Sunshine Coast

16 Surf spots
families beginners
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Positives
  • Groundswells and cyclone swells
  • Lots of soft right pointbreaks
  • Great longboarding waves
  • Many easy access beaches
  • Beginners paradise in Noosa
Negatives
  • Intense crowds
  • Fickle pointbreaks
  • Lack of power and size
  • Sharky coastline
  • Fairly expensive

Sunshine Coast surf travel guide

A short drive from Brisbane lies a long coastal strip of pristine beaches, tropical landscapes, shimmering waterways and exciting towns. The Sunshine Coast is the northernmost stretch of reliable surf on the East Coast of Australia and home to the clutch of fabled right points at Noosa Heads. North of the waveless Brisbane zone are a string of modern tourist towns and miles of golden sand beachbreak, plus a few quality pointbreaks. Beyond the log jams at Noosa the low tide beach becomes the 4WD highway to Double Island Point and the totally wild landscape of Fraser Island.

Surf spots in Sunshine Coast

Research the 16 surf breaks in Sunshine Coast and discover what spots suit the current conditions.

Break lowdown

We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 16 breaks in Sunshine Coast.

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When to go

Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Sunshine Coast

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Library

Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Sunshine Coast.

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Travel Information

General
Current Time
Population
5,071,000
Tourist Info
Tourist Info

Security

Health

Money
Currency
AUD
Exchange rate
$1 = 1.27 AUD AUD

Cost of living

Communication
Dialing in
+61
Dialing out
0011
Language
English
Electricity
Plug Type
i
Visas

Everyone except Kiwis needs a visa before arriving in OZ so get one in good time before arriving. European countries, USA, Canada and Japan can get a free tourist visa online (some nations maybe charged a A$20 “service charge”). Visas last for 12 months but you can only stay for a total of either 3 or 6 months within the 12 month period. As always check carefully for any updates before you travel.

Getting There

The Sunshine Coast Airport is 30min from Noosa with daily flights from Sydney: AU$150 o/w. Bus from Brisbane to Noosa: $32o/w. There's a train to Nambour then a bus connection to Noosa (AU$13-20) but takes 3.5hr instead of the 1hr40mins it takes to drive.

Getting Around

The Sunshine motorway is efficient, free and coastal while the Bruce Highway is faster but 15km (9mi) from the coast. Zealous police use laser guns, radar and automatic cameras for catching speedsters. Double Island Point or Fraser Island require a good 4WD. Rent a car in Brisbane (fr $30/d). You could get by in Noosa biking and walking.

Accommodation

The accommodation scene in Noosa is always moving so check online and book early. Check Noosa YHA Halse Lodge (who offer free surf/bodyboards), Nomads (fr AU$40), Noosa Backpackers Resort (fr AU$31), Sheraton (from $460/n). Other towns are easier to find deals. Expect $25 for a decent meal or cheaper for fast food.

Activities
cultureoutdoorurbanwatersports

Visit Underwater World in Mooloolaba, the Glasshouse Mountains, Australia Zoo with its amazing saltwater crocodile shows and Aussie World in Caloundra. Take a 4WD bus tour to Fraser Island for incredible natural beauty and wildlife on the world’s largest sand island.

Hazards & hassles

Australians suffer the highest skin cancer rates in the world – take precautions. Shark attacks, especially near islands, occur more frequently on cloudy, sultry summer days. Noosa hides many urchins in the eroded boulders but the constant, competitive crowd is the main hassle.

Handy Hints

Noosa longboards from $895-1950 or try Eternity Surf or Classic Malibu in Noosaville ($790 for a fish). Try long-established Learn to Surf or Noosa Surf Lessons. Noosa Surf Festival happens in March.

Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.

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