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8 Of The Best Surfing Spots On The Sunshine Coast

15th Oct 2025
Written by:
Danielle Read
Contributor | Urban List

From golden beaches and rainforest retreats to local flavours and outdoor adventures, the Sunshine Coast brings that holiday feeling to life.

Epic sand bottom points and blue water A-frames pull world-class surfers to the Sunshine Coast year 'round. And that's even before the annual Noosa Festival Of Surfing kicks off and lures in crowds of thousands. 

Globally recognised as a 'World Surfing Reserve', there's good reason why you're looking for the best surfing spots in the Sunshine Coast/Gubbi Gubbi Country.

With sweeping stretches of white sandy beaches and teal shimmering shores, there's no shortage of surf beaches - but which spots are the best? 

While most beaches will suit different abilities based on the conditions, I've broken these into beginner and experienced surfers, but it's a good idea to check the surf report before heading out on the day. 

From main drag beaches fringed by eateries and bars to lesser known spots that rarely disappoint. Whether you're a beginner, advanced surfer, longboarder or in chase of mellow waves, these beaches deliver on all fronts. Here's my pick for the best surfing spots on the Sunshine Coast. 

Sunshine Coast's Best Surfing Spots At A Glance

Beginner-Friendly Surf Spots

Kawana Beach

Warana QLD 4575

This is the Sunshine Coast's long stretch of beach that delivers a series of breaks along the coastline. It's the type of surfing spot you can opt to get amongst with the locals, or go your own thing down a bit further and feel like you've got the place to yourself.

It's best to head here early, since Kawana Beach is one of the surf spots that's most head-on with the elements. When it gets choppy, you're better relocating to a more protected beach. You'll find much smaller crowds at Kawana (and perhaps the term crowd is even a stretch) than many other Sunshine Coast beaches.

Beginner? Aim to come here early in the morning before the sea breeze kicks in when there's 1-3ft of east swell. 

THE DETAILS
Where to go: Beach access points 220-228, Warana QLD 4575
Best for: Beginners
Highlights: long stretches of beach with multiple surf breaks
Insider intel: for a less crowded experience, head to the Northern end of the beach
What to do: post-surf carb-loading at Bocca

Alexandra Headland

Alexandra Headland QLD 4572

alex headland
Image Credit: Dave Wilcock for TEQ | Supplied

Even if you're not a surfer, I can almost guarantee you've hung out on Alexandra Headland (or Alex, as the locals say). Its snaking footpath, whale-watching view points and prime picnic locales make it a clear winner for long sun-kissed afternoons. 

And when it comes to the best surfing spots on the Sunshine Coast, this is a clear favourite. Snuggled between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore, this versatile spot delivers beginner-friendly waves and advanced conditions at The Point.

If the surf's bad, head to nearby Alex Skatepark with the skatey instead. Not a bad second choice in my opinion.

THE DETAILS
Where to go: Alexandra Patrolled Beach, 167 Alexandra Pde, Alexandra Headland QLD 4572
Best for: Beginner-experienced
Highlights: Slower waves make for perfect longboarding 
Insider intel: The Bluff is a point break that's suited to experienced surfers
What to do: Obligatory fish and chips on the headland

Happys

Happy Valley Beach QLD 4551

Happy Valley (or Happys if you're up with the lingo here) is the much loved surf spot. And, depending who you ask, it's beginner-friendly through to incredibly challenging. Conditions run this show. 

Speaking of the conditions, I'm just going to put this out there - they're unpredictable, will keep you on your toes and flip on a dime. But what's life without a bit of adventure. Stay safe, surf to your abilities and you're laffin'.

THE DETAILS

Where to go: Beach access points 293-295, Happy Valley QLD 4551
Best for: Beginner-experienced
Highlights: Northwest winds offshore and southwest swells are prime conditions
Insider intel: This beach is unpatrolled so a lesson with an instructor is a great idea, with gentle waves that roll on forever making for a perfect learning spot
What to do: Pre-surf fuel up at Slide Coffee, open from 6am daily. Epic Chai lattes here

Dicky Beach

Dicky Beach QLD 4551

Dicky Beach is the southern belle deemed the perfect beginner-friendly beach to learn to surf or take the groms. 
 
