Beach Safety



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BE SUN SAFE
Many travellers from overseas are intent on getting a tan – and who wouldn’t with the beautiful weather the Sunshine Coast has to offer.  
Make sure you go home with just a sun tan with our guide to sun safety.
 
 
Remember the SLIP SLAP SLOP campaign:
  • SLIP – on a shirt.
  • SLAP - on the sun cream.
  • SLOP - on a hat.
Children at school in Australia know the rules – No hat, No play. Follow their rules!
Always use an SPF sun tan cream – preferably SPF30 and upwards. Especially in those first few days.
Don’t lay out in the sun and bake yourself all day, lobster pink skin really isn’t attractive and nor is looking like a sun dried tomato by the time you’re 40!
Remember the song "Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun"     
(Don’t be a mad dog even if you are an Englishman!)
BE BEACH SAFE
Most Sunshine Coast beaches have Red and Yellow Beach Surf Life Saving Flags indicating where it's safe to swim and where you are allowed to surf.
 
               You should always swim between the flags.
 
  • The Red and Yellow flag indicate the safest swim area, it's the patrolled area. These are the most commom flags you'll find on the popular beaches of The Sunshine Coast.
  • The Red flag means DANGER do not go in the water. When you see a Red flag displayed, the beach is closed for swimming. In this case, try another beach elsewhere on the Sunshine Coast.
  • The Blue flag means board riding area for surfers. This is a safe area to ride your surfboard and is often nearby the swimming area. Please keep your surfboard out of the swimming area.
  • The Red and White checkered flag means there might be a shark in the water. Surf patrols will usually chase the shark well out to sea and make sure there are no more dangers before reopening the beach. It's not common to see this flag on the Sunshine Coast beaches, but it's good to aware of it.
Remember:
  • Always read Safety Signs – Located on the beach to ensure you know any dangers ahead of swimming.
  • Speak with a lifesaver – These highly trained professionals will tell you all you need to know – seek them out they are a friendly bunch!
  • Swim with a friend – This is recommended as you can look out for each other.
 
In the event of finding yourself in danger attract a surf lifesaver by raising your arm in the air.
 
TRY NOT TO PANIC as this will only expel energy you need to keep safe.
 

Top Experiences and Tours in Sunshine Coast

If youʻre booking your trip to Sunshine Coast last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences!

Moreton Island: Premium Tangalooma Snorkel & Dolphin Tour

Moreton Island: Premium Tangalooma Snorkel & Dolphin Tour

Highlights

  • Snorkel the famous Tangalooma Wrecks from the dedicated snorkelling vessel
  • Savor a mouth-watering tropical buffet lunch with ocean king prawns
  • Search for wild dolphins and other marine animals like sea turtles and dugongs
  • Relax on the vessel and enjoy tasty frozen cocktails and a fully stocked bar
  • Experience free time on the beach where you can feed the fish and kayak

Description

Discover Moreton Bay Marine Park and learn about marine life from an onboard marine naturalist on this cruise. Go on a guided snorkeling tour of the Tangalooma wrecks and keep an eye our for the dolphins, dugongs and sea turtles that call this glamour area home. Choose from a tour where you meet the boat at the Rivergate Marina or with pickup from the Gold Coast or Brisbane. Throw your swimwear into a bag and set sail to uncover miles of unspoiled white sand beaches. Departing daily from Brisbane, cruise in luxury to Moreton Bay Marine Park aboard the brand-new, purpose-built $10m catamaran Spirit of Mulgumpin. Here enjoy the freedom to do as much or as little as you please with all activities included and no local fees. Dive in and snorkel the fifteen shipwrecks that have been deliberately sunk just off the coastline with an abundance of spectacular coral formations and colorful marine life that needs to be seen to be believed. No experience is required and all equipment and water safety items are provided. Afterwards, join our naturalist guides in a fish-feeding session with the 200 species that frequent the area. Satisfy your appetite with a gourmet tropical buffet featuring ocean king prawns, and quench your thirst with a glass of local wine, craft beer or frozen cocktail. Take the time to relax, and enjoy free island time on the pristine white-sand beach. Paddleboard on sheltered crystal-clear waters, join a game with complimentary beach sporting equipment, or simply kick back and soak in the serenity. Watch out for some of Queensland’s best marine wildlife in this area which is home to one of the largest populations of bottlenose dolphins in Australia. Feel the joy of seeing them jump and play in turquoise waters. Search for six of the world’s seven species of sea turtles and herds of shy and gentle dugongs in one of the world’s remaining strongholds for this species. Get help from the onboard marine naturalists who have been working with these incredible animals for over a decade and have the experience to give you the closest wildlife encounters possible.

