Coolum sits halfway between Noosa and Maroochydore, with Point Perry dividing the main beach from the bays to the south. It's an exposed stretch of coast, which means plenty of swell and plenty of variety.
On the main beach, sandbanks set up peaks that change with every big swell. The headland at Point Perry protects the southern end a little from south swell and south-east wind, so that end is often the cleanest when the wind is up.
What it wants
Coolum works on swell from the north-east round to the south-east. Light westerly winds or early-morning glass are ideal; the afternoon sea breeze usually takes over in summer. Because it's a beach break, the quality depends on the banks at the time, so two days with the same swell can be very different.
Worth knowing
- Rips form between the banks. Use them to get out, but don't fight them.
- Mount Coolum, behind the town, is a good early-morning lookout over the whole stretch.
- The beach is patrolled in season; surf outside the flags.
Our alert for Coolum is tuned to this break alone, so a swell that's perfect for the beach next door won't set it off. When the swell, wind and tide line up together, you get a text.
Want to see what real alerts look like? Our firing board shows the spots that have actually turned on recently, with the swell and wind at the time.
Related reading: Alexandra Headland Surf Guide and Rip Currents Explained.
Closest spot guides
- Noosa, about 15 km away
- Alexandra Headland, about 15 km away
- North Stradbroke Island, about 110 km away
- Burleigh Heads, about 180 km away
Or browse every break we cover in our Australian surf spot guides by region.
Coolum's best sessions are usually early.
Get a text when the swell and wind line up.
Get alerts for Coolum