Coolum Beach
Coolum Beach is a consistent beach break on the Sunshine Coast that offers quality waves without the crowds of Noosa. Mount Coolum, an ancient volcanic dome, provides a dramatic backdrop to the surf. The beach produces multiple peaks that shift with the sandbars, offering options for all ability levels. When E-SE swells hit, the beach can produce surprisingly hollow waves. The town has evolved from a quiet holiday village to a popular surf destination, but retains a more relaxed vibe than the Gold Coast. Pro surfers Julian Wilson and Steph Gilmore have trained here.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Direction range
- 80° - 135°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.0m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (260°)
- Offshore range
- 220° - 300°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
23°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Sunshine Coast airport nearby. Resort town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Coolum Beach?
Coolum Beach works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Coolum Beach?
Offshore wind at Coolum Beach blows from the W (260°). Anything in the 220° to 300° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Coolum Beach?
Coolum Beach wants ESE swell (80° to 135°) between 0.8m and 2.5m, with a period of 12s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Coolum Beach?
The main season at Coolum Beach is Feb-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Dec, Jan. Works year-round. Best on E-SE swells.
How do I get to Coolum Beach?
Fly into MCY, then allow about 25 minutes by road. Sunshine Coast airport nearby. Resort town.
What kind of wave is Coolum Beach?
Coolum Beach is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Feb-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan
Works year-round. Best on E-SE swells.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
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