Noosa is a more laid back and less touristy neighbor

There is something to say about playing second violin in Noosa.

Coolum Beach has fewer tourists, less traffic, and a super supportive community.

The word that comes up over and over again among locals to describe the city of the Sunshine Coast is “relaxed”.

“Coolum Beach is more laid back, less touristy, warmer and the people are really nice here,” says Claire Baker, who moved here from Melbourne with her husband Adam and their two young children in 2017.

“There is such a collegial atmosphere around the city. If you go to Hastings Street [in Noosa] it is mostly tourists. Our beaches are as beautiful as those in Noosa, but you can come here to relax. We have a really nice, slow lifestyle here.

Family favorite

Originally from Torquay on Victoria’s surf coast, Baker spent 10 years in Melbourne and says the city lost some of its luster when the kids arrived.

She was more than familiar with Coolum Beach, having vacationed here as a child.

It was clearly a family favorite: his parents and three sisters all moved to the coastal town.

For 12 months, Baker continued to work remotely as a town planner for Yarra City Council before setting up his own studio, Urbankind.

She continues to work for Victorian clients, but has also brought her strategic planning expertise to Coolum Business & Tourism, giving the Visit Coolum website a much needed facelift.

When not working, Baker takes her caffeine fix at local Slide Coffee roasters, hikes with the kids to Mount Coolum, or takes to the beach, summer or winter, thanks to the warm climate.

Coolum Beach real estate agent Steve Lane says the area’s natural attractions are a big plus.

“We have some nice open beaches, but we also have the three bays between Point Perry and Point Arkwright,” he says.

“Then you have the Sunshine Coast coastal hiking trails with turtle and whale watching platforms. To the north you have the off-leash dog area of ​​Stumers Creek, then National Park to Peregian Beach.

Change face

Historically attracting retirees, Coolum Beach now attracts young families.

“That demographics are changing pretty quickly now,” Lane says.

“We have fantastic schools within a five kilometer radius.

“We also welcome a lot of professionals now. There has always been a fairly high proportion of people who work from home or run their own businesses, but this has increased since COVID. “

Lane says the town’s location a 15-minute drive from the booming CBD of Maroochydore, one of the fastest growing areas of the Sunshine Coast, helps make Coolum Beach a more attractive place to live.

And it’s only a 10 minute drive from the airport and 20 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Noosa.

One to watch

Situated on a ridge on the southern border of Coolum Beach, this eye-catching home captures the ocean, Mount Coolum, and the backcountry.

Industrial-style design heroes showcase bark iron, mottled gum, and cedar finishes, and the property includes multiple living areas and a self-catering apartment.

Steve Lane of Coolum Beach Real Estate sells the house with a guide for $ 2.95 million.