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, rock pools and laid-back beachside communities at your own pace. Here are five Sunshine Coast beaches worth adding to your next coastal road trip.
1. Peregian Beach
Just south of Noosa, 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 or a few hours by the ocean, while nearby Peregian Beach Village makes it easy to turn your beach stop into breakfast, coffee or lunch.
While you’re there: Wander through Peregian Beach Village or continue north towards Sunshine Beach and Noosa.
2. Point Cartwright
For something a little different from the Sunshine Coast’s long stretches of sand, head to Point Arkwright between Coolum and Marcoola.
The rocky headland, coastal vegetation and ocean views make this a particularly scenic stop on a coastal drive. Walking tracks connect the area with nearby beaches and provide plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the view.
While you’re there: Continue along the coast to Coolum Beach or stop at Mount Coolum on your way.
3. Moffat Beach
Moffat Beach has plenty of local fans, but it 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. There are also cafes and restaurants close to the water, making it an ideal lunch stop during a day of beach-hopping.
While you’re there: Follow part of the Caloundra Coastal Walk or continue around the headland to neighbouring beaches.
4. Shelly Beach, Caloundra
Tucked between Kings Beach and Moffat Beach, Shelly Beach is a small coastal spot that’s easy to miss.
At low tide, 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.
While you’re there: Continue along the Caloundra Coastal Walk towards Moffat Beach for coffee or lunch.
5. Dicky Beach
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.
Today, you’ll find a relaxed stretch of coastline with nearby cafes, facilities and easy access to the surrounding Caloundra beaches.
While you’re there: Follow the coastal pathway towards Moffat Beach or spend the day exploring more of 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.
Head north from Sunshine Coast Airport towards Coolum, Peregian Beach and Noosa, or travel south and spend the day discovering the beaches and coastal communities around Caloundra.
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 and start exploring the Sunshine Coast at your own pace.