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.
Coolum Beach surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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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
- 1.6m - 2.1m
- 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
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: Sunshine Coast airport nearby. Resort town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Coolum Beach?
The Coolum Beach profile favors the recorded tide range, ideally between 0.4m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Coolum Beach?
The Coolum Beach profile uses wind from W (260°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 220° to 300°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Coolum Beach?
The Coolum Beach scoring profile favors swell from ESE (80° to 135°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 2.5m, and a reference period of 12s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
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?
The spot profile lists MCY as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 25 minutes. 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
Noosa First Point
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Noosa Tea Tree
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Noosa Nationals
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Double Island Point
🏖️ 500m+ rides possible • Sand point perfection • 4WD adventure access
Cylinders
⚡ Running on all cylinders • Island right point • Ferry required
South Stradbroke
🦈 Paddle across the Seaway • Hollow A-frames • Less crowd, more sharks