It’s the Sunshine Coast’s laidback gem that’s brimming with natural beauty, vibrant street art, and awesome attractions the whole family will love.
Book in your annual leave, gather your family and friends and make tracks to Caloundra with this guide on the best things to eat, see and do in this watery oasis.
The best places to eat and drink in Caloundra
Caloundra is buzzing with drool-worthy restaurants and cafes that are all about celebrating the region's fresh produce on a plate. Start your day right with a smooth cup of coffee from Lamkin Lane Espresso Bar or The Bunker Coffee and Bar, then grab a decadent pastry that will transport you straight to Paris at The Pastry Lab (the Pain aux raisin is a game-changer) and Cafe Sisily. And for a totally Instagrammable brunch that is as tasty as it is beautiful, book a table at White Picket Fence. Have a Mexican feast at Holy Taco and for something special head to Tides Waterfront Dining where you’ll score 180 degree views from the Pumicestone Passage to the Glass House Mountains with your dinner.
Feeling thirsty? Moffat Beach Brewing Co. is just 50 metres from the beach and is absolutely calling your name. Grab a tasting paddle and sip on their pale ales, sours and limited edition releases while blissing out to live music. For excellent cocktails and more live music stop by Drift Bar on the Esplanade and for a crisp glass of wine or a chilled beer with a side of ocean views, plant yourself at Kings Beach Bar - it oozes holiday vibes.
Moffat Beach Brewery, Caloundra
The best things to do in Caloundra
First things first you’ll want to make your way to Caloundra’s crown jewel, the Pumicestone Passage - a 35km ecological marvel that forms part of the Moreton Bay Marine Park. When it comes to this watery oasis it’s all about choosing your own adventure as you make your way through the sparkling azure blue water. Get your adrenaline pumping with Caloundra Jet Ski or an electric hydrofoil lesson with Sunshine Coast Boardsports. Or keep it cruisy with a stand up paddle board session into the sunset or climb aboard a pontoon boat from Bill’s Boat & Bike Hire - just BYO your beers, togs and sausages.
No matter the season, you can’t visit Caloundra without a refreshing dip in Sunshine Coast’s only ocean pool at Kings beach. If you can’t bring yourself to take the plunge, perch yourself on one of the sun lounges with a coffee in hand and take in the stunning show as the waves fizz onto the rocks. Keep wandering along the coastline and explore the rock pools of Shelly Beach and throw a towel down at Moffat and Dicky Beach.
Red Hot Chilli Pepper Spice Class
Once you’ve had your ocean fix, dry off and make your way to downtown Caloundra, home to the Caloundra Regional Gallery before wandering up through Lamkin Lane and then down Bulcock Street to discover the seaside suburbs' incredible array of vibrant street art. The 1.7km loop, which you can follow along with this trail map, will take you about an hour, depending on how many times you find yourself stopping to pop into the various coffee shops and boutiques that are dotted along the journey. Keep the culture hit going with a cooking class at Red Hot Chilli Pepper where you’ll learn how to blend spices and create a mouth-watering Sri Lankan curry.
The best places to stay in Caloundra
Treat yourself to a few nights at Rumba Beach Resort. Nestled in the heart of town and perched on the edge of the beach, here you’ll find premium one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. With luxury modern furnishings, sprawling balconies and home theatres we won’t blame you if you don’t want to leave your swanky digs. But if you do, make sure it’s to float in their glass bottomed heated pool that rises above Rumba’s restaurant plaza.
Caloundra Coast from the air
Oaks Oasis Sunshine Coast Resort is perfect for the family - the little ones will live their best life at the on-site waterpark, putt putt golf course, climbing frame and giant Kangaroo Jumper. The adults are also looked after here - enjoy a cocktail and romantic dinner at Reflections Restaurant and relax in the jacuzzi.
Perfect for all budgets, you can’t go wrong with Dicky Beach Holiday Park. offering powered sites and self-contained cabins, with an on-site camp kitchen, swimming pool, games room and tennis court, it’s the ultimate family holiday.
