If you’re dreaming of golden sand below your feet, turquoise ocean as far as the eye can see, and a laid-back village feel, a day in Sunshine Beach is exactly what you need. Tucked away just south of Noosa Heads on the stunning Sunshine Coast, this charming beachside village is where pristine nature, exquisite dining and that classic Queensland surf culture collide. We’ve curated a list of our favourite things to do to make sure you have a perfect day in Sunshine Beach.
Sunshine Beach Things to Do
For the best start to your day, head over to Parkedge Road entrance to the Noosa National Park and follow the trail all the way to the secluded sands of Alexandria Bay. For those chasing a bit more cardio in the morning, tackle those iconic ‘Sunshine Beach stairs’ at the northern end of the beach. Fair warning, there are a lot of stairs (let us know how many you count!) but the cliff top views over the Eastern Beaches and Coral Sea are well worth the hike. After your walk of choice, cool off with a swim at the patrolled beach or stretch out on the sand for some well-earned sunbathing.
Sunshine Beach Cafes
Sunshine Social Coffee Roasters
For seriously good coffee in a laid-back setting, look no further than Sunshine Social. With their own roastery in house, this is a hub for coffee lovers to come together in the morning and enjoy the classic village feel of Sunshine Beach. Grab a coffee or matcha after your morning walk and you’ll quickly begin to understand why this is a local favourite.
Mine
Where coastal charm meets refined dining, welcome to Mine. Step into this charming cafe and you’ll be greeted with warm hospitality and a relaxed ambience. With a fresh, nourishing menu featuring creative takes on classic brunch favourites and great coffee to match, this is the kind of place where you’ll want to linger and enjoy the slower pace of Sunshine Beach.
Jam Cafe
If you’re after a classic cafe brunch, look no further than Jam Cafe. With generous portions that are bound to fill you up after a long morning of hiking, swimming and sunbathing, you’ll find all your favourites done right. From perfectly poached eggs on avocado toast to fluffy pancakes and toasties, you’re spoilt for choice. Pair your meal with a barista-made coffee or freshly squeezed juice and soak up the beachside vibes.
Sunshine Beach Shops
Wandering through the village and browsing the shops is a must during your day in Sunshine Beach. The main street is dotted with boutique shops and surf stores offering everything from curated fashion, beach essentials and handmade local treasures. It’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy a leisurely browse with a good coffee in hand. Whether you’re picking up a gift or a memento of your trip, or simply enjoying the coastal charm, this is a lovely way to soak up the village charm.
Sunshine Beach Restaurants
Humble on Duke
Tucked away on Duke Street, Humble on Duke is a tiny gem with a big reputation. This quaint establishment serves up delicious seasonal food and wine from regions across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. With a menu designed to share, sit down in their intimate dining room and prepare to be welcomed with warm hospitality, local produce and bold flavours that transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Slow down, savour every bite and let Jade and Stacey take you on a culinary journey through Southern Europe.
Embassy XO
Perched above the Sunshine Beach village, Embassy XO delivers modern Asian dining in a chic yet relaxed setting. Renowned for a flavour-packed menu that emphasises traditional Chinese cooking techniques, all of the dishes feature organic produce harvested from their local farm. With an ever changing menu to showcase seasonal produce, each visit to XO is certain to bring an entirely new experience. Add a curated wine list and friendly hospitality, and you’ve got one of the village’s most beloved dining experiences.
Sunshine Beach Surf Club
For unparalleled beachfront dining, the Sunshine Beach Surf Club is a local favourite. With a spacious deck and panoramic ocean views, this is the ideal spot for a laid-back long lunch or a sunset drink. The menu features all the crowd-pleasing pub favourites, and the bar offers a great selection of local beers on tap to match. If you’re looking for the quintessential Queensland surf club experience, you’ve come to the right spot.
Sunshine Beach Accommodation
At Accommodation in Noosa, we offer a curated list of Sunshine Beach accommodation options from luxury beachfront homes to stylish apartments that place you in one of Queensland’s most coveted stretches of shoreline. With fewer crowds, stunning ocean views and a welcoming village ambience, staying in Sunshine Beach offers you the best of both worlds. Why just have one day in Sunshine beach when you can have several?
