Our tip: Don't miss the stunning coastal pathway that links the beachside villages of Noosa Heads, Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach. Sunshine Beach is the ideal hop-on point, to explore the winding track that runs between the beach and the coast road that is best tackled on bike or by foot. With stunning vistas over the open Eastern Beaches (and excellent opportunities for whale watching during migration season, July - October), this peaceful track is one of the best ways to get amongst nature and explore the coastal villages.
Casual eats don’t come much better than this at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club, with expansive, million-dollar coastal views as your backdrop, and a recently renovated space that embraces modern architecture and the natural surrounds. This popular haunt is the perfect spot to enjoy the laidback vibes of Sunshine Beach, at any time of the day or night.
Small, Middle Eastern-inspired plates and homely service are the hallmarks at this hole-in-the-wall space that is Humble on Duke, which packs its intimate space nightly with devoted regulars and visitors.
Perched above the treetops in the village, the long-standing local favourite Embassy XO serves inventive modern Asian, in airy interiors, with an adjacent cosy bar serving light eats and creative cocktails into the evening.
You’d be well advised to start your Sunshine Beach morning with a coffee stop on the deck at Sunshine Social, a popular local establishment serving top-notch coffee, as well as grab-and-go bites from their counter filled with baked treats and cold-pressed juices.
At the northern end of Sunshine Beach, climb the iconic stairs for the best views in town, and the start of the Noosa National Park, where you can wind your way around the rocky headland and hidden coves, all the way to Noosa Main Beach, or discover the maze of trails that are home to local wildlife populations and native species.
While multi-million-dollar residences and chic apartments line the beachfront, Sunshine Beach is also home to affordable travellers’ accommodation, like the bright pink landmark Dolphin’s Beach House and the backpacker-friendly Noosa Flashpackers. Or delve into a world of luxury accommodation options with Niche Luxury Accommodation and explore their collection of dreamy high-end properties.
Grab a board and head for a wave wherever they are breaking along the expanse of open beaches from Sunshine Beach down to Marcus Beach. While northern Sunshine Beach is a favourite spot amongst experienced local surfers, beginners are better suited to the sheltered waters of Laguna Bay.
The open Eastern Beaches are a haven for water sports, and you’ll often spot kite-surfers and paragliders hovering above this stretch of ocean. Hire a board or a kite from Adventure Sports Kite Surf Australia and get amongst the action. Or hire a mountain bike from the selection at Bike On, and meander along the unpopulated bikeways that line the winding coastal road between Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach.
For a different perspective of this small village enclave, hit the water with Noosa Oceanrider, who take dolphin safari and adventure boating tours from the Noosa River, right around the bay to Sunshine Beach, where you can spot dolphins, turtles and even whales during migration season.
