Whether you're chasing a laidback summer holiday by the ocean or an itinerary with brimming with adventures, we've got you covered. Ahead, we break down everything from waterfalls to camping spots, plus need-to-know tips that will make your Sunshine Coast summer even easier.
Visit these Sunshine Coast beaches
Family at Mooloolaba Beach, Sunshine Coast
Summer on the Sunshine Coast typically brings balmy days (be prepared to work up a sweat if you're spending plenty of time outdoors!), so keep plenty of space in your itinerary for beach visits.
Here are just a few places to keep in mind:
Mooloolaba Beach: this pocket of coastal beauty is ideal in summer thanks to its bustling Esplanade and iconic local seafood scene. Nothing cues the summer vibes more than a twilight fish and chips picnic on the beach. Other nearby beaches to check out: Alexandra Headland Beach and Maroochydore Beach.
Coolum Beach (Main Beach): you can hit the Coastal Pathway here for an early morning workout or catch sunrise at Mount Coolum, before making your way down to the main beach. Need a break from the sun? You'll find extra shady spots around Tickle Park, which is located right near the main beach and the Coolum Surf Club. Other nearby beaches to check out: Marcoola Beach and Peregian Beach.
Kings Beach: Located close to the southern end of the Sunshine Coast, Kings Beach in Caloundra is a great family-friendly option for a beach day this summer. Take your pick from spots like the Kings Beach Ocean Pool, the Kings Beach Fountain (water play), and the beach itself. Other nearby beaches to check out: Dicky Beach.
Bulcock Beach: You’ll find this Caloundra gem tucked away along the Pumicestone Passage, making it an easy-going spot for time by the water. Other nearby beaches to check out: Kings Beach
Maroochydore Beach: This is a classic Sunshine Coast beach with plenty of space to unwind. One of the bonuses of visiting Maroochydore Beach is its close proximity to Cotton Tree and the Maroochy River, where other fun activities like stand-up-paddle-boarding await. Other nearby beaches to check out: Alexandra Headland Beach and Mooloolaba Beach.
Noosa Main Beach: For a summer beach experience that looks like it's wandered straight off a postcard, a visit to Noosa Main Beach is a must. Not only can you grab a meal along the beachfront, but you'll have the stunning Coastal Walk through the Noosa National Park right nearby. Other nearby beaches to check out: Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach.
Important to know: If you're already dreaming about your next dip in the ocean, we don't blame you. Just make sure that when it's time to finally step out onto the sand, you follow all official signage and only swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches.
Looking for more beaches? Check out this guide.
Go surfing and snorkelling
Snorkel with turtles at Mudjimba Island, Sunshine Coast
While you won't get to see whales in the summer on the Sunshine Coast, there's nothing stopping you from hitting the waves for a surf or popping on the snorkel to check out some underwater action. We recommend booking a spot on a snorkelling experience at the reef of one of the Sunshine Coast's most iconic locations, Mudjimba Island. Tour operators who offer this experience include The Pressure Project and Sunreef.
Local tip: book yourself a surf lesson if you haven't picked up a board before (or it's been a while!) to build some confidence and new skills. Local surf schools include the likes of Go Ride A Wave Noosa and Coolum Surf School. You can also book a spot on a Sunshine Coast Surf Day Trip with Australian Surf Bus.
Sunshine Coast tours and attractions for your summer list
For animal-lovers:
Cotton-Top Tamarin Encounter at Wildlife HQ, Woombye, Sunshine Coast
Animal lovers won't want to miss...
- Paddling out on a dolphin kayak tour with Epic Ocean Adventures
- Catching the Wildlife Warriors Show in the legendary Containers for Change Crocoseum at Australia Zoo. Australia Zoo is located in Beerwah, close to another family-friendly attraction, the Big Kart Track.
- Meeting vibrant feathered friends at Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World. Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World is located in Maleny, near the spectacular Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.
- Having an adorable pygmy marmoset encounter at Wildlife HQ. Wildlife HQ is located in Woombye, right near the Big Pineapple and TreeTop Challenge – Sunshine Coast.
For an experience on the water:
Sunset Cruise, Saltwater Eco Tours, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast
Experiences on the water include...
- Settling back on a cruise with Saltwater Eco Tours (Mooloolaba), Sunshine Coast Afloat (Mooloolaba) or Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba.
- Immersing yourself in nature on a kayak tour in Noosa with By Earth and Ocean.
- Hiring a boat from Bill's Boat Hire and exploring the Pumicestone Passage in Caloundra.
- Heading out on the Aquaduck Sunshine Coast in Mooloolaba.
- Paddling the Noosa Everglades with Kanu Kapers.
- Learning how to eFoil with the team at Fliteschool Noosa.
