Clear water and white sand hugged by pandanus palms. Sounds like paradise, right? And it is. But what if you could thin out the towels dotting the shoreline and escape to a beach less known?

Here are five Sunshine Coast beaches you might not know about that are definitely worth checking out next time you visit.

1. Moffat Beach

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The surf is just picking up at Moffat Beach

At the southern end of the Sunshine Coast is a little beach town that is as relaxed as it is beautiful.

Moffat Beach, affectionately known as “Moffs”, plays host to a point break that would entice any surfer attempting to steer clear of the Noosa crowds.

With a smattering of cafes – The Pocket is a local favourite – and a massive beachfront park, visit this place once and you’ll soon be back for more.
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2. Shelly Beach

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Lush foliage meets soft sand on Shelly Beach

Follow the coastal pathway south from Moffat Beach and, after a short 15-minute stroll, you’ll come to Shelly Beach.

Bookended by rocks, this unpatrolled sandy strip faces directly east and is renowned for its strong currents and steep drop off.

Gaze out to the container ships passing by or daydream about living in the million-dollar homes that play gatekeeper over the beach.

Bring a picnic and make the most of the waterfront barbecues and covered tables.

Get the know. City Scoop: The Sunshine Coast

Prefer it under the sea? Life Under The Sea: 7 Best Dive Sites In Australia

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3. Currimundi

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Currimundi is a great spot for water sports and leisurely swimming

Families flock to this pocket between Caloundra and Kawana, and it’s not difficult to see why.

Currimundi is where a lake meets the sea, offering calm, shallow water for kids on one side of a small sand dune and fun waves for surfers on the other.

Feeling adventurous? Hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Kitethrills near the car park.

There’s only one road in and one road out, so, veer off Nicklin Way and follow the signs to just before Currimundi shops before turning left and continuing to the end of the road.
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4. Yaroomba

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A day at Yaroomba is almost like having a beach to yourself

Yaroomba Beach is often overlooked for its bigger, bolder sibling Coolum Beach – and that’s just how the locals and tourists-in-the-know like it.

Tucked on the south side of Point Arkwright, Yaroomba is a somewhat undiscovered patch of sandy paradise with its discreet location off David Low Way meaning that most people drive straight past.

With plenty of space to throw down your towel, umbrella-like pandanus palms to retreat under in the midday sun, and rock pools for the kids to explore, spending the day here is no hard feat.
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5. Alexandria Bay

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Kick back and enjoy the oasis of A Bay

There’s something special about not being able to drive to a beach; about having to walk through the bush, with towels, water, boards in tow, and not knowing what you’re going to see.

The most remote beach on the coast, Alexandria Bay aka 'A Bay' is untouched beauty at its best.

A favourite amongst naturists (yes, this is the best beach on the coast to get your kit off) and surfers, this crescent shaped beach can be reached via Noosa Heads or Sunshine Beach, with several tracks winding their way to this hidden oasis.
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Visit your local Flight Centre store or call 131 600 for more advice and the latest deals on travelling to the Sunshine Coast.

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