Discover Caloundra

Seven distinct beaches with something for every family. The Glass House Mountains loom on the horizon. Kings Beach and Bulcock Beach anchor the town.

🏝️ Destination Guide · South Coast
Top highlights:Kings BeachBulcock BeachGlass House MountainsCaloundra Headland
About Caloundra

Discover Caloundra

The Ultimate Coastal Playground

Positioned as the breathtaking southern gateway to the region, Caloundra is a vibrant aquatic paradise where multi-generational charm meets pristine natural beauty. Boasting a spectacular collection of diverse beaches connected by the scenic Caloundra Coastal Walk, this sun-drenched destination is a favourite for families, adventurers, and slow travellers alike. From the upscale canals of Pelican Waters to the retro, laid-back surf culture of Moffat Beach, Caloundra encapsulates the perfect beach holiday.

The focal point of Caloundra's family-friendly appeal is Kings Beach. Rated as one of Australia's top beaches, it features a festive foreshore equipped with interactive water fountains, parklands, and the iconic Kings Beach ocean pool. This heritage-listed, free-entry saltwater pool is equipped with a 25-metre lap area and a children's wading pool, offering safe, lifeguard-patrolled swimming directly on the rocky coastline while shielding swimmers from the open surf. Just a short stroll north around the headland reveals Moffat Beach, famous for its vibrant café strip, its legendary right-hand point break, and Australia's only beachfront craft brewery.

For those seeking calmer waters, Golden Beach hugs the tranquil Pumicestone Passage. Protected by Bribie Island, it is a mecca for water sports including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and boat hires. Directly adjacent is Pelican Waters, a premier master-planned community offering luxury canal living, a vibrant marina precinct, and a world-class Greg Norman-designed championship golf course.

Whether you are booking a high-rise luxury apartment overlooking the shipping channels or searching for cosy holiday parks, Caloundra accommodation provides the ultimate base. With an endless list of things to do — from exploring the local Sunday markets to jet-skiing the passage — this spectacular coastal hub promises an unforgettable escape.

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Areas covered by this guide
The Caloundra region encompasses these suburbs & beaches
CaloundraKings BeachMoffat BeachShelly BeachDicky BeachGolden BeachBattery HillCurrimundi

Where to Stay in Caloundra

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🦅Apartment
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kings Beach Caloundra Apartments
📍 Caloundra  ·  4.6 (156 reviews)

Family-friendly beachfront apartments with panoramic Glass House Mountain views.

BeachfrontFamily-friendlyBBQPool
$155/night

Guides for Caloundra

All guides →
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Surfing Guide
Kings Beach and Moffat Beach — beginner and intermediate breaks.
Read guide →
🌅
Best Sunset Spots
Canberra Terrace lookout offers 270° views over Pumicestone Passage.
Read guide →
📸
Photography & Photo Spots
Kings Beach ocean pool — one of Queensland's most photogenic spots.
Read guide →
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Family Activities
Kings Beach ocean pool, foreshore playgrounds and all-ages activities.
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Free Things to Do
The ocean pool, coastal walks and lookouts don't cost a cent.
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🚩
Surf Life Saving Clubs
Caloundra and Dicky Beach SLSC keep the southern beaches safe.
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💡 Insider Caloundra Tips

Local knowledge for a better trip

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Kings Beach ocean pool is one of Queensland's best
This free, heritage-listed saltwater pool sits right on the rocks with a 25m lap lane, a children's wading area, and lifeguard patrols. A remarkable piece of coastal infrastructure and a genuine joy to swim in.
🌊
Choose your beach to match your vibe
Golden Beach on the Pumicestone Passage is flat and calm — ideal for families and paddleboards. Moffat Beach is the surfers' haven. Kings Beach and Shelly sit beautifully in between.
🍺
Moffat Beach Brewing Co is a genuine highlight
Perched directly above the ocean, this is Australia's only beachfront craft brewery. The deck views are stunning at any time of day — the afternoon session with a pale ale is particularly hard to beat.
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Explore the Pumicestone Passage by kayak
Rent a kayak from Golden Beach and paddle north through the sheltered passage. Dugongs, dolphins, and rays are regularly spotted in the shallows — it's a wonderfully peaceful way to spend a morning.
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The Golden Beach pelican colony is a delight
A large, resident pelican colony gathers at the northern end of Golden Beach each afternoon. They're completely relaxed around people and make for wonderful watching — and even better photos.