Coolum Beach and Yaroomba are two neighboring suburbs that are located in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland, Australia. These two suburbs share a rich local history that spans thousands of years. Indigenous History Before the arrival of European settlers, the area now known as Coolum Beach and Yaroomba was inhabited by the Gubbi Gubbi people. The indigenous community thrived in the area for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. Early European Settlement The first Europeans to arrive in the area were the surveyor John Oxley and his team in 1823. They explored the region and recognized its potential for agriculture. However, it wasn't until the late 1800s that Europeans began to settle in the area. Coolum Beach and Yaroomba were originally known as Peregian Beach South and Peregian Beach North. The town of Coolum Beach was officially founded in 1905 when the first hotel, called the Coolum Beach Hotel, was established. The new hotel attracted tourists and was soon followed by a small settlement that grew as more people arrived to work in the agricultural industry. The area quickly became a hub for farming with crops such as pineapples, avocados, and macadamias being grown in the region. The railway arrived in 1925, which brought more visitors and settlers to the area. Tourism The Sunshine Coast region began to attract more visitors in the 1950s, and Coolum Beach and Yaroomba soon became popular destinations. The region's beaches and warm climate were a draw for tourists, and the area's tourism industry grew quickly. In the 1960s, the construction of the David Low Way road brought even more visitors to the region. The area received a major boost when the Hyatt Regency Coolum Beach resort was built in 1985. The resort was a major draw for tourists and helped to cement Coolum Beach and Yaroomba as must-see destinations. Environmental Protection Coolum Beach and Yaroomba have also been the focus of environmental conservation efforts. The region's natural beauty has been threatened by development, and several groups have worked to protect the area's wildlife and flora. In 2007, the Queensland government declared the Yaroomba Coastal Protection Area, which protects the local dunes and vegetation. The area is also home to several threatened or endangered species, including the loggerhead turtle. Conclusion Coolum Beach and Yaroomba have a rich and diverse local history that spans thousands of years. From the indigenous Gubbi Gubbi community to European settlers and the modern tourism industry, the area has seen significant changes. Despite these changes, the region's natural beauty and cultural significance remain an important part of the local community's identity. Today, Coolum Beach and Yaroomba continue to be popular tourist destinations and are cherished by locals and visitors alike.