A beach day on the Sunshine Coast with kids
This is a beach day in the Noosa area at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast. Noosa Main Beach (29.5 km from the centre) is the sheltered one for swimming. Sunshine Beach and Noosa Aquatic Centre are nearby, and Peregian Beach and Peregian Breeze Park are further south at about 18 to 19 km. Beaches and the park are free. The aquatic centre charges entry.
The stops are 10 km or so apart, so treat the plan as a menu and pick one or two. You will need a car. Bring hats, sunscreen and food. Noosa Council says the eastern beaches, including Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach, have more powerful surf than Noosa Main Beach. Swim only in the patrolled area.
Every stop is a listing on Funtivities, checked against the place's own website. Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Prices and hours can change, so check the listing before you go.
The day at a glance
- Morning: Noosa Main Beach
- Late morning: Noosa Aquatic Centre
- Lunch: Sunshine Beach
- Afternoon: Peregian Beach
- Late afternoon: Peregian Breeze Park
Morning
Swim at Noosa Main Beach
Noosa Main Beach, Noosa Heads · Beaches & Rock Pools · Ages 0-17 · Free · 4.7 stars (5296 reviews)
A free, patrolled, north-facing beach at Noosa Heads. It is sheltered for swimming, with lifeguards, toilets, showers and parking. A good first stop with younger kids.
Lifeguard patrol: 7:00am – 5:00pm.
Tip: Patrolled daily, 7am to 5pm. Some days start at 7:30am.
Late morning
Cool off at Noosa Aquatic Centre
Noosa Aquatic Centre, Sunshine Beach · Swimming & Aquatics · Ages 0-18 · From $6
A Sunshine Beach aquatic centre with 50 m and 25 m pools and a toddler leisure pool with water play. It gives younger kids a pool option when the surf is rough.
Tip: Adult casual swim is listed at $7.50 and family casual swim at $23.50. Open from 5am on weekdays and 7am on weekends.
Lunch
Look at Sunshine Beach
Sunshine Beach, Sunshine Beach · Beaches & Rock Pools · Ages 0-17 · Free
One of Noosa Shire's patrolled beaches. Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club is on the beach, and the northern end is an off-leash dog area. Council says the surf here is more powerful than at Noosa Main Beach.
Tip: Patrol times are not listed here. Swim only in the patrolled area and check the Beachsafe app for patrol times and conditions.
Afternoon
Stop at Peregian Beach
Peregian Beach, Peregian Beach · Beaches & Rock Pools · Ages 0-17 · Free
One of Noosa Shire's patrolled beaches, with Peregian Beach Surf Life Saving Club running patrols and Nippers. Council notes the surf is more powerful than at Noosa Main Beach.
Tip: Patrol times are not listed here. Swim only where lifeguards are on duty and check the Beachsafe app.
Late afternoon
Play at Peregian Breeze Park
Peregian Breeze Park, Peregian Beach · Playgrounds & Parks · Ages 0-17 · Free
A shaded neighbourhood playground at Peregian Beach with climbing nets, monkey bars, sand play and swings. A free place to wind down after the beach.
Tip: Free to use.
Before you go
- Noosa Main Beach is patrolled daily, 7am to 5pm. Check the Beachsafe app for Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach patrol times.
- The surf at the eastern beaches is more powerful than at Noosa Main Beach, according to council.
- Noosa Aquatic Centre has a toddler leisure pool with water play.
- The stops are spread over about 10 km, so drive between them and pick one or two.
Questions parents ask
Which Sunshine Coast beach is best for kids?
Noosa Main Beach is north-facing and sheltered for swimming, with lifeguards, toilets, showers and parking. It is patrolled daily from 7am to 5pm. Council says the eastern beaches have more powerful surf.
Is there a pool near Noosa for young children?
Noosa Aquatic Centre at Sunshine Beach has 50 m and 25 m pools and a toddler leisure pool with water play. Adult casual swim is listed at $7.50, so check the listing for child prices.
Are Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach patrolled?
Both are listed as Noosa Shire patrolled beaches, with lifeguards contracted through Surf Life Saving Queensland. Swim only in the patrolled area and check the Beachsafe app for current patrol times.
More days in Sunshine Coast with kids
- Your first day on the Sunshine Coast with kids - The places to start with when you have one day and want the best of the city.
- A rainy day on the Sunshine Coast with kids - Indoor stops close together, so a wet day still works.
- A free day out on the Sunshine Coast with kids - A full day where every stop has free entry.
- The Sunshine Coast with toddlers and under-5s - Short distances, space to run and places built for under-5s.
- The Sunshine Coast with teenagers - Things teenagers choose for themselves, not just tolerate.
- Visiting Sunshine Coast with kids: all guides