7 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.

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.

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.