Includes

Full-day Moreton Island cruise Morning tea and coffee upon boarding Tropical buffet lunch with ocean king prawns Snorkeling equipment and a guided snorkel experience Onboard commentary with marine naturalist All national and marine park fees included Fish feeding Free beach time Sporting equipment

Important Information

  • Average tour sightings: Dolphins 92%, sea turtles 99%, dugongs 70%
  • Buffet Lunch Menu (Allergen information: VE = Vegan | V = Vegetarian | GF = Gluten Free | LF = Lactose-Free | N = May contain nuts | E = May contain eggs): Ocean king prawns (GF, LF) Lightly seasoned roasted chicken pieces (GF, LF) Maple-glazed baked ham off the bone (GF, LF) Summer garden salad (VE, GF, LF) Mediterranean pasta salad (VE, LF, N) Classic coleslaw salad (V, GF, E) Damper-style bread rolls (VE) Sliced seasonal melons and tropical fruits (VE, GF, LF)
  • Light snacks are also available for purchase onboard.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Mooloolaba: Canal Cruise with Commentary

Mooloolaba: Canal Cruise with Commentary

Highlights

  • Feel the region's past come to life and learn its history on a historic ferry
  • Admire some of the most luxurious homes in Mooloolaba and surrounds
  • Listen to live commentary about the various sights as you cruise along
  • We'll take you to have a look at Steve Irwin's famous Croc One vessel
  • You can take the helm and drive the boat alongside our friendly skipper

Description

On departure we cruise past the Wharf complex and Marina towards Mooloolah Island which boasts some of Mooloolaba’s most desirable mansions and award winning homes. We continue on past Minyama Island where you will hear all about its famous residents before entering the Kawana Canal system and learning the history of the canal development. We'll also cruise past Steve Irwin's famous vessel Croc One! It’s then out to the river heads where we turn the boat around to take in the breathtaking views of the coastline from Mooloolaba Beach right up to Noosa Heads, before we head back through the river where we pass the pilot boats, commercial fishing fleet and observe the wild Osprey Eagles’ nest among other things. There is a fully licensed bar onboard offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as snacks. The 1 hour Mooloolaba Canal Cruise is a must-do during your time on the Sunshine Coast!

Includes

Canal cruise Lunch at a local restaurant (if option selected)

Important Information

  • There are 3 steps up and 3 steps down to board the boat You can bring your own food and drinks on board Infants under 3 are free

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Brisbane: Sunshine Coast Hinterland & Noosa Scenic Tour

Brisbane: Sunshine Coast Hinterland & Noosa Scenic Tour

Highlights

  • Scenic drive through hinterland with epic Glass House Mountain views.
  • Visit artisan villages and shop handmade goods at Eumundi Markets.
  • Explore Noosa’s beaches and iconic national park coastal walk.
  • Authentic local Australian guide sharing stories, insights, and hidden gems.
  • Discover Montville’s boutique shops, cafes, and stunning Sunshine Coast views.

Description

Depart Brisbane and cruise past charming country villages and rolling farmland as you ascend into the lush hinterland of the Blackall Range—a cool-climate escape just 90 minutes north of the city. Along the way, enjoy scenic roads with sweeping views, a must-do for anyone chasing the ultimate Brisbane day trip. Your first stop is Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, a tranquil pocket of subtropical rainforest perched high above the coast. From the lookout, get panoramic views of the iconic Glass House Mountains—a cluster of ancient volcanic peaks steeped in Aboriginal legend and perfect for nature photography. Take a short rainforest walk or grab a coffee at the eco-conscious café overlooking the range. Continue winding through the hinterland and arrive at the storybook village of Montville, a mountain-top community known for its bohemian charm. Wander cobbled streets lined with artisan shops, local art galleries, handmade fudge stalls, and cozy cafés brewing beans roasted just down the road. Whether you're after vintage threads or small-batch candles, Montville is a hidden gem in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Next, roll into the iconic Eumundi Markets, Australia’s top artisan market and a must-visit on any Queensland road trip. Held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, these sprawling markets are bursting with handmade goods, slow fashion, local produce, street eats, and live acoustic sets. You’ll have time to shop, browse, and grab lunch from one of the many food stalls—think vegan burgers, gourmet pies, or turmeric lattes under the fig trees. Please note: On Fridays, instead of the Eumundi Markets, we visit the nearby Eumundi Square Market. Discover over 80 boutique shops featuring fashion, gifts, food, art, treasures, and live music at this relaxed and curated market. After lunch, head to the sparkling coastline and the laid-back luxury of Noosa Heads. Stroll the boutiques and cafés of Hastings Street, dip your toes in the pristine sand, or explore Noosa National Park, home to one of the best coastal walks in Australia. The Coastal Track hugs the cliff’s edge and rewards hikers with wild ocean views and potential sightings of dolphins, sea turtles, and sleepy koalas. Please note: You will have 2 hours of total free time in Noosa Heads, giving you plenty of time to enjoy all that Noosa has to offer. A visit to Noosa National Park is included within this overall time, so guests are responsible for managing their own time to ensure they return to the meeting point promptly.. Return to Brisbane refreshed and inspired, with your camera roll full and your soul just a little more nourished.

Includes

Small-group tour for a more personal experience Comfortable return transport from Brisbane Scenic drive through the Blackall Range hinterland Stop at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve lookout Free time to explore Montville village Entry to Eumundi Markets (self-guided) Visit to Noosa Heads and Noosa National Park (self-guided) Friendly local Australian guide with commentary

Important Information

  • Comfy walking shoes for exploring the villages and trails Water bottle to stay refreshed and eco-friendly Reusable shopping bag for all your artisan market finds Sunscreen and hat to keep the sun at bay Swimwear and towel if you wanna dip your toes at Noosa beaches Camera or phone for capturing those killer views

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

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