Coolum Aquatic Centre

On the way back from Noosa Heads after a walk along spectacular Sunshine Beach (is there a better-named beach anywhere in the world?), decide to stop at the pool I spotted from the car earlier that morning. It's mid-afternoon and the sun is blazing.

Coolum Aquatic Centre is a neat little 25m, eight-lane outdoor pool sitting right on the David Low Way coastal highway. Pay the very reasonable AU$6.99 entry to the reception-slash-lifeguard guy and head through to the changerooms.

There's a small covered learners pool and kids aqua play area with plenty of shade, but the main pool sits out in full sun. Slap on sunscreen and, just before diving in, think better of it and grab the trusty silicon Chillswim cap from the bag. Two other guys are already knocking out laps — locals by the look of them — and both have hair! Hat on, make a start.

The plan is just the minimum kilometre to qualify the pool, which will take me over my daily distance target, but once 40 lengths are done it feels right to keep going. Finish at 1,600 metres and call it a day.

Swim done, grab a quick bite while watching a bowls match next door. Quite like the pace of bowls — might have to take it up once I hit the minimum age requirement. Now it's back to the balcony at the Twin Waters Novotel to set up the laptop, surrounded by the Queensland wildlife.