I’m lucky to have the Sunshine Coast on my doorstep. My husband and I make the easy drive from Brisbane any chance we get, and at one stage, we even considered moving there.
For years, Noosa was our favourite place to stay on the Sunshine Coast. The beaches, restaurants, and festive vibes are hard to beat.
But now that we have 2 kids in tow, our holidays look slightly different.
The Sunny Coast still ticks all the boxes but we prefer the relaxed atmosphere of Coolum which doesn’t get as crowded as Noosa. Caloundra is also a regular for us as it’s closer to Brissie.
In this guide, I’m sharing the best areas to stay on the Sunshine Coast based on my personal experience. Happy planning!
Best areas to stay on the Sunshine Coast
Coolum | This is my new favourite place to stay on the Sunshine Coast. Relaxed vibe, stunning beaches, none of the crowds. I stayed at this beachfront apartment and the location couldn’t be better.
Noosa | The most popular spot on the coast. Perfect if it’s your first visit and want the bougie Sunshine Coast experience.
Caloundra | The closest to Brisbane and great for a quick weekend away.
Dicky Beach | A quieter local beach – under the radar and all the better for it.
Maroochydore | The business hub with easy access to everything (including the airport).
Mooloolaba | The main tourist strip with lots going on.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland | A completely different experience with rolling green hills, rainforest walks, and boutique retreats. Perfect for couples wanting a quiet escape.
Coolum
If you’re asking me where to stay on the Sunshine Coast for families, Coolum is my answer every single time.
We spent a week here with the kids and didn’t want to leave.
It’s got everything I want in a beach holiday – a long open beach, a stunning coastal boardwalk, a relaxed local vibe, and none of the high-rise crowds you’ll find further south.
We actually preferred First Bay over the main Coolum Beach. It’s a smaller, more sheltered cove just across the road from where we stayed, and Koa spent hours there catching crabs and watching the surfers. The main beach is gorgeous too.
Our other go-to was Tickle Park. Everyone heads there in the late afternoon for a picnic and there’s an awesome playground right next to it. The Coolum Surf Club is also a proper vibe on the weekend – right on the beach, casual, and perfect for a long lunch.
If you stay in Coolum, don’t miss:
- The Coolum Coastal Boardwalk (the views over Point Perry are stunning)
- Daily coffee at Bennys Espresso (our morning ritual)
While I love Coolum, it may not be the best option if you’re after a bit of luxury. Most accommodation here is apartment style and it’s not the place to go for a lively night time scene.
Where to stay in Coolum
We stayed at Pandanus Coolum Beach Apartments and I’d book it again in a heartbeat. The location is perfect as it’s right on the coastal boardwalk and a quick walk to First Bay. Check availability here.
If you want something a closer to the main beach, Coolum At The Beach Apartments might be a better option. It’s just around the corner from the main hub which can be super convenient for families.
Noosa
Noosa sits at the northernmost tip of the Sunshine Coast and is the most popular spot in the region. If it’s your first visit and you want the bougie Sunshine Coast experience, stay here.
The beaches are incredible and the Noosa National Park headland walk is one of my favourite coastal walks.
The food and drink scene is next level – Hastings Street is where it’s at. Gary is always keen for the breweries in the Noosa industrial estate which is a big hit too.
The downside? It’s busy. Properly busy.
During school holidays Hastings Street is packed, parking is a mission, and every half-decent restaurant needs a booking. It’s also the priciest area on the coast.
That said, if it’s your first time visiting the Sunshine Coast and you want that classic beachy Queensland holiday with a bit of luxury, Noosa delivers.
Where to stay in Noosa
Netanya Noosa is the pick if you want to be right on Main Beach and wake up to the ocean. The infinity pool overlooks the beach, and you cannot get any closer.
For families who want a bit more space, RACV Noosa Resort is the one. The grounds are gorgeous with an incredible splash area for kids. It’s set back slightly from the beach but in the best possible way.
Caloundra
Caloundra is the closest part of the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane, which makes it the easiest weekend escape for us. We’ve stayed here a few times now and keep going back.
What makes it work so well for families is Bulcock Beach. It’s sheltered, shallow and totally calm. There are no big waves, just lots of sand and safe water for little kids.
There’s also a lovely walk along the Happy Valley Foreshore Reserve that runs right beside Bulcock Beach.
While Caloundra is pretty developed and busy, it feels more local than touristy (like Noosa).
Where to stay in Caloundra
Rumba Beach Resort is my pick. It’s directly in front of Bulcock Beach, so you walk out the door and you’re on the sand.
If you want a resort vibe with more activities for the kids, Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort has a lagoon pool, a water park, playground, and an adventure zone. It’s not beachfront, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a solid mid-range family option.