The sweet spot's when there's a mid-high tide and a southeast swell. Add in offshore winds and you're in for a good time.  Dicky Beach faces the north-east and is a family-friendly spot for many with its nearby playground and skate park. 

THE DETAILS
Where to go: Beach access points 262-271 Dicky Beach QLD 4551
Best for: Beginners
Highlights: Low, small waves perfect for beginners, toilet block
Insider intel: It's right by a skate park, playground and off-leash dog park making it an idyllic family day out
What to do: Get the buttermilk pancakes from The Pocket
Surf report here

Noosa Main Beach

Noosa QLD 4567

noosa beach
Image Credit: Dave Wilcock for TEQ | Supplied

Renowned for its clean waves, sheltered waters and picturesque surrounds, Noosa Main Beach is hands-down the most popular beach on the Sunshine Coast and the best part is, it's perfect for surfing.

This is one of the few north-facing beaches in the area, and actually in the whole of Australia's East Coast.

The sea breeze often kicks off round 11am, though since this spot's protected from southerlies by the National Park Headland, even an afternoon surf may be on the cards. 

THE DETAILS
Where to go: Park on Hastings Street and jog up to your chosen spot
Best for: Beginners-experienced
Highlights: Conditions can be good morning and late arvo
Insider intel: The surf's cleanest in the morning before the north-easterlies blow in 
What to do: Pack the Cool Cabana and get amongst the community feel on the sand. Or, escape the crowds with a bougie lunch at Miss Moneypenny's
Surf report here

Experienced Surf Spots

Point Perry

Coolum Beach QLD 4573

Point Perry's dotted with Norfolk Pines and might just be the most protected surf spot on the Coast. There are lefts and rights. There is sand and rock. Plus, there's a point walk that makes your IRL surf report a straight-forward one.
 
It offers your typical beach breaks and interesting coffee rock formations that have kept the beach shape consistent for yonks. 
 
Keep a keen eye out for rips and rocks, then shred 'til your heart's content
THE DETAILS
Where to go: Park at Coolum Surf Life Saving Club, Cnr David Low Way and Beach Rd, Coolum QLD 4573 then follow the boardwalk down
Best for: Intermediate-experienced surfers
Highlights: 8-12 foot waves have been spotted here
Insider intel: If it's too busy here for your liking on weekends, head 500 metres north to Stumers Creek Rd
What to do: More seaside gazing at nearby Hansen's Lookout

Tea Tree Bay

Noosa National Park, QLD 4567

My vote for the best surfing spot for experienced surfers, Tea Tree Bay is about a 20-minute walk up track four in the Noosa National Park.

Take the paved path through the beach bush and lap up views of crystal clear water on your way. It's truly scenic and feels miles away from the bustle of Hastings Street. 

Tea Tree Bay is a right-hand point break that's protected from southerlies and pumps with southeast winds, that's why experienced surfers froth it. 

THE DETAILS
Where to go: Access via the Noosa National Park, Noosa QLD 4567
Best for: Experienced surfers
Highlights: World-class on big cyclone swells
Insider intel: This beach is not patrolled, and avoiding rocks required. If you prefer fat quiet waves, head further up to Granite Bay, perfect for longboarding
What to do: Check into Sunset Haven Penthouse Suite for a vacay or staycay 

Granite Bay

Noosa National Park, QLD 4567

When the stars align and the conditions at Granite Bay deliver, experienced surfers flock to this idyllic spot. In case you're wondering, those ideal conditions look like medium tide with east to north-easterly swell and a southerly wind. It's a careful balance. 

This is an exposed right-hand reef break with the possibility of urchins, rips, rocks and sharks. But what kind of float out at sea is complete without a bit of thrill, and it's protected from southerlies which is a win. Granite Bay faces a different direction than most beaches in the area (north-easterly), so it pumps in times other beaches are no bueno. 

When it's big, take the standard short board or your fish out for a spin and paddle out the back for maximum action. 

THE DETAILS
Where to go: Access via the Noosa National Park, Noosa QLD 4567, past Tea Tree Bay and Dolphin Point 
Best for: Experienced
Highlights: Quieter spot, epic walk to get here
Insider intel: Further along the walk is where you'll find the iconic Fairy Pools
What to do: Hang around for a brewery crawl at Australia's Craft Beer Capital - that's Sunshine Coast
Surf report here
Main image credit: Dave Wilcock for TEQ | Supplied

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