BREAKING: A man accused of photographing and filming women, some under the age of 16, undressing in Sunshine Coast change rooms held his head in his hands and cried during his brief court appearance.

Luke Thomas Robinson, a 28-year-old British National man has been charged with 54 counts of recording in breach of privacy.

The charges relate to incidents at Sunshine Plaza and Noosa Civic shopping centres. 

Mr Robinson's girlfriend spent all morning waiting for his brief appearance in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

Robinson repeatedly looked at her as the duty lawyer Michael Robinson attempted to argue for bail.

Police requested bail be denied because of a potential flight risk and safety concerns.

Magistrate Rod Madsen said the charges were "serious" as some of them involved children under the age of 16.

The bail application was postponed and Mr Robinson was sent back to custody for his next appearance on Monday, December 19.

It was revealed in court Mr Robinson is on tourist visa and had been in the country since July.