5 must-swim-at beaches
With glorious, long sunny days warming our shores, the early hints of summer are certainly in the air on the Sunshine Coast. Here's Coolum at the Beach's list of the best swimming beaches for the summer season.
1. Coolum Beach
Located within easy walking distance of Coolum at the Beach, this breathtaking beach is surrounded by stunning clifftops and boardwalks. With a relaxed and casual atmosphere, Coolum Beach, and the adjoining Stumers Creek Beach, are loved by swimmers, sightseers, sunbakers, surfers and dog lovers alike. Coolum Beach is predominantly a locals beach. It is rarely crowded, is well patrolled and has a terrific surf club.
It is important to note that you should remain between the flags and follow beach notices when swimming. Additional patrols are scheduled during peak seasons to ensure there is plenty of room for everyone to safely enjoy this stunning beach. See the latest weather conditions and life saving services here.
For families seeking a little more shelter, the Coolum rock pools are a fabulous location for children to explore. If you would like to extend your enjoyment of Coolum Beach beyond swimming, you can enrol in surfing lessons with Coolum Surf School and take away some new skills, in addition to your fond memories.
2. Noosa Main Beach
Noosa's Main Beach is a Sunshine Coast icon, and no visit to the Coast would be complete without a dip in the beach's glistening waters. It's one of the few north-facing beaches on Australia's east coast, and it is fully patrolled; making it a beautiful and safe destination for all members of the family.
Due to its fame, Noosa Main Beach is always buzzing with locals, tourists backpackers and families. Lined with boardwalks, boutiques and plenty of first class dining options, glamourous Main Beach is the perfect location to spend your day swimming and people watching.
The clean waves that break on either side of the swimming area make this a popular surfing location, and local sand artists often craft their creations on Main Beach, meaning there is plenty of action to take in as you unwind.
3. Mooloolaba Beach
If you are not a strong swimmer, you will enjoy Mooloolaba Beach's gentle waters. With numerous flagged areas, and a gentle gradient, the beach offers plenty of shallow water options.
Like Noosa, Mooloolaba Beach is a popular tourist destination, but don't be deterred. The crowds are drawn to Mooloolaba for its picturesque beauty, and a swim in this idyllic setting is not to be missed.
Families will also enjoy Mooloolaba Spit, which is just a short walk south of the main Mooloolaba Beach. This section of protected water is often still and glassy, and at the end of the day, you can easily enjoy takeaway fish and chips and enjoy the stunning sunset over the nearby headland.
4. Kings Beach
A regular on "Australia's best beaches" lists, Caloundra's stunning Kings Beach is protected from the northern winds in summer. Being a large beach, Kings offers safe waters as well as plenty of space to spread out, so it is popular with families enjoying a day in the sun.
A child-friendly water playground sits atop the beach's shoreline, there are plenty of rock pools to explore and there is an oceanfront saltwater pool. You may even be lucky enough to catch a musician playing in the nearby amphitheatre while you dip.
5. Peregian Beach
At Peregian Beach, you can indulge in the vast, open surrounds and salty air without the crowds. Known to locals, but off the tourist track, Peregian Beach is relaxed, private and natural.
Although there are shops, parks and cafes all within close proximity, the gorgeous dunes and plentiful casuarina trees make the beach feel remote.
Swim inside the flags, which are set just outside the Surf Life Saving Club, to ensure your safety.
