The 5 best beaches in Noosa

You’ll inevitably find yourself gazing into the glittering, turquoise waters of Noosa’s most popular beach at least once during your visit. Just steps from the buzzing bars and boutiques of Hastings Street, Main Beach is your first port of call for swimming, strolling and sunset-watching. As one of the rare north-facing beaches on Australia’s east coast, its clear and calm waters beckon swimmers to dash across the sand and dive in. The long, smooth waves are perfect for beginner surfers, plus they’re patrolled year-round.

Escape the crowds and head to this secluded slice of paradise, located just around the corner from Main Beach. Flanked by the palm-lined slopes of Noosa National Park, Little Cove is a gorgeous pocket for swimming, snorkelling and playing in the sand. The waters here are sheltered and calm, with waves rarely exceeding 0.5 metres. This makes it an awesome spot for learning to surf before graduating to the bigger breaks. Just keep in mind, the beach is unpatrolled, so a little extra caution is needed.

A short 20-minute stroll from Laguna Bay (near the Noosa National Park entrance) will take you to Tea Tree Bay, a semi-hidden stretch of sand perfect for rolling out your towel and relaxing as the gentle waves lap the shore. You can seek shade under the pandanus trees or explore the little rock pools where crabs and fish come out to play during low tide. While Tea Tree Bay is unpatrolled and not ideal for swimming, Rocky Point nearby offers ripper waves for experienced local surfers. 

Sunshine Beach is a paradise for sun-worshippers, as well as experienced surfers, with plenty of powerful peaks and gutters along its coastline. After conquering the two-hour Coastal Walk from Hastings Street, reward yourself with a dip in its delightful waters or stretch out on the soft, uncrowded sands. Top off the day by sipping on an Aperol Spritz or a Passionfruit Nojito at the newly revamped Sunshine Beach Surf Club. And when you're ready to head back, skip the sweat and hop on the free courtesy bus straight to Noosa.

Wedged halfway between Hells Gates and Devils Kitchen in Noosa National Park is the town’s unofficial nudist beach, affectionately known to locals as ‘A-Bay’. You can reach this remote beach via a 20-minute hike through picturesque eucalypt forest from Sunshine Beach or a longer hike from Noosa Heads. With waves reaching up to 1.5 metres and no lifeguards, it’s best to enjoy a quick dip rather than a long swim. For keen surfers, the consistent breaks make the trek with your board worth it.