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9 Sunshine Coast stays to backdrop your luxuriation in the salt and sun

From hinterland hideaways to waterfront retreats.
Palm Paradiso Airbnb in Noosa HeadsPalm Paradiso via Airbnb
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Stretching for more than 60km along Queensland’s southern east coast, the Sunshine Coast is alive with primed surf spots, luxury resorts, national parks and idyllic hinterland – making it a favoured summer escape among easternsiders.

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Whether you’re planning to spend your Sunshine sojourn swimming in Noosa National Park or retreating to the quiet of the hills, you’ll want somewhere to backdrop your luxuriation.

From a beachhouse with a swimming pool oasis to an architecturally-designed hinterland cabin, we’ve curated an edit of some of the most luxe Sunshine Coast Airbnbs. Read on for our top picks to book across Noosa Heads, Sunrise Beach and more.

GT‘s top picks for Sunshine Coast stays in 2025

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Best Sunshine Coast stay for families

Palm Paradiso in Noosa Heads

Best for: seaside bliss

Sleeps: six guests

All but a four-minute stroll to the shores of Little Cove and Noosa National Park is the contemporary haven that is Palm Paradiso. A whole apartment ideal for a family trip, this Airbnb highlights timber textures and neutral tones to backdrop your seaside getaway.

“Our stay in this beautiful apartment was exactly what we asked for. Walkable distance to the beach’s, cafes and restaurants with a stunning kitchen and lots of places to sleep,” said one guest, who rated their stay five-stars.

Reasons to stay:

  • Four-minute walk to the beach
  • Pool access
  • Free parking
  • Locally crafted amenities
  • 24/7 on-call manager and concierge services

Location: Noosa Heads

'Sunrise View' - Luxury Villa in Sunrise Beach

Best for: pet-friendly luxury stay

Sleeps: eight guests

Featuring an equipped kitchen, four generously-sized bedrooms, sea views on a sweeping deck, and a magnesium heated pool, there’s no need to even leave the house if you’re feeling particularly homey during your stay in this Sunrise Beach escape.

One guest said: “Our stay was way too short for such an amazing property! The house is immaculate, spacious, beautifully decorated and perfectly located. But the views, they are just something else: whale sightings while having breakfast – can’t top that!”

Reasons to stay:

  • Fully equipped kitchen
  • Magnesium, ozone heated pool
  • BBQ
  • Pets considered upon application

Location: Sunrise Beach

Best for: large family reunions

Sleeps: 10 guests

Just a 10-minute stroll to Noosa’s Main Beach and the heart of Hastings St is this open living house named after the majestic tree in the backyard. A sunny stay for up to 10 guests, lounge in the reading room after a morning spent dipping in and out of the pool.

“What a perfect sanctuary for our Noosa stay!” said one guest, who rated their stay five-stars. “Our hosts were helpful and responsive, and we loved the stay. We had everything we needed and were so close to everything, plus the privacy of the fence allowed us to lounge by the pool and relax in the beautiful open spaces of the house.”

Reasons to stay:

  • Expansive open plan kitchen and living
  • Reading room
  • Body boards, surfboards and stand-up paddle boards to use

Location: Noosa Heads

Exclusive beachfront penthouse in Noosa Heads

Best for: a romantic beachfront escape

Sleeps: six guests

Perfect for the minimalist couple, this beachfront Noosa beachfront penthouse overlooks Laguna Bay and Main Beach. Wake up to sunrise over the ocean, meander down the street for a Hastings Street eat, spend the day in and out of the big blue, before running upstairs and sharing a sunset drink on the balcony.

One guest, who rated their stay five stars called this stay “Noosa’s best beachfront apartment,” while others boasted on the properties well appointed kitchen, perfect location and modern comforts.

Reasons to stay:

  • Beachfront location
  • Fully-airconditioned across two levels
  • Private rooftop

Location: Noosa Heads

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Most romantic Sunshine Coast Airbnbs for couples

Best for: ocean vistas

Sleeps: four guests

If green is your scene, this forest-surrounded apartment in the coveted Picture Point Crescent of Noosa Heads is an ideal spot. Featuring ocean and forest vistas, and highly curated furnishings – while being just a nine-minute walk from Main Beach – it’s a recluse’s pick.

One five-star review described the property as “beautifully appointed with the most stunning view but also very private and just a short walk to the centre of Noosa, with it’s fabulous beach, restaurants and Hastings Street.”

Reasons to stay:

  • Fully equipped kitchen
  • Master bedroom features an en-suite bathroom and rain shower
  • Ocean views from balcony
  • Prime location

Location: Noosa Heads

Best for: luxuriating in serenity

Sleeps: four guests

Just 200 metres from the ocean shores lies Sabbia – Italian for sand – a newly renovated luxury abode for those with an affinity for elevated décor. Featuring an open-plan kitchen, living and dining nook, integrated appliances, and a shared pool area perfect for relaxing by the water, this stay is ideal for a small group or a couple seeking a serene escape.

One guest described the property as an “absolutely stunning apartment, a beautiful new renovation of the highest quality! This Airbnb felt like a dream to stay in because of the beautiful design and touches.”

Reasons to stay:

  • Calming, design-led interiors
  • Three bedrooms and primary with ensuite
  • Shared apartment pool area with BBQ
  • Infrared sauna available to book
  • 200 meters from Bulcock Beach

Location: Caloundra

Best luxury stays for groups

Best for: refined luxury

Sleeps: four guests

Blending tropical serenity with refined luxury, Zephyr Rise features high-end finishes and a dulcet colour scheme within its primed Noosa location. Its peaceful living areas opening to a spacious balcony overlooking lush gardens and a communal pool for afternoon bliss.

“This was our favorite Airbnb while traveling in Australia. The furnishings, and attention to details where such a treat from wonderful bath products to comfy linens, towels and dreamy beds. I highly recommend beautiful home and great location,” said one five-star review.

Reasons to stay:

  • 11-minute walk to beach
  • Pool access
  • Weber BBQ

Location: Noosa Heads

Oceans Embrace on Sunrise Beach

Best for: sunset-facing luxury

Sleeps: eight guests

What’s in a name? Ocean’s Embrace is the best seat in the house for sunset over the sea. Fully air-conditioned across two levels, boasting a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, and offering access to the complex’s heated pool and spa, it’s a coastal delight.

Reasons to stay:

  • Swimming pool
  • Beach access
  • Fully equipped kitchen

Location: Sunrise Beach

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Peregian Beach retreat airbnb

Best for: coastal interiors

Sleeps: six guests

Just 200m to the beach and nearby the national park, this impressive stay boasts a prime location for a spring or summer stint away by nature. Newly renovated, this Peregian Beach stay expands over two levels and features oystershell penny tiled walls, a bathtub in the bedroom, a private pool and other designer luxuries.

“We loved our stay at Peregian. The house was extremely well appointed – everything you need for a comfortable trip. The view and location were great. We especially appreciated the children’s toys which made our toddler’s stay even more enjoyable!” said one guest on their stay.

Reasons to stay:

  • Private pool
  • Beach essentials
  • Water views

Location: Perigian Beach


Where is the best area to stay in the Sunshine Coast?

The Sunshine Coast boasts an array of coastal and tropical favourites, from the vibrant Noosa Heads, known for its luxury stays, boutique shopping, and acclaimed dining, to the rolling hills of the hinterland for a quieter retreat. For those seeking a more relaxed sophistication, Sunrise Beach and Peregian Beach offer modern, spacious stays, often with breathtaking oceanfront views. Alexandra Headland is often overlooked; however, it charms with its gentle tempo, small-town warmth, and pristine waterfronts.

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