Coolum Beach is a seaside town on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, around 120 kilometres north of Brisbane and just 20 minutes south of the famous Noosa Heads. National parkland surrounds the area, with a lovely beachside boardwalk and an esplanade with boutique shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Coolum’s beaches are spectacular. Lifeguards patrol the main beach and the waters offer excellent surfing conditions. You’ll find First and Second Bays south of the main beach, separated by rocky headlands and connected via a paved walkway on the hills. And the nearby Yaroomba Beach is a quiet spot for walking, shell collecting, and whale watching from Point Arkwright in the migration season.

Mount Coolum — one of the world’s largest rocks — dominates the landscape here. Its impressive dome shape rises to over 200 metres above the town and provides spectacular 360-degree views of the coast and hinterland. The summit supports montane heath, a plant community with rare and threatened species that grows at two Sunshine Coast spots.

The best times to book holiday rentals in Coolum Beach are the spring and autumn months when the days are warm and sunny and the humidity isn’t high. In May, serious foodies descend on nearby Noosa for the Noosa Food & Wine Festival. In summer, long warm days and nights are lovely for water activities, but remember to pack sunscreen and a hat, as it can get quite hot and humid. Even winter in Coolum Beach is pleasant, with crisp sunny days and mild nights.

Mount Coolum summit walk

The two-hour walk to the summit is worth it once you take in the spectacular 360-degree views of the coastal area, Point Cartwright, and the Glass House Mountains to the south, as well as the Blackall Range to the west. The walk begins in an open forest, and as you climb, it becomes woodlands and shrublands till you reach the montane heath on the summit, which is full of rare plant species. Look up as you walk to spot birds of prey soaring above, including resident peregrine falcons.

Main Beach

Coolum’s main beach is known for its excellent surfing conditions and the parks along the foreshore. The beach offers impressive views and long stretches of sand to walk along. At the southern end of the sands, there are rock pools to discover, and when you need a break, you can simply pop across the road to grab a coffee and a bite from one of many cafes. Coolum Beach has lifeguards patrolling the water and a surf school if you’re interested in a lesson.

Noosa Heads

A short 20-minute drive away is the town of Noosa Heads. Noosa’s main street, Hastings Street, is lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars with ocean views, as well as fashion boutiques, surf shops, and galleries. From the town centre, you can walk along the popular 400-metre Noosa Boardwalk, which leads to the entrance of Noosa National Park. The recently renovated boardwalk offers seating and viewing points with lots of wildlife to spot, including koalas.