📍13 Best Things To Do In Coolum Beach, Australia. (Tours, Activities & Attractions.) (2024.)

WONDERING WHAT THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN COOLUM ARE?

Surrounded by natural beauty, Coolum is undoubtedly one of the Sunshine Coast’s most breathtaking destinations. From its beautiful beaches to its rugged coastal landscapes and friendly neighbourhood peak, Mt Coolum, the small village has plenty of face value. But there’s so much more to this sleepy place than meets the eye.

From steep hiking trails, relaxing coastal footpaths, spectacular headland lookouts and a few other surprises, it’s little wonder why I love revisiting this place time and time again because, while it’s only a small town, there are some excellent things to do in Coolum for those looking for a relaxing beachside holiday, a romantic weekend, an exhilarating escape, or something in between.

1. Hike The Friendly Neighbourhood Mountain.
Mt Coolum National Park. – 1.6km Return, Grade 4.

Undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Coolum is hike its mountain. As a coastal laccolith and volcanic dome that rises 208m above the surrounding landscapes and part of the Sunshine Coast’s famous Glass House Mountains, Mt Coolum is unmistakeably the town’s most prominent natural landmark, and I can’t recommend summiting it enough.

But while it’s only a 1.6km return hike, don’t let its short distance fool you, as it is physically demanding most of the way. The trail starts pleasantly enough, snaking through native bushland, but then there is a relentless series of stone steps that take walkers above the tree line and along the side of the mountain to the summit, which really gives it its Grade 4 rating. The reward for the challenging slog up the steps is magnificent uninterrupted views of the breathtaking east coast down to Maroochydore with glimpses north towards Noosa.

Upon reaching the top, the track rewards hikers with even more spectacular views, such as south overlooking the runway for the Sunshine Coast’s Airport and the Maroochy River snaking through the landscape. But that’s not all. It also looks westward towards another Glass House Mountain, the sideways teardrop, Mt Ninderry. And with viewpoints facing both east and west, this also means that Mt Coolum is one of the best lookouts on the Sunshine Coast to watch the sunrise and sunset from the one summit. Just don’t forget to take your torch!

2. See The Rugged Landscape From Above.
Scenic Helicopter Flight.

For an even more elevated and immersive look at the region’s rugged coastal beauty, the ultimate way to experience it is with a scenic helicopter flight with Oceanview Helicopters. While it departs from the Caloundra Airport 40km south, the 25-30 minute flight provides an amazing opportunity to see the landscape from the sky. 

Soar above Pumistone Passage (the oceanic body of water that separates Bribie Island from the mainland) and past an endless line of golden beaches and beautiful headlands while making your way up past Maroochydore where the highlight of the trip involves flying over the magnificent Mt Coolum laccolith and Coolum’s rugged coastlines and coves before heading back to the airport. 

What’s also great about a scenic flight is that it is an unforgettable experience for numerous occasions. You can do it as a tourist activity to appreciate the region’s beauty, celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary, impress someone for a romantic date or use it as a prelude to propose to your significant other. It is also a great alternative for those who may not be able to hike Mt Coolum and enjoy those stunning mountaintop views, making it a fantastic activity for everyone.

Tip: Don’t forget to search the water for dolphins and sharks swimming close to the surface and whales during their annual migration.

3. Point Perry Foreshore Reserve/ Wilkinsons Park.

Speaking of romantic things to do in Coolum, Point Perry Foreshore Reserve is an excellent place to visit. It is within walking distance of downtown and sits on a beautiful small headland. It features a 350m suspended walkway and gorgeous views overlooking First Bay Beach, a secluded cove and one of the prettiest beaches on the Sunshine Coast.

It is also a gorgeous place to enjoy an ocean sunrise and a lovely spot to be during sunset. And if you’re looking to pop the question to your significant other, it is a stunning, easily accessible location to do so. But if you’re going to do that, word to the wise, you might want to check with the council or something like that to see if a wedding is going to be on that day, and at what time, as it’s a popular outdoor venue for couples hosting their special day. At least twice when I’ve been there, a beautiful ceremony was happening.

4. Point Arkwright.

A little further south lies another gorgeous headland viewpoint. Point Arkwright is a gorgeous open picnic area tucked away within a small residential block between the road and ocean with expansive views looking up and down the coastline.

It’s a great place to watch the sun rise over the ocean and search for dolphins year-round. You may even spot whales breaking the water’s surface with their playful behaviours during their annual migration to breed and calve along Australia’s east coast.

5. Go For A Scenic Stroll.
Coolum to Point Arkwright Coastal Walk.

To enjoy more of the coastal scenery, one of the best things to do in Coolum starts/concludes right at Point Arkwright. Connecting this beautiful scenic spot to the Coolum Beach Surf Club, the 5.6km one-way trail Coolum to Point Cartwright Coastal Walk is a gorgeous way to appreciate the town’s breathtaking coastal landscapes by foot.

Along the way lie plenty of gorgeous viewpoints overlooking picturesque coves and quiet coastlines leading to accessible scenic spots such as the stunning Point Perry and the Coolum Coastal Boardwalk before reaching the quaint village.

