🔍

Coolum Beach

QLD 4573 • Rest of QLD

9,152
Population (2021)
$39,988
Median Income
27.32 km²
Area
3m
Elevation
CoastalSurfingFamily-FriendlyNatural BeautyRelaxed Lifestyle

About Coolum Beach

Coolum Beach is a picturesque coastal town on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, located 118 kilometres north of Brisbane and 27 kilometres northeast of Nambour. With a population of over 9,100 residents, it combines relaxed beachside living with natural beauty, dominated by the iconic Mount Coolum rising 208 metres in the south. The town's name derives from the indigenous Kabi Kabi word 'gulum' meaning 'blunt' or 'headless', referencing the mountain's distinctive shape.

Life in Coolum Beach revolves around the ocean, surf culture, and outdoor recreation. The patrolled beach is popular with families and surfers, while walking trails through Mount Coolum National Park attract bushwalkers. The town has a thriving café culture, local markets, and hosted the 2002 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Schools include Coolum State School and Coolum State High School. Coolum attracts retirees, young families, and sea-changers seeking an affordable Sunshine Coast lifestyle away from busier tourist areas.

Coolum Beach falls under postcode 4573 and is governed by Sunshine Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ninderry electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4573
Urban Area
Maroochy
LGA
Sunshine Coast
Federal Electorate
Fairfax
State Electorate
Ninderry
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-26.53°, 153.07°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
27.32 km²
Elevation
3m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Nambour
18 km
Sunshine Coast Line to Brisbane

Bus Services

  • 620, 622 — Maroochydore/Nambour via coast 25 min to Maroochydore
  • 631 — Noosa via coastal route 40 min to Noosa Heads

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
118 km
By Train
2.5-3 hours (bus to Nambour then train)
By Bus
3+ hours via connections
By Car (Peak)
1.5-2 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.5 hours

🛣️ No direct train; most commuters to Brisbane drive or work remotely. Local employment in tourism and trades.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Village centre walkable with shops, cafés, and beach access; car helpful for wider area

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    South Coolum Road Coolum Beach 4573 QLD

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing Costs 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$450
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,000
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
45 years

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
8,497
Census 2021
9,152
▲ 7.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$33,592
Income 2021
$39,988
▲ 19.0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 7,085
Born Overseas 1,665

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 464
  • 2. New Zealand 348
  • 3. South Africa 78
  • 4. Germany 64
  • 5. Scotland 64
  • 6. United States 61
  • 7. Brazil 41
  • 8. Canada 36
  • 9. Ireland 32
  • 10. France 30
  • 11. Netherlands 30
  • 12. Philippines 29
  • 13. Italy 26
  • 14. Papua New Guinea 20
  • 15. Thailand 19

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 4,266
Australian 3,254
Irish 1,372
Scottish 1,254
German 601
Italian 309
Dutch 211
Australian Aboriginal 167
New Zealander 105
French 92

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

5,421
Both parents born in Australia
1,986
Both parents born overseas
1,310
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
51.1%
Christianity
40.7%
Buddhism
1.0%
Hinduism
0.4%
Islam
0.2%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
443 (4.8%)
5-14 years
1,064 (11.6%)
15-19 years
494 (5.4%)
20-24 years
366 (4.0%)
25-34 years
893 (9.8%)
35-44 years
1,248 (13.6%)
45-54 years
1,350 (14.8%)
55-64 years
1,338 (14.6%)
65-74 years
1,126 (12.3%)
75-84 years
567 (6.2%)
85+ years
262 (2.9%)

Nearby Suburbs