Catapulted on to the elite tourism trail with the opening of the nearby golf resort, Coolum Beach has become a hideaway for the rich and famous. But a surge in high rise apartment development and resort accommodation has also broadened its appeal both as a residential address and as a Sunshine Coast holiday destination.

Coolum is a fine surf beach located halfway between Maroochydore and Noosa, while the surrounding bays and rocky outcrops are favourite fishing haunts. And, if it's exercise you need, set aside a couple of hours for the hike to the top of Mt Coolum. Stunning views from the peak reward those who make the effort.

If those views over the ocean turn a visitor's fancy to thoughts of dangling a line, charter operators will turn the dream to reality with a day of deep-sea fishing. Coolum Beach is located just 15 minutes south of Noosa.