The stretch of Sunshine Coast coast from Peregian Beach south to Mudjimba runs about 12 kilometres and has six distinct beaches. Each one has a slightly different character. Coolum is the main town in the middle, but Peregian to the north and Mudjimba to the south both have their own regulars and are worth separating out. This post covers all six, with review data from BeachCheck and practical notes on what each beach is actually suited for.
First Bay Coolum
First Bay Coolum rates 4.7 stars across 383 reviews. It sits at the foot of Mount Coolum and has lifeguard patrol, a surf club, toilets, and free parking. The beach faces slightly south, which gives it some shelter from the dominant south-east trade winds. That makes it calmer than some of the more exposed beaches on this stretch, and the waves are generally more manageable for family swimming.
The surf club runs nippers on weekend mornings during summer. First Bay is the main patrolled beach in Coolum, so if you're bringing young kids and want flags, this is the right choice.
View First Bay Coolum on BeachCheck
Coolum Beach
Coolum Beach proper rates 4.8 stars across 36 reviews. The surf club and facilities are co-located with First Bay, but the beach extends further north and the atmosphere shifts. It's a longer stretch of open beach with consistent swell and a sandbank that shapes a reliable right-hander during south-east swells. Intermediate surfers get more consistent waves here than at the sheltered first bay.
The town of Coolum is right behind the beach, with cafes and a supermarket within a few minutes' walk. Free street parking is available along David Low Way. This is a good base if you want beach access without staying at one of the resort areas further along the coast.
View Coolum Beach on BeachCheck
Point Perry Foreshore Reserve
Point Perry rates 4.7 stars across 762 reviews, the highest review count on this stretch. It's a rocky headland between Coolum and Yaroomba with a small foreshore reserve and lookout area. Most of the reviews are from people who walk the coastal path or visit for sunrise and sunset views rather than swimming. The rocks at the base of the headland are accessible at low tide and good for fishing.
It's not a swimming beach but it's worth including in a day on this coast, particularly if you're doing the walk between First Bay Coolum and Peregian. The path connects the beaches and takes about 2-3 hours return from Coolum to Peregian.
View Point Perry Foreshore Reserve on BeachCheck
Peregian Beach
Peregian Beach rates 4.9 stars across 50 reviews. The beach is quieter than Coolum, with less development directly behind it and a small village-style commercial strip rather than a full town. It has lifeguard patrol, toilets, and parking. The swell exposure is similar to Coolum but the beach is less crowded most days.
It's one of the few beaches on the Sunshine Coast where the beachfront hasn't been heavily developed. That gives it a more open feel. The small farmers' market operates on Sunday mornings in Peregian Village, about 500 metres from the beach, which makes it worth timing a Sunday visit around.
View Peregian Beach on BeachCheck
Mudjimba Beach
Mudjimba Beach rates 4.8 stars across 208 reviews. It's at the southern end of this coastal stretch, near the mouth of the Maroochy River, with a rocky headland to the north and Mudjimba Island (Old Woman Island) visible from the beach. The island is a protected marine reserve and home to a significant seabird colony.
Mudjimba has lifeguard patrol, a surf club, toilets, a playground, and parking. The rocky outcrops at the headland make it one of the better snorkelling spots on this stretch of coast, with calmer water in the pockets behind the rocks. There's also a dog-friendly section at the northern end (Dog Beach, Mudjimba) rated 4.7 stars across 477 reviews, which is well-maintained and very popular with locals.
View Mudjimba Beach on BeachCheck
Which Beach for What
Best for families with young kids: First Bay Coolum. Patrolled, sheltered, surf club facilities on-site.
Best for surfing: Coolum Beach. Consistent south-east swell, sandbank break, less crowded than Mooloolaba.
Best for a quieter day: Peregian Beach. Lower development, patrolled, good water quality.
Best for snorkelling: Mudjimba Beach. Rocky headland creates calmer pockets with marine life.
Best for dogs: Dog Beach, Mudjimba. Off-leash, good facilities, reliable.
Best for walking: The coastal path connecting Point Perry and the beaches north and south of it. Do it early morning before the heat builds.
Browse all Sunshine Coast beaches on BeachCheck.