Laid-back beach suburb offers chill alternative to bustling Noosa

Once known as a fairly quiet beach spot, Sunshine Beach is quickly becoming a popular destination for those who want to be close by to its famous neighbour Noosa, but far enough away from the crowds of Hastings St.
A breathtaking surf beach with white sand as far as the eye can see, it’s not hard to see why more people are choosing to visit and stay in Sunshine Beach.
Here’s how to make the most of your trip.
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One of the latest draw cards to the area is the always-bustling Sunshine Social Cafe and Coffee Roastery.
Born from a passion for local community and a love of coffee, owners Ben Clark (ex Director of the well-known Mulberry Group who were responsible for a number of iconic cafes and restaurants in Melbourne) and wife Sunny have quickly built a Sunshine Beach institution at their relaxed seaside cafe.
Grab a seat in the sun on the deck, or buy one of the beautiful Pottery for the Planet ceramic reusable mugs and take your coffee to-go so you can enjoy watching the waves roll in down on the beach.
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Another Sunshine Beach icon is the quaint and unassuming Humble on Duke.
Seating only twelve people at a time, this hidden gem offers a personal and intimate dining experience unlike any other on the Sunshine Coast. Owners Jade and Stacey curate every aspect of the evening, with Stacey showcasing her exceptional culinary skills as head chef, while Jade delivers second-to-none service and front of house.
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Humble on Duke’s not your average restaurant. Instead of a traditional a la carte menu, Stacey designs an ever-changing chef’s selection menu (Middle Eastern-inspired), which is meant to be shared and focuses on showcasing the best local seasonal produce from Australia and NZ.
The very special and unique experience at Humble on Duke is like sharing a meal at a friend’s house (that is, if your friend was an incredibly talented professional chef!).
For a more casual bite to eat, with arguably the best views of Sunshine Beach, check out the recently refurbished Sunshine Beach Surf Club. Popular with locals and tourists alike, the SBSC combines the laid-back and relaxed experience you would expect from a traditional surf club, with an impressive menu that caters for everyone in the family.
Enjoy live music while you eat and whale-watch with panoramic views of Sunshine Beach’s untamed beauty. Hot local’s tip: order fish & chips takeaway and enjoy it on the grass-covered clifftop while watching the sunset over the ocean.
Time for some retail therapy. Head up the hill to Cabin, a small retail boutique influenced by surfing, art and design. Cabin showcases both local ethical and sustainable brands, as well as bigger names brands like Patagonia, and stocks both men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, lifestyle products and homewares.
With a strong community feel and focus on conscious shopping, this creative space is a little haven in Sunshine Beach. Cabin opens bright and early at 8am every morning, so it’s the perfect spot to explore and discover sustainable goodies while waiting for your coffee from neighbouring Sunshine Social.
With the perfect mix of great coffee, impressive dining options, small boutiques and a surf club, its close proximity to Noosa and home to one of Queensland’s most beautiful surf beaches, it’s no surprise Sunshine Beach continues to grow in popularity.