Sunshine Beach
Summary for 1 Nov 2026
Bite Compass is showing a high fish activity bite score on 1 Nov 2026. Wind is around NE at 12 km/h. Solunar feeding windows are listed below.
Sunshine Beach fishing times this week Sunshine Beach tide times
Feeding Windows
Local Knowledge
Sunshine Beach runs south from the edge of Noosa National Park, and its gutters and holes hold whiting, dart, bream and tailor. It is Noosa's main surf beach for anglers who want to avoid the crowds on the river. The northern end has rock and reef nearby. Mulloway turn up at night in the deeper holes. The gutters move with every swell, which keeps the locals humble and the visitors guessing.
Walk the beach at low tide to find the gutters, then fish them on the rising tide. Use beach worms or pipis on a running-sinker rig for whiting and dart. Cast pilchards on ganged hooks or metal slugs into the gutters at dawn and dusk for tailor. At night, a big strip bait or live bait in the deepest hole is the mulloway option.
Sand whiting (23 cm) and dart (30 cm) each have a possession limit of 30, and bream (25 cm) a combined limit of 30. Tailor are 35 cm (20) and dusky flathead 40–75 cm (5). Mulloway are 75 cm (2).
Queensland has no recreational fishing licence for tidal waters, so there is nothing to buy before you fish here. Beach worms are limited to 30 per person. Keep well away from the flagged swimming area by the surf club. The best gutters are often near the rocks at the northern end.
Access & Conditions
Park near the surf club and at the beach access points along the streets above the beach, with toilets near the surf club. Access paths lead down the dune to the sand. Soft sand makes it hard for prams and wheelchairs.
The beach faces east and catches the south-east swell. A light westerly and small swell make the best fishing, while a strong south-easterly fills the gutters with weed. A northerly blows along the beach. Small to medium swells keep the gutters well defined.
Sunshine Beach is open surf with strong rips. Don't wade beyond your knees, and keep an eye on the sets. Keep clear of swimmers and surfers. Bluebottles wash up on onshore winds in the warmer months. Shark control nets or drumlines operate off Sunshine Beach — stay more than 20 m from them; it is an offence to be inside the 20 m zone.
Gear & Rigs
A 10–12 ft surf rod rated 4–8 kg with a 4000–5000 reel and 15–20 lb line. Use size 4–1 long-shank hooks for whiting and dart, and ganged 3/0 hooks or 30–40 g slugs for tailor. A sand spike and bait bucket help.
Seasons
Tailor and bream are best in winter, and dart through the cooler months. Whiting are best from spring through summer. Mulloway can turn up at any time but are most reliable on autumn and winter nights.
If This Spot's Blown Out
Frequently Asked
Sand whiting, dart, bream and tailor in the gutters, with flathead in the holes and mulloway at night.
Tailor are best from late autumn through winter. Fish the gutters at dawn and dusk with pilchards or metal slugs. They must be at least 35 cm.
No. Queensland has no recreational fishing licence for tidal waters, including ocean beaches. Size and possession limits still apply.