The best Sunshine Coast coastal towns for a relaxing winter escape

Mooloolaba

The Spit, Mooloolaba Beach | Demi Gavin

If you're dreaming of a Sunshine Coast beach town escape filled with idyllic morning swims, fresh seafood and breakfast by the beach... then turn your attention to Mooloolaba. With Alexandra Headland on one side and the Point Cartwright lighthouse on the other, Mooloolaba remains close to the heart of the Sunshine Coast while still retaining a unique coastal feel. With trendy bars near the ocean for twilight tipples, trawlers bringing in Mooloolaba prawns, and boutique shopping in abundance, you’ll have no shortage of local delights to fill your itinerary.

Best for: plenty to see and do within easy walking distance

Where to stay: Rest up in style at spots like Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, Oceans Mooloolaba, First Light Mooloolaba and Mantra Mooloolaba Beach.

Things to do: Head out on a sunset cruise with live music, browse the boutique stores along the Esplanade, catch golden hour at The Wharf Mooloolaba, book a whale watching tour and take a stroll along the coastal path.

Where to eat: Satisfy your seafood cravings at Prawn Star, Fish House Steak & Grill and The Dock Mooloolaba, have drinks at Casita Wine Bar and Boston Shaker Bar, and keep things sweet at Flo’s Creperie.

What’s the vibe? Seaside bliss

Noosa

Noosa Heads visitor guide

Winter beach holidays done right is the name of the game at Noosa. Recently recognised as one of the Top 10 Most Welcoming Towns on Earth in the 2026 Traveller Review Awards by Booking.com, Noosa exudes a luxurious coastal charm that you’ll find hard to resist. Whether you’re sipping sunset cocktails with beachfront views or zipping up your wetsuit and paddling out for a surf, your only job is to activate relaxation mode. Our top tip? Come prepared to spot wildlife as you stroll through Noosa National Park: you never know when you might see a koala in the tree or a whale splashing in the ocean beyond.

Best for: easy beach holiday with a touch of luxury

Where to stay: Stick close to the beach at spots like Elysium Noosa Resort and Peppers Noosa Resort and Villas, or head into the heart of nature at Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Resort.

Things to do: Hike through Noosa National Park, take a trip out to the Noosa Hinterland, learn to eFoil with Fliteschool Noosa, unwind at Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort, and book a sunset cruise with Noosa Queen.

Where to eat: Check out spots like Noosa Boathouse, Lanai, Noosa Cruiser Restaurant and Bar, Humble on Duke and Bistro C.

What’s the vibe? Coastal chic

Caloundra

Aerial of Kings Beach, Caloundra, Sunshine Coast

Ready to go beach-hopping? Nestled along the southern coastline of the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra is home to a sweep of picturesque shores. Whether you’re keen to explore rockpools, take a dip in an ocean pool or simply kick back on the sand with a good book, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to crafting your favourite kind of beach day. The magic doesn’t just stop at the sand, either. Other highlights in Caloundra include the relaxed coastal dining scene and the range of dreamy stays within easy walking distance of the water.

Best for: couples and families chasing a laidback beach holiday with plenty of spots to explore

Beaches to explore: Bulcock Beach, Dicky Beach, Golden Beach, Kings Beach and Moffat Beach.

Where to stay: Spend the night at spots like Rumba Beach Resort, Aspect Caloundra, Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort, and BIG4 Caloundra.

Things to do: Have an invigorating morning swim in the Kings Beach Ocean Pool, stroll through the Caloundra Regional Art Gallery and hire a kayak to explore the Pumicestone Passage.

Where to eat: Satisfy your Italian food cravings at Amici Restaurant & Pizzeria, discover the craft beer scene at Moffat Beach Brewing Co and have breakfast with ocean views at the Kings Beach Bar. The gelato at Fifty Acres Gelato is also a must for something sweet.

