Warana Beach is an unpatrolled surf beach on the Sunshine Coast, between Kawana and Bokarina, with off-leash dog access, beachside parks and long stretches of sand. It is reached from Oceanic Drive through council beach access points 229 to 238.
There is no lifeguard tower here, so it suits walkers, dog owners and families who want a quieter stretch of beach, with the patrolled beaches close by when the kids want to swim.
The beach and its access points
Sunshine Coast Council numbers every beach access along the coast, and Warana covers numbers 229 to 238. Access 232 is John Hotton Park and access 237 is Paul Niesler Park, so a number is a handy way to say where on the beach you are. Council lists toilets, playgrounds and picnic facilities at those two parks only, so if you start at another access point, bring your own water and shade.
A coastal reserve runs along the foreshore through Warana, Bokarina and Wurtulla, which keeps the dunes and bushland between the beach and the houses. Warana got its name in 1960, when a developer proposed it and said it meant “blue skies” in a Tasmanian dialect.
Can you swim at Warana Beach?
Sunshine Coast Council lists Warana as an unpatrolled surf beach. That means there are no lifeguards or lifesavers on duty. If you want to swim between the flags, use a patrolled beach instead.
The nearest are on either side. Kawana Beach (access points 220 to 228, with the Kawana Waters Surf Life Saving Club in Coopers Lookout Park) is a year-round patrolled beach, and Bokarina Beach (access points 239 to 245) is patrolled too. Council’s patrolled beaches page has the latest on patrol times.
Is Warana Beach dog friendly?
Yes. Dogs may be off-leash at all times on the beach between Maloga Street in Buddina and Wurley Drive, which takes in the Warana access points. Dogs are not allowed in the dunes or the Warana Foreshore Bushland Reserve.
Council’s rule is that where there is no off-leash sign, your dog must be on a lead, including in car parks leading to an off-leash beach.
Parks and playgrounds beside the beach
Two council parks on Oceanic Drive give Warana most of its facilities, and both link to the Coastal Pathway.
John Hotton Park (beach access 232)
On Oceanic Drive opposite Lapoinya Crescent. It has public toilets, a beach shower, a playground with a climbing-wall fort, net and slide, swings, barbecues, picnic tables, natural shade and an open space for kicking a ball.
Paul Niesler Park (beach access 237)
On Oceanic Drive, between Bareena Place and Coolahra Street. Its play fort has climbing nets, a climbing wall and two slides, plus interactive panels and swings. There are public toilets, a beach shower, a barbecue, a shelter, a picnic table and seating, and natural shade.
Beach showers are also listed at several other access points, including 229, 230, 233 and 234.
Planning your visit
- Cost: Free.
- What to bring: Sun protection, water, a lead for the car park, and swimming gear for a trip to Kawana or Bokarina if you want to swim.
- Dunes: The dunes and the Warana Foreshore Bushland Reserve are protected, so stay on the sand and the access paths.
- Showers: Beach showers are at access points 229, 230, 233, 234, 236 and 237, so you can rinse off the sand at several points along the beach.
- Walking: Both parks link to the Coastal Pathway, so you can walk along the foreshore as well as on the sand.
Getting there and parking
Warana is about 85 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD (about 95 km), about 10 km north of Caloundra. Oceanic Drive runs along the beach and both parks have street parking. Council does not list a dedicated car park at either one, so allow time to find a spot.
By bus, Translink route 600 (Caloundra to Maroochydore via Mooloolaba and Kawana) stops on Nicklin Way at Warana. Check the Translink journey planner for the stop that suits your access point.
Nearby
- Dicky Beach – a patrolled beach with shipwreck history, to the south.
- Kings Beach, Caloundra – an ocean pool and playground.
- Currimundi Lake – calm-water swimming for little ones.
- Mooloolaba Beach – the esplanade, cafes and patrolled swimming.
- Point Cartwright – a lighthouse, lookout and beach.
- Queensland Air Museum – a wet-weather option at Caloundra.
More beaches are in Beaches, or browse the whole Sunshine Coast.
You might also like
- Miami Beach (Gold Coast)
- Bilinga Beach (Gold Coast)
- Tugun Beach (Gold Coast)
Quick answers
Is Warana Beach patrolled?
No. Council lists it as an unpatrolled surf beach. Kawana Beach and Bokarina Beach on either side are patrolled.
Can I take my dog to Warana Beach?
Yes. Dogs can be off-leash at all times on the beach, but they are not allowed in the dunes or the Warana Foreshore Bushland Reserve.
Are there toilets at Warana Beach?
Yes, at John Hotton Park (access 232) and Paul Niesler Park (access 237), both on Oceanic Drive.
Is there parking at Warana Beach?
There is street parking at both parks on Oceanic Drive. Council does not list a dedicated car park.
How far is Warana Beach from Brisbane?
About 85 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD, around 95 km.
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