A Local’s Guide to Coolum Beach
Start or end your road trip in Coolum Beach to enjoy beaches, cafes and plenty of nature.
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Introduction
*2024 EDIT: Coolum is no longer our hometown but we still love it and recommend a visit!*
Quaint little Coolum Beach is becoming more popular as younger couples and families move in. Home to Drifters Campervans, we feel blessed to live in a spot where you can sip on Melbourne-level coffee (we also lived there for a while and are totally bias) while enjoying the beach views we used to dream of. We encourage you to spend some time in Coolum before heading off on your road trip and have listed some favourite spots below.
EXPLORE
BEACHES
Coolum Main Beach is a lovely long stretch of sand popular with families with daily lifeguards and easy access. For the surfers, it’s best to go either side of the main strip to First Bay or Stumers Creek. First Bay is, as the name suggests, a protected little bay and great for waves on windy days when the open beach can get messy. Stumers Creek, where the creek meets the ocean, is a dog-friendly stretch of beach away from the crowds.
COOLUM BEACH BOARDWALK
The boardwalk starts off in town at the Surf Club and winds up along the cliffs to Point Perry. A leisurely stroll, you’re rewarded with views all the way to Noosa to the North or South across First Bay. It’s well-maintained and lit at night so you can enjoy a walk in the ocean breeze at any time of the day.
MOUNT COOLUM NATIONAL PARK
If you’re after some panoramic views, head to Mount Coolum where you can climb to 208m above sea level in around 30 minutes. The view of the coastline at the top is spectacular and, let’s be honest, will probably be your next Instagram post! The footpath is mostly stairs before turning into uneven rocks and the QLD parks website recommend mid-level fitness (you will, however, see everyone from toddlers to pensioners taking the stroll). If you begin your climb as the sun is setting – the sunset is epic up there – be sure to take a phone or torch to light your way back down. Home to abundant wildlife and plants, it’s a highlight of the area – and it’s not every day you can say you climbed a 25 million-year-old laccolith!
SUNSHINE COAST COLLECTIVE MARKETS
Every 2nd and 4th Sunday, the Coolum Primary School field is transformed into a marketplace full of local products such as independent fashion labels, artisan jewellery, Sunshine Coast coffee and tasty food trucks. With a soundtrack of live music, a Sunday morning browsing here is a Sunday morning well spent! More info: sunshinecoastcollectivemarkets.com.au
EAT
BEAN HEAD CAFE
Put simply, Bean Head serves delicious food and great coffee. Favourites are the benedict croquettes and the mushroom dish for breakfast or the veggie burger for lunch. Tucked away, you kind of need to know it’s there to find it. They also do awesome Friday night dinners if you don’t fancy cooking. More info: Bean Head Cafe Facebook
CANTEEN KITCHEN & BAR
Canteen is a breezy cafe with *just about* beach views and some delicious food to boot. Serving some great dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner it has craft beers on tap and cocktail specials to accompany. More info: canteenkitchenbar.com
MA BOULANGE CAFE PATISSERIE
This place is so good for cakes, pastries and fresh bread, we almost don’t want to share for fear the pain aux raisins will sell out even earlier at the weekends! There are outside tables if you want to enjoy a longer breakfast or lunch otherwise it’s perfect for grabbing a take away and heading to the beach. More info: mbcafepatisserie.com.au
HEIRLOOM WHOLE FOODS
If you fancy an epic toastie or fresh salad for lunch, head to Heirloom on Coolum’s main strip. We love grabbing a takeaway and popping across the road to Tickle Park where you can sit under the Pandanus trees and take in the view across Coolum Main Beach. More info: https://heirloomwholefoods.square.site/
DRINK
COMPOUND SURF & ESPRESSO
A favourite of ours for a while, Compound serves really good coffee (locally roasted Slide Coffee) and is popular with local surfers and workers alike. Grab a slice of banana bread to go with your coffee and you won’t regret it! More info: compoundsurfespresso.com/
ALLEY CAT
Serving great coffee in the daytime, we love weekend evenings when they open the bar and host local live music in the alleyway. It has an intimate vibe and is a great place to really feel like a local. More info: Alley Cat Facebook
COOLUM SURF CLUB
Whilst a surf club may not be the trendiest place to hang out, the Coolum Surf Club has a deck overlooking the beach where you can sip well-priced drinks and soak up the view. If you want somewhere with no frills charm, this is the place to go. More info: coolumsurfclub.com
SLEEP
COOLUM BEACH HOLIDAY PARK
The only campsite actually located in Coolum, the holiday park has an enviable location in the middle of town with beach access and great facilities. Very family friendly, it is normally fully booked during school holidays. More info: sunshinecoastholidayparks.com.au
HIDDEN VALLEY @ GRO MAD PLANTATIONS
Not technically in Coolum, Hidden Valley is an organic macadamia farm in Yandina with camping available 20 minutes from the beach. A 30-acre private property, there are facilities on site plus plenty of space for privacy and enjoying nature. More info: hiddenvalleyfarm.com.au
Ready to join us in Coolum Beach?
An easy start or end to your Sunshine Coast road trip, Coolum main beach is less than 5 minutes from our campervan pickup. If you are arriving late we recommend staying at Coolum Beach Holiday Park as it’s the closest campsite to us – then you can wake feeling fresh and start the day with a dip in the ocean. We look forward to welcoming you to our slice of paradise!