Coolum The Peaceful Heart Of The Sunshine Coast

By Christine Barton

The Sunshine Coast of Queensland is home to some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches and seaside communities. Coolum is just one of these, priding itself on a relaxed and laid back nature that sets it apart from the rest. Providing a pleasant change from the busy beaches of the Sunshine Coast, Coolum is the perfect location for your next weekend away or extended holiday with the family!

Coolum is an ideal driving distance of 120 kilometres north of the state capital, Brisbane. Its position just off the Bruce Highway makes accessing this seaside hideaway easy and simple. Coolum is at the centre of seven of Australia’s National Parks, which makes it the perfect base for exploration of the natural wonderlands.

The history of this appealing community is embedded in the Mt Coolum National Park. The park is rich in Aboriginal history and tradition and is also the home of the focal point of Coolum, Mt Coolum. This isolated volcanic dome stands 208 metres high and is most noticeable for its flat summit. This lack of peak makes for a perfect plateau of lookout points, where you can enjoy 360 degree views of the surrounding beaches, national parks, sugar cane fields and Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The diverse plant life and comfortable walking track makes this entire experience enjoyable and the sights, unforgettable. Travelling to Mt Coolum is very simple by car! Simply travel south along the David Low Way from Coolum for 6 kilometres, where veering into Quarry Road will bring you to the entrance of this great walk.

The other most talked about qualities of the Coolum area are the pristine, unspoilt beaches. Coolum Beach is located in the heart of the town, offering a safe place for surfing and swimming for the whole family. Coolum Beach is also home to the Coolum Kite Festival, an annual event held each October. Drawing in thousands of tourists each year, the event showcases the kiting talents of the locals, along with international visitors. This community event captures the essence of the Coolum Beach Lifestyle and offers a fun day out for the whole family!

Another ideal family activity to take part in while visiting the Coolum area is a visit to Bli Bli Castle. This medieval fairytale castle is located just off David Low Way, a short drive from the heart of Coolum. Overlooking the Maroochy River, the castle is home to displays that are sure to please the whole family. The Dungeon Torture Chamber and Medieval Armour will keep the boys amused, while the Doll Museum, which is home to 2200 dolls, will entertain the girls for hours. Offering lunches and teas and a charming gift and souvenir shop, there is sure to be something here for everyone!

Most visitors to Coolum go there to relax and take it easy. This escape from the hustle and bustle of city life offers a wide range of recreational activities that suit all ages. Play a game of traditional beach cricket or take a surfing lesson with a trained professional. The area is also rich in premier golf courses, so play a round while enjoying the magnificent surrounding views. For those extreme thrill seekers out there, dare to take a sky diving adventure or attempt the moto cross experience! For those young or young at heart, Coolum is the perfect place to get back in touch with your adventurous side!

Coolum’s central location on the Sunshine Coast makes it the idyllic place to base yourself for exploration of the surrounding attractions. The Ginger Factory, Australia Zoo and the Big Pineapple are all within short driving distances from Coolum. These tourist attractions are perfect day trips for the kids to enjoy and the scenic sights make the drive an enjoyable and pleasant one.

Basing yourself in Coolum is made easy with the wide range of accommodation options available. Choose from resorts, holiday houses and seaside motels. For those travelling in campervan, I highly recommend the Coolum Beach Caravan Park, which is ideally situated right on the beachfront. Easy beach access makes this park one of the most popular on the Sunshine Coast, with its reasonable prices making it perfect to suit any budget!

Coolum is the ultimate place to relax and unwind. The tourist friendly beach, nearby national parks and abundance in family holiday attractions allow for a unique contrast between nature and commercialism. On your next visit to the Sunshine Coast, be sure to discover the wonders and fun that Coolum has to offer!

About the Author: Christine Barton is a Content Writer for Discovery Car Rental Brisbane, Australia’s travel focused online car rental company. She frequently writes information about Car Rental Brisbane and travel information relating to Australia.

Source: isnare.com

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