Early
morning we indulged in the natural wonders of Coolum up the Sunshine Coast. Cruising
to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane is exactly what it sounds like a beachy,
sun-soaked adventure with popular attractions, including Mount Coolum, Coolum
Beach, Emu Mountain.
Mount
Coolum is an unmissable Sunshine Coast natural attraction that stands proudly
against the Sunshine Coast landscape. Once at the summit you'll be rewarded
with sensational views over the Sunshine Coast. Looking east toward the sea,
coastal views stretch from Double Island Point all the way to Caloundra. The
short tracks at the top offer great views to the south overlooking cane land,
river valleys and the Sunshine Coast's undulating hills.
Coolum
beach is the main beach in Coolum and is the very southern part of a much
larger 15km beach that includes Sunrise and Peregian Beaches.
Meander
through vivid wildflowers before climbing to the top of Emu Mountain. The
mountain, also known as Mount Peregian (the Aboriginal word for emu), is the
remnant rhyolite rock from a once-larger volcanic mass. Stand atop the summit
and soak in sublime panoramic views of the coastline from Noosa to
Maroochydore. Keen eyes will spot the Glass House Mountains to the south-west
and Mount Tuchekoi to the north-west.
Our
first stop at Coolum was Stumers Creek, where the creek meets the ocean. Driving
down Stumers Creek Road at the northern end of Coolum on David Low Way, just
north of the Coolum shops and Caravan Park you come across one of the best dog off-leash
beach. Dogs can access the off leash beach between access points 67 to 72. If
dogs could talk, we’re sure they’d beg you to spice up the exercise regime
every once in awhile, instead of the usual round-the-block route, past that
tree they have sniffed every day. Our pup (Shari) loves to stretch her legs,
running in and out of the creek and surf. Stumers Creek is a winner of a spot
for peeps and pups alike.
Check out our Instagram Reel |
From
the beach breakfast was calling. Coolum is full of amazing cafes, meaning the
opportunities for a morning coffee or smoothies are endless. In Coolum many of
the cafes come paired with a great atmosphere, a stunning view or if you're
lucky both. Cafes like, Freddy Fuddpukka’s Café, which is one of the
friendliest cafes around in which to stop and enjoy a bite to eat. It’s
situated within a shopping precinct, so you can grab a few bargains, before or
after you eat. The outdoor seating is dog friendly, if you want to bring your
pet along with you. Bean Head Café, food is either made at the café or sourced
in the local area. It’s fresh and it’s super tasty. Raw Energy Coolum is
healthy as well as tasting great. There is also a range of delicious beverages
available including fresh coffee and smoothies.
Sitting
rather discreetly among the cafes and shops of Coolum’s main drag we came
across, Alley Cat. Alley Cat is bustling morning, noon, and night with locals
and their dogs. This eatery belongs in any pet-friendly guide to the Sunshine
Coast with the coffee being legendary, so too are the savoury muffins.
We
cannot understate the vibe of the Coolum Beach Alley Cat. Not only does it
serve up fresh muffins and tasty breaky boards to all the coolest cats in
Coolum but it’s also a brilliant spot for evening hang outs. With live music
and drinks every Fridays & Saturdays from 5pm until late. Ended up getting
coffee’s and a Brekky burger of "German Bake House" Turkish bun,
bacon free range fried egg, tomato, sliced cheese, avocado, spinach and tomato
relish, The Steve Special, of “German Bake House" fermented sourdough,
half an avocado, 2 free range fried eggs, bacon, spinach, garlic mushrooms, grilled
local tomatoes & haloumi, served with tomato relish.
Breakfast
finished we headed to the Sunshine Coast Collective Markets, which isn’t just
your average market, it is a collective of local Sunshine Coast designers,
musicians, artists, foodies, creators, vintage wares and lifestyle lovers. The
intention of the market is to create a true ‘local’ market which showcases to
the community and visitors the amazing talent on the Sunshine Coast. Those
visiting will enjoy the relaxed Sunday vibe, amazing coffee, to die for street
food, a carefully edited line up of stalls, and live music from local musicians.
Market-goers won’t find imported products or carbon copies when they browse the
60 stalls. Instead, there is a treasure trove of unique, hand-crafted wares
complemented by local produce and foodies. The markets are located at Coolum
Primary School, Barns Lane, 2nd and 4th Sunday of each monthly from 8am to
12noon.
Heading
home we dropped into The Fisherman Road Markets, situated corner of Fisherman’s
Road and David Low Way, Maroochydore. Local markets offer one of a kind
trinkets, tasty food, fresh produce, handmade garments, original artwork, home
ware and jewellery. Fisherman Road markets you can browse up to 128 stalls offering
a large variety of items including fresh produce, books, second hand items,
plants, furniture, homemade toys, coffee and food.
A visit
to the Sunshine Coast wouldn’t be the same without making a visit to one of the
weekend markets. Sunshine Coast Markets range from fresh food farmer’s markets,
pre-loved and collective markets to arts and craft markets. They are all worth
a stroll around and browse to sample the delicious fare or to purchase that
special memento of your Sunshine Coast holiday.
Here is
a list of the best Sunshine Coast Markets:
Mooloolaba Esplanade Markets
When:
2nd and 4th Sunday of each month
Where:
Surf Club end of Mooloolaba Esplande
What:
Featuring an eclectic mix of great crafts, arts, experiences and food.
Fishermans Road Markets
When:
Every Sunday 6am to 12.30pm
Where:
Fishermans Road, Corner David Low Way,Maroochydore
What:
Popular for both fruit and vegetables and bric-a-brac. The markets include 128
stalls.
Big Top Farmers Markets
When:
Wednesdays 8am-3pm, Fridays noon-8pm, Saturdays 8am-3pm
Where:
Big Top Market Fresh Complex, Ocean Street, Maroochydore
What:
Fresh produce straight from the producers of the region, including fresh fruit
and vegetables, juices, marinades, sauces, nuts and seeds, olives, herbs, fresh
seafood, organic meat and fresh baked bread.
Cotton Tree Markets
When:
Sundays 7am to 12pm
Where:
King Street, Cotton Tree, Maroochydore
What:
Feature local artisans, designers and inventors selling their own unique and
creative works. You will find a diverse and eclectic range of fashion,
jewellery, original artworks, sculptures, skincare, pottery, baking, homewares
plus so much more to suit all tastes and ages.
Sunshine Coast
Collective Markets
When:
4th Sunday of each month
Where:
Coolum State School, School Rd, Coolum Beach
What:
A collective of local Sunshine Coast designers, musicians, artists, foodies,
creators, vintage wares and lifestyle lovers. No mass produced or cheap
imported products will be found here.
The Original Eumundi
Markets
When:
Saturdays 7am-2pm & Wednesdays 8am-1.30pm
Where:
Township of Eumundi
What:
A huge array of original artworks, sculptures, furniture, handmade toys,
homewares, skincare, candles and clothing. There’s a fresh produce section with
delicious fruit and vegetables and amazing cheeses and yoghurts as well as
fresh baked breads. Scattered throughout the stalls are buskers and street
artists.
Yandina Markets
When:
Saturdays
Where:
Wonga Park, North Street, Yandina
What:
“The country markets locals love” – the markets include plants, fresh food,
bric-a-brac, second hand treasures, collectables and car parts.
It is believed the name Coolum is derived
from the local Aboriginal word “gulum” or “kulum” meaning blunt or headless,
and refers to the shape of Mount Coolum, which has no peak. Prior to European
settlement, the Coolum district was the traditional land of the Inabara or
Yinneburra clan of the Undanbi tribe of Aboriginal people and part of the
larger Kabi Kabi group.
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