The Sunshine Coast’s underrated, laid-back beach town

Ivory-white beaches stretch endlessly along the coastline, interrupted only by the occasional silhouette of a lone surfer riding the waves. A joyful murmur of small voices engaged in animated conversation drifts down from the treetops.

When you are searching for that Noosa vibe but without the hustle and bustle, here’s the solution. A laid-back coastal village where the joy of a beach break can be yours.

Peregian Beach is just a short distance from Noosa but far more laid-back.Credit:

Welcome to Peregian Beach, just 11 kilometres south of Noosa and one of Australia’s most underrated beach destinations. With its untouched shoreline, village atmosphere and vibrant local scene, it offers a refreshing change for those seeking a low-key beach getaway.

For the uninitiated, Peregian Beach might be remembered as that annoying stretch of the David Low Way where the speed limit drops abruptly to 40km/h, and pedestrians leisurely traverse crossings, causing a temporary traffic tangle. Are you beginning to feel the vibe?

What the casual passerby might overlook is that this destination is a secret utopia, with a quaint square heart enveloped by dining options and eclectic boutiques. Picture children playing tag as parents sip lattes, the white-sand beach backed by old cottonwood trees, creating a beckoning playground.

Peregian’s shopping centre is a treasure trove, from gelati and designer homewares to cute finds for your pet. Forgot your favourite linen shirt or swimsuit? Fear not; Peregian’s Village has you covered (albeit at a price).

The shopping strip has everything you need, except tattoos and vapes.Credit:

For your holiday reading needs, the newsagent and Annie’s Books boast rows of magazines and the latest holiday blockbusters. What’s conspicuously absent? The modern scourges of tattoo parlours and vape shops.

Come dinner time, indulge in destination dining at Bask Restaurant with half-shell scallops, smoked swordfish or black Angus rib eye. Go back for lunch and the best prawn sandwich. Family-friendly options abound too, from Pizzami’s pizzas to Captain’s Daughter’s fish’n’chips, or upmarket Mexican at Mariella.

Take the opportunity to stop the traffic and saunter across the road to find decent pub grub at the family-run Peregian Beach Hotel. The lemongrass and lime nam jim sauce on local prawn dumplings and Sunshine Coast Hinterland-sourced rump steak are highlights.

Venture further to discover Outer Square, offering local flavours – from organic Kenilworth eggs to Fraser Isle spanner crab. Try the granola bowl or take away a banh mi filled with Mooloolaba king prawns.

Dining at Pitchfork.Credit:

Feel like a snack? Pop into IGA Peregian Beach and craft your own personalised charcuterie platter with a range of local cheeses, condiments, dips and smallgoods. The locavore wall map shows the food miles from its 119 local suppliers.

The only hiccup in Peregian Beach is parking, which is abundant – at a premium. My solution is to stay local, so it’s just a one-park holiday. That’s when you park your car at your accommodation and don’t see it again until you leave. Opt for a local stay at the new Essence Peregian Beach resort, and it’s a five-minute walk to the beach, past the Village’s enticing window displays.

Though lacking a beach view, Essence attempts to compensate with a television tuned to wash the room with seashore sounds upon entry and a signature beachy scent by local aromatherapist Tanya Ambrosini.

For me, it’s straight to the balcony’s swinging chair to enjoy the view over the treetops to the undulating Wallum wetlands in the southern section of Noosa National Park, a UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve. In the distance, Mount Cooroy stands outlined against the horizon.

With a house-bottled cocktail in hand, it all makes for a sunset view, though it’s hard to pass up a sundown drink by the resort’s magnesium swimming pool. The cocktail list here runs from porn-star martinis to classics.

Light, modern and spacious, the carefully designed studio room features cotton bathrobes hanging neatly on his and hers hooks, looking stylish and neat until you start to unpack. Though the absence of cupboard space for clothes and bags seems inconsequential in the grand scheme.

Peregian Beach beckons as a hidden sanctuary, inviting you to escape the crowds, embrace a laid-back beach lifestyle and discover a vibrant local scene. An authentic and tranquil beach getaway.

THE DETAILS

Fly
Peregian Beach is a 19-minute (19-kilometre) drive from Sunshine Coast Airport or 137 kilometres from Brisbane via the Bruce Highway.

Stay
Studio rooms at Essence Peregian Beach start at $350 a night for two adults. See essenceperegianbeach.com.au

The writer travelled as a guest of Essence Peregian Beach and Tourism Noosa.