There is something special about the Sunshine Coast that keeps me coming back, regardless of what the weather man says. We recently spent four days at Clubb Coolum Beach Resort, and even though the clouds decided to hang around for a bit, it turned out to be one of the most relaxing breaks we’ve had in a long while.
When you are looking for a place to stay in Coolum, location is everything. You want to be close enough to hear the waves but near enough to the shops, restaurants and cafe’s so you aren’t constantly hopping in the car. This spot hit the mark perfectly. From the moment we pulled up, it was clear that this was going to be a park the car and forget about it kind of holiday.
Getting There: Travel Times from Brisbane
If you are coming up from the big smoke, the drive is pretty straightforward. We found that the timing can vary quite a bit depending on which side of the river you are starting from. Here is a rough guide on what to expect for your road trip.
- Northside Brisbane: If you are leaving from spots like North Lakes or Chermside, you are looking at a smooth run of about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Brisbane CBD: From the centre of town, allow about 1 hour and 30 minutes, provided the Bruce Highway is behaving itself.
- Southside Brisbane: For those coming from the Logan or Sunnybank areas, it is a bit more of a trek. Budget for around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.
It is an easy drive, and once you hit the Sunshine Motorway and see the coast, the holiday vibes start to kick in immediately.
The Legend of the Headless Mountain and the Unique Clubb Name
Coolum has a rich history that adds a bit of soul to the area. The name itself comes from the local Gubi Gubi word “Gulum” or “Kulum,” which translates to “blunt” or “headless.” This refers to the iconic Mount Coolum, which has a distinct flat top rather than a peak.
According to Dreamtime legend, a warrior named Ninderry knocked off Coolum’s head during a fight over a beautiful girl named Maroochy. His head rolled into the sea and became Mudjimba Island, while his body stayed on the coast as the mountain we see today. It is a cracking story to keep in mind while you are looking out at the island from your balcony.
As for the resort itself, you might notice the unique spelling of Clubb Coolum Beach Resort with two “b’s.” While it sounds like a local secret, it is generally accepted as a nod to the original developers or a family name that has stuck over the decades. It certainly makes the place stand out in the search results when looking for a hotel!
Spacious Apartments with Views to Match
I was genuinely impressed with the apartment itself. It wasn’t one of those tiny, cramped hotel rooms where you’re tripping over your suitcase; it was spacious, well kept, and felt incredibly clean. Even though we decided to eat out for every single meal to make the most of the local dining scene, still, the full kitchen was seriously impressive.
If you did want to save a few bob and cook for yourself, the local Coles is just a short walk away. The kitchen had everything you would need to whip up a proper family feast, which is a massive plus for longer stays. Having a washing machine and dryer in the room was also a life saver essential for getting the salt and sand out of your gear after hitting the beach or the tennis court.
The internet was fast once we got it connected, making it easy to share those beach clips. Speaking of which, the views from our balcony were top notch. I’ve got a couple of videos of the view to share because photos don’t quite do it justice. Even on the overcast days, watching the whitewater roll in is the best way to decompress.
Resort Facilities and In Room Features
The resort has plenty to keep you busy if the weather isn’t playing ball or if you just want to hang out on site. Here is a breakdown of what is available:
- On-site Dining: Bombay Bliss is right there if you don’t want to walk far.
- Full Kitchen: Includes a stovetop, oven, microwave, and full sized fridge.
- Laundry Facilities: In-room washing machine and dryer.
- Fast Wi-Fi: Reliable and quick enough for streaming or work.
- Tennis Court: Great for a morning hit before the sun gets too high.
- Heated Pool and Spa: Perfect for a soak even when the breeze is a bit fresh.
- Gym and Sauna: Good for keeping up the routine while on holidays (yes, I did hit the weights and busted a flex).
- Secure Parking: Underground, free with the apartment, and easy to access.
Exploring the Local Food Scene Near Clubb Coolum Beach Resort
One of the best parts about staying at Clubb Coolum Beach Resort is the variety of food within a five to ten minute walk. We didn’t have a bad meal the entire time we were there.
Breakfast at Benny’s Espresso
Breakfast was a non-negotiable at Benny’s Espresso every single morning. The vibe there is awesome, exactly what you want from a local Sunshine Coast cafe. My wife had the coffee and reckoned it was one of the best she’s had for a while. I decided to go the juice route for a fresh start, usually followed by an energy drink mid morning to keep the gears turning.
Dinner Options and Local Favourites
For dinner, we were spoilt for choice:
- Coolum Surf Club: You can’t go to the coast and not visit the Surf Club. It is a classic for a reason with great views and a solid atmosphere.
- Bombay Bliss: This is actually located right in the hotel complex. It was incredibly handy when the rain started coming down, and the food was fantastic.
- Coolum Thai Spice: Another great local spot just a short stroll away. The flavours were authentic and it was the perfect comfort food for a slightly rainy evening.
We did have one boots on the ground moment of truth, though. One night, while walking back to dinner in the dark, one of us managed to step right into a massive puddle on the cobblestone pavement. It’s a good reminder that while Coolum is beautiful, the footpaths can be a bit tricky to navigate when the tropical rain has been bucketing down! Take a torch, just in case.
Contact Information and Clubb Resort Location
If you are looking to book your stay or need to get in touch with the team, here are the essential details:
- Address: 1740 David Low Way, Coolum Beach QLD 4573
- Phone: (07) 5446 3888
Final Thoughts on Our Coolum Beach Stay
Overall, our four days at Clubb Coolum Beach Resort were exactly what we needed. The resort offers a perfect balance of comfort and convenience. Whether you are a family needing the space of a full apartment or a couple looking for a beachfront base, it’s hard to go past this Sunshine Coast spot. And you can book at a cheaper price and not use a few of the rooms, so keep an eye out for those too if you’re looking to for just the two of you to get away.
The combination of great local cafes like Bennys, the ease of having a supermarket nearby, and the quality of the resort facilities makes it a standout choice. Even with a bit of rain and a stray puddle or two, the experience was five star.
Have you ever stayed at Clubb Coolum Beach Resort, or do you have a favourite hidden gem in Coolum that we should check out next time?
