Coolum Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Coolum Beach featuring a sandy beach and landscape views
Play a round of golf on world-famous courses and gaze across the coastline from the top of a mountain at this resort town south of Noosa.

Coolum Beach is known as a golfing destination. The beachside resort town south of Noosa lies in the shadow of Mount Coolum and is home to several world-class golf courses. Its beautiful beach is patrolled by lifeguards and lined with shops and restaurants.

The name Coolum comes from the local indigenous tribe Undumbi word gulum, which means “blunt”. The name refers to the stunning Mount Coolum, which has a flat top. Active travellers will enjoy the 2-hour return climb up the mountain just south of town. Stand at the top to take in views across white-sand beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Look for dolphins swimming year-round and whales in the migration seasons between July and November.

Stroll the boardwalk that lines the beach and enjoy picnics in public parks along the water. The David Low Way runs into Birtwill Street and both are lined with restaurants, cafés, shops and bakeries. Known as the Esplanade, this area is busiest on Saturdays. Be entertained by buskers as you enjoy your morning coffee on outdoor seating. Buy any supplies you might need for a day at the beach or hire a surfboard and fishing equipment.

Lifeguards patrol the beach year-round. The water can be hazardous because of rips and strong currents. Only swim between the flags marked by lifeguards. Bring a towel, shade umbrella and a good book and spend the day by the water.

Play a round of golf on the Palmer Coolum Resort golf course, which hosts national and international tournaments. The Mount Coolum golf course is less serious and slightly easier to play on. Both offer stunning scenery looking up to Mount Coolum.

Coolum lies 20 minutes south of Noosa and a 90-minute drive north of Brisbane. Visit for the day or stay in a range of accommodation along the beach. Get around by hire car or bus. There is plenty of free parking along the beach. Once in town you can easily get around on foot.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Coolum Beach Hotel Deals

Coolum Budget Accommodation
Coolum Budget Accommodation
3 out of 5
1862 David Low Way, Coolum Beach, QLD
The price is AU$102 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
AU$102
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star motel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and barbecue grills. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (289 reviews)
"The unit was spotlessly clean and had everything we needed for our stay. Highly recommend this accommodation"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Coolum Budget Accommodation
Beach Retreat Coolum
Beach Retreat Coolum
4 out of 5
1750 David Low Way, Coolum Beach, QLD
The price is AU$231 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
AU$231
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a children's pool. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
Older but nice, great view!
"Apartment was nice just old. It's clean and nicely presented, and a great view, but could use a reno"

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2024

Beach Retreat Coolum
Coolum at the Beach
Coolum at the Beach
3.5 out of 5
Cnr Margaret St & David Low Way, Coolum Beach, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, 3 outdoor pools, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (488 reviews)
Will Stay Again
"The unit we stayed in was top notch. Everything was in very good order. The new flooring looked great. I did worry about using the cooktop or toaster because of the notice above the rangehood about the call out fees for the smoke alarms. The parking area was a bit smelly at times and the garden behind ..."

Reviewed on 28 Feb. 2024

Coolum at the Beach
Coolum Caprice
Coolum Caprice
4 out of 5
1770 David Low Way, Coolum Beach, QLD
The price is AU$440 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
AU$440
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Point Perry Beach and Coolum Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (415 reviews)
"Nice an relaxing stay"

Reviewed on 19 Feb. 2024

Coolum Caprice
The Point Coolum Beach
The Point Coolum Beach
4.5 out of 5
1 Bay Terrace, Coolum Beach, QLD
The price is AU$354 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
AU$354
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Point Perry Beach and Palmer ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (561 reviews)
"Lovely, clean, spacious property and excellent location overlooking the ocean. Couldn’t ask for more."

Reviewed on 18 Mar. 2024

The Point Coolum Beach
Seachange Coolum Beach
Seachange Coolum Beach
4 out of 5
Cnr Ann Street and David Low Way, Coolum Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Coolum Beach and Point ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (273 reviews)
"All was great but lacked basic necessities like paper towel, toilet paper only one tea towel and one sponge, and only one package for dishes."

Reviewed on 10 Feb. 2024

Seachange Coolum Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Coolum Beach

Peregian Beach which includes a sandy beach

Peregian Beach

Peregian Beach is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Peregian Beach or Lake Weyba.

Peregian Beach
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Marcoola

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Marcoola. A stop by Marcoola Beach or Mount Coolum National Park might round out your trip.

Marcoola
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Twin Waters

Twin Waters is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Twin Waters Golf Club and Yaroomba Beach while in the area.

Twin Waters
Noosaville featuring general coastal views and a coastal town

Noosaville

Noosaville is known for its stunning river views, and you can see some sights area like Shorehaven Bushland Reserve and Keyser Island Conservation Park.

Noosaville
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Sunrise Beach

Sunrise Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Caribbean Bushland Reserve and Sunshine Beach.

Sunrise Beach
Sunshine Beach which includes markets and street scenes as well as a large group of people

Sunshine Beach

Travellers come to Sunshine Beach for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Sunshine Beach Village Shops and Ed Webb Park while you're in town.

Sunshine Beach


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