
1. Main Beach, Noosa Heads
Soaked in sunshine, this alluring slice of north-facing coast is the crown jewel of Noosa Heads. Golden sands, sheltered shores, clear waters and an enviable location near some of Noosa’s top attractions draw tourists and locals here year-round.
It’s a perfect beach for families and one of the best swimming beaches on the Sunshine Coast. Young kids can paddle in the shallows, and mom and dad can bask on the soft-sand shores, or stake a shady spot under the casuarinas and pandanus trees fringing the beach.
Surfing is one of the top things to do on Main Beach. Beginner surfers try their hand at hanging five on the typically gentle swells, while seasoned surfers ride the waves at First Point, which parallels the headland. In March, when storms often bring larger swells, Main Beach hosts the popular Noosa Festival of Surfing.
Fancy a hike after all that beach basking? Scenic sea-view hiking trails weave through Noosa National Park on the headland at the eastern end of the beach. And if wallet workouts are more your style, Hastings Street sits steps from the sand, with chic shops, boutiques, and some of Noosa’s best restaurants.
2. Mooloolaba Beach
Mooloolaba Beach is all about the vibe. Volleyballers bump and spike on the courts here, latte-loving beach lovers perch at picnic benches overlooking the sand, and when you’re looking for a break from the beach, you’ll find plenty of buzzy cafés, shops, and boutiques opposite the beach.
Not that this popular stretch of coast isn’t pretty. You can still lay down your towel on powdery white sand; swim in clear, cobalt waters; and look for dolphins dipping and diving offshore.
Love to keep active? Locals and tourists jog and stroll along the scenic Mooloolaba boardwalk, which skirts the beach.