A Sunshine Coast beach is the state’s best, according to Queenslanders.
Coolum Beach was recognised as the most popular stretch of sand in the state government’s All the Best program.
Queenslanders were invited to vote for their favourite businesses, attractions, places to visit, food and more, to coincide with the state’s 166th year celebrations on June 6.
More than 61,000 votes were cast and Coolum snared the prized accolade of ‘best beach’.
Coolum Beach Surf Life Saving Club member Shane Urban said it was a “fantastic” result and he wasn’t surprised.
“We (locals) all know that Coolum Beach is definitely the best beach in Queensland, most probably Australia,” he said.
“But it’s nice to know that other people see the same.
“We’re an amazing place to both live and also to visit.”
He said Coolum Beach was “an amazing piece of sand”.
“It goes for over a kilometre and is a good surfing, swimming, and walking beach.
“There’s also a dog beach at the end, at Stumers Creek.
“Plus, we’ve got a headland, which bookcases a beautiful part of the coastline.
“For bathing, we’re very lucky our headland protects a bit of the beach.
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The Coolum Beach Surf Club is a landmark.
“The surf club has been around for over a century, and it has been the heart of Coolum,” Mr Urban said.
“We’ve got the best surf club in Queensland. I reckon it serves some of the best food. I won’t say the best parmy because I believe that’s been voted elsewhere, but gee, we run a close second”.
He said that the area had much more to offer than “actual sand and water.”
“I think the beach has character through its people,” he said.
“I mean, we’ve got some amazing personalities that come out of our beach like (elite surfers) Julian Wilson and Isabella Nichols.
“And people drop on to our beach through parachuting, up at the top end.
“We just love our beach”.
Coolum Beach beat out the likes of nearby Mooloolaba Beach, Horseshoe Bay at Bowen and Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsunday.
Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie said his local beach had been pitched into the spotlight.
“The secret is well and truly out, Coolum Beach is not just our treasure, it is Queensland’s best beach,” he said.
“The Sunshine Coast region is spoilt for choice when it comes to its share of beautiful beaches but we know that Coolum is unique for its three distinct ocean bay and highly ‘instagrammable headland, Point Perry.
“What is not to love about crystal waters, coffee rock formations, lush bushland, walking tracks and soft sandy coves.
“Swim, explore rockpools, spot turtles and dolphins, snorkel, picnic, and of course surf.
“Coolum Beach has something for everyone: no wonder it won”.
Other Sunshine Coast places and people were among finalists in the awards, including the Glass House Mountains (natural attraction), the Big Pineapple (landmark) and Rick’s Garage (burger).
Premier David Crisafulli said Queensland Day was a time of celebration.
“Queensland Day is a day to honour our state and to celebrate who we are as Queenslanders and all the things that make it such a great place to live,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity to recognise the people who do so much for our communities and celebrate everything that makes our State the best place to call home.
“Whether it’s going to an event, watching the footy, snapping a selfie at a local landmark, or enjoying a drink or meal at your local, I encourage Queenslanders to be part of the Queensland Day festivities.”
Queensland’s best of the best
- Fish and chips – Bird’s Fish Bar (Bowen)
- Meat pie – Blackbutt Bakery (Blackbutt)
- Parmi – Botany (Newstead)
- Bahn Mi – My Street Food (Woolloongabba)
- Ice cream – Rad Rolled Ice Cream (Hervey Bay)
- Burger – Mr Jeebus (Tingalpa)
- Beer – Qld Pale Ale by Archer Brewing Company (Wilston)
- Pub – Slipstream Brewery Co (Yeerongpilly)
- Café – Dorney’s Cake Shop (Chinchilla)
- Coffee – The Coffee Commune (Bowen Hills)
- Event – India Fest (Townsville)
- Big thing – Big Mango (Bowen)
- Beach – Coolum Beach (Sunshine Coast)
- Landmark – The Story Bridge (Brisbane)
- Natural attraction – Great Barrier Reef
