{"ok":true,"data":{"id":79,"slug":"coolum-beach-coolum","name":"Coolum Beach","country":"Australia","state":"Queensland","city":"Coolum","coords":{"lat":-26.5333,"lng":153.1},"beachType":null,"tags":["surf"],"article":{"hero":"Coolum Beach unfurls for nearly two kilometers, bookended by rocky headlands that shelter a beach break beloved by three generations of Queensland surfers. The sand here is coarse enough to anchor your towel on breezy afternoons, and the shorebreak thunders with enough force that you'll feel it vibrate through your feet. Mount Coolum rises 208 meters directly behind the township, its bare granite dome watching over every session like a benevolent deity.\n\nThe main break sits straight out from the surf club, where you'll paddle into waves shaped by sandbars that shift with each winter swell. Mornings bring glassy conditions and a lineup thick with locals who nod you into sets if you wait your turn. By noon, the nor'easter typically kicks in, and the beach transforms into a playground for boogie boarders and bodysurfers riding the inside reforms. The northern end offers mellower corners for longboarders, while the southern rocks hide deeper gutters where bigger sets unload.\n\nBeyond the surf, the beachfront village retains an unhurried rhythm that disappeared from most Sunshine Coast towns decades ago. You'll find proper fish and chips served in butcher paper, not Instagram-ready poke bowls. The esplanade footpath connects to coastal trails that weave through pandanus groves and banksia woodland, where you might spot sea eagles circling thermals above the headland. Come prepared for sun that bites harder than you expect this close to the Tropic of Capricorn.","teaser":"You'll smell eucalyptus drifting down from the mountain as you wax your board on sand that squeaks underfoot. The offshore wind grooms shoulder-high peelers while families stake out spots near the patrolled flags, and kookaburras cackle from the beachfront pines.","uniqueAngle":"One of the few Sunshine Coast beaches where a dramatic volcanic peak rises directly from the sand, creating a natural amphitheater for every surf session.","accessType":"Drive-up beachfront parking","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"surf","title":"Catch Consistent Peaks","subtitle":"Beach break for all levels"},{"icon":"hike","title":"Summit Mount Coolum","subtitle":"One hour to panoramic views"},{"icon":"swim","title":"Patrolled Swimming Zone","subtitle":"Flags set daily year-round"},{"icon":"food","title":"Beachfront Fish Shops","subtitle":"Grilled snapper in paper wrapping"}],"audience":{"surfer":"You'll find the most consistent shape on the push tide, two hours either side of mid. The main peak out front of the club handles south swells cleanly, while northerly groundswell wraps into the southern corner with more punch. Sandbars rearrange after big weather, so check the banks before committing to a spot. The crew here respects position and wave knowledge over aggression—earn your waves by reading the sets, not snaking. Keep a cake of warm-water wax in your car year-round; even winter rarely dips below wetsuit-optional.","couples":"Stake your sunset claim on the grassy headland at Point Perry, where you'll watch the sky ignite behind Mount Coolum's silhouette. The Surf Club bistro delivers ocean-view dining without the markup—order the Moreton Bay bugs and a local pale ale. Morning walks south toward Peregian reveal tidal rock pools where you can wade knee-deep among darting fish. Book a ground-floor unit at one of the low-rise complexes directly on the esplanade; you'll fall asleep to waves and wake to rainbow lorikeets squabbling in the pandanus.","backpacker":"The beachfront campground at Coolum Beach Holiday Park runs about $18 per night for unpowered tent sites, and you're 200 meters from the sand. Surfboard hire costs $20 for four hours at the shops along Birtwill Street. Hit Coolum Seafoods for grilled fish and chips under $12, or grab Vietnamese bánh mì for $8 at the David Low Way strip. The 620 Sunbus runs hourly between Noosa and Maroochydore for under $5—catch it outside the shopping center to leapfrog between beaches without a car.","local":"Arrive before 6:30 a.m. on weekends to claim the primo sandbars before the convoys roll in from the hinterland. The southern rock platform at low tide reveals a network of pools that most visitors never notice—bring a mask and you'll find octopus tucked into crevices. When the nor'easter turns the main beach into a washing machine, duck around to First Bay for protected corners that hold shape in onshore slop. The bakery on Birtwill opens at 5 a.m. for proper sausage rolls that fuel dawn patrols better than any açaí bowl.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Coolum Beach is patrolled by lifeguards daily during peak seasons and weekends year-round, with flagged swimming areas indicating the safest zones. The beach features consistent surf breaks, so conditions can vary from gentle shore breaks to moderate swells. Always swim between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards monitor conditions. Rips can occur, particularly near the headland at the northern end. Check the surf lifesaving app or speak with lifeguards about current conditions before entering the water, especially if you're an inexperienced swimmer.","q":"Is Coolum Beach safe for swimming?"