Coolum, Queensland - Surf Beaches, Coastal Walks and Climbing a Mountain

Wander * Explore * Discover
Feb 8, 2024
3 min read

Updated: 23 hours ago

Coolum, Queensland - Surf Beaches, Coastal Walks and Climbing a Mountain

Relaxed and effortlessly scenic, Coolum is one of those Sunshine Coast towns that invites you to slow your pace and stay awhile. About 130 kilometres north of Brisbane, Coolum pairs a long, surf-loved shoreline with gentle coastal walks and the unmistakable silhouette of Mount Coolum rising behind town.

During our visit to Coolum, we wandered along the Esplanade and Coolum Main Beach, explored the Mount Coolum Boardwalk, relaxed at First Bay, and climbed Mount Coolum.

Esplanade Wanders and Tickle Park

We started the day along Coolum’s Esplanade, where surf and swimwear stores, fashion boutiques, cafés and classic fish-and-chip shops line the street. Directly opposite sits Tickle Park, a large grassy space with a playground, picnic areas and amenities—an easy, family-friendly base just steps from the sand. From here, it’s simple to drift between coffee stops and the beach, letting the rhythm of the town set the tone.

Coolum Main Beach and the Coastal Boardwalk

Coolum Main Beach stretches long and inviting, with consistent waves and a wide sandy shore. Patrolled year-round by the local surf lifesaving club, it’s a favourite for swimmers and surfers alike. From the Surf Club, we followed the boardwalk over the Point Perry Foreshore Reserve, a broad, easy path with uninterrupted ocean views—perfect for a relaxed stroll with the sea breeze at your back.

Wander along the Mount Coolum Boardwalk

A short drive brought us to the Mount Coolum Boardwalk, which begins near Breezeway Street. This raised timber path winds through paperbark trees and native flora within the Marcoola–Yaroomba Foreshore Bushland Conservation Reserve.

Interpretive signs along the way share insights into local plants and wildlife, and the walk gently delivers you to the beach. On the walk back to the carpark, you are rewarded with stunning views of Mount Coolum.

First Bay - A Quiet Relaxed Bay

South of the main beach, First Bay feels tucked away and calm. This sheltered bay is ideal for a slower interlude—floating in clear water, exploring rock pools at low tide or simply sitting on the sand with the sound of waves echoing off the headland.

Climbing Mount Coolum

Rising 208 metres above sea level, Mount Coolum’s volcanic dome is impossible to miss—and hard to resist. Around half a million people make the climb each year, drawn by the promise of panoramic views.

The track begins in Mount Coolum National Park and covers 1.6 kilometres return. Rated moderate, it includes about 600 stone steps.

The first section winds along a rocky path through open forest before the stairs take over, climbing steadily up the mountainside.

At the summit, the reward is immediate: 360-degree views sweep across the Sunshine Coast, from the blue line of the ocean to the green folds of the hinterland—a moment that makes every step worthwhile.

Why Coolum Is a Sunshine Coast Favourite

Coolum strikes a beautiful balance between beach life and bushland adventure. You can spend the morning on the sand, wander shaded boardwalks in the afternoon and finish the day above it all on a volcanic summit.

With its relaxed atmosphere, accessible walks and iconic views, Coolum delivers the kind of easy coastal escape that keeps drawing people back—again and again.