There’s a place on the Sunshine Coast where the sand is soft, the locals smile when you walk past, and the waves roll in with a kind of calm confidence. It doesn’t scream for attention like Noosa, and it doesn’t rush like Mooloolaba. Instead, it quietly welcomes you in. That place is Coolum Beach — and it might just be the Sunshine Coast’s most underrated treasure.

A Coastal Town That Breathes Instead of Buzzes

If you’ve ever avoided a holiday because you didn’t want crowds, car parks, or queues for coffee — Coolum is your answer. Tucked perfectly between Noosa and Maroochydore, Coolum feels like the Sunshine Coast before it became famous.

There are no high-rise buildings blocking ocean views, no packed main streets, and no flashy boardwalks. Instead, you’ll find sleepy seaside streets shaded by pandanus trees, locals strolling barefoot for their morning coffee, and a coastline that still feels untouched.

Where Noosa is polished and Mooloolaba is lively, Coolum is relaxed, real and unpretentious — and that’s exactly why people fall in love with it.

Beach Life, But Quieter

Coolum’s main beach stretches wide with golden sand, gentle waves and plenty of space to lay down a towel — even in summer. You’ll spot surfers out at first light, families building sandcastles, older couples walking hand in hand, dogs happily trotting beside their owners at low tide.

Unlike Noosa Main Beach, where it can be hard to find a patch of sand in peak season, Coolum Beach remains peaceful even during school holidays. And yet, it's fully patrolled during the day, making it safe for kids to swim and play.

Stumers Creek, just a short stroll away, is a favourite with families — calm water, dog-friendly, picnic perfect, and shallow enough for little ones to splash safely.

Mount Coolum: Nature’s Staircase to the Sky

You can’t talk about Coolum without mentioning the magnificent Mount Coolum. Rising 208 metres above sea level, this ancient volcanic dome is one of the Sunshine Coast’s best short hikes.

The climb takes around 25–40 minutes and rewards you with 360-degree views — from the Glass House Mountains to Noosa’s headland and the sparkling ocean below. Sunrise is the most magical time to go. The sky blushes pink, the ocean glimmers gold, and the whole world feels quiet.

Unlike crowded tourist hikes elsewhere, Mount Coolum often gives you space to sit, breathe and take it all in. For nature lovers, photographers and families with adventurous kids, it’s a must-do.

Moments, Not Crowds

What makes Coolum truly special is its pace. You don’t rush here. You linger.

Morning starts with the aroma of espresso from local cafés. Sit on the grass or by the boardwalk, coffee in hand, while the sun warms your face and the waves do their thing.

The beachside skate park hums with kids mastering tricks. The coastal boardwalk whispers with ocean breezes and pandanus leaves. Locals stop to chat. Time slows down – in the best possible way.

Perfect for Families, Couples and Nature Lovers

Coolum Beach may be low-key, but it still offers everything a holiday should.

• For Families: Safe patrolled beaches, playgrounds, rock pools to explore, ice-cream shops, skate parks and mini-golf nearby. No overwhelming crowds. Just easy, relaxed days.
• For Couples: Secluded beach walks, champagne sunsets at Point Perry, private picnics, spa baths at the resort, stargazing from your balcony.
• For Nature Lovers: Coastal walking tracks, migrating whales breaching offshore (June–November), osprey soaring above the headlands, wildflowers blooming on Mount Emu and tranquil paperbark forests.

Close to Everything — Yet Peacefully Its Own

One of Coolum’s biggest perks is its location. You’re just:

• 15 minutes to Noosa
• 15 minutes to Mooloolaba
• 20 minutes to the Eumundi Markets
• 25 minutes to Noosa National Park’s coastal tracks
• 30 minutes to hinterland gems like Yandina, waterfalls and farm gates

You’re close to everything, but you don’t live in the noise of it. At the end of the day, you get to come “home” to peace.

The Heart of It All — Coolum Beach Resort

What makes staying at Coolum Beach Resort truly special is how effortlessly it fits into this relaxed lifestyle. Nestled just steps from the beach and local shops, the resort feels like a private sanctuary — lush gardens, ocean breezes, and the kind of calm that makes you instantly exhale.

Enjoy a morning swim in the pool, soak in the spa bath after your Mount Coolum climb, or simply sit on your balcony with a drink and listen to the waves. Families, couples, solo travellers — everyone feels welcome here.

So, Why Isn’t Coolum More Famous?

Maybe that’s the magic. It doesn’t try to be. It doesn’t need to. Coolum sits quietly on the coast, waiting for you to slow down and notice it. And when you do, you’ll wonder why you didn’t come sooner.