Which Sunshine Coast beaches are sheltered?

Bulcock Beach at Caloundra, the calmer side of Mooloolaba Spit and Noosa Main Beach on many days are popular. Conditions change, so check flags and signs on the day.

How do I know a beach is patrolled?

Look for red and yellow flags and a lifesaver tower or tent. If there are none, nobody is on duty, and it is safer to stay out of the water.

Is Maroochy River Mouth safe for children?

It is a popular spot with gentler water, but tidal currents can be strong. Keep children close, check signs and avoid the channel where water moves fastest.

Are there rock pools on the Sunshine Coast?

A few, mainly around headlands at low tide, but the coast is mostly sandy. Wear grippy shoes and watch the waves.

Free beaches and rock pools in Sunshine Coast

The beaches are the reason most families come to the Sunshine Coast, and there are more than twenty on our list. Noosa Main Beach faces north and sits calm on many days, while Mooloolaba Spit has a protected side and a surf side. Alexandra Headland, Kawana and Currimundi are classic open beaches where surf clubs stand beside the sand. Bulcock Beach at Caloundra is sheltered by an island and a passage, which makes it a favourite for small children. The golden rule is to swim between the red and yellow flags. Patrolled beaches are marked with flags when lifesavers are on duty, and no flags means no lifeguards. Rips are common on surf beaches and can catch good swimmers by surprise. If you are unsure, ask a lifesaver, they are friendly and know the day's conditions. The listing says what each beach has, but patrol times belong with the club. There is more to a beach day than swimming. Children can dig, collect shells, chase waves at the edge or walk to a headland. River mouths such as Maroochy have gentler water but tidal currents, so they need their own care. Rock pools are scarce, and mostly found on headlands at low tide. Go early, especially in summer, before the car parks fill. Bring shade that will survive the breeze, plenty of water and a bag for rubbish. The coast looks best in the morning, with long shadows, quiet sand and a sea that has not made up its mind.

Our picks

Noosa Main Beach Noosa Heads
Noosa Main Beach at Noosa Heads is a north-facing beach that Noosa Council describes as a sheltered spot for swimming with gentle waves, compared with the more powerful…

Patrolled · ★ 4.7 (5,296)
Marcoola Beach Marcoola
Marcoola Beach, between beach accesses 98 and 112, is a quieter open stretch of beach surrounded by parkland and patrolled seasonally.

Patrolled Summer
Mooloolaba Beach Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba Beach is described by Sunshine Coast Council as a premier swimming beach, popular for body boarding and surfing, and it is patrolled year round; patrol times…

Patrolled All year · All-abilities access
Kings Beach Ocean Pool Kings Beach
The Kings Beach Ocean Pool (also called the Sir Francis Nicklin Memorial Pool) sits on the rocks at the northern end of Kings Beach, Caloundra.

Patrolled Summer
Sunshine Beach Sunshine Beach
Sunshine Beach is one of Noosa Shire's patrolled beaches.
Coolum Beach Coolum Beach
Coolum Beach is a family friendly patrolled beach with parks and a boardwalk.

Patrolled All year · All-abilities access

Before you go

Best for which ages

Sandy shallows and sheltered spots suit toddlers, while primary-aged children enjoy bodyboards in patrolled areas. Teenagers tend to head for surf beaches and the longer walks. Check the listing for each beach, and watch the water for a few minutes before anyone goes in.

What to bring

A shade shelter that handles wind, hats, rash shirts, sunscreen and water. Pack towels, spare clothes, sand toys and a bag for rubbish. Bring a small first aid kit and some cash for the car park, if the local rules require it.

Parking and facilities

Parking, showers, toilets and kiosks differ by beach, so check each listing before you go. Popular beaches fill quickly in holidays and on warm weekends. Do not assume a cafe is open, and arrive early to get a spot. Surf club kiosks are common but run to their own timetable, so a thermos is a safe backup.

Best time of year

Summer is the main swimming season, though winter days are often clear, calm and quiet for walks. Autumn can be lovely, with warm water and fewer people. Spring winds can chill the afternoon, so bring a layer. Midweek outside school terms you may have a whole stretch of sand to yourselves.

How to make a day of it

Begin with a wander along the sand, swim only where the flags are, then lunch on the grass. Add a nearby playground or headland walk if energy remains. On rough days, choose a sheltered corner or a river mouth with care. Whatever you choose, leave room to walk the tideline, because that is where children find the best treasures.

Beaches, rock pools and ocean baths

Swim between the red and yellow flags. Patrol seasons and hours on each listing come from the surf club or council page.

Noosa Main Beach Noosa Heads
Noosa Main Beach at Noosa Heads is a north-facing beach that Noosa Council describes as a sheltered spot for swimming with gentle waves, compared with the more powerful…

Patrolled · ★ 4.7 (5,296)
Marcoola Beach Marcoola
Marcoola Beach, between beach accesses 98 and 112, is a quieter open stretch of beach surrounded by parkland and patrolled seasonally.

