Enjoying ice cream and a walk down Bulcock Beach in Caloundra
Take a dip at the king of beaches
Having made the list as one of Australia's top beaches, it's not hard to tell why Kings Beach is such a popular destination for family holidays. With an oceanfront saltwater swimming pool, and a gentle beach break, a Kings Beach holiday is filled with fun out on the water. Cafés, restaurants and markets are all just a few minutes’ walk away from a myriad of accommodation options, so you can unpack your bags and leave the car in the garage until the day you leave.
Kings Beach. Caloundra
Market shopping
Caloundra Street Fair (Sundays 8 am to 1 pm) is held under the canopy of the tree-lined main street, surrounded by cafés, boutiques and speciality shops. There are more than 200 stalls to explore, featuring handcrafted goods, arts and crafts, as well as delicious food and fresh flowers.
The Caloundra Twilight Markets operate Friday evenings during holiday periods along Bulcock Beach esplanade. This charming market is brimming with artisan, craft and homemade wares. Wander the boardwalk and enjoy entertainment featuring world music tunes and colourful street theatre performers - and bring your appetite, there's a bounty of delicious fare to enjoy.
Caloundra street fair
Caloundra Coastal Walk
Soak up the beauty of the Caloundra region by taking the scenic coastal walk. Take on the entire 25 km stretch that starts from Golden Beach in the south, or enjoy strolling along sections of the walk at a leisurely pace. Keep an eye out for birdlife and dolphins in Pumicestone Passage, check out the historical Military Jetty used for operations during World War II, as well as the heritage listed Kings Beach Bathing Pavilion – and have your camera ready to capture those stellar ocean views.
Jet Ski around Pumicestone Passage
Pumicestone Passage is a 35 km channel of pristine water stretching from Caloundra in the north to Deception Bay in the south. It’s ideal for all kinds of aquatic escapades, and if you like to travel a little faster than a SUP or kayak, hop aboard a Caloundra Jet Ski. Ride through tranquil mangrove-lined waterways into a marine park green zone, home to dolphins, dugongs, turtles and more than 360 species of birds. Don’t forget to bring your waterproof camera, you’ll want to capture the insta-worthy views of the Glass House Mountains that dominate the horizon. Hire and tours can be found at Bills Boat Hire and Tours.
Caloundra Jet Ski Hire and Safaris in the Pumicestone Passage, Caloundra, Sunshine Coast
Explore Currimundi Lake trails
Lake Currimundi is a stretch of calm water which runs into the ocean at Currimundi surf beach. There is an abundance of picturesque walking tracks surrounding the lake, so lace up your walking shoes, slip, slop slap, and tackle one of the many bush-beach trails that lead down to the lake’s cool waters. The tracks are well mapped, with signage along the way explaining the native flora and fauna you may encounter on your walk. There are plenty of shady spots for a picnic, or you can relax in one of Currimundi’s boutique cafés.
Fish and chips at Bulcock Beach
Locals know that the Sandbar Café and Kiosk serves up some of the best fish and chips on the Sunshine Coast. Enjoy beer-battered and crumbed barramundi with hand cut chips, or market fish of the day with kipfler potato and bouillabaisse. The café also has a fine selection of designer burgers, salads and desserts. Kick back in the café or take your fare across the road to enjoy an alfresco fish and chips at one of the many picnic tables over looking Bulcock Beach. If you need a sweet chaser after your meal, pick up a delectable cupcake from Stormie D’s Cupcakery.
Family beach day at Bulock Beach Caloundra
Take a cruise or hire a boat
Discover the spectacular beauty of Caloundra's marine environment on a Caloundra Cruise tour. Hop aboard "Tern o' the Tide" for a 90-minute "Smoothwater Classic" tour (Sunday, Tuesday and Friday) - a relaxing cruise offering views from Caloundra Heads to Moreton Island, and Bribie Island. On Thursdays, the "Eco Explorer Cruise" will take you deep into the clear waters of Pumicestone Passage Marine Park to discover an abundance of bird and marine life. You'll drop anchor at Lighthouse Beach and enjoy a scrumptious morning tea. If you feel like taking the wheel, hire your own bike or boat from Bills Boat & Bike Hire.
Morning cycle on the 4 wheel Surrey bike from Bills Boat Hire in Caloundra
Take a street art stroll
The colourful, massive murals around Caloundra snapshot the area’s cultural identity and history. There are quirky and colourful representations of iconic locations, activities and events, such as the heritage lighthouses and Ma & Pa Bendall (surfing pioneers), and Pumicestone Passage. The bright, bold colours pop right off the rendered canvas, so snap away and add some colour to your Instagram page.
Caloundra Street Art
Take a mountain bike for a spin
As part of the Ride the Five mountain bike riding trails network, Caloundra has its own track, the Sugar Bag Road Bike Trail, located in the Caloundra Town Reserve. There is a range of tracks for everyone from novices to experienced riders, featuring more than 12 km of rideable adventures. The course includes natural features of rocks, drops, and crevices, as well as bridges, jumps, seesaws, and ramps. You’ll find it exhilarating, challenging and an excellent work out. If you've not brought wheels with you, give Bike On a call and they'll deliver a suitable bike to your door.
Mountain Biking
SUP & kayak adventures
Caloundra’s calm waterways lend themselves to all kinds of aquatic exploration and you’ll often see stand up paddle boards (SUPs) and kayakers gliding across Pumicestone Passage, Currimundi Lake or Tooway Creek. Whether you BYO craft, or one hire from Bills Boat & Bike Hire, Golden Beach Hire or Experientia Sunshine Coast the waters are teeming with marine life so set a relaxed pace and keep your peepers peeled for humpback whales (May to November), turtles, dolphins, dugongs and rays.
Bills Boat Hire at Golden Beach, Caloundra
Zip around on a Caloundra Jet Boat
Step aboard the Caloundra Jet Boat's luxury "SeaDoo" for an epic 40 km adventure along Pumicestone Passage that includes pristine wilderness, two marine national park green zones, and the historical "Lighthouse Reach" on Bribie Island. Not only will you enjoy an exhilarating ride, but you'll encounter a myriad of marine life and enjoy some spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains. This is definitely one the whole family will love.
Festivals and events
Caloundra’s calendar is jam-packed with festivals and events year-round that the whole family will love. Pencil these up coming events into your social diary, and tack on a few days to explore the rest of the region’s attractions.
Caloundra music festival hero
Enjoy four days of sun, surf and soul at the annual Caloundra Music Festival at Kings Beach, held over the October long weekend. Kings Beach comes alive to the sounds of a diverse line-up of entertainment featuring the best of the Australian music industry as well as incredible international artists.
Caloundra's Events Centre has a calendar featuring the best in touring comedy, ballet, classical music, modern dance, opera and musical theatre. Add a show to your next holiday itinerary.
