Sunshine Beach: From high flyers to beach bums, everyone thrives in this coastal 'burb

If Queensland’s coastal suburbs were a deck of cards, Sunshine Beach would be the ace up your sleeve – unexpected and game-changing. Bordering lush Noosa National Park, this beachside gem is home to a vibrant village packed with gourmet restaurants, eclectic shops, and the newly refreshed Sunshine Beach Surf Club.

Life here is comprised of captivating contrasts. Mining magnates and former prime ministers share sandy footpaths with barefoot surfers who’ve been riding these waves since Noosa’s Hastings Street was just a dirt track. This eclectic blend lends the suburb its distinct charm in which everyone, from high flyers to beach bums, finds common ground.

Savouring the sunshine

Thriving in this idyllic village, Jade Tareha and Stacey Conner run Humble on Duke, a beloved 14-seat Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant. Their journey to Sunshine Beach began far from its shores. They met in Adelaide a decade ago, travelled the world, then set down roots in 2019.

“I can’t say exactly what drew us to Sunshine Beach for our first restaurant, but we knew the clientele were something special – well-travelled, passionate about food, and always up for good old-fashioned hospitality,” shares Jade. “Yes, the beach is amazing, but what really excites us is the calibre of people here.”

Jade often strolls to the cafe Sunshine Social. Ben Clark, its visionary founder, traded Melbourne for Sunshine Beach after an Aussie caravan adventure, discovering this coastal paradise was where his family wanted to park permanently.

“The surf was calling, and the coffee needed brewing,” Ben quips. “It all just clicks here: the open beaches, the national park, the year-round warm breeze, and the like-minded, passionate people. Sunshine Beach was the one we couldn’t leave.”

The price of paradise

Tom Offermann, principal at Tom Offermann Real Estate, describes the area as the pinnacle of Queensland living, where the buildings are low, the trees are high, and the vibes are chill. But don’t let the laid-back lifestyle fool you; the real estate here is serious business.

“All three of Queensland’s top residential sales happened in Noosa’s suburbs, with Sunshine Beach claiming first and third place at $34 million and $28 million for beachfront properties,” Offermann says. “The capital growth for these homes has been an impressive 15 per cent annually, and it’s a trend that shows no signs of slowing.”

For those dreaming of coastal living, Sunshine Beach offers the ultimate prize: front-row homes perched high on dunes, overlooking the surf.

“There are only 59 houses on the beachfront, and they rarely come up for sale,” Offermann says. “When they do, there’s always a queue of eager buyers ready to make their move. After all, life’s a beach in Sunshine Beach and if you’re lucky, it’s your backyard, too.”

For sale in Sunshine Beach

Offers Over $2.4 million

82 Pacific Avenue, Sunshine Beach QLD 4567

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Meticulously reimagined, this single-level home exudes mid-century Palm Springs style with a modern twist. Expansive open-plan living flows like a breeze outdoors through floor-to-ceiling sliders, featuring a sleek fireplace, saltwater pool, vibrant gardens, and a private main-bedroom suite.