If you are looking for a less hectic and uncrowded holiday spot on the Sunshine Coast, then the coastal town of Coolum Beach is a great alternative to Noosa or Maroochydore. Just 15 minutes south of Noosa and 1 1/2 hours from Brisbane, Coolum Beach still retains the charm of beach holidays from bygone years.
This is the place where our daughter lives and we visit often, sometimes staying in our caravan in the fantastic caravan park right on Coolum Beach. She lives in a cool beach house adjacent to Yaroomba Beach and sometimes we stay here too.
Coolum Caravan Park
Coolum Beach is made up of literally kilometres of pristine beaches for you to stretch out and have all to yourself. You can also explore the Coolum bays to the south, First Bay, Second Bay and Third Bay, between the scenic lookouts at Point Perry and Point Arkwright for a private beach.
Coolum Beach
Or you can head north to the Stumers Creek end of Coolum Beach, which is a dog friendly area.
First Bay Coolum
Tickle Park is the big park across from the Coolum Beach shops on the Esplanade as you cross over onto the beach. There is the skate park for kids, BBQs, shelters and picnic tables for you to enjoy.
Tickle Park, Coolum
Lions Park is a short walk towards the north, on the other side of the caravan park and has a fitness equipment trail and free BBQs for your use.
Coolum Beach is surrounded by exceptional walks and excellent bike tracks. With levels of difficulty ranging from easy to fairly strenuous, there is something for people of all levels of fitness, such as:
Coolum Boardwalk
Distance: 1km return Level: Suitable for most levels of ability with no steps.
Coolum to Point Arkwright Walk
Distance: 3km return Level: Easy
Mt Coolum Views
Distance: 3km return Level: Reasonable level of fitness required, steep in sections. But the steep climb rewards you at the apex with 360 degree panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast.
For more information on walks around Coolum check out this downloadable map click here
Other places of interest are:
Point Perry, Coolum
Point Perry is the best land-based whale watching spot on the Sunshine Coast. Whale watching is from June to October but best in October.
Point Arkwright
Point Arkwright offers amazing views northward to Peregian and Noosa Heads and on a clear day you can see Moreton Island to the South.
Coolum Accommodation
Accommodation in Coolum Beach ranges from caravan parks, camping, bed & breakfasts, self-contained apartments, holiday homes and luxury accommodation/resorts. The Coolum Holiday Park is right on the beach and just across the road from the shops and cafes of Coolum Beach.
Coolum Surf Shack
Coolum Esplanade
Coolum offers a wide range of cafes and restaurants perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. The esplanade on the David Low Way is a lovely shady spot to enjoy a coffee or meal and watch the world go by.
Coolum Shops
There are also a good variety of shops lining the esplanade such as gift & souvenir shops, swimwear shops, surf shops, fashion boutiques, homewares and book shops. The nearby Coolum Shopping Village features a Coles Supermarket, Australia Post, 7-Day medical Centre and a wide variety of retail outlets to cater to your every need.
Coolum Beach really does have it all as a holiday destination. It is only a 10 minute drive from the airport, 15 minutes to Noosa and you can drive north to explore other less inhabited seaside spots such as Peregian Beach, Marcus Beach, Sunrise Beach and Sunshine Beach, or south to Marcoola and Mudjimba Beaches. It is like a cooling breath of fresh air and that is why Coolum Beach is cool!!
Do you have a favourite Sunshine Coast spot?
Comments are closed.
Rae Hilhorst
December 15, 2015I love the walking especially along the beach front. Another magical spot Kathy. Thanks for bringing Coolum to us x
Kathy
December 15, 2015I think my daughter is very fortunate to live here. I adore the beachside walks as well and I don’t mind the challenge of climbing Mt Coolum either. :)
Michelle Weaver (@pinkypoinker)
December 15, 2015Is that surf shack a restaurant? It looks as if it needs a visit from the health authorities! This is somewhere I’ve never been Kathy. Thanks for the information.
Kathy
December 15, 2015No I think that surf shack is a genuine surfer’s abode. It was propped between two modern holiday unit complexes. It is a little ‘alternative’ in parts of Coolum. It’s a beautiful spot though. :)
Johanna
December 15, 2015Another place for us to visit when we get over. I love that it looks so peaceful compared to its busier sister Noosa not so far away. Lovely that you can visit your daughter often in such a spectacular location :)
Kathy
December 15, 2015Yes I’m looking forward to spending a few days here at Christmas to unwind after a hectic time. :) Coolum is one of my favourite spots on the Sunshine Coast.
budgettraveltalk
December 15, 2015We love Coolum – so much that we purchased a house there which we will live in one day. Until then we stay in the Caravan Park which has such a fantastic position. Great Post.
Kathy
December 15, 2015I thought you had stayed here, but I didn’t realise you had a house here. My daughter loves living here because although it is only a small place it has everything. We always enjoy walking and climbing Mt Coolum together and of course checking out the cafes and restaurants along the Esplanade. :)
All Around Oz
December 16, 2015I only recently made my first visit to Coolum and I loved it. Stayed in a cabin in the same caravan park as you guys and loved being able to walk on the beach every morning.
Kathy
December 16, 2015Coolum is very special. I love staying in the caravan park as it is so handy to everything. :)
Jan from Retiring not shy!
December 17, 2015Another lovely spot on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, thanks for showing us under the covers of Coolum.
Kathy
December 17, 2015The Sunshine Coast is chocoblock full of great beachside spots. If I didn’t love Burleigh Heads so much I could move there in the blink of an eye! :)