Coolum Beach

Sunshine Coast
Coolum Beach which includes landscape views and a beach
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 accommodations 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

Things to do


Coolum Beach Hotel Deals

Coolum Budget Accommodation
Coolum Budget Accommodation
3 out of 5
1862 David Low Way, Coolum Beach, QLD
The price is ¥8,441 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥8,441
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 3-star motel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (297 reviews)
"Friendly staff & clean rooms."

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024

Coolum Budget Accommodation
Coolum at the Beach
Coolum at the Beach
4 out of 5
Cnr Margaret St & David Low Way, Coolum Beach, QLD
The price is ¥30,834 per night from May 13 to May 14
¥30,834
per night
May 13 - May 14
Stay at this 4-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! (495 reviews)
"It was just a pleasant experience all around"

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Coolum at the Beach
Beach Retreat Coolum
Beach Retreat Coolum
4 out of 5
1750 David Low Way, Coolum Beach, QLD
The price is ¥23,652 per night from May 11 to May 12
¥23,652
per night
May 11 - May 12
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Our favourite holiday destination, and our 2nd stay at Beach Retreat. Many thanks"

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2024

Beach Retreat Coolum
Coolum Caprice
Coolum Caprice
4 out of 5
1770 David Low Way, Coolum Beach, QLD
The price is ¥33,948 per night from May 20 to May 21
¥33,948
per night
May 20 - May 21
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! (425 reviews)
"You can’t beat the location."

Reviewed on May 6, 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 ¥37,117 per night from May 11 to May 12
¥37,117
per night
May 11 - May 12
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! (565 reviews)
"Our second stay at the point. Fantastic spot, great outlook of the ocean, friendly staff and very clean"

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2024

The Point Coolum Beach
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
42 First Avenue and Fairway Drive, Maroochydore, QLD
The price is ¥16,076 per night from Jun 3 to Jun 4
¥16,076
per night
Jun 3 - Jun 4
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (353 reviews)
"Pool and breakfast were great and a short walk to town"

Reviewed on May 5, 2024

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
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.

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