Local tip: Try catching the local Mooloolaba Ferry, which travels between Mooloolaba and Kawana and stops at locations like The Wharf Mooloolaba and the Kawana Hotel.
For keeping the kids busy:
Family fun at Aussie World, Sunshine Coast
Keep the kids busy by...
- Getting competitive at spots like Amaze World in Tanawah. From here, spots like Buderim and Buderim Forest Park aren’t too far of a drive away.
- Exploring the world of ginger and more at The Ginger Factory in Yandina. You’ll also find Nutworks just down the road from The Ginger Factory.
- Dialling up the adrenaline at Aussie World in Palmview. You’ll have easy access to Aussie World from the M1.
- Taking a ride on the Mary Valley Rattler in Gympie. You’ll find this spot less than an hour’s drive from Rainbow Beach.
- Discovering underwater creatures at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast in Mooloolaba. This spot is hard to miss, as it’s right near The Wharf Mooloolaba, a lively waterfront precinct with lots of great dining options!
- Checking out indoor delights like Rush Adventureland and Laserzone Sunshine Coast. Rush Adventureland is located in Maroochydore near Sunshine Plaza, while Laserzone Sunshine Coast can be found in Warana, near the buzzing coastal town of Bokarina.
Discover the Sunshine Coast's surf clubs
The Surf Club, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast
Looking for an easy summer lunch spot on the Sunshine Coast? Try the local surf clubs. Not only will you get served an epic feed and chilled drinks, but you'll also get to enjoy some cracking coastal views while you eat. Believe us, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing your next meal.
- Alex Surf Club: their ‘Bluff Bar’ is perfect for enjoying live music beachside.
- Coolum Surf Club: great for a local vibe and stunning beachfront backdrop.
- Sunshine Beach Surf Club: plenty of space to spread out and make the most of the views.
- The Surf Club Mooloolaba: seafood lovers will adore the Mooloolaba King Prawn Bucket.
- Kings Beach Surf Club: easy to find in Kings Beach, and overlooks the iconic Kings Beach Ocean Pool.
Local tip: For an impressive seafood feast, don't miss 'The Surf Club Seafood Tier' at the Boathouse Restaurant (The Surf Club Mooloolaba), which features Mooloolaba prawns, Moreton Bay bug, Mooloolaba beer-battered whiting and more.
Don't miss these Sunshine Coast waterfalls
Kondalilla Falls, Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Summer storms and rain mean that this is an ideal time of year to witness the Sunshine Coast's waterfalls in action. You'll find a range of waterfalls across the region to check out, including:
Kondalilla Falls: Located in Kondalilla National Park (only a short drive from the town of Montville) Kondalilla Falls plumets an impressive 90 metres. You can check out smaller falls and other scenes of lush rainforest beauty as you explore the hiking trails here.
Booloumba Falls: You need a 4WD to access Booloumba Falls in Conondale National Park... and trust us, it's worth the drive. Make sure you stop by the iconic turquoise waters of Booloumba Creek on your way home. Don't have a 4WD but still want to experience this place? Check out the tour offerings from Sunny Jeeps
Buderim Falls: If you'd like to check out a waterfall but you're looking for an easier walk, Buderim Falls, located in Buderim Forest Park, might be for you. You’ll also only be a short drive from some maze fun at Amaze World.
Gardners Falls: With its rockpools and beautiful surroundings, don't forget to add a trip to Gardners Falls to your itinerary when you're exploring the Hinterland area of Maleny.
Mapleton Falls: With its spectacular drop, Mapleton Falls is a sight to behold. Best of all, this spot is just around a 5-minute drive from the town of Mapleton.
Plan ahead: While our waterfalls are stunning, they can also be dangerous. Always stick to marked trails, follow any local signage and check park alerts before you visit at parks.qld.gov.au.
Local tip: Try to head out earlier in the day in summer if you want to check out the waterfalls to both beat the heat and potential crowds.
Find your new favourite camping and or caravanning spot
Family camping at Cotton Tree Holiday Park, Sunshine Coast
Pitch a tent, set up your caravan or get comfy in a cabin: whatever takes your fancy.
Spots close to the beach: Cotton Tree Holiday Park, Coolum Beach Holiday Park, Maroochydore Beach Holiday Park, Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park, Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park and Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park.
Family fun: BIG4 Caloundra, Borumba Deer Park (located in Imbil), Ingenia Holidays Rivershore (located in Diddillibah).
Out in nature: BIG4 Noosa North Shore, Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp, Ingenia Holidays Noosa, Ingenia Holidays Noosa North, Ocean View Caravan & Tourist Park (located in Landsborough).
Local tip: Plan to experience the new luxury and family safari tents at Ingenia Holidays Rivershore, which is accepting bookings from February 2027.
Next, learn more about the Sunshine Coast and what you can do here.
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By Visit Sunshine Coast
Published about 13 hours ago
