Peregian Beach

Peregian Beach runs about 4km along the coast between Coolum and Noosa, backed by the low-key village that gives it its name. The beach faces due east and picks up plenty of swell, with a double-bar surf zone that produces consistent beach breaks. Rips form between the sandbars, so swim between the flags. The Peregian Beach SLSC has been here since 1962, with volunteer lifesavers patrolling on Sundays in September and May. Behind the dunes, the village square is the heart of it all. A handful of good cafes, a couple of restaurants, and the surf club looking straight out to sea. The Sunday markets on the 1st and 3rd of the month are a local institution. Peregian sits in the Noosa Shire, which means the development stays low and the bushland buffer between the village and the beach is protected. No high-rises, no chain stores. If you want a Sunshine Coast beach without the Noosa price tag or the Maroochydore traffic, this is it.