The Best Spots to Swim, Paddleboard, and Kayak at Noosa and the Sunshine Coast

If you love the water Noosa is one of the best places on the planet – and it’s one of the reasons why you’ll find an Outside Sports store on Hastings Street - because we love watersports too. From beautiful ocean beaches and sheltered estuaries to winding rivers and tranquil lakes, Noosa and the Sunshine Coast have you covered. 

In this article we’re going to look at your options for getting into, and onto the water, with swimming, standup paddleboarding, and kayaking. 

By the way, if you need anything to make for your swims or days on the beach, please drop in and see us – we have a fantastic collection of watersports apparel and accessories, and we’re located just behind NoosaMain Beach with a beach access pathway a few metres from our door.

Shop our watersports collection

So first let’s take a trip down the coast from north to south. 

Nicely protected by the Noosa National Park, which juts out at the southern end, Main Beach generally has smaller waves and gentler surf than the more exposed beaches south of the headland. Main Beach is an excellent introduction to ocean swimming, with lifeguard patrols on duty and plenty of facilities for your family nearby. But it’s still an ocean beach and rips can trap the unwary, so always swim between the flags. You also need to stay out of the way of surfers. Main Beach is also the perfect spot to learn to surf.

We have a big selection of Speedo swimwear, googles, caps and other swimming gear at our store and online.

Tucked between Noosa Main Beach and the National Park, you’ll find the hidden gem of the Noosa coast. Located near the tip of the headland, Little Cove has clear water, spectacular scenery and gentle conditions for swimming when the ocean swell is small. It's a lovely place for a relaxing dip, but because there are no regular lifeguard patrols at Little Cove it means that extra care is necessary – especially if you’re not an experienced ocean swimmer. Always keepain mind that water conditions can change quickly, so be careful. 

Mooloolaba's north-facing beach is another excellent choice for families and beginner ocean swimmers. The southern Spit is sheltered from cool southerly winds and often has smaller waves. Both beaches have patrolled swimming areas, although as with any ocean beach currents and rips are something you need to be aware of. Aslo stay clear of the harbour entrance which is always busy with boats zipping in and out.

For confident surf swimmers, Sunshine Beach offers a full-on ocean swimming experience. When there’s swell you’ll get powerful waves which can be good for body surfing. But Sunshine is also known for its strong rips and a heavy shore break that makes it unsuitable for beginner ocean swimmers. We strongly recommend only swimming between the flags where the lifeguards can keep an eye on you.  

In the sheltered waters opposite Bribie Island, Golden Beach near Caloundra is a wonderful place for sightseeing by kayak or paddleboard. You can explore the sandbanks, see if you can spot dolphins and turtles, and check out the views inland towards the Glass House Mountains. Conditions are mostly calm, but the tidal currents and boat traffic mean you need to take care. Generally, the currents are stronger and more dangerous near the passage entrances - so keep your distance. 

The following spots are in the rivers and lakes and feature gentle flat water without any ocean surf or rips to worry about. That makes them a good choice if you’re not experienced in the ocean. 

Gympie Terrace along the river in Noosaville has some really nice, sheltered swimming spots and some of the Sunshine Coast's best water for learning to standup reliably on a standup paddle board. There are places you can your gear along the Terrace. This area is also perfect as yur starting pint for exploring the river's islands and waterways by kayak or paddle board. As ever when you're sharing the water, make sure to look out for motorboats, tidal currents in the deep channels near the river mouth. 

Behind Currimundi Beach, this sheltered tidal lagoon has shallow sandy areas and calm water, making it ideal for children, and beginner kayakers and paddleboarders. You can explore the beautifully peaceful, tree-lined creek upstream or paddle down towards the lake entrance. But do please beware of strong tidal flows near the entrance where the lagoon opens to the sea – especially when the tide is flowing out, 

Lake Weyba is a few kilometres south of Noosa, where you’ll find beautiful scenery, abundant birdlife and glorious conditions for kayaking and paddleboarding on calm mornings. However its open waters can get quite choppy if the winds pick up, so stay close to shore unless you're a confident swimmer.  

Did you know Noosa has its very own Everglades? This wonder of nature is famous for its mirror-like reflectionsand extraordinary birdlife. Taking a guided kayaking adventure is an excellent way to discover this wilderness. The upper river is generally sheltered, but crossing Lake Cootharabaon a paddleboard or kayak can a bit challenging if it’s a windy day.  

From Speedos for summer to wetsuits for winter we’ve got you covered at Outside sports Noosa. We also have swim fins, googles, and caps – plus Chums straps to keep your glasses on, and waterproof cases to keep your phone dry. You can see our wonderful watersports collection instore at Outside Sports Noosa or shop online at outsidesports.com.au and outsidesidesports.co.nz