5 Sunshine Coast Beaches Worth the Drive
The Sunshine Coast might be famous for Noosa, Mooloolaba and Caloundra, but some of its best coastal spots sit a little outside the usual visitor itinerary.
With a hire car, you can skip between quiet coves, scenic headlands, rock pools and laid-back beachside communities at your own pace. Starting from East Coast Car Rentals’ Sunshine Coast Airport location in Marcoola, here are five beaches worth adding to your next coastal road trip.
1. Peregian Beach
Around 20 kilometres north of the East Coast Car Rentals Sunshine Coast Airport depot, Peregian Beach offers the beautiful coastline the Sunshine Coast is known for, with a more relaxed village atmosphere.
The wide stretch of sand is ideal for a morning walk, swim or a few hours by the ocean. Just back from the beachfront, Peregian Beach Village has plenty of options for coffee, breakfast or lunch, so it’s an easy place to linger a little longer.
Distance from depot: Approximately 20 km, or around 20–25 minutes by car.
Parking: Parking is available around the beachfront and Peregian Beach Village. As with many popular Sunshine Coast beach communities, spaces can be busier on weekends and during holiday periods, so arriving earlier in the day can make things easier.
Food nearby: You’ll find a good selection of cafes and casual dining around Peregian Beach Village, including coffee, breakfast and lunch options within walking distance of the beach.
While you’re there: Wander through Peregian Beach Village before continuing north towards Sunshine Beach and Noosa, or head south along David Low Way to explore more of the coastline around Coolum.
2. Point Cartwright
Around 25 kilometres south of the Sunshine Coast Airport depot, Point Cartwright is a scenic alternative to the region’s long stretches of sandy beach.
Located at Buddina, the five-hectare Point Cartwright Reserve combines coastal bushland, walking tracks, ocean views and an active lighthouse at the eastern end of the headland. From the reserve car park, it’s approximately a 230-metre walk to the lighthouse and surrounding open grass areas.
It’s worth noting that Point Cartwright Beach itself is unpatrolled and is not considered safe for swimming, so this stop is better suited to walking, sightseeing and enjoying the coastal views.
Distance from depot: Approximately 25 km, or around 25–30 minutes by car.
Parking: Free parking is available at Point Cartwright Reserve, with public amenities nearby.
Food nearby: Buddina has several cafes and takeaway options, while nearby La Balsa Park is another good place to stop for coffee or lunch before or after exploring the headland.
While you’re there: Walk to the lighthouse and lookout areas, explore the reserve or continue towards La Balsa Park. From here, you can also keep heading south towards Moffat Beach and Caloundra.
3. Moffat Beach
Around 30 kilometres south of the Sunshine Coast Airport depot, Moffat Beach has plenty of local fans but can still be overlooked by visitors heading straight for Caloundra’s larger beaches.
Its sheltered setting, headland views and relaxed beachfront make it an easy place to spend a few hours. Moffat Beach is also connected to neighbouring Shelly Beach by the coastal pathway over the headland, making it a great starting point for exploring this section of the Caloundra coastline on foot.
Distance from depot: Approximately 30 km, or around 30–35 minutes by car.
Parking: Public parking is available around the foreshore, including along Bryce Street and Queen of Colonies Parade. There is also an off-street public car park near the corner of Rinaldi Street and Seaview Terrace, providing convenient access to both the beach and nearby shops.
Food nearby: Seaview Terrace is only a short walk from the beach and has a selection of cafes, restaurants and takeaway options, making Moffat Beach particularly good for a breakfast or lunch stop.
While you’re there: Follow the coastal pathway over Moffat Head towards Shelly Beach, grab a coffee overlooking the water or continue exploring Caloundra’s coastline.
4. Shelly Beach, Caloundra
Tucked between Kings Beach and Moffat Beach, Shelly Beach is a small coastal spot that’s easy to miss – which is part of its appeal.
At low tide, large rock pools appear along the shoreline, making it a great place to explore the coast, take photos or simply enjoy the scenery away from Caloundra’s busier beachfronts.
Shelly Beach Park also has picnic tables, barbecues, a playground, public amenities and beach showers, making it an easy stop for families or anyone planning to spend a little longer by the water.
Distance from depot: Approximately 30 km, or around 30–35 minutes by car.
Parking: Off-street parking is available at Shelly Beach Park on Victoria Terrace.
Food nearby: Shelly Beach itself is quieter when it comes to dining, but Moffat Beach and Kings Beach are both nearby and offer plenty of cafes and casual places to eat.
While you’re there: Explore the rock pools at low tide, then follow the coastal pathway towards Moffat Beach for coffee or lunch. You can also head in the opposite direction towards Kings Beach and central Caloundra.
5. Dicky Beach
Around 28 kilometres south of the Sunshine Coast Airport depot, Dicky Beach combines a laid-back Sunshine Coast beach day with an interesting piece of local history.
The beach takes its name from the SS Dicky, which ran aground here in 1893. Although the remains of the wreck have since been removed from the beach, its story remains part of the area’s identity, with a viewing platform and the ship’s propeller helping preserve that history.
Dicky Beach Park also has picnic facilities, barbecues, a playground, skate park, beach showers and public amenities, making it a convenient stop if you’re travelling with the family.
Distance from depot: Approximately 28 km, or around 30 minutes by car.
Parking: Off-street parking is available at Dicky Beach Park, with direct access to the surrounding park and beachfront.
Food nearby: Cafes, takeaway shops and other casual dining options can be found around Beerburrum Street, just a short walk from the beach. Dicky Beach Surf Club is also close by for a sit-down meal.
While you’re there: Follow the coastal pathway towards Moffat Beach, stop at the SS Dicky viewing area or make Dicky Beach part of a longer day exploring Caloundra’s coastline.
Make It a Sunshine Coast Road Trip
One of the best things about having your own car on the Sunshine Coast is being able to explore beyond one destination.
From the East Coast Car Rentals Sunshine Coast Airport depot in Marcoola, you can head north towards Coolum, Peregian Beach and Noosa, or travel south towards Point Cartwright and spend the day discovering the beaches and coastal communities around Caloundra.
If you’re heading south, Point Cartwright, Dicky Beach, Moffat Beach and Shelly Beach can easily be combined into one coastal drive, giving you plenty of opportunities to stop for a walk, coffee, lunch or an unexpected swim along the way.
A compact or intermediate hire car is an easy option for couples and travellers packing light, while an SUV gives families and groups extra room for luggage and beach gear.
All of these stops are accessible via sealed public roads, so no special vehicle is required.
Start Your Sunshine Coast Escape with East Coast Car Rentals
Having your own car gives you the freedom to discover more of the Sunshine Coast – from an unexpected beach stop to a coastal cafe that looks too good to drive past.
East Coast Car Rentals was recognised in Canstar Blue’s ‘Most Satisfied Customers – Hire Cars 2026 Award‘, based on feedback from Australian hire car customers.
Pick up your hire car from our Sunshine Coast Airport location in Marcoola and start exploring the Sunshine Coast at your own pace.