Coolum Beach: Sunshine Coast Gem North of Brisbane

Coolum Beach is a coastal town on Queensland's **Sunshine Coast**, approximately **100 km (62 miles) north of Brisbane**—about 90 minutes by car via the M1/Motorway.

Location Context

• Region: Sunshine Coast Region LGA
• Coordinates: 26.53°S, 153.09°E
• Neighbors: Marcoola (north), Peregian Beach (south), Yandina (inland)
• Airport: Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) — 5 km south

Beach and Surf

Patrolled main beach with consistent swell; popular for surfing, bodyboarding, swimming. Coolum Boardriders Club hosts competitions. North-facing orientation provides some northerly wind protection.

Mount Coolum

The town's dramatic backdrop: **Mount Coolum** (208 m / 682 ft), a volcanic plug (laccolith) rising abruptly from the coastal plain. Summit track (1.6 km return, steep) offers 360° views—coastline, hinterland, Glass House Mountains.

Community and Amenities

• Population: ~13,000 (growing rapidly)
• Coolum Central shopping center, medical facilities, schools
• Surf club, golf course (Coolum Golf Links — 27 holes), bowls club
• Weekly markets, seasonal events

Tourism Appeal

Family-friendly, less developed than Noosa or Mooloolaba. Accommodation: apartments, holiday homes, caravan parks. Gateway to Noosa National Park, Eumundi Markets, Glass House Mountains, Australia Zoo (30 min inland).