Surf, sun, ink, and fun. Welcome to the Sunshine Coast. A place where warm weather meets revved up tattoo machines and skilful artists create flawless works of body art.
Tattoo parlours are an iconic part of beachy life here on the Sunshine Coast. Artists spend many years perfecting their craft through local and international apprenticeships. As the scene expands along these northern shores, we thought it’s about time we shed light on the amazing studios in the area. Here's a few of our favourites along with a selection of their most recent work.
1. Foundry Tattoo
Mooloolaba
Established in 2008 and running strong ever since, Foundry Tattoo has set the standard for body art on the coast. The parlour hosts up to nine artists at any given time, with almost 100 years of collective experience.
No piece is too big or too small. The team is open to walk-ins and large scale custom work. Owner Vincent Silver has been on the machine and needle since 2003, and his large scale biomech designs are a testament to his professional skill.
Open every day except for Mondays.
2. Kulture Waves Tattoo Studio
Caloundra
Out on the south side resides Kulture Waves Tattoo Studio. Owners Nick and Kaz, along with two other talented professionals create intricate, animated ink works that come alive on the skin. Kaz in particular specialises in traditional Japanese tattooing, often creating full-body irezumi works for his clients. The results are equal parts traditional and awe-inspiring.
Each artist specialises in a certain form, but all are well-equipped to handle more unique requests. As the name implies, Kulture Waves keeps it casual, so feel free to contact artists directly for a consultation.
3. Seven Seas Tattoo
Nambour
Seven Seas Tattoo is where tattooing tradition comes alive on the Sunshine Coast. Take one step inside and you’ll feel transported back to the earlier days of tattooing (but a much more hygienic version).
Many artists at Seven Seas specialised in the old school style of Western tattoo art and blackwork. The shop has been around for over three decades, which makes the O.G. tattoo parlour on the coast. A lot of apprentices roll through this spot to learn about traditional styles. Owner, Ben Mountseer, is a staple in the tattoo community with his line of custom-made footswitches.
Contact artists directly for a consultation.
4. White Tiger Tattoo Co.
Noosaville
Bold, precise lines with perfect amounts of colour; this is White Tiger Tattoo Co. in a nutshell. Their primary focus is on quality, distinct tattoos. As a result, they create outstanding body art that lasts through minimal touch-ups
International artists often pass through this humble studio for guest tattooing. The studio even does custom logo design for businesses in the area. If you’re looking for a friendly, professional studio, White Tiger comes highly recommended. Open Tuesday - Saturday.
5. Coolum Tattoo
Coolum Beach
Personal, quality, and customer-focused. This is what people think of most when they step inside Coolum Tattoo. This spot prides itself on customer relationships, with many returning for repeat work over the years.
Walk-ins are always welcomed if spots are available. Some artists on their roster book out months in advance. The team specialises in realism and blackwork, but are quite well-versed in other traditional forms of tattooing.
Open Tuesday - Saturday.
6. Floating World Tattoo
Various
Enter a land where art forms collide. Tradition and new ideas come together at Floating World Tattoo. This family-owned tattoo parlour hosts a group of specialists in Traditional American, Japanese, geometric, and portraiture. Combining these distinctly different disciplines together results in other-worldly custom artwork. Think bald eagles, flying over Hokusai waves, into a sea of expanding fractals. It’s that trippy.
Of course, you don’t have to go the full custom route. Opting for a piece in just one style is totally their thing. Unfortunately the crew had to close their studio at the end of 2023, but Liam and Tam are still guestspotting in and around the Coast most days of the week. These two are just too talented to leave the scene right now. Check their socials to get a feel for their styles, and DM for a consultation.
7. Ocean Ink Tattoo
Pacific Paradise
Heading down to another part of paradise, we stumble across Ocean Ink Tattoo. Fluid tattooists cover a wide range of styles; with an eye towards custom work. If you are just exploring ideas, not sure what approach you want to take with your custom piece, the team at Ocean Ink would be more than happy to assist. Consultations are done most mornings during opening hours, and you have the opportunity to get some guidance on your idea.
Ocean Ink is also a go-to for laser tattoo removal. Pricing is competitive and removal is top-notch. Head over to the website for more info on pricing, and the current artist roster. Closed Sunday and Monday.
8. Ink Attack Tattoo Studio
Bokarina
Lifetime students of the craft, with art degrees to match, Ink Attack has called the Sunshine Coast home for 30 years. Owner Damien Wickham is the definition of a growth mindset, consistently competing in worldwide tattoo competitions, and consistently winning.
This sentiment holds strong among the other artists in his parlour. Each one looking to master their craft, and take custom designs to new levels of amazing. There’s an expert on call for any popular style you can think of.
Open every day but Monday. Designs are done on the day to ensure there’s no miscommunication between you and the artist.
9. Mr. Ink Tattoo & Barber Lounge
Maroochydore
There's' an artist for everyone at Mr Ink. From blackwork specialists to fine line experts, you’ll be able to fulfil your custom tattooing dreams here. All inks are vegan friendly, and each artist takes extreme care to create a safe, hygienic environment.
Calls and walk-ins are welcomed at this Tuesday - Saturday parlour. When you're done, hop in the chair for a fresh cut to keep the “new you” vibes going.
There are many styles of tattooing. Tattooists continue to push the envelope; by replicating other artistic mediums on living skin. Rest assured, in the Sunshine Coast there will be a tattooist who is skilled, willing, and ready to bring your artistic vision to life for your next tattoo.
For more information on studios further south of the coast, check out our Brisbane studio picks. And as always, stay up to date on everything ink via our blog.
