Buddina Beach (Kawana)

Buddina, or Kawana depending on who you ask, is a 9-kilometre stretch of sand running from Point Cartwright at the southern end all the way north to Currimundi Lake. That length is the whole appeal: there's enough space here that you can almost always find an empty peak, even on a weekend.

The beach is fully exposed to the open ocean, so when a solid east swell is running, the waves are consistent up and down the entire stretch. Most surfers pick a spot near the Kawana Surf Life Saving Club at Coopers Lookout Park, but walk ten minutes in either direction and you'll have the bank to yourself. The beach break works on most tides, though low tide can get shallow and close out on bigger days.

Behind the dunes you've got the Kawana Sports Precinct and plenty of green space. It feels more open and spacious than the built-up beaches to the north. The residential streets are set back from the beach with parkland in between, so there's a buffer from traffic and development that you don't get at Mooloolaba or Alex.

Point Cartwright at the southern tip is worth the detour. The lighthouse walk gives you views north along the beach toward Coolum and south down to Mooloolaba, and the rock platforms below the point are popular for fishing.