The Ultimate Guide to Noosa Beaches – Where to Swim, Surf and Sunbathe
Noosa is renowned for its beautiful beaches, boasting a variety of options for swimming, surfing and relaxing. Some of the most popular beaches include Noosa Main Beach, Sunshine Beach, Peregian Beach, and the beaches within Noosa National Park including Tea Tree Bay and Granite Bay. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to all of the incredible Noosa beaches, ready for you to explore.
Little Cove Beach
Positioned directly opposite The Cove Noosa, Little Cove Beach is a small and picturesque cove perfect for swimming, sunbathing and serenity. Lined with pandanus trees and renowned for its supremely calm and clear waters, this is a true favourite for families seeking a peaceful escape.
Noosa Main Beach
Iconic for a very good reason, Noosa Main Beach is a patrolled, north-facing beach ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and people-watching. The beach is positioned adjacent to the bustling Hastings Street, so cafes, restaurants and shops are just a short stroll away. If you’re a keen beginner surfer, Main Beach is a great place to get some lessons. Noosa Learn to Surf offers small group classes and private lessons to learn from the very best instructors. No matter how you enjoy spending your time by the coast, Noosa Main Beach is certain to exceed expectations.
Noosa National Park Beaches
Tea Tree Bay Beach
A gem of the Noosa National Park, Tea Tree Bay Beach is a sheltered bay renowned for crystal clear waters and unparalleled natural beauty. This beach is a popular stop for walkers to cool off as they stroll along the famous Coastal Track of the National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles and dolphins as you settle in for sunbathing, swimming and relaxing in one of Noosa’s most picturesque beaches.
Granite Bay
Popular among surfers, Granite Bay is a secluded beach that stands out for its rugged beauty. Accessible through walking trails in Noosa National Park, this gorgeous stretch of sand is reminiscent of Hawaiian beaches, with that quintessential Sunshine Coast flair. Pack some snacks, sunscreen and a hat and settle in for a day of incredible coastal beauty.
Alexandria Bay
Known as ‘A Bay’ to the locals, Alexandria Bay is a 1.2km stretch of pristine white sand and rolling surf as far as the eye can see. A secluded east-facing bay, this beach can be accessed by walking trails in the Noosa National Park. Fair warning, this is an unofficial nudist beach so keep that in mind before you pay a visit!
Eastern Beaches Noosa
The Eastern Beaches in Noosa stretch from Sunshine Beach at the northern end, heading all the way down to the charming Peregian Beach. For those looking for that quintessential Australian stretch of uninterrupted coastline, these beaches are a must-visit.
Sunshine Beach
Sunshine Beach is a local favourite, known for its vibrant surf culture and charming village just moments away from the patrolled beach. With consistent waves and a long stretch of golden sand to enjoy, this is a must on your next visit to Noosa.
Sunrise Beach
As an east-facing beach, Sunrise Beach lives up to its name and offers spectacular early morning views over the Pacific Ocean. The relaxed atmosphere makes this one a local favourite and for those wanting to experience Noosa’s coastline at a slower pace. Stop off at Chalet and Co for a perfectly brewed coffee or delicious smoothie and stay a while to enjoy the unmatched atmosphere.
Castaways Beach
Another quiet option, Castaways Beach is a popular choice with locals and perfect for those wanting to bring their furry friends along with them to the beach. Between beach access points 38 to 47, dogs can run around off leash. Surrounded by coastal bushland, Castaways feels beautifully untamed while still being just a few minutes drive from central Noosa.
Marcus Beach
Marcus Beach is a hidden gem beloved by locals, ideal for an early morning stroll along the sand. Just like Castaways, this lovely stretch of sand also welcomes dogs off-leash to roam around.
Peregian Beach
Peregian Beach is an underrated gem in the Noosa region, blending stunning coastal beauty with a strong community atmosphere. Families will love soaking up the sun or having a swim at the patrolled beach, while the nearby village offers boutique shopping and a relaxed cafe culture that makes for a perfect day by the ocean.
Places to Stay in Noosa Heads
After discovering the many stunning beaches around Noosa, there’s no better place to unwind and soak in the coastal magic than The Cove Noosa. One of the most beautiful places to stay in Noosa Heads, our luxury resort offers beachfront apartments that are just steps from Little Cove Beach and the stunning Noosa National Park. Whether you’re chasing sunrise strolls, surf, or simply a peaceful escape, The Cove Noosa is the perfect base for your Noosa adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Noosa is home to a variety of stunning beaches, each with its own unique charm. Noosa Main Beach is the most iconic, offering calm, patrolled waters and easy access to Hastings Street. Little Cove Beach is a peaceful hidden gem perfect for families, while Tea Tree Bay and Granite Bay in Noosa National Park are favourites for nature lovers and surfers. Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach are also must-visits for their vibrant local communities and stunning natural scenery.
While the Sunshine Coast boasts a wide array of incredible beaches, Noosa Main Beach is widely considered the best due to its unique, sheltered north-facing position and proximity to world-class dining and shopping on Hastings Street.
Noosa is a surfer’s paradise, with conditions to suit all levels of expertise. Beginner surfers will love the gentle surf breaks of Noosa Main Beach, and there are also many surf schools available for lessons. For more experienced surfers, head over to Sunshine Beach or Granite Bay for consistent surf, or Alexandria Bay for those thrill-seekers chasing huge waves.
Families will find Noosa Main Beach ideal thanks to its patrolled swimming areas, calm waters, and easy access to Hastings Street amenities. Little Cove Beach is another family favourite with its shallow, clear water and relaxed atmosphere. Peregian Beach also offers a patrolled section, plus a nearby village with playgrounds and cafes for families to enjoy.
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