6. See More Of The Beautiful Coastline.
Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway.

An even longer walk is the mammoth Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway. Stretching from Coolum to Bell’s Creek, this huge 7km stretch is a massive but rewarding undertaking for endurance walkers and cyclists that takes advantage of the region’s spectacular coastline, running beside beaches, parks and headlands.

However, for the everyday visitor, it’s divided into 9 sections, ranging from 3.5km to 14.5km one-way, including the aforementioned Coolum Connection: Coolum to Point Arkwright Coastal Walk and the 8.5km Marcoola Connection: Point Arkwright to Mudjimba Beach section, so those looking for a casual trail to enjoying even more of this beautiful part of the Sunshine Coast.

6. Hit The Beach.
Main Beach.

Of course, as a coastal town, one of the best things to do in Coolum is hit the beach! While there is no shortage of gorgeous beachfront lining the village foreshore, Main Beach is the go-to for swimming, especially after walking along the coastal walk or hiking Mt Coolum, as it is the only place in town patrolled by lifeguards, making it a safe ocean-bathing spot for all.

It is also a favourite amongst surfers, where the likes of pro surfer Julian Wilson enjoy riding the waves. But it’s not just for elite-level masters of the sport, as the consistent waves and clear waters make it an excellent spot for board riders of all skill levels.

7. BLAST Aqua Park Coolum.

For even more water-based fun, the BLAST Aqua Park is an inflatable playground on a lake 5km inland from the village. Between the slides, swings, trampolines, balance beams, wobble bags, blast bags and more, the 100mx70m floating course is a great place to take the family and friends for a session of chaotic enjoyment.

8. Oz Ski Resort.

Right next to the BLAST Aqua Park within the same venue is Oz Ski Resort. While the name suggests it is a magical world of powdery white snow, unfortunately, that’s not the case. But it is home to something equally as fun: a world-class water ski facility.

Open to the public, this exciting place offers exhilarating water skiing and wakeboarding lessons for beginners and intermediate-level riders learning the craft and banana boat joy rides which I can tell you are just super fun and a great way for people of all ages and group sizes to have an exhilarating experience without the technical know-how of the other two making easily one of the most unique places to visit in Coolum.

Note: Bookings are essential.

9. Photograph The Town!
Walking Photography Tour.

Coolum is one of the most stunning and picturesque coastal towns on the Sunshine Coast. For the budding landscape photographers out there who want to capture its unique beauty and charm, one of the best things to do is take a walking photography tour with a local.

Scout out some of the most photogenic spots during the 3-hour small group excursion and learn some insider secrets into how to best approach and compose a scene to elevate your DSLR or smartphone photography game and capture some incredible images of Coolum’s breathtaking terrain.

10. Explore Noosa Heads.

One of the best things to do near Coolum Beach is explore its neighbour, Noosa Heads, which lies 17km north and is renowned for exemplifying of the idyllic Australian lifestyle. The beautiful town is famous for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches and spectacular coastline.

One place not to miss is Noosa National Park, home to some breathtaking sea cliffs known as the Devil’s Kitchen and Hell’s Gate, which are well worth visiting. Along the way lies numerous other scenic spots, such as the isolated Alexandria Beach and rocky Granite Bay, making it the perfect complementary place to visit alongside Coolum’s rugged natural beauty.

11. Discover Maroochydore.

Another great place to visit near Coolum is Maroochydore. As the Sunshine Coast’s only city, this place is the beating heart of the region. It’s also home to even more stunning beaches, but one place not to miss out on is Point Cartwright, which overlooks the coastline north and is an excellent spot to watch the sunrise and sunset over the ocean and search for whales surfacing during their annual migration up and down the east coast of Australia.

12. Ginger Factory & Nutworks.
Yandina.

Many people coming into Coolum turn off at Yandina from the highway. And for those who do, one place not to miss is the Ginger Factory. This famous tourist attraction has tours showing people how ginger is processed to make numerous goods. While that part of it is paid, it is free to check out the cafe buy some ginger goodies and roam around the garden, where the beautiful manicured space is a visual feast for the kids to enjoy, such as the cute gingerbread sculptures dotted around the place. Just across the road is Nutworks, a small attraction that makes nut-based treats.

Accommodation: Where To Stay In Coolum, Queensland.

• Mid-Range: Endless Summer Resort or Coolum Beach Getaway Resort or The Point Coolum
• Luxury: The Point Coolum.
• Ultra Luxury: Element on Coolum Beach.

For those looking for a charming coastal destination for a solo day trip, romantic weekend adventure, or a peaceful family holiday, Coolum is the perfect blend of nature, romance and adventure all wrapped up in one beautiful idyllic seaside setting.

From the challenging but rewarding hike to the summit of Mt Coolum, one of the 13 breathtaking Glass House Mountain peaks synonyms with the Sunshine Coast, to taking a scenic helicopter flight and viewing one of the region’s most spectacular coastlines from above to experiencing the adrenaline high of mechanical water skiing at the Oz Ski Resort, Coolum is sure to leave you with lasting memories.

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