The Sunshine Coast is famous for beautiful beaches, but there’s much more to explore beyond the best-known stretches of sand at Noosa, Mooloolaba and Caloundra.
With a hire car, it’s easy to venture a little further and discover quieter beaches, secluded coves and coastal spots where you can slow down and enjoy a different side of the Sunshine Coast.
Here are some of our favourite lesser-known beaches to add to your next coastal road trip.
1. Mudjimba Beach
Distance from Sunshine Coast Airport: Approximately 5 km
Drive time: Around 10 minutes
Just minutes from Sunshine Coast Airport, Mudjimba Beach is an easy first stop after collecting your hire car – but many visitors drive straight past it on their way to the region’s bigger-name destinations.
The long stretch of sand looks out towards distinctive Mudjimba Island and has a relaxed, local feel. There’s plenty of space for a beach walk, a swim between the flags when patrols are operating, or simply settling in for a few hours by the water.
While you’re there: Explore the beachfront park, grab a coffee or something to eat around Mudjimba Esplanade, or follow the coastal road north towards Marcoola and Coolum.
Parking: Parking is available around the beachfront and surrounding streets, although it can become busier on sunny weekends and during holiday periods.
2. Marcoola Beach
Distance from Sunshine Coast Airport: Approximately 4 km
Drive time: Around 5–10 minutes
Another beach almost on the airport’s doorstep, Marcoola is ideal if you want to get from baggage carousel to beach towel as quickly as possible.
It’s quieter than many of the Sunshine Coast’s major tourist beaches, with a long, open shoreline that’s perfect for walking and enjoying the ocean views. The surrounding area has a laid-back residential atmosphere, making it a great alternative if you prefer somewhere away from the busiest tourist centres.
While you’re there: Stop for breakfast or coffee nearby, explore the coastal pathway or continue north towards Mount Coolum and Coolum Beach.
Parking: Beach access points and parking can be found around Marcoola Esplanade and nearby streets. As always, check local signage before leaving the car.
3. Yaroomba Beach
Distance from Sunshine Coast Airport: Approximately 10 km
Drive time: Around 15 minutes
Sitting between Marcoola and Coolum, Yaroomba Beach can be easy to miss – which is part of its appeal.
With Mount Coolum rising behind the coastline, this peaceful stretch of beach offers beautiful scenery without the activity of some of its better-known neighbours. It’s a lovely spot for a morning walk or a quiet afternoon by the ocean.
While you’re there: Pair your beach visit with Mount Coolum, or make the short drive into Coolum for cafes, restaurants and shops.
Parking: Street parking and access points are available around the residential streets behind the beach. Facilities are more limited than at major patrolled beaches, so plan ahead if you’re staying for a while.
4. Shelly Beach, Caloundra
Distance from Sunshine Coast Airport: Approximately 30 km
Drive time: Around 35–40 minutes
Tucked between Kings Beach and Moffat Beach, Shelly Beach is a small coastal gem that can easily be overlooked.
It’s particularly beautiful at low tide, when rock pools are exposed along the shoreline. While it isn’t the place to choose for a traditional patrolled swimming beach, it’s perfect for exploring the rocks, taking photos and enjoying the coastal scenery.
While you’re there: Continue along the Caloundra Coastal Walk towards Moffat Beach, where you’ll find plenty of options for coffee or lunch.
Parking: Street parking is available in the surrounding residential area. Spaces can be limited during busy periods, so be prepared for a short walk.
5. Dicky Beach
Distance from Sunshine Coast Airport: Approximately 27 km
Drive time: Around 30–35 minutes
Dicky Beach may be better known to Sunshine Coast locals, but it often sits outside the usual visitor itinerary.
The beach takes its name from the SS Dicky, which ran aground here in 1893. While the remains of the wreck were removed from the beach years ago, its history remains part of the area’s identity.
Today, Dicky Beach offers a relaxed place for a beach day, with nearby facilities and easy access to cafes and other parts of Caloundra.
While you’re there: Follow the coastal pathway, head towards Moffat Beach for lunch or spend some time exploring Caloundra’s neighbouring beaches.
Parking: Parking is available close to the beach and surrounding streets, but it’s worth arriving earlier during weekends and holiday periods.
Turn It Into a Sunshine Coast Beach Road Trip
One of the best things about exploring the Sunshine Coast by car is that you don’t have to choose just one beach.
Starting near Sunshine Coast Airport, you could explore Mudjimba and Marcoola before heading north to Yaroomba, or turn south and spend the day beach-hopping around Caloundra.
For two people travelling light, a compact or intermediate hire car makes an easy choice for navigating coastal roads and parking areas. Families or groups carrying extra luggage and beach gear may appreciate the additional space of an SUV.
No special vehicle is required for any of these beaches – they’re all accessible via sealed public roads.
Start Your Sunshine Coast Escape with East Coast Car Rentals
Having your own car gives you the freedom to discover the Sunshine Coast beyond the usual visitor hotspots — whether that means finding a quieter beach, stopping for an unexpected coffee or changing your plans because somewhere looks too good to drive past.
East Coast Car Rentals was recognised in Canstar Blue’s Most Satisfied Customers – Hire Cars 2026 Award, a result based on feedback from Australian hire-car customers.
From the airport to the coastline, your Sunshine Coast road trip can start within minutes.