Dreamy Noosa Beaches To Visit Any Time Of Year

Think Noosa beaches end with what’s in front of Hastings Street? You’re in for a surprise.

Found within a UNESCO Biosphere, with Noosa National Park abutting the sea, and waves that warrant the place being recognised as a World Surfing Reserve, Noosa beaches are the stuff of legend.

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With golden sands, warm water and friendly dolphins who often pop by to say hello, the string of beaches from Double Island Point down to Peregian is a dream in summer but even better in winter when the crowds thin and the wind blows mostly offshore. Consider this your insider guide to the best Noosa beaches to lay your towel on, paddle out, or let your pup run free – it’s truly one of the best things to do in Noosa.

Noosa Main Beach

Starting with the headliner, you haven’t really been to Noosa unless you’ve rubbed shoulders with fellow CoolCabana owners on a packed summer’s day. With its beachfront promenade and cafes, a surf club offering the best vantage point for a post-swim beer, and gentle waves peeling into Laguna Bay that call to longboarders from around the world, Noosa Main Beach ticks all the boxes for a great day on the sand.

Take a surf lesson, bob between the flags, or just soak up the scene from your beach chair. With 50 metres of Mobi-Mat running from the boardwalk to the sea, and a beach wheelchair available for hire from the Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club, it’s also one of the region’s most accessible beaches.

Little Cove

Just a short walk from Noosa Main Beach, Little Cove is like its petite, more secluded cousin and families love it. The 100-metre-long, north-west-facing swathe of sand provides the perfect natural playground for littlies and beginner surfers will find calm conditions here too.

With accommodation tucked up along the border of the national park here, if you’re staying in Little Cove, you can leave the car keys in your bag and enjoy walking to the beach, bar and everything in between.

Tea Tree Bay

If you ask a surfer their favourite Noosa beaches, chances are Tea Tree will top the list. Famed for its point break and crystal-clear water, the north-facing beach also provides a welcome respite from the southerlies that can whip up during summer. To get there, hike in from the Noosa National Park day-use area (about 20 mins).

Alexandria Bay

While it was a ‘clothing optional’ beach back in the day, A Bay, as locals call it, is now just all about a stripped-back nature experience. The east-facing beach is also where surfers head when the waves are too low at Noosa Main Beach. Tucked between Hells Gates and Devils Kitchen in Noosa National Park, the best way to reach it is to park at McAnally Drive, Sunshine Beach and hike in from there (about 20 mins).

Sunshine Beach

On the southern side of Noosa National Park, Sunshine Beach flies a little under the radar when it comes to Noosa beaches. As well as being patrolled and having an off-leash area for dog owners, this beach is a magnet for experienced surfers. Expect to see whales cruising past on their annual migration between July and October, too.

You can walk into Noosa National Park from here and parking is a lot less of a headache than at the main day-use area. No trip to the beach at Sunshine would be complete without a parmy or some spiced snapper tacos at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club – undoubtedly one of the best on the Sunshine Coast.

Sunrise Beach

Tucked between Marcus and Sunshine Beach (even though there are no natural border makers on this long stretch of sand), Sunrise is a favourite of dog owners and surfers. The beach attracts larger swell than further down the coast, and when the wind picks up, it’s a favourite of kite surfers.

You can park at Castaways Beach and hike north to here (about 40 mins each way), with a track running parallel to sand, and there are seasonal patrols on weekends (Oct-April) and during school holidays. Pooch in tow? Dogs can run free off leash from beach access 38 to 47 Tristania Drive, Marcus Beach.

Peregian Beach

Locals love Peregian Beach for its patrolled section (rips are ever-present along this long stretch of coast between Coolum and Sunshine Beach) and lack of crowds, but the village that abuts it seals the deal when it comes to deciding on the best Noosa beaches. The lawn in front of the Peregian Beach Surf Life Saving Club comes alive with market stalls on the first and third Sunday of the month, while great coffee, restaurants, ice cream and shopping can all be found in the village square.

Noosa Spit

Known to locals as Doggy Beach, the Spit is fresh from a sand replenishment project and provides a cracking spot to chill on the beach and dip into the Noosa River. Dogs can swim and play off leash all year round, but even if you’re not a dog lover this is a great alternative to Main Beach as there is plenty of room to find your own patch. It’s also one of the best spots to watch the sunset. To find it, head past Noosa Woods on Claude Batten Drive (starts at the northern end of Hastings Street) and hang a left into the parking area.

Teewah Beach

If you’ve got access to a 4WD and the conditions line up during your stay in Noosa, cross the river on the car ferry at Tewantin – it only takes five minutes – and drive up Teewah Beach. There’s the renowned surf break and lighthouse at Double Island Point, but this 40-kilometre stretch of beach is also the gateway to the Cooloola Great Walk, Rainbow Beach and K’gari. If you’re keen to stay on and explore, there’s camping behind the dunes for self-sufficient folks (book permits well in advance). Guided 4WD day tours are available through Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours or Epic Ocean Adventures and you can also go horse riding along the beach at Noosa North Shore with Equathon .

Discover the best things to do in Noosa.

This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island — Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

Laid-back luxury

The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

balcony view from room at The Sundays — Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

inside a room at The Sundays — Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Excellent activities and amenities

Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach — Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Delectable dining

What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .

Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays — Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island — Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Exploring the island

While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .

Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island — Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.

9 Noosa beaches worth visiting any time of year