Kawana Beach
Point Cartwright views, Kawana
At 9km long Kawana Beach is one of the Sunshine Coast’s longest beaches. This unspoilt stretch of pristine water and golden sand has excellent surfing breaks, a patrolled area for swimming, beach fishing and rock fishing off Point Cartwright. Swim or body board in the balmy waters, take your surfboard out to the break, or head into the water with your fishing rod to hook your own catch of the day in the rip holes or the deeper longshore troughs. Savour the calming ocean vibes with a walk along the beach and then follow the winding path to Point Cartwright Lighthouse to watch the sunset.
Point Cartwright
At the cliff base of Kawana’s spectacular lookout Point Cartwright, you will find a number of secret gems. There’s a popular surfing break at the point, plenty of rock pools with fascinating ecosystems for the kids to explore, plus an off-leash beach for your dog to enjoy a beach romp (from beach access points 226 to 247). The grassy slopes also offer a beautiful lookout for ocean view picnics, and if you’re lucky some turtles or manta rays may be spotted from above.
Point Cartwright Lighthouse, Kawana Region
Where to eat and drink
Kawana truly punches above its weight when it comes to local restaurants. From Brightwater Hotel’s modern style pub-feeds featuring outdoor lake-side seating, to the Sunshine Coast’s original teppanyaki restaurant Bekko Teppanyanki - there is something to please even the fussiest member of your family. Also well worth a look is Mercure Sunshine Coast Kawana Waters Wildflower Restaurant which has an extensive menu of exquisitely plated meals that are sure to please hungry tummies.
Craft Beer
Kawana is quickly earning itself a place on the Queensland Craft Beer trail after Sunshine Coast locals and beer baron’s ‘Your Mates’ launched their Taphouse in the area and began taking out a number of national awards for their mischievous range of ales. Also offering a great range of food on their locally sourced menu with the added bonus of a children’s playground this venue will surely please the whole family.
Family lunch at Your Mates
Kawana Shopping World
Kawana Shopping World has over 160 speciality stores, outdoor dining options and is only a step away from Kawana’s many picturesque beaches. The centre's free 'Shopping Nanny' child minding service, is highly sought-after by busy parents - be sure to book prior to your shop! Take your time, parking your car won't cost you a cent.
Gold Class Movies
While you are in the area make your way to the Sunshine Coast’s only gold class cinema. As one of the newest cinemas in Australia, you will be hard-pressed not accidentally staying the night with the incredibly comfortable and modern seating. That is if you can tear yourself away from the Cinema’s beautiful restaurant and bar. There is also the option of a ‘standard’ cinema, however with Vmax screens and brand new interior it still feels top notch.
Kawana Waters Artisans and Farmers Markets
If you love fresh produce the Kawana Waters Artisans and Farmers Markets is the place to be to sample mouth-watering fruit and vegetables, zesty juices, cheeses, and artisan baked goods. Grab a cup of locally-roasted coffee and enjoy live music as you make your way through the markets. It's an easy and relaxing way to spend a Saturday morning, and you can pick up some supplies for an afternoon beach picnic. Open rain or shine every Saturday from 6am to 12pm.
Basket of pineapples at the markets
The Big Boing Indoor Trampoline Park
Nothing says indoor fun like giant trampolines! The Big Boing Indoor Trampoline has it all from dodgeball, basketball, and giant airbags – all connected to more than 70 trampolines for hours of family fun. Open all week, it’s a great spot for kids and adults to burn off some excess school holiday energy.
Rockit Climbing Gym
If you are a thrill seeker and are looking for a challenge, you will want to head to the Sunshine Coast's largest climbing gym! Rockit caters to all levels of skill and fitness and includes 18 unique top rope walls, five auto belay machines and an epic bouldering area. If you are after a bit of fun, or you want to practice for the real thing – climbing is addictively entertaining.
Venue 114
Venue 114 is lined with great community events with plenty of potential. From wellness festivals, fashion markets plus great shows for the kids during the school holidays, it’s a great place to enjoy some great entertainment. Venue 114 offers 15 unique spaces plus four self-service venues and provides the perfect space for people to create, express and celebrate.
Sunshine Coast Stadium
Sunshine Coast Stadium is a multi-sport venue that plays host a range of exciting festivals and sporting events. Keep an eye out on the stadium's website for information on upcoming sporting matches and music gigs - there's sure to be something for your social calendar coming very soon.
While Melbourne continues to recover, the Sunshine Coast Stadium has become the temporary home-ground for the Melbourne Storm and will continue to host NRL games into the future. Plan your next Sunshine Coast holiday around the next game – but be sure to get your tickets quick!
Currimundi Lake Twilight Markets
Right on the Southern border of Kawana you will find one of the most beautifully positioned twilight markets in Queensland. Currimundi Lake Twilight Markets is one of the newest markets in the region and really is the Sunshine Coast’s best kept secret. Shhh! With local craft beer icons Your Mates Brewing doing what they do best, local musicians and a wide variety of street food and gourmet market feasts it won’t stay a secret long!
This market runs on the third Friday of the month and is not to be missed!
Kayaking in Lake Currimundi
Where to stay
Kawana has a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Located in a central area of the Sunshine Coast, Kawana is only a short drive to Caloundra's beautiful beaches and major attractions. Check here for our top 10 favourite places to stay!
Kawana trip ideas
Guide
Best sunrise and sunset spots in Kawana
Kawana looks pretty good any time of day, but there’s something extra special that happens during sunrise and sunset that’s hard to beat.
Guide
Take your kids on an epic adventure in Kawana!
Kids looking to let off some steam? Kawana is calling your name!
Guide
Discover Kawanas best places to eat and drink right now
Discover where to eat and drink in Kawana.
Guide
7 Kawana and Caloundra restaurants and bars
Looking for your new favourite Caloundra restaurant, or place to grab a bite in Kawana?
Guide
10 best breakfast spots in Caloundra and Kawana
Locals from the southern-end of the Sunshine Coast like to get up early and make the most out of each and every day.
Guide
13 things to do in Kawana
Kawana is just over an hour drive from Brisbane. Centrally located, it connects to Point Cartwright in the north and Currimundi Creek in the south and is the ideal base for a Sunshine Coast holiday.
