Exploring Coolum on Australia Day Long Weekend:
A Perfect Blend of Adventure
and Relaxation
As the
Australia Day Long Weekend approached, we hooked up the caravan and embarked on
another adventure. This year, instead of our usual trip to Burrum Heads, we
chose to explore the charming Coolum Holiday Park on the Sunshine Coast. Coolum
Holiday Park is a fantastic spot because it has everything you could want, right
next to a great surf beach which goes on for miles, a well maintained caravan
park, with shops, cafe's & restaurants just across the road, dog friendly
with lots of good walking tracks, very reasonable despite the holiday period. Nestled in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, Coolum
is a sought-after holiday destination that has it all. Boasting a picturesque
coastline and world-class beaches, Coolum is a haven for surfers and beach
enthusiasts alike. You can spend your day swimming, surfing or simply soaking
up the sun on the golden sands. The possibility of rain couldn't dampen our
excitement.
Our
mornings and late afternoons were filled with invigorating swims in the surf,
accompanied by our beloved pup, Shari. Swimming in the ocean is one of the
great things about a beach holiday and it doesn’t get much better than on the
Sunshine Coast. Relaxation and people-watching became our motto as we soaked up
the vibrant atmosphere and scenic beauty of Coolum Beach. The Coolum Boardwalk
is perfect for taking an easy walk.
To
start our day right, we visited a couple of local cafes for breakfast. There is
a fantastic coffee culture around town with plenty of places to find your
morning cup before going for a swim or walk along the beach. Alley Cat, a
family-owned and operated business located in the heart of Coolum Beach. Sitting
rather discreetly among the cafes and shops of Coolum’s main drag is Alley Cat.
Bustling morning, noon, and night with locals and their dogs, this eatery
belongs in any pet-friendly guide to the Sunshine Coast. While the coffee is
legendary, so too are the savoury muffins. I never could resist the Breakfast
Burger and Kim went with the Vegie Stack with bacon, which Shari had a side of
bacon. Their healthy menu and exquisite coffee provided the perfect fuel for
our adventures.
We also
savored breakfast at Cuban St Coffee Roasters in Marcoola, a cute little place
buzzing with energy and serving exceptional coffee. Cuba Street is next door to
a roastery so you know your coffee is going to be super fresh. Delicious
toasted bagels and focaccia with bacon, avocado and cream cheese, or chicken
and cheese.
In
between our beach activities, Kim indulged her shopping desires by exploring
the unique boutiques that Coolum had to offer. Coolum shops are located (in the
heart of Coolum) just off the esplanade on Park Street opposite Tickle Park and
Skate Park Depending on your shopping list, you can find everything you need
and more, not far from your Coolum beach accommodation. Elmari Boutique, Nomadi
Coolum, Aura is a small boutique on the esplanade, which is a great place
to shop for sweet summer essentials and
accessories - perfect for your beach getaway., Ghanda Clothing Coolum, Zasha
Boutique, and more were all part of her shopping extravaganza.
Coolum
Lions put together a Great Family Day for Coolum’s Australia Day Celebrations
this year. Australia Day kicks off with the traditional Lioness Breakfast in
the Park from 6.30am. It is a great opportunity to go for a walk on the
magnificent Coolum Beach and then celebrate Australia Day with a bacon and egg
burger in the park. The morning activities of novelty events lead by the Gone
Bonkers Thong throwing competition, the Yum Gelato Ice-Cream eating completion,
3-legged races. The evening, we were treated to a spectacular fireworks display
from Trickle Park. The vibrant colors against the night sky painted a picture
of joy and celebration.
One of our most memorable experiences was attending Salty Saturday at Jack Morgan Park. This community celebration of beachside bliss offered delicious street food, local markets, live music, and chilled vibes.
Kim indulged in a meal from the renowned Reka, enjoying a simple yet flavorful harvest bowl.
The Charlie
Blue Earrings she stumbled upon were simple, affordable, and truly memorable,
just like our Coolum experience. Salty Saturdays offers a diverse range of
experiences, from engaging activities for kids and exploring local crafts to
enjoying delicious food, music, and the beauty of Coolum's coastal setting.
It's an event that brings the community together for a memorable weekend of
entertainment and relaxation.
Another
highlight was our visit to Canteen Bar and Grill, a lovely outdoor venue
overlooking the Coolum surf. The dog-friendly environment, great selection of
beers, and refreshing cocktails provided the perfect ambiance for a late
afternoon drinks session. Shari, our pup, became an instant hit with the
friendly staff. With ocean views and the fresh sea breeze the amazing brunch
options are the perfect way to start your day. Great coffee and exciting menu
options are available such as, truffle mushrooms, jalapeno corn fritters and
BBQ pork belly omelette to get your mouth watering.
Exploring
the local markets was a must. We made our way to the Sunshine Coast Collective
Markets, immersing ourselves in the truly local experience. Kim couldn't resist
picking up some dog treats and shampoo from Hooper Ruff Dog Boutique. We
continued our market adventures at Cotton Tree Markets, discovering unique treasures
and supporting local artisans.
As the
sun set each evening, we found ourselves connecting with fellow outdoor lovers,
sharing stories of adventure and forging new friendships. The weather, although
a tad humid, did not hinder our enjoyment. The cool air conditioning in our
cozy caravan provided a welcomed reprieve after each fun-filled day.
Our
stay at Coolum Holiday Park was nothing short of incredible, and we're already
counting down the days until we can return. The blend of adventure, relaxation,
and community spirit made for a truly unforgettable Australia Day Long Weekend
that we will cherish for years to come.
3
experiences to consider in Coolum
Salty
Saturdays
The
local markets in Coolum are always such a vibe so check out Salty Saturdays.
They are held every second Saturday of the month in Jack Morgan Park (next to
the Coolum Bowls Club). They are filled with a fun afternoon of music, shopping
and entertainment for the entire family.
Enjoy
Vivid Sunrises and Sunsets
The
skies appear to be growing more vivid and bold as the days grow shorter and
cooler. This is due to the reduced humidity and the earth’s rotational tilt.
There are more opportunities to see both sunrise and sunset during the winter
months due to the shorter days.
Hike
Mount Coolum:
Take
your love to new heights by conquering Mount Coolum, a majestic volcanic dome
rising above the coastal landscape. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a
memorable adventure together.
As you
ascend the well-marked trail, immerse yourselves in nature’s wonders, including
unique flora and fauna. Reaching the summit rewards you with awe-inspiring
panoramic views of the coastline and hinterland, creating a moment you’ll never
forget.
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