Caloundra:City of Beaches
I recently had the good fortune to travel to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast for work to the family beachside town of Caloundra: city of beaches. Located on the southern end of the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra is only 93 kilometres from Brisbane and is situated on the Pumicestone Passage. This 35 kilometre long passage separates the area from Bribie Island and the Pacific Ocean to the east.
Caloundra
Caloundra really is the “city of beaches” with six entirely different beaches all in one place. You are seriously spoilt for choice with each beach creating its own unique holiday experience. I always enjoy the drive in my Toyota to Caloundra as it has so much on offer.
But apart from the beautiful beaches there is the spectacular Pumicestone Passage, part of the Moreton Bay Marine Park. It is one of Australia’s most important bird and marine habitats on the east coast. Home to a plethora of birdlife, as well as populations of dugongs, dolphins, turtles and more species.
I first visited Caloundra back in Nipper days when our children were competing in junior Surf Lifesaving Carnivals. We often drove to this place for the weekend to watch our kids compete and then afterwards we would relax and enjoy Caloundra’s great seaside location.
Caloundra Accommodation
My accommodation for my two day stay this time was at the perfectly located Monaco Resort in a one bedroom apartment with views to die for over Bulcock Beach, Caloundra Promenade and the Pumicestone Passage. To the west I had picture postcard views of the Glasshouse Mountain in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland which was a spectacular sight at sunset.
Keep an eye out for great accommodation specials on Luxury Escapes or stay at one of the three caravan parks in town. These are located at Golden Beach, northern end of Bulcock Beach and Dicky Beach.
Caloundra Coastal Pathway
The Caloundra Coastal Walk stretches 25 kilometres along some of the most scenic shorelines you will ever see. The path is a continuous coastal link from Golden Beach to the south of Caloundra, where it hugs the Pumicestone Passage, before passing Bulcock Beach and Kings Beach. It then winds its way around Caloundra Headland heading north following the long, sandy beaches of Kawana to Mooloolaba.
The walk can be broken up into sections so we walked from Bulcock Beach to Dicky Beach and then did a u-turn. We walked on the boardwalk from Bulcock Beach around to Kings Beach, Shelly Beach, Moffat Beach to Dicky Beach.
Along the way we saw some historical sites including Military Jetty used for military operations in World War II, and the heritage listed Kings Beach Bathing Pavilion constructed in 1937. The headland section follows a trail of plaques honouring the lives of those lost in war. Dicky beach used to be the home of the skeleton of the wreck of the SS Dicky. However these days it sits in the adjoining park as a monument.
Caloundra’s Six Beaches
Jump in your Toyota for Caloundra sightseeing and to witness first hand it’s truly magnificent beaches.
- East facing calm water Golden Beach on Pumicestone Passage is ideal for safe swimming, windsurfing, boating, canoeing and fishing.
Golden Beach
- The closest beach to the town centre, Bulcock Beach, is a southern facing calm water beach ideal for swimming, fishing, boating and windsurfing, and with breath taking views across to Golden Beach, Bribie Island, the bar, and out to sea. This is a great spot to grab fish and chips and sit on one of the picnic tables taking in the gorgeous views.
- Caloundra’s most popular surf beach, Kings Beach, which is connected to Bulcock Beach by a boardwalk skirting the headland. Great for swimming, surfing, fishing, snorkelling and exploring the rock pools. There is also the famous Kings Beach Bathing Pavilion, a natural sea water pool, child-
friendly water fountains and a handy cafe for a coffee or meal.
- A small secluded picturesque beach, Shelly Beach is great for walking, exploring rock pools and picnics.
- Moffat Beach is a spectacular section of coastline with a high headland, protected bay, the entrance to Tooway Creek and sweeping views north to Point Cartwright. The beach is renowned amongst surfers for its excellent point break. A short stroll away from the beach there are some fantastic al fresco cafes, restaurants and a brewery.
Dicky Beach is great for swimming, surfing and beach fishing, and is patrolled by the Dicky Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. You will also find the skeleton of the wreck of the SS Dicky here in the adjoining park.
Not only does Caloundra possess magnificent beaches stretching from the pristine Pumicestone Passage to Point Cartwright. It is also where you’ll find the panoramic ancient Glass House Mountains, Steve Irwin’s world-acclaimed tourist attraction Australia Zoo, The Big Kart Track and Aussie World. All these attractions are within a short driving distance from Caloundra.
For families in particular, Caloundra is a fun-packed holiday destination with it all. I can easily amuse myself here for a weekend or a week or two!
Kathy, more wonderful walks to explore. I didn’t realise that Caloundra had so much to offer. Well worth a visit, eventually. And the resort looks lovely too.
The walk was sensational. Walks always seem to be my favourite part of visiting a new place as you see so much. Caloundra is a gorgeous beachside holiday destination. :)
I love Caloundra too Kathy. I was there a couple of weeks ago, visiting a friend. We went to King’s Beach and had a lovely walk around the area as well. I thinking we’ll be going back there for a longer holiday at some stage :-)
Caloundra is a lovely seaside destination. There is heaps of kid-friendly stuff to do here but also a bit for adults as well. I loved the coastal walk. This is really my favourite thing to do! :)
Caloundra is a place people seem to fall in love with and return to year after year. I like the look of that swimming pavillion. I’m not much of an ocean swimmer.
The swimming pavilion at Kings Beach is a real icon in Caloundra. We attended many Surf Carnivals on this beach when the kids were young. Caloundra was never my favourite Sunshine Coast place, but I have now changed my mind. :)
We have taken our girls camping up at Caloundra a couple of times – such a great spot.
Thanks for linking up to #wednesdaywanderlust
I think Caloundra would be a great place to take a family for a holiday. So many beaches to explore and the ones on the southern end are very safe for littlies. The water fountains/playground at Kings Beach are also great for kids. :)
I’m going to check out the Pavilion at Kings Beach next time we’re in Caloundra – I’ve been there once in recent years but didn’t notice it. I guess once is definitely not enough!
I have been to Caloundra heaps of times over the years but didn’t even remember the Beach Pavilion and Ocean Pool. I really enjoyed looking at Caloundra through fresh eyes. It has a lot to offer holidaymakers. :)
I’ve only been there a couple of times, but always thought it was one of the beautiful unspoiled areas of the Coast. Now I see I’m right!!
Yes Caloundra is probably a little less commercialised than the other places on the Sunshine Coast. However I noticed during this visit that it is a bit more upmarket and developed than it was say 15 years ago. What I enjoyed the most was the walk along the oceanway and seeing the differences in the six beaches. :)