7 BEST Beaches in Noosa for Every Kind of Beach Day (2025)

When we visited Noosa last year, I had heard so many good things. One of my close friends had lived there for a year and would not shut up about the nature walks, the beaches, and the general coastal magic. And honestly, she was 100% right, this coastal town is magic!

But if you’re like me and only have a short trip and not a full year to test them all out, choosing which beach to go to can get overwhelming. They’re all stunning, but each one has its own vibe. That’s why I put this list together: to help you figure out which beach is best for your mood. 

Whether you’re looking to catch some waves, tan in peace, go for a long walk, or just let your dog run wild, one of these best beaches in Noosa will have exactly what you’re looking for. So let’s get into it! 

Best Beaches in Noosa Australia – My Experience 

My family came over from the US last year, and I knew I had to show them the absolute best time, which meant knowing exactly what to expect. I didn’t want to rock up to a beach and realize the waves were wild and no one could swim. So I fully committed to planning our two-week East Coast Australia road trip, and when we got to Noosa, I already had a list of beaches I wanted to check out.

A lot of the beaches are inside the National Park, so when we did the coastal walk, I picked a few spots for us to take breaks and hang out. It worked out perfectly. We had rolling white waves in front of us, tropical greenery behind us, and just enough sun to enjoy the water but not feel like we were roasting in the Aussie sun. 

The beaches honestly blew me away. I had a few favorites, and some I could have definitely skipped. But overall, the beaches in Noosa are some fo the best beaches I found on the Sunshine Coast. 

The 7 Best Beaches in Noosa

I’ve rounded up the 8 best Noosa beaches, including everything from easy swim spots to surf breaks and even a beach you can camp on. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, these were the ones that stood out the most during our trip.

1. Noosa Heads Main Beach

Best for: Easy swims, families, and first-time visitors
Need to know: It gets busy, especially during school holidays. Parking is a nightmare unless you’re there early, so plan ahead or be ready for a bit of a walk.
Google Maps Location 

Noosa Heads Beach is definitely the most popular beach among tourists. It’s right behind the popular Hastings Street, so it’s super easy to get to and always busy with swimmers, surfers, and people just hanging out. 

It’s patrolled year-round, which makes it a safe pick if you’re traveling with kids or just want a chill swim without thinking too much about conditions. It’s also one of the only north-facing beaches on the east coast, which means calmer waves and more sun throughout the day. 

But keep in mind, parking can be an absolute nightmare; you’ll want to get here early if you plan to come for midday! We spent some time here after hiking through the National Park, and it was perfect for those last few hours before sunset.

Check out the surf lessons on Noosa Main Beach!

2. Little Cove

Best for: Morning swims, quiet moments, and couples
Need to know: It’s a small beach with no facilities, and it fills up fast. Go early if you want a spot to yourself.
Google Maps Location

Little Cove feels like a secret spot, even though it’s just a short walk from Noosa Main Beach. It’s tucked away between the headland and the National Park, and the vibe here is super relaxed. The water is calm and crystal clear, and the beach is framed by lush greenery, which makes it feel a bit more hidden and peaceful. 

Little Cove was definitely my favorite beach Noosa has to offer! We stopped here early one morning before the crowds showed up, and it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. It’s not a big beach, so you won’t want to show up mid-afternoon expecting space, but for a quiet swim or just a chill break in the shade, this one’s a gem. There are also some amazing Little Cove accommodations just a short walk away if you want to stay near the beach and wake up to ocean sounds.

3. Tea Tree Bay

Best for: Peaceful swims, picnic breaks, and scenic rest stops on the coastal walk
Need to know: There are no lifeguards here, so swim with caution. Restrooms are just a short walking distance away.
Google Maps Location

Tea Tree Bay is one of the first beaches you’ll hit along the Noosa National Park coastal walk, only about 20 minutes from the starting point, and it’s 100 percent worth the detour. The walk itself is beautiful, but dropping into this bay feels like a reward. The beach is calm, the water is super clear, and it’s usually much quieter than Main Beach.

We stopped here mid-hike for a swim and snack break, and it was exactly what we needed. There’s a nice stretch of sand and plenty of shady spots under the trees if you’re trying to avoid full sun. It’s got a wild, untouched feel to it, which makes it one of my favorite stops along the trail.

4. Granite Bay

Best for: Surfing, beach walks, and a more rugged coastline feel
Need to know: Not ideal for swimming. No lifeguards or facilities, and the beach is mostly rocky with patches of sand.
Google Maps Location

Granite Bay is a bit further along the National Park coastal walk and has a much more raw, natural vibe. It’s not your classic sunbathing beach as it’s rocky with granite pieces, the waves are stronger, and there’s usually a handful of surfers catching clean breaks off the point.

