Sunshine Beach is a coastal beach on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, forming part of the Noosa National Park area. The beach is characterized by its white sand and warm water. For paddlers launching from shore, it is important to note that the area is popular with advanced surfers and locals, indicating the presence of surf breaks that can be significant, particularly around the headland. The beach faces the open ocean, making it exposed to prevailing winds and swell. A major consideration for trip planning is vehicle access; there is no public parking available at Sunshine Beach itself, which significantly impacts logistics for paddlers needing to transport and unload gear. The nearest parking facilities are located in surrounding areas like Noosa Heads.

From Sunshine Beach, paddlers can venture into the adjacent Noosa National Park to find bigger breaks around the headland or at Alexandria Bay. The region offers other notable paddle destinations, though they require travel from this launch point. Pumicestone Passage, a paddle-boarder's utopia, is a sheltered recreational area farther south, known for its array of marine life including dugongs, dolphins, and turtles. This passage presents a contrasting, protected environment compared to the open ocean conditions at Sunshine Beach. The overall character of a paddle from Sunshine Beach is defined by its ocean exposure, surf conditions, and proximity to natural parkland, catering more to experienced paddlers comfortable in surf zones. The best seasons for paddling are not specified, but whale watching is a notable seasonal activity in the broader Hervey Bay region from August to October.