If U like beach then the closer the better - I did not think much of the open beach before living here (ex Melb' ex Adelaide ex Brisbane etc) - when we visited with under 5's always off to sheltered beaches etc. So bought few kms inland - now always driving to the beach / river mouth as kids in teens and once went thru' nippers all love the beach zone.
Working in Nambour - U could choose Caloundra to Noosa - as not much of a rush hour if U can access the Bruce Hi/way in 10 minutes. Along the Nicklin way (Mooloolaba to Caloundra) is stop start during commute / school hours.
2 totally different zones West (inland) of the Bruce Highway and East of the Bruce.
If U live within 1 Km of the seashore corrosion can be a problem - electrics etc. A lot of people live with it.
Public primary in Melb 'xcellent when moved here gob smacked at the difference plus out by a year due to later start - (now they have a prep year locally).
Good primary top of Buderim. Be wary on the concept of "in Buderim" geographic boundaries = totally different from real estate claims. Buderim started on top of a large hill. Ok if overloaded at times shopping centre on top of the hill with a village atmosphere.
Most of the services are in Maroochydore / Kawana - Big stores/ chains etc.
If we were buying again would buy in Mudjimba or Cotton Tree - Alex Headlands area due to beach and schools. My brother is opposite as his partner likes horses so is in-land a bit on acreage (easy to do).
PM if want more info
Cheers
AP
