Coolum Beach

History

The Coolum district was the traditional land of the Inabara or Yinneburra clan of the Undanbi tribe. Settlement: The first permanent settlers of Coolum were William Perry-Keene and his family in 1905. Annual Events: Cadbury Schweppes Australian PGA Golf Championship, Coolum Kite Festival, Australian Festival of Tennis.

At a glance

What is it about Coolum that makes tens of thousands of people meet here each year? Home to one of the biggest community events on the Sunshine Coast and one of the biggest sporting events in the world, Coolum knows how to throw a party. Perhaps it is the sunshine, the coastline, the mighty Mount Coolum watching over the town, or the friendly locals who make Coolum so welcoming.

With a choice of accommodation ranging from caravan living to five-star luxury, Coolum welcomes all types of families, couples and even the single adventurer for everything from a simple weekend break to an extended summer holiday.

Taste

Satisfying a family of different taste buds is simple in Coolum - just visit The Esplanade. From award-winning meat pies to fine seafood, you will find an array of cafes and restaurants to meet your needs. Gelato Mio offers cold, low fat refreshments - of course, low fat means you can eat more! Kangaroo salami anyone? Try Lavish Fine Foods for an authentic European deli with a cheeky Australian twist. If you are looking for fresh seafood with a distinct Australian flavour, try Scene.

Shop

The beachside shopping precinct includes a range of quirky and stylish boutiques. Catering for a fun, fashionable and outdoor lifestyle, it is not surprising that beach wear is well-catered for. Take home a souvenir that you will be happy to show off when you visit Cool-Art. The Coolum Health Foods and Healing Centre cover all your natural therapy and organic food needs, and can take your relaxing holiday to a new level with a range of massage therapies available.

Play

While water sports abound, Coolum is better known for its skyward activities. Almost 30,000 people watch as kites from around the world fill the skies above the beach at the Coolum Kite Festival each spring. If you prefer your swing to string, then why not play a round of golf on the same course as the world's best. The Australian PGA Championship is played out at the Hyatt Regency Coolum Golf Course in December each year. But when the professionals are away, the rest of us get to play!

Explore

While snorkelling the point yields sea creatures galore, climbing Mount Coolum puts you in one of the most ecologically important square kilometres in Australia. Mount Coolum has a diversity of plant life in a confined area that is unequalled, including 700 plant types, 590 flowering plants and 49 ferns. Two recently discovered tree species are found nowhere else! Don't let this distract you from the stunning 360 degree view of the Sunshine Coast. A 208-metre high volcanic dome, Mount Coolum cannot be missed!

Local knowledge

Strong rips occur around Stumers Creek and other sections of Coolum's beaches, so locals tend to swim at the patrolled areas on the main beach. If your canine buddy wants to join in on the holiday fun then visit the beach north of Stumers Creek - a popular dog-friendly area. And don't forget the Coolum coves between Point Perry and Point Arkwright - they are a great place to explore the rock pools. For an afternoon stroll with a difference try the scenic walk to the lookout and enjoy a bird's-eye view of the