Sunrise Beach – Suburb Intelligence
A clear overview of how property in Sunrise Beach functions – covering lifestyle, housing, planning controls and long-term positioning.
Location & Orientation
Sunrise Beach sits south of Sunshine Beach and north of Castaways Beach along Noosa’s eastern coastline.
The suburb stretches from the Sunshine Beach boundary through to Castaways Beach in the south.
Sunrise Beach is a predominantly residential coastal suburb with minimal commercial activity and a strong local community presence.
Compared to Noosa Heads and Sunshine Beach, Sunrise Beach is less village-oriented and more purely residential in character.
Snapshot
- Median house price: $2,208,451 (Cotality, 3 Feb 2026)
- Annual movement: +11.1% (trailing 12 months)
- Typical lot size: 500–700 m² (varies by elevation and proximity to the beach)
- Primary housing type: Detached homes
- Buyer profile: Owner-occupiers, families, lifestyle relocators
- Market turnover: Moderate, with limited new land release
Outcomes vary significantly within the suburb.
Elevation, ocean outlook and proximity to beach access paths often matter more than suburb-wide averages.
Suburb Function & Lifestyle
Sunrise Beach offers a quieter coastal environment with a strong residential focus.
The suburb includes the Sunrise Beach Shopping Centre for everyday convenience and a retirement village that broadens the resident demographic mix.
Most dining, retail and lifestyle amenity remains centred around Sunshine Beach village, Noosa Heads and Noosaville.
Lifestyle appeal centres on:
- Direct access to a long stretch of open beach
- A strong local, community feel
- Coastal walking and outdoor activity
- Less tourism intensity than Noosa Heads
The suburb appeals to buyers seeking coastal proximity with practical convenience, without significant commercial activity at their doorstep.
Access & Connectivity
Approximate travel times:
- 5–10 minutes to Sunshine Beach
- 10–15 minutes to Noosa Heads
- 15 minutes to Noosaville
- 30 minutes to Sunshine Coast Airport (traffic dependent)
- 1 hour 30 minutes to Brisbane Airport (traffic dependent)
Vehicle access is straightforward, though streets closer to the beach can be narrow and elevated.
Areas near the small shopping centre offer everyday walkability, while hillside streets are typically car-dependent.
Education & Recreation
Recreation is centred around the beach and outdoor activity.
The suburb offers:
- Direct access to Sunrise Beach and multiple beach entry points
- Coastal walking paths linking to neighbouring suburbs
- Open beach conditions suitable for surfing
- Access to schooling within the broader Noosa region
Sunrise Beach is known for its consistent open beach break, with regular swell and less shelter than the Noosa points. Conditions can vary depending on wind direction, with winter often providing cleaner offshore days.
Fishing opportunities are available along the beach, though exposure to wind and swell can affect conditions.
Housing Character
Housing in Sunrise Beach consists primarily of detached homes, ranging from older 1980s–1990s dwellings to modern rebuilds and renovations.
Common characteristics include:
- Elevated homes capturing ocean glimpses or views
- Sloping blocks in certain pockets
- Ongoing renovation activity
- Family-oriented housing stock
Topography and proximity to beach access points can influence resale positioning.
Market Dynamics
The Sunrise Beach market is primarily owner-occupier driven.
Demand is strongest for:
- Walk-to-beach positions
- Elevated homes with outlook
- Updated homes requiring limited structural upgrades
- Homes positioned away from high-traffic or commercial edges
Supply remains relatively limited, with little opportunity for large-scale redevelopment.
Long-term performance often depends on elevation, beach proximity and street positioning.
Key Value Drivers
Long-term value in Sunrise Beach is shaped by:
- Direct beach access
- Strong residential character
- Limited new land supply
- Lower tourism intensity compared to Noosa Heads
- Proximity to Sunshine Beach village and Noosa Heads
Street positioning and elevation often influence outcomes more than dwelling size alone.
Planning & Development Controls
Planning is managed and enforced by Noosa Shire Council, which plays a central role in shaping development outcomes within the suburb.
Common considerations include:
- Residential zoning controls
- Height and site coverage limits
- Bushfire overlays near vegetated areas
- Vegetation protection provisions
- Localised flood and drainage overlays in selected low-lying pockets
Planning controls can influence redevelopment potential and flexibility.
Environmental & Site Considerations
As an exposed coastal suburb, Sunrise Beach presents site considerations including:
- Salt exposure
- Wind exposure
- Sloping terrain in elevated pockets
- Drainage management
Coastal exposure and bushfire overlays in certain areas may influence insurance premiums and long-term holding costs.
Who It May Not Suit
Every suburb involves trade-offs. Understanding them early can improve long-term satisfaction.
Sunrise Beach may be less suited to buyers who:
- Prefer village retail at their doorstep
- Seek sheltered swimming conditions year-round
- Want flat, uniform suburban blocks
- Prefer high levels of walkable amenity
The suburb prioritises residential calm and open coastal exposure over village convenience.
Assessment Framework
When assessing property in Sunrise Beach, we typically consider factors such as:
- Proximity to beach access points
- Elevation and outlook
- Zoning and height controls
- Wind and salt exposure
- Street access and gradient
- Surrounding redevelopment patterns
Performance can vary significantly from one street to the next.
Summary
Sunrise Beach offers direct coastal access with a strong residential focus and consistent open-beach surf conditions.
Long-term performance is shaped primarily by elevation, beach proximity and street positioning.
Considering Sunrise Beach?
For a broader comparison across coastal, river and hinterland suburbs, explore the full Suburb Intelligence index.
If you’d like tailored guidance aligned to your goals, you’re welcome to get in touch.