Dicky Beach/Currimundi
Dicky Beach sits just a few minutes north of Caloundra. Yes, it should be mentioned under my Caloundra section, as it’s technically within the same area.
But I feel that it deserves its own shout out!
Dickys Beach is the kind of spot you’d drive straight past if you didn’t know to stop. The beach has real waves (unlike Bulcock), which makes it the better spot if you want to surf or bodyboard.
And the cafe scene punches well above its weight for such a small area. The smoothie bowls from Kava Bowls are next level.
Close by is Currimundi – and Currimundi Lake is the real gem here.
It’s a gentle waterway just down from the beach, and we spent a full day there with Koa splashing around in the shallow water. It gets busy so get there early, but the sandy banks stretch forever so there’s always a spot. We had lunch at Cocos by the Lake and would go back in a heartbeat.
Where to stay in Dicky Beach
We’ve stayed at Currimundi Hotel which is an affordable option for an overnight stay. Given the good price point, I was impressed with the comfortable rooms which lead straight onto the pool area. It’s not beachfront, but the location is between Dickys Beach and Currimundi Lake.
If you’re spending a bit more time here, I suggest staying at Portobello By The Sea. These apartments are only a stones throw away from Dickys Beach.
Maroochydore
Maroochydore is the most central part of the Sunshine Coast and the shopping and business hub for the region.
It’s also where the airport sits, which makes it a practical pick if you’re flying in or keen to base yourself centrally and day trip around from here.
The beach at Maroochydore is decent – wide and good for surfing – but it doesn’t have the same wow factor as Coolum or Noosa.
Ocean Street is the local going-out strip with restaurants, bars and live music, and Sunshine Plaza has everything you’d need if the weather turns. It’s the biggest shopping centre on the coast.
Just around the headland is Cotton Tree – a calm, sheltered river beach that’s ideal for little kids.
Where to stay in Maroochydore
Beach on Sixth is a gorgeous beachfront apartment complex. The location is the winner here – it’s about 50 metres from the beach and a short walk from Cotton Tree and the river.
For a bit of spoil, I suggest staying at Novotel Resort. This is where you come to rest and relax. I’m talking buffet breakfasts and a beautiful outdoor pool with spa.
READ MORE: PROS AND CONS OF LIVING IN BRISBANE
Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba is a tourist hotspot. Think of it as the Surfers Paradise of the region – high rises, packed beach, plenty of bars and restaurants, and a steady stream of tourist buses.
It’s too busy for my liking (especially on weekends and during school holidays) and there are much nicer places to stay on the Sunshine Coast within a 15 minute drive.
That said, the Mooloolaba Esplanade has a buzzing vibe if that’s what you’re after, the beach is patrolled and great for families, and the restaurant strip along the Esplanade has some great dining options.
If you want to be in the thick of it, this is where to be.
Where to stay in Mooloolaba
If you do want to stay here, check out Oceans Mooloolaba. It’s a 5-star luxury apartment resort directly opposite Mooloolaba Beach. The location is as central as it gets.
The other popular option is Mantra Mooloolaba Beach which is right on the waterfront. It’s a solid mid-range choice.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland
The Hinterland is a completely different side of the Sunshine Coast.
No beach. No surf. Just rolling green hills, rainforest, waterfalls, and tiny villages with amazing food.
The views up here go on forever.
Montville and Maleny are the two main towns, and both are worth a visit – even if you’re staying on the coast.
But if you want to properly unwind, staying a night or two in the Hinterland is something special. It’s quieter, cooler, and feels a world away from the beach towns below.
This is couples territory. The accommodation up here is geared towards romantic getaways and bougie retreats – just take a look at these incredible accommodation options.
If you’re travelling with kids, I’d base yourself on the coast and do a day trip to the Hinterland instead.
Where to stay in the Hinterland
For something intimate and tucked-away, Treetops Seaview is incredible – indoor fireplace, private spa baths, sprawling views. I’ve always wanted to stay here but it’s more of a romantic getaway than family stay.
Kondalilla Eco Resort is also on my bucket list. It’s a boutique rainforest retreat surrounded by rainforest on the edge of Kondalilla National Park.
My Thoughts on Where to stay on the Sunshine Coast
If it’s your first time visiting the Sunshine Coast, stay in Noosa. It’s popular for a reason and has the best balance of beautiful beaches, boutique shopping vibe, great food, and holiday vibes.
But if you’re after that easy-going energy the Sunshine Coast is known for, head to Coolum. It’s where to stay on the Sunshine Coast for families with little kids. We loved our week-long stay at Pandanus Coolum Apartments and highly recommend a stay here.
If you’re looking for more Queensland travel inspiration, check out my other posts!
- Where to stay in Gold Coast
- Where to stay in Brisbane
- The best Gold Coast weekend getaways
- Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast review
- The best day trips from Gold Coast
- Best day trips from Brisbane
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