This Sunshine Coast Getaway Is Cheaper Than Therapy (And Comes With A Bubbly Beachside Spritz)
Kayla Wratten
Freelance Sub-Editor | Urban List Queensland
If the start of your year has been non-stop busy, consider this your sign to pause, reset and reward yourself with a well-deserved holiday.
On the Sunshine Coast, Coolum Beach is the perfect place to slow down—a sunny coastal town with one of Queensland’s best beaches, waterside restaurants, and relaxing self-care moments that leave you feeling lighter by the end of day one.
Feeling inspired to lock in a beach break? We’ve teamed up with the legends at Visit Coolum to round up the best places to eat, stay, play and wash your worries away in this Sunshine Coast hotspot.
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Take A Bite Out Of Coolum
The Coolum Social
We dare you not to feel instantly at ease at The Coolum Social. This family-owned cafe is a calming oasis just moments from the beach, where marble accents, plush bench seating and plenty of greenery set the tone for a soothing morning.
The menu leans fresh and wholesome, with vibrant salad bowls, flaky pastries and hearty sandwiches made with local ingredients. Of course, there’s also expertly brewed coffee that makes lingering a little longer very easy.
Coolum Beach Bar
Not much beats the sound of waves crashing while you sip a sundowner, and Coolum Beach Bar delivers exactly that. Perched up opposite the Coolum Coastal Boardwalk, this lively local pairs sweeping ocean views with excellent cocktails (including four different martinis).
There's a menu stacked with feel-good pub classics, from craft burgers to fresh poke bowls. Plus, you can also swing by for breakfast to start your day the right way, with the sea breeze in your hair.
Canteen Kitchen & Bar
Let the good times roll at Canteen Kitchen & Bar. Just steps from the sand, this breezy beachside spot dishes up cold drinks and crowd-pleasing Asian-style bites—think sesame tuna tataki and pan-fried gyoza—best enjoyed with salty air and sunset views over Coolum Beach.
Stick around as the sun dips for live acoustic music and an easygoing atmosphere that’ll fix your burnout in no time.
Flop And Drop With A Resort Stay
Coolum At The Beach
When you’re holidaying to chill out and truly switch off, where you stay matters just as much as the destination. Coolum At The Beach delivers with stylish apartments and villas that feel like a home away from home (minus the cleaning).
Surrounded by lush tropical gardens and four sparkling resort pools, it’s the kind of place where relaxation comes naturally.
Just a short stroll from the beach, cafes and restaurants, the spacious stays feature open-plan living and tranquil, coastal-inspired interiors that make it easy to slip into holiday mode.
Lock In Some Serious Self-Care Time
Coolum Walking Tracks
Coolum has some seriously magical walks to explore, from winding tracks that lead you to mountain lookouts and beachside boardwalks where you may just spot a dolphin or two.
The Mount Coolum Summit track is a must-do if you're in the area. The spectacular walk takes you through native bushland, sprawling with wildlife, and ends at a volcanic dome offering panoramic views that span as far as Caloundra. Allow 1.5 hours to do the return track, and go at sunrise if you're after incredible views.
You'll likely end up doing the Coolum Beach Boardwalk without even planning it. This pet-friendly path weaves along the coast from the Surf Club to Point Perry with sweeping ocean views and connects to First Bay Coolum, a popular swim spot.
Peregian Skin Studio
Few things rival the post-spa glow, and Peregian Skin Studio knows exactly how to achieve it. Blending the serene feel of a day spa with the expertise of a cosmetic skin clinic, this Peregian favourite near Coolum specialises in treatments that feel indulgent while delivering serious results.
The menu spans skin therapies and advanced facials, from LED light therapy to luxurious microdermabrasion treatments that include a soothing neck and shoulder massage to melt away any remaining tension. With a refreshed glow and a calmer mind, you’ll practically float back out the door.
Ready for a stress-free beachside holiday? Head to Visit Coolum to book your sunny vacay.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Visit Coolum and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Supplied.