Patrolled Summer
Mooloolaba Beach Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba Beach is described by Sunshine Coast Council as a premier swimming beach, popular for body boarding and surfing, and it is patrolled year round; patrol times…

Patrolled All year · All-abilities access
Kings Beach Ocean Pool Kings Beach
The Kings Beach Ocean Pool (also called the Sir Francis Nicklin Memorial Pool) sits on the rocks at the northern end of Kings Beach, Caloundra.

Patrolled Summer
Sunshine Beach Sunshine Beach
Sunshine Beach is one of Noosa Shire's patrolled beaches.
Coolum Beach Coolum Beach
Coolum Beach is a family friendly patrolled beach with parks and a boardwalk.

Patrolled All year · All-abilities access
Twin Waters Beach (Maroochy North Shore) Twin Waters
Council-funded lifeguards patrol Twin Waters Beach all year round from the tower at beach access 131.

Patrolled All year
Golden Beach Golden Beach
Golden Beach stretches for more than four kilometres along the Pumicestone Passage from Bulcock Beach to the mouth of Bells Creek.

Not patrolled
Bulcock Beach Caloundra
Council-funded lifeguards patrol Bulcock Beach on weekends, school holidays and public holidays from September to May.

Patrolled September to May
Mudjimba Beach Mudjimba
Council-funded lifeguards patrol Mudjimba Beach all year, and Mudjimba Surf Life Saving Club volunteers add weekend and public holiday patrols from 7am to 5pm (6pm over…

Patrolled September school holidays to early May (volunteers)
Mooloolaba Spit Beach Mooloolaba
Council-funded lifeguards patrol Mooloolaba Spit all year round, and Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club volunteers patrol the main beach on weekends and public holidays…

Patrolled All year (council lifeguards)
Kings Beach Kings Beach
Council-funded lifeguards patrol Kings Beach all year, and Metropolitan Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club volunteers add weekend and public holiday patrols from 7am to…

Patrolled All year (council lifeguards) · All-abilities access
Maroochydore Beach Maroochydore
Council-funded lifeguards patrol Maroochydore Beach all year, and Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club volunteers patrol on weekends and public holidays from 7am to about…

Patrolled September school holidays to May long weekend (volunteers)
Kawana Beach Buddina
Kawana Beach in Buddina is patrolled year round, with the Kawana Waters Surf Life Saving Club in Coopers Lookout Park and the lifeguard tower at beach access 223.

Patrolled All year
Discovery Beach Marcoola
Discovery Beach runs from north of Mudjimba Esplanade to Warana Way at Marcoola (beach accesses 113 to 116).
Maroochy River Mouth Cotton Tree
The beach at the Maroochy River mouth (beach accesses 140 to 143) has a newer holiday patrol service.

Patrolled Queensland school holidays in September, Christmas and Easter
Yaroomba Beach Yaroomba
Council-funded lifeguards patrol Yaroomba Beach near Birrahl Park during the school holidays between September and May only.

Patrolled School holidays between September and May only
Alexandra Headland Beach Alexandra Headland
Council-funded lifeguards patrol Alexandra Headland all year, and Alex Surf Life Saving Club volunteers add weekend and public holiday patrols from 7am to 5pm (6pm over…

Patrolled All year (council lifeguards) · All-abilities access
Currimundi Beach Currimundi
Currimundi Beach lies south of Currimundi Lake, with two main spots at Watson Street and Buderim Street joined by the Coastal Pathway.

Patrolled
Peregian Beach Peregian Beach
Peregian Beach is one of Noosa Shire's patrolled beaches.
Dicky Beach Dicky Beach
Council-funded lifeguards patrol Dicky Beach all year, and Dicky Beach Surf Life Saving Club volunteers patrol on weekends and public holidays from 7am to 5pm (6pm in…

Patrolled All year (council lifeguards) · All-abilities access

All beaches and rock pools in Sunshine Coast, free and paid

Questions parents ask

Which Sunshine Coast beaches are sheltered?: Bulcock Beach at Caloundra, the calmer side of Mooloolaba Spit and Noosa Main Beach on many days are popular. Conditions change, so check flags and signs on the day.
How do I know a beach is patrolled?: Look for red and yellow flags and a lifesaver tower or tent. If there are none, nobody is on duty, and it is safer to stay out of the water.
Is Maroochy River Mouth safe for children?: It is a popular spot with gentler water, but tidal currents can be strong. Keep children close, check signs and avoid the channel where water moves fastest.
Are there rock pools on the Sunshine Coast?: A few, mainly around headlands at low tide, but the coast is mostly sandy. Wear grippy shoes and watch the waves.