},{"a":"Coolum Beach is enjoyable year-round with a subtropical climate. Summer (December-February) offers warm water temperatures around 25-27°C, ideal for swimming but can be crowded and humid with occasional afternoon storms. Winter (June-August) brings drier weather, comfortable temperatures of 20-24°C, and excellent surf conditions, though water is cooler at 20-22°C. Autumn and spring provide pleasant conditions with fewer crowds. For surfing, winter produces more consistent swells, while summer offers warmer water and beginner-friendly waves.","q":"What's the best time to visit Coolum Beach?"},{"a":"Coolum Beach offers several parking options along David Low Way, the main beachfront road. Free street parking is available on surrounding streets, though it fills quickly during summer and weekends. Paid parking areas are located near the surf club and Tickle Park, with rates typically around $2-4 per hour or $10-15 for all-day parking. The beach is approximately 100km north of Brisbane via the Bruce Highway, then following Sunshine Motorway to Coolum. Public transport options are limited, so driving is the most practical option.","q":"Where can I park at Coolum Beach?"},{"a":"Coolum's beachfront precinct features numerous cafes, restaurants, and takeaway options along David Low Way and Birtwill Street, ranging from casual fish and chips to upscale dining. The Coolum Surf Club offers affordable meals with ocean views. Accommodation includes beachfront resorts, holiday apartments, motels, and Airbnb rentals within walking distance of the sand. Nearby shopping centres provide groceries and essentials. The town caters well to families and surfers, with numerous options at various price points, though booking ahead is recommended during school holidays and summer.","q":"What food and accommodation options are near Coolum Beach?"},{"a":"Coolum Beach is renowned for its consistent, quality surf breaks suitable for various skill levels. The main beach offers beach breaks with multiple peaks, ideal for beginners to intermediate surfers. The northern end near Coolum Headland (Point Perry) produces right-hand point breaks during larger swells, attracting experienced surfers. Conditions are typically best during south to southeast swells, particularly in winter. Several surf schools operate locally for lessons. Early mornings usually offer cleaner conditions with offshore winds before afternoon sea breezes. The beach can handle various swell sizes throughout the year.","q":"What are the surf conditions like at Coolum Beach?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Coolum Beach: Queensland's Golden Surf Coast Paradise","description":"Powder-soft sand meets consistent reef breaks where Mount Coolum's volcanic slopes frame perfect barrels. Queensland's surf heartland delivers year-round swells and barefoot beach culture.","ogImage":"https://live.staticflickr.com/178/366378472_34b0919856_b.jpg"},"images":[{"id":"486795","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/178/366378472_34b0919856_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/178/366378472_34b0919856.jpg","alt":"Solar power pavillion"},{"id":"486796","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5210/30014619032_b8f641c93f_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5210/30014619032_b8f641c93f.jpg","alt":"A Saturday night in Coolum"},{"id":"486797","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5487/12429344235_54bdc4ea7f_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5487/12429344235_54bdc4ea7f.jpg","alt":"Coolum Heads"},{"id":"486798","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7311/12115385425_35ce2aa908_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7311/12115385425_35ce2aa908.jpg","alt":"puppy shape"},{"id":"486799","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7289/12122654315_99a8acee7a_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7289/12122654315_99a8acee7a.jpg","alt":"life rubber dingy"},{"id":"486800","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/1562/24173116191_4929f5f8fd_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/1562/24173116191_4929f5f8fd.jpg","alt":"First Bay rocks, Coolum"},{"id":"486801","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/1670/24229668606_fbd3e31638_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/1670/24229668606_fbd3e31638.jpg","alt":"First Bay rocks, Coolum"},{"id":"486802","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5540/12107624025_591f187ba0_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5540/12107624025_591f187ba0.jpg","alt":"spotty blubber"},{"id":"486803","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5519/12243125413_951ec5280f_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5519/12243125413_951ec5280f.jpg","alt":"surf rider"},{"id":"486804","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3950/33614973945_65620b5318_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3950/33614973945_65620b5318.jpg","alt":"Maroochydore, c 1931"},{"id":"486805","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3770/11953064755_ec1f64b514_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3770/11953064755_ec1f64b514.jpg","alt":"blubber and tide"},{"id":"486806","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8496/8276544519_52566aa844_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8496/8276544519_52566aa844.jpg","alt":"Beautiful Big Rockface Coolum Beach"}]}}