here is ideal. Combined with the convenience of the beach virtually spilling onto Noosa’s high street, Main Beach is a fantastic tourist beach. However, with such appeal, it can get busy during peak periods. It’s also ideal for surfers.

The legendary Noosa Heads right-hand point break runs along the side of the park, and on truly epic days, experienced ones can ride it from First Point almost all the way to Noosa Main Beach. Need an RV-friendly place to stay? Check out Ingenia Holidays Noosa North.

If you’re not a strong swimmer or your little ones are a little hesitant, head to aptly named Little Cove. Secluded and intimate, it has a completely different vibe. Crystal-clear turquoise waters are surrounded by steep, lush pandana and the palm-lined slopes of the Noosa National Park. The waters here are generally calm, with waves rarely exceeding half a metre, making it an ideal spot to learn to swim, snorkel or surf - although some caution is advised as there are no lifeguards.

To get to Little Cove, walk around the rocks from Main Beach on a very low tide. Alternatively access is off Park Road, just before the entrance to the park itself. And despite its proximity to one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations, the beach here is often quiet except at absolute peak season. In fact, at other times of year, you may have the place to yourself!

With dozens of Noosa beaches to explore, what are you waiting for? Contact our expert team to get RV-ready.

References:

Sarah Bristow (2022), A local's guide to the Sunshine Coast's best beaches, Queensland.com article, accessed 7 July 2024.

World Beach Guide (18 Sep 2023), Best Beaches In & Near Noosa Heads, World Beach Guide article, accessed 9 July 2024