10 Best Sights in Sunshine Coast, Queensland

A popular choice for families, beautiful Coolum Beach boasts a surf club, skate park, playgrounds, change rooms, toilets, kiosk, shorefront parks, and well-maintained picnic areas. A long, white-sand beach, Coolum is patrolled year-round and has a nice beach break and some decent, uncrowded waves off the headland. Walk south along the boardwalk to the headland park for magnificent coastal views, or north to quieter Peregian Beach with its patrolled surf, playground, and adjacent Environmental Park. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

With rock pools, water fountains, an oceanfront saltwater swimming pool, and gentle, patrolled swimming areas, it's no surprise that festive King's Beach is one of the Sunshine Coast's most popular choices for families. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

A super-safe, family-friendly swimming beach, Mooloolaba Beach is patrolled year-round and has just enough swell to make it fun. Surfers might want to check out the left-hand break that sometimes forms off the rocks at the northern end. There are shady picnic areas with barbecues, playgrounds, and exercise areas—as well as the local meeting point, the Loo with a View. Stroll south along the coastal path to the river mouth and rock wall (off which you can fish, year-round, for bream); north to Alexandra Headland for views of the bay; or along Mooloolaba Esplanade, lined with casual eateries and boutiques. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: sunrise; sunset; swimming; walking.

Incorporating 16 km (10 miles) of beachfront that stretches north to Noosa national park, lovely Sunshine Beach is patrolled year-round. Beach breaks, reliable swell, a rocky headland sheltering it from winds, and clear, glassy water make Sunshine popular with surfers. End a long day of swimming with a beer or a meal at The Sunshine Beach Surf Club. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: sunrise; sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

South of Maroochydore's main beach and just north of Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland offers a reliable surf break in moderate to high swell. The beach is patrolled year-round, but swimmers need to take care to avoid the headland rocks at the southern end of the beach where there is often a strong rip. A shady park, barbecue and picnic area, kiosk, playground, skate park, and walking and cycling tracks color the foreshore, with many alfresco cafés and restaurants also nearby. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

Flanked by a timber boardwalk with stunning views across the coastline, Bulcock Beach is one of Caloundra's most popular swimming spots. Surf the break at nearby Happy Valley, or enjoy boogie boarding or bodysurfing. Rips can form through the channel, so stay between the flags and only swim when the beach is patrolled (September–May). Head across the road for cafés, restaurants, shops, and a place to cool off. Amenities: lifeguards; parking; toilets. Best for: sunrise; sunset; surfing; walking.

Patrolled year-round by one of Queensland's oldest surf lifesaving clubs, rips are common along this strip, so stay in the central area between the red-and-yellow flags. A busy walking and cycling track runs adjacent to the beachfront, connecting visitors to both Cotton Tree and Alexandra Headland. A few minutes north is Maroochy River, a popular fishing spot and water sports activities hub. As with almost all Sunshine Coast beaches, an array of shops, cafés, and eateries line the esplanade. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

With gentle waves and year-round lifeguard patrol, Noosa's Main Beach is a perfect swimming spot, ideal for families or those who aren't confident in the bigger swells. The beach backs onto leafy Hastings Street with its bustle of upmarket cafés, bars, restaurants, and shopping spots. For a quieter scene, head to Noosa Spit, a popular picnic spot and off-leash dog beach. Or for wild beauty and great surf, Tea Tree Bay in the national park is a 20-minute walk away. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: sunrise; sunset; swimming; surfing; walking.

This all-weather sea life sanctuary has back-to-back marine presentations, including stingray feedings, guided shark tours, and seal and otter shows, all accompanied by informative talks. Eleven theme zones spread over three levels, including Australia's largest and most interactive jellyfish display, a seahorse sanctuary, and a famous underwater tunnel that gets you face-to-face with the majestic creatures of the deep. A souvenir shop and a café are also on-site, as well as a three-level indoor playground for kids. The aquarium is part of Mooloolaba's Wharf Complex, which features a marina, restaurants, and a tavern.

Save up by booking a fully flexible ticket valid for up to 12 months online in advance.

About 3 km (2 miles) northeast of Noosa Heads you'll find the Teewah Coloured Sands, an area of multicolor dunes created in the Ice Age by natural chemicals in the soil. Teewah's sands stretch inland from the beach to a distance of about 17 km (11 miles); some of the 72 distinctly hued sands even form cliffs rising to 600 feet. A four-wheel-drive vehicle and permit are essential for exploring this area and sites to the north, such as Cooloola National Park—home to 1,300-plus species of plants, 700 native animals, and 44% of Australia's bird species—and Great Sandy National Park. Access is by ferry across the Noosa River at Tewantin.

Tour operators run day trips that take in these sights; some include visits to K'gari (Fraser Island), north of Rainbow Beach. You can also explore the area on foot. One of Queensland's Great Walks winds through Cooloola National Park.