Discover Coolum

The Coast's uncrowded mid-section. Peregian Beach's boutique village, Coolum's point break, calm family shores at Mudjimba, and luxury canal living at Twin Waters.

🏝️ Destination Guide · Mid Coast
Top highlights:Coolum BeachPeregian BeachMudjimbaTwin Waters
About Coolum

Unwind in Coolum & the Pristine Central Beaches

Peregian Beach · Coolum · Marcoola · Mudjimba · Twin Waters

For travellers seeking a relaxed, community-centric coastal escape, the spectacular stretch from Peregian Beach down to Twin Waters is a breath of fresh air. Positioned away from the bustling crowds, this sun-drenched region is defined by wide open beaches, casual surf-town charm, and incredible natural landmarks. Centred around the iconic surfing hub of Coolum Beach, this central-north pocket offers a deeply authentic slice of Sunshine Coast living.

Coolum is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and active families. Towering over the coastline is the ancient volcanic dome of Mount Coolum. A morning Mount Coolum hike is a must-do, rewarding adventurers with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and the rolling hinterland ranges. Down at sea level, Coolum's main beach is famous for its rolling surf breaks and vibrant, grassy foreshore boardwalks. It is the perfect place to book Coolum accommodation, with high-rise resorts and casual beach shacks lining the esplanade alongside hip, independent cafés.

The surrounding beachside villages each offer a unique personality. To the north lies Peregian Beach, a trendy enclave prized for its boutique village square, eco-luxurious markets, and relaxed dining. Heading south, the uncrowded sands of Marcoola lead into Mudjimba, a hidden gem loved by locals. Just offshore sits Mudjimba Island (Old Woman Island), a protected marine sanctuary famous for world-class snorkelling and sea turtle encounters. This beautiful stretch culminates at Twin Waters, a premier resort destination nestled between the Maroochy River and the ocean, boasting the internationally recognised championship Twin Waters golf course.

From eco-adventures to world-class fairways, discover the endless things to do in Coolum and its surrounding coastal gems for your next seaside escape.

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Areas covered by this guide
The Coolum region encompasses these suburbs & beaches
Mount CoolumMarcoolaMudjimbaCoolum BeachPeregian BeachPeregian Springs

Guides for Coolum

All guides →
🥾
Mountains to Climb
Mount Coolum is right on the doorstep — a short, rewarding coastal summit.
Read guide →
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Surfing Guide
Coolum's point break and First Bay — intermediate and beginner spots.
Read guide →
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Scuba Diving
Mudjimba Island is a protected marine sanctuary teeming with sea turtles.
Read guide →
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Best Sunset Spots
Peregian Beach's wide open skies make for one of the Coast's best sunsets.
Read guide →
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Pet-Friendly Guide
Coolum and Peregian have popular dog-friendly beach sections.
Read guide →
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Eumundi Markets
Just 20 minutes inland — easy to combine with a Coolum beach day.
Read guide →

💡 Insider Coolum Tips

Local knowledge for a better trip

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Rise early to get the most from Mount Coolum
The trailhead car park fills fast on weekend mornings — arriving before 7am means a great park, a cooler climb, and the summit almost entirely to yourself before the crowds arrive.
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Time your Mudjimba Island snorkel for high tide
Old Woman Island is a protected marine sanctuary teeming with sea turtles, rays, and coral. Visibility is dramatically better at high tide — check the tide chart and you'll have an incredible experience.
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Coolum point break is at its finest in the morning
The sea breeze picks up by midday and smooths everything out. Catch the point break early with a northeast swell running and you'll see why Coolum surfers are so loyal to their home break.
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Peregian Markets are worth the early alarm
One of the best Sunday morning markets on the coast — excellent local food, interesting craft, and a genuinely great atmosphere. The best stalls go fast, so being there at opening at 7am is the move.
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Marcoola is the Coast's most underrated beach
Broad, patrolled, and consistently peaceful, Marcoola sits just south of Mudjimba and offers a beautifully classic Sunshine Coast beach experience with plenty of room to spread out.
Twin Waters golf is outstanding value
One of Queensland's finest championship courses regularly offers very competitive green fees, especially for twilight rounds. A genuinely world-class experience that surprises most visitors with its accessibility.
🏖️ Sunshine Coast

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