Noosa is blessed with some of the most spectacular beaches on the Sunshine Coast, and there’s a perfect spot here for every type of beachgoer. Whether you’re chasing gentle waves for the kids, searching for the ultimate surf break, or just keen for a lazy walk along golden sands, the beaches in Noosa deliver in spades.
From calm, family-friendly shores to dog-friendly beaches and secluded coastal gems, this guide rounds up the very best beaches in Noosa to add to your holiday must-visit list. So grab your sunscreen, pack your swimmers, and let’s explore Noosa’s sandy treasures!
The best beaches in Noosa
Noosa Spit (one of the most iconic beaches in Noosa)
The Spit is where the mouth of the river meets the ocean and it’s one of the most iconic beaches in Noosa. It’s a popular spot for picnics and your dog is allowed to visit as well. Hit up this Noosa beach at low tide as there is plenty of sand to spread out and play on for the kids.
Find Noosa Spit right down the end of the ever-popular Hastings St. There are a few car parks to choose from but during school holidays, it can be tricky to get a spot. It’s best to get in early as this is one of the most popular beaches in Noosa for families.
The Noosa River
Head to the Noosa River for wave-free beaches in Noosa. Right next to Lions Park on the corner of Noosa Parade and Noosa Drive is a top spot. The park has a neat little playground and a huge grassy area for kicking a ball around. This spot is excellent for families with younger kids just looking to splash around in the shallows.
Launch a stand-up paddleboard from the shore (hire or bring your own), or rent a no-boat-licence-required small runabout to explore it as you please. Getting a park here is also tricky. You’ll need to get in early or get lucky.
Noosa Main Beach (one of the most popular beaches in Noosa)
Noosa Main Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Noosa and also one of the few that face north in Australia. It’s really great for families and those wanting to take a surf lesson as it has gentle waves and a year-round surf lifesaver patrolled area.
Find it easily on the doorstep of Hastings St but be warned, this beach does get busy. It’s one of the hardest beaches in Noosa near which to find a parking spot in the school holidays. Shopping, accommodation, restaurants and bars are all within walking distance.
Lake Cootharaba (one of our favourite camping beaches in Noosa)
Lake Cootharaba is a massive saltwater lake at Boreen Point in the Noosa Hinterland. It’s really shallow, so adults can’t manage proper swimming, but it’s perfect for sitting in whilst young kids can safely splash around in the water.
Visitors come here to camp, swim, stand-up paddle board and canoe. There is a decent stretch of clean sand to play in within a beautiful natural bush setting. Even though it doesn’t have the beautiful blue waters of Noosa’s coastal beaches, or the green of the Noosa River, it’s still a lovely place to visit and, as far as I’m concerned, one of the best beaches in Noosa for families with younger kids.
Boreen Point is around a 25-minute drive from Noosa Heads, and there is a great council-run camping ground here.
Peregian Beach
Peregian Beach is one of the beaches in Noosa that’s particularly loved by locals. It’s located around a 15-minute drive from Noosa Heads on the southern end of Noosa’s coastline and is patrolled year-round with plenty of space to spread out.
Families can stroll down to the beach before enjoying the trendy cafes and boutique shops in the town centre. Don’t miss the monthly market on Kingfisher Drive.
Sunshine Beach (one of the more popular beaches in Noosa)
Formerly known as Golden Beach, Sunshine Beach is one of the more popular beaches in Noosa. This doesn’t mean it’s crowded, though. The beach is wide and open, and as a result, there is plenty of room for everyone. Much like Noosa Heads, it has a bit of a stylish cafe and boutique feel.
Out of all the beaches in Noosa, this one is perfect for an afternoon with the family. Surrounded by pandanus palms, you can watch the whales go by from June to October.
Granite Bay
Granite Bay is a 50-metre-high headland in the Noosa National Park with a walking trail down to the beach. This is one of the many beaches in Noosa popular with surfers. Even if you’re not a surfer yourself, it’s fun to visit and watch them in action.
Grab your surfboard or boogie board, pack your lunch and set up for the morning or afternoon here.
Tea Tree Bay
I’ll start by saying that Tea Tree Bay is unpatrolled and not recommended for swimming. However, it’s also one of our favourite beaches in Noosa. Located in the Noosa National Park, if you’re doing the coastal walk you will pass right by it. There are flat rocks to sit on, a lovely stretch of sand and shady pandanus trees. Low tide exposes rock pools closer to the water.
Koalas can be spotted in the nearby trees and there are toilets within walking distance. In general, it’s one of the prettiest beaches in Noosa to stretch out on a picnic rug, let the kids play on the sand or rocks, and relax and watch the surfers.
Marcus Beach
Marcus Beach can be found between two other beaches in Noosa, namely Peregian Beach and Sunshine Beach. As a bonus, parts of this beach are dog-friendly. Golden sands, sparkling blue ocean and space for your furry friend…what more could you want?
This beach is popular with locals and, as a result, is not usually crowded like Noosa’s main beach where the tourists flock to.
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