The Best Beaches in Noosa + A Map!

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Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by sydabroad

Looking for the best beaches in Noosa? Here’s a curated list of all the best beaches in Noosa for your trip!

Noosa is a coastal town on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland known for its stunning beaches, laid-back vibe, and the natural beauty of Noosa National Park. Noosa has a wonderful food and nightlife scene and there is plenty of shopping to do here. 

The highlight of Noosa is certainly its beaches. There are beaches in Noosa for everyone to enjoy and in this post, we’re covering all you need to know about the best beaches in Noosa (and some other places to swim in Noosa). 

I’ll give you a rundown on each beach and also include a few extra iconic swimming spots. Meanwhile, make sure to save this post for your trip because I’ve also included a map with all the locations mentioned in this guide. 

Looking for more Australia guides?

• The Top 10 Airlie Beach Day Trips 
• The Best Things to Do in Byron Bay, Australia
• Ultimate Guide to Sailing the Whitsundays 

Keep reading to discover the best beaches in Noosa. 

Best Beaches in Noosa 

1. Noosa Main Beach 

Good for swimming? Yes 

Is this beach patrolled? Yes 

Location: Noosa Main Beach

The most popular beach in Noosa is Noosa Main Beach. This beach is right near Hastings Street and is just steps away from Noosa’s main shopping and dining area. Because of its convenient location, it does get quite crowded. 

Noosa Main Beach is a great place for families and kids because there are lifeguards on duty and the waves tend to be more gentle than other beaches in Noosa. You really won’t need to leave the beach, Main Beach has toilets, showers, cafes, and restaurants right along the beach. 

Additionally, because of the calm waters, Main Beach is an ideal place to stand up paddle board, or learn how to surf. Keep in mind that because it’s pretty busy, it can be hard to find a parking spot. I suggest going early in the day. 

2. Sunshine Beach 

Good for swimming?  No, but great for experienced surfers 

Is this beach patrolled? Yes 

Location: Sunshine Beach

Sunshine Beach is just a short drive from Noosa Heads. It begins a long (15 km) stretch of sandy beach with great surf breaks and pristine white sand. Sunshine Beach is a favorite for surfers, families, and travelers. 

This is an open beach and has plenty of room for everyone so although it’s one of the most popular beaches in Noosa, it often won’t feel crowded. Because it’s an “open beach” and not protected by any headland, the swells here can be quite large making the conditions ideal for surfing. 

It is patrolled by lifeguards and a wonderful beach for experienced surfers however, it’s typically not the place to relax in the water. Sunshine Beach is also known for its vibrant surf clubs, cafes, and restaurants. You don’t need to go far to find a bite to eat at Sunshine Beach. 

3. Alexandria Bay (A-Bay)

Good for swimming?  No, best for a quick dip

Is this beach patrolled? No

Location: Alexandria Bay

Alexandria Bay is located on the eastern side of Noosa Heads in Noosa National Park and is a secluded stretch of sand known for its scenic beauty and lush vegetation. Alexandria Bay is unpatrolled and there can be strong currents. If you want to cool off it’s best to enjoy a quick dip rather than go for a swim. 

Make sure to know that A-Bay is technically a nudist beach in Noosa. So don’t be surprised if you see locals without their swimmers. 

4. Little Cove Beach 

Good for swimming?  Yes 

Is this beach patrolled? No

Location: Little Cove Beach

You’ll find Little Cove Beach tucked away between Noosa Main Beach and Noosa National Park. This is the perfect place to visit for a relaxing beach afternoon, the calm waters at Little Cove Beach make it a wonderful beach for swimming and snorkeling. 

Little Cove is much quieter than Main Beach, and because of its calm waters, it’s a hot spot for those learning to surf. As it’s more secluded than most beaches in Noosa, there are no toilets, or restaurants and cafes. So pack snacks! 

Parking is a bit of a challenge at Little Cove Beach. There are no designated parking areas right at Little Cove Beach, you’ll have to walk up from Hastings Street or try other surrounding streets. 

5. Tea Tree Bay 

Good for swimming?  No, great for experienced surfers 

Is this beach patrolled? No

Location: Tea Tree Bay

Tea Tree is another gem that you can find in Noosa National Park. If you are doing the Noosa coastal walk you’ll pass right by it. This beach is renowned for its great surfing conditions and clear waters. There are also different trails here that lead to scenic lookouts and other secluded beaches. 

Keep in mind that Tea Tree Bay is not the best for swimming and it’s unpatrolled. However, it is one of the prettiest beaches in Noosa and a great spot to watch surfers and relax on the sand. 