We didn’t swim here, but we hung out for a while just watching the waves and taking in the view. It’s a great spot to take a breather during the walk, especially if you want to get away from the more crowded areas. Granite Bay might be one of the most beautiful beaches from above, the waves seem to roll in on a schedule, with gorgeous white waves making it all the way to shore. 

5. Sunshine Beach

Best for: Surf sessions, long walks, and getting away from the Main Beach crowd
Need to know: The waves are stronger here. Stick between the flags if you plan to swim, and grab a parking spot on the side streets if the main lot is full. Dog friendly
Google Maps Location

Sunshine Beach sits just south of Noosa Heads and feels like a breath of fresh air after the busier spots. The golden sand stretches for kilometres, so even on a weekend you can find space to spread out. We drove over late one afternoon, parked near the surf club, and walked the shoreline while surfers took on the sets out front.

The vibe is relaxed and local. There are a few cafés across the road where we grabbed coffee before heading back, which made the whole visit feel easy. If you are after a longer swim, the patrolled area near the surf club is the safest place to jump in. Otherwise, it is the perfect beach for a quiet stroll at low tide or watching the sunset with plenty of room to breathe.

6. Peregian Beach

Best for: Slow mornings, surfing with a longboard, beach walks, and grabbing brunch nearby
Need to know: It’s about a 15-minute drive from Noosa Heads. Much quieter than the main beaches, with free parking and a local feel. It’s also dog-friendly, so expect to see some very happy pups living their best lives.
Google Maps Location

Peregian Beach felt like a little break from the pace of Noosa. It’s quieter, more spread out, and has this easygoing vibe that makes you want to stay for hours. We headed down one morning for a walk and ended up sticking around for coffee and breakfast at the little village just off the sand. Skal is one of the best brunches we’ve had on the East Coast! The coffee was unbelievably good as well! 

The beach itself is perfect for long walks, and if you’re traveling with a dog, this spot is a winner. We saw so many locals out with their pups, and it just added to that relaxed, community feel. It also has some great waves for longboarders! If you’ve got the time and a car, it’s absolutely worth the short drive to see this side of the Sunshine Coast.

7. Teewah Beach

Best for: Camping, 4WD beach drives, and getting properly off-grid
Need to know: You’ll need a 4WD, a beach driving permit, and a camping permit if you’re staying overnight. No reception and no facilities on the beach itself, but there are toilets and basic amenities about a five-minute drive away.
Google Maps Location + Camping Information

We didn’t make it out to Teewah Beach since we were staying in a holiday home nearby, but if I had been camping or on a road trip in a van, this would’ve been high on my list. It’s one of those wild, open beaches where you can actually drive on the sand and set up camp right by the water.

Everyone we talked to who had been absolutely loved it. It’s remote, peaceful, and feels like a proper adventure. No crowds, no buildings—just ocean, dunes, and stars at night. If you’re looking to really switch off and spend a few days living beachside, this is the one.

Book a 4WD Beach Adventure on Teewah Beach Here! 

FAQ Best Beaches Noosa Has To Offer

What are the best beaches in Noosa for kids?

Noosa Main Beach is the best option for kids. It’s patrolled year-round, has gentle waves, and is close to shops, food, and bathrooms. 

Is it worth going to Alexandria Bay in Noosa?

Personally, I’d skip it. While alexandria beach itself is beautiful and remote, it’s not patrolled, can have strong currents, and is known as a nude spot. There are plenty of other beaches in Noosa that are easier to access and better suited for a swim.

What’s the best beach in Noosa?

It really depends on what you’re after. Noosa Main Beach is the most accessible and great for a classic beach day. Tea Tree Bay is perfect if you want something a little more peaceful, and Sunshine Beach is ideal if you’re looking to surf or escape the crowds.

Can you stay at Little Cove Noosa?

Yes, there are a few really lovely accommodations just up from Little Cove. It’s a great area to stay if you want to be close to the National Park and still within walking distance to Hastings Street and Main Beach.

Where is Mooloolaba Beach?

Mooloolaba Beach is about 45 minutes south of Noosa, down the Sunshine Coast. It’s a great beach in its own right with a nice esplanade, lots of restaurants, and a family-friendly vibe if you’re doing a bit of a coastal road trip.

Final Thoughts on the Best Beaches in Noosa

Noosa completely lived up to everything we’d heard. The beaches were a huge part of what made it so special for us, and each one offered something a little different, whether it was a peaceful swim, a good surf break, or just a quiet place to sit and take it all in.

We didn’t make it to every beach on our list, which just gives us another reason to come back. Honestly, we’re already looking forward to it. If you’re planning a trip, I hope this guide helps you find the right spot for your kind of beach day. There’s no shortage of beautiful places here, so you really can’t go wrong.

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