91. Coolum Beach and Yandina, Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
This week we went somewhere on the Sunshine Coast where neither of us had been before.
We visited the little historic town of Yandina. We have both passed through Yandina before, but never stopped to have a look around. It is home to one of Queensland’s oldest pubs and railway stations. You can also find some funky cafes, restaurants and some gorgeous shops in the small main street area. In Yandina you will also find - as one reviewer says - “the finest restaurant in the world”. They are talking about the well loved Spirit House.
After we filled up at one of the popular cafes, we headed to the famous Ginger Factory. It is one of the most visited attractions on the Sunshine Coast. We wander around, find the Gruffalo, sit under 1000 rainbow umbrellas and tell you all about the gardens, Morton the original steam train, the indoor boat ride, plus heaps more. Unfortunately we weren’t hungry so we didn’t enjoy a ginger scone or ginger icecream. Maybe next time.
Lastly we drive 15 minutes to the popular beachside town of Coolum Beach. Coolum has the longest, flattest, widest beach on the Sunshine Coast and is very popular for surfing.
It is unspoilt and the place to go if you want a relaxing beachside holiday without all the distractions.
We give you all the info from our vantage spot on the balcony of the Coolum Beach Surf Club. It’s a tough life, but someone has to do it.
Stay listening to the end to hear what birthday present I bought for Lyle at Coolum and the popular mountain that the locals love to climb – but is actually the second biggest rock in the world – after Uluru.
SHOW NOTES AND PICTURES BELOW
Yandina is a little hidden gem just inland from the beaches of the Sunshine Coast. It was first settled by Europeans in the 1850s and became a town in 1870.
Many of the original buildings and the heritage streetscape of Stevens Street have been preserved. The Anglican church was built initially as a community church and opened in 1880 and is the oldest on the Sunshine Coast.
The Yandina hotel dates back to 1889 and was relocated using rollers and a bullock team in 1891 when the railway came through town. It has retained its original facade, but the interior has been completely renovated. It is a great place for a cold drink, and their meals are very popular amongst locals and visitors. You can see more about the oldest hotel on the Sunshine Coast here. Yandina Hotel
Yandina is quickly becoming a popular day trip destination. There are many popular restaurants and cafes, like the eclectic Gun Cotton Coffee. It is inside an old railway sleeper storage shed and has a very unique interior, and the food is incredible. The roast coffee beans onsite and have a coffee menu for you to choose the best brew for your tastes. You can check them out here. Gun Cotton Coffee
One of the most visited places on the Sunshine Coast that is in Yandina is the Ginger Factory. Ginger products are still produced here, but visitors come each day for the free and paid rides and activities. Entry is free to the Ginger Factory and you can wander around the lush tropical gardens, lakes, Gruffalo walk, Rainbrella project and shops and take in the beautiful surroundings. You can enjoy a meal at the cafe - I highly recommend the ginger scones. The icecream shop is very popular as well.
Moreton, the steam train, is probably the most popular attraction at the Ginger factory. The kids love riding around the gardens while Moreton toots his horn and the adults enjoy the historic commentary. There is also an indoor boat ride called “Overboard” which is another children’s favourite.
You can buy all types of ginger products to take home, and also there is a small nursery with many types of exotic gingers for sale.
If you are visiting the Sunshine Coast, you should definitely take time to visit the Ginger Factory.
Only 15 minutes drive from Yandina is Coolum Beach. Coolum is a popular area for familes to holiday as it has very relaxed vibe. The beach is 15km of wide, flat, white sand, so it is perfect for walking, playing and of course swimming. It is also one of the most popular beaches for surfing on the Sunshine Coast.
One of the most popular places to enjoy a meal while you are visiting, is the Coolum Surf Club. It has panoramic views of the beach and has always served up delicious meals.
There is a popular skate park and playground area right next to the surf club as well as free barbecues.
If you are into hiking, especially challenging ones, you can climb Mount Coolum in the Mount Coolum National Park. It isn’t actually a mountain, but the second largest rock in the world, after Uluru. Mount Coolum is 208m high and the track is 800m long, and challenging, especially as you get closer to the top.
You can find out about Mount Coolum here.
If you want a break from the beaches there are numerous well loved golf courses around Coolum Beach.
Another popular family activity is the Blast Aqua Park. It is a 5km drive from the beach.
The park covers a huge area, roughly 100 meters by 70 meters, and boasts a wide array of inflatable fun items for everyone’s enjoyment, suitable for ages from 6 all the way up to the elderly.
Slides, blast bags, trampolines, swings, challenge tracks, balance beams, wobble pads and chill out areas are just a few of the many and varied features enclosed within the extensive walkways and floating tracks of the course.
For those that just want to watch then there are extensive shade structures, free BBQ areas, change rooms, picnic benches and sunlounges. There is also a café with great coffee and a kiosk.
We have heaps more information and great stories about this Yandina and Coolum. Click on of the players above if you want to listen.
If you would like to see all the other Sunshine Coast episodes in our “Aussie Summer Series” then click the button below.
This is where we went