5 dreamy beach towns to unwind

The kind of holiday where you can slip into local life with ease, while uncovering a side of the Sunshine Coast you never knew existed.

Take your pick of these five coastal towns that prove the dreamiest escapes are closer than you think.

Caloundra

Expect: Good food, slow mornings and nostalgic holiday vibes

Sunrise at Military Jetty at Golden Beach, Caloundra, Sunshine Coast

Caloundra has mastered the art of taking it easy.

And if you’re looking for peace, quiet and a some seriously good food, Golden Beach is the go-to for those in the know.

Here the clear waters of the Pumicestone Passage invite long swims and paddle sessions. The coastal pathway is ideal for a sunrise walk or gentle bike ride, and Golden Beach shops the perfect place to grab a coffee and local treats.

Family at Big4 Caloundra, Sunshine Coast

Wellness does not always need a yoga mat, and you’re sure to find inner peace with a stay at Big 4 Caloundra. With a newly refurbished pool and waterfront villas, you’ll find taking it easy here is, well, easy.

Mooloolaba

Expect: Ocean swims, laid-back luxury and a side of indulgence

Sunrise at Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast

There’s a reason why Mooloolaba is a local favourite.

Start your day here with a swim between the flags or a stroll along the foreshore at sunrise. The rhythm of the waves does wonders for clearing headspace, especially when followed by breakfast on the Esplanade.

Continue you day with lunch at one of the many restaurants serving up delicious local produce beachside or at The Wharf. Casita Restaurant’s modern Mediterranean menu is always enticing, or slow the pace down with a plate of fresh prawns at Prawn Star.

Come afternoon, hop aboard a boat and meander the Mooloolaba canals - Cavalier Cruises, Saltwater Eco Tours, Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba and Mooloolaba Ferry can take you there – or head out for a snorkel or dive tour with Sunreef or The Pressure Project.

At night, rest easy in your beachside accommodation as the sound of gentle waves lull you to sleep.

Coolum

Expect: Surf vibes, barefoot freedom and beach for the soul

First Bay, Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast

Coolum is for people who like their beach break served salty and sun kissed.

Coolum’s beaches stretch long and wide, making them ideal for barefoot walks and ocean swims. Our tip? Head south along the coastal path from Coolum Main Beach and discover the quiet bays the locals love.

After a beach session, kick your relaxation up a notch at Coolum Beach Bar for lunch. It is casual, coastal and exactly where you want to be post-swim.

For those looking to kick the heart rate up a notch, make tracks to Mount Coolum and watch the sunset over the Hinterland from the summit.

Maroochydore

Expect: River swims and feel-good coffee spots

Breakfast at Sunshine Social, Cotton Tree, Sunshine Coast

Maroochydore surprises people, in the best way.

Cotton Tree Beach is a standout for families and those craving calm water and quiet moments. The Maroochy River flows here, perfect for swimming, kayaking or simply floating and letting your shoulders drop.

When you are ready to rejoin civilisation, Sunshine Social delivers the post-nature pick-me-up. Grab a coffee – they roast their own beans – and soak up the vibrant energy. Maroochydore balances nature and buzz better than most.

Kawana

Expect: Wide beaches, wild headlands and space to breathe

Surfer at Sunrise, Kawana Beach, Sunshine Coast

If your version of unwinding involves space, Kawana Beach is for you.

Long, open and uncrowded, it is ideal for deep breaths, long walks and swims that feel almost private. There is something grounding about the scale of this coastline.

Nearby, Point Cartwright offers a different kind of wellness. Walk the headland trails, watch the waves crash below and keep an eye out for whales during winter.

Beyond the beach, head to Bokarina for buzzing restaurants like Playa Mexican, Bocca Italian and Stoa Bokarina for coffee and brunch.

Keen to learn more about Sunshine Coast Beaches? Check out our guides for 7 Beaches in 7 Days and the Best Beaches to Swim, Surf, Snorkel and Sail.