Coolum Beach

Catapulted on to the elite tourism trail with the opening of the nearby golf resort, Coolum Beach has become a hideaway for the rich and famous. But a surge in high rise apartment development and resort accommodation has also broadened its appeal both as a residential address and as a Sunshine Coast holiday destination.

Coolum has a fine surf and swimming beach. The township is located halfway between Maroochydore and Noosa, while the surrounding bays and rocky outcrops are favourite fishing haunts. There are plenty of cafes and fine dining options on the main thoroughfare. And, if it's exercise you need, set aside a couple of hours for the hike to the top of Mt Coolum. Stunning views from the peak reward those who make the effort.

If those views over the ocean turn your fancy to thoughts of dangling a line, charter operators offer deep-sea fishing. Coolum Beach is located just 15 minutes south of Noosa.