What's the vibe? Classic beach town feel

Bokarina

Bokarina Beach_Kawana_Credit Visit Sunshine Coast

For a beachside town with a modern vibe on the Sunshine Coast, don’t skip Bokarina. Here, you can spend your days taking strolls along the surf beach, dining at buzzing local restaurants and heading out on mini-road trips to other coastal highlights nearby, like Point Cartwright. The holiday apartments at Bokarina will also give you a great chance to soak up some stunning sunrise views over the ocean.

Best for: couples seeking a mini break where the beach and good food is on their doorstep

Beaches to explore: Bokarina Beach

Where to stay: Check out Bokarina Beach Apartments

Things to do: Jump in the car and head out to explore nearby gems like Point Cartwright Lookout, the Kawana Waters Farmers Markets, or follow the coastal pathway on foot or bike from Bokarina Beach to Warana Beach.

Where to eat: Grab brunch at spots like Stoa Bokarina, scoops of gelato at Wallace and Wood, and feast on Italian fare at Bocca Italian.

What’s the vibe? Modern coastal rejuvenation

Coolum

First Bay, Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast

Expect laidback Aussie surf town vibes at Coolum, where pandanus trees rustle in the breeze, stunning lookouts are in abundance, and the iconic Mount Coolum stands tall. Make sure you check out Coolum’s trio of closely connected bays, which you'll find hard to miss as you cruise into town.

Best for: couples looking for an easy coastal getaway with loads of natural beauty

Beaches to explore: Coolum Beach, First Bay, Second Bay, Third Bay.

Where to stay: Book spots like The Point Coolum Beach, Coolum Beach Resort, or Coolum at the Beach. If you’ve got a caravan, the Coolum Beach Holiday Park is a great option.

Things to do: Take a stroll on the Mount Coolum Boardwalk, check out the views from Point Perry, explore the bays and climb Mount Coolum.

Where to eat: Try Coolum Beach Bar, Rosa Italian and the Coolum Surf Club.

What’s the vibe? Friendly surf culture

Maroochydore

Cotton Tree Beach, Maroochydore

You’ll find Maroochydore only a stone’s throw from the popular riverside hub of Cotton Tree and neighbouring Alexandra Headland. Morning swims are made easy as you take the short stroll from your accommodation through to the beach, while come dinner time, you won’t be far from some of the Sunshine Coast’s hottest restaurants.

Best for: couples and families looking for a scenic (and central) beach holiday

Where to stay: Unwind at The Sebel Maroochydore, Beach on Sixth, and the Maroochydore Beach Holiday Park.

Things to do: Hire a boat to meander along the river, take a short drive to the rainforest at Buderim Forest Park and catch a movie at the Sunshine Coast Plaza.

Where to eat: Dine on modern Asian street food at Giddy Geisha, discover the magic of Japanese charcoal eats at SOKA, savour Italian cuisine at Bottarga by Da Biuso and dig into Greek flavours at Lyra.

What’s the vibe? Relaxed, central and effortlessly easy

Rainbow Beach

Couple at Rainbow Beach, Gympie Region, Sunshine Coast

Rainbow Beach is the place to be for fans of four-wheel-driving, sandy adventures and discovering hidden gems so pretty they’ll have you filling your photo library in no time. This northern beauty sits on the doorstep of acclaimed spots like Inskip Point, which was recently named by Tourism Australia as one of the country’s best beaches. The coloured sands and natural beauty of this special part of the world makes it a must-visit, particularly in the winter months.

Best for: exploring the great outdoors in your 4WD

Driving distance from Brisbane: around 2hrs 44 minutes

Where to stay: BIG4 Rainbow Beach Holiday Park, Rainbow Ocean Palms Resort

Things to do: Soak up the views at Carlo Sand Blow, marvel at the golden water of Seary’s Creek and take a photo on the iconic rainbow stairs.

Where to eat: Load up on plenty of delicious bites at the Rainbow Beach Hotel and indulge in the mouthwatering toasties at Little Parliament.

What’s the vibe? Adventurous, unpolished and welcoming