6. Castaways Beach 

Good for swimming?  Yes, but conditions can be strong

Is this beach patrolled? No

Location: Castaways Beach 

Castaways Beach is located between Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach. It’s less crowded than many beaches in Noosa making for the perfect relaxing afternoon. Castaways Beach is one of the best beaches in Noosa and is also dog-friendly! 

Castaways Beach is more secluded than many and there is no development or vendors around. You can swim at this beach but it’s not patrolled. The waves can be very strong so keep an eye out on the conditions. It’s a great spot to bring some snacks and drinks for a picnic. There is a parking area and toilets at Castaways Beach. 

7. Peregian Beach 

Good for swimming?  Yes

Is this beach patrolled? Yes 

Location: Peregian Beach

Located just south of Noosa, Peregian Beach is known for its stunning coastline and relaxed vibe. This is a favorite for locals. It’s the perfect beach in Noosa for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. It’s also patrolled year-round

There are plenty of delicious cafes and boutiques close by. And visit the Peregian Markets on Kingfisher Drive! The markets are held on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month from 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM. 

8. Noosa Spit

Good for swimming?  Yes 

Is this beach patrolled? No

Location: Noosa Spit

Noosa Spit is a scenic coastal reserve located at the mouth of the Noosa River. It’s the area where the Noosa River flows out into Laguna Bay. Because you are technically in the Noosa River, it’s much calmer than many beaches in Noosa. 

This is a wonderful spot for watching the sunset, fishing, and boating activities. Noosa Spit is dog-friendly and the reserves have plenty of paved walking and cycling paths. 

It’s located just across from Hastings Street and Noosa Main Beach so there are a variety of restaurants and cafes nearby. Noosa Spit does get crowded on a nice sunny day, so get here early if you want to find a good parking spot. 

If you are visiting Magnetic Island, read my travel guide to Maggie Island here!

9. Noosa River Foreshore 

Good for swimming?  Yes

Is this beach patrolled? No

Location: Noosa River Foreshore

Noosa River Foreshore is one of the best places to swim in Noosa. Although technically not the ocean, it is a beach! You’ll find many different “beaches” along the Gympie Terrace in Noosaville. 

Because it’s the river, it’s a calm and relaxing place to swim. This area is not partrolled but it is a safe place to swim for all ages. There are plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants around – no shortage of food! 

You can have a picnic at the many green areas and shaded picnic tables. You’ll also find all sorts of water activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing. There’s plenty to do at Noosa River Foreshore!  

10. Noosa Fairy Pools 

Good for swimming?  Yes

Is this beach patrolled? No

Location: Noosa Fairy Pools

The Noosa Fairy Pools are technically not a beach but I had to include them in this guide because you can’t miss them! The fairy pools are a great place to go swimming and a beautiful spot in Noosa. 

The Noosa Fairy Pools are natural rock pools situated along the coastline of Noosa National Park. The pools are a popular spot for visitors to cool off and enjoy the natural beauty. 

Beaches in Noosa Map 

Noosa FAQs 

Where to Stay in Noosa?

Bounce Noosa | Bounce is a nice hostel (and hotel) in Noosa. They offer hotel suites and shared rooms. The beach-style modern design is beautiful and it’s in a great location. Check rates here. 

The Islander Noosa Resort | This is a 3-star hotel & resort with multiple restaurants and a shopping center connected to it. It’s a 3-minute drive from Noosa National Park and 5 minutes drive from Hastings Street. Check rates here. 

Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort | If you are looking for luxury, check out the Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort. It’s a beautiful property with spacious rooms, a nice swimming pool, and many other great amenities. Check rates here. 

How Many Beaches Are There in Noosa? 

There are several beaches, bays, and swimming areas in Noosa. Something for everyone! 

Can you Swim in Noosa Beaches? 

Yes and no. Some beaches in Noosa are better for swimming than others. There are beaches with rough conditions, best suited for experienced surfers. However, you can find calm beaches to swim in Noosa such as Noosa Spit and Peregian Beach.  

What is The Best Time of Year to Go to Noosa? 

Noosa is a great place to visit year-round, I visited in the summertime (wet season) and I had a blast. It did rain here and there but was still an enjoyable time. 

Many say that the best time of year to visit Noosa is during the winter months (June through August). Noosa is warm and dry during the winter, a great place to escape the cold down south. 

How to Get to Noosa? 

You can fly into the Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) which is 30 minutes from Noosa. Alternatively, you can reach Noosa by car or bus. Greyhound Australia is a popular bus company in Australia. I came from Brisbane to Noosa on the Greyhound bus.  

I hope you enjoyed this post all about the best beaches in Noosa! If you have any questions about traveling to Australia, comment below or DM me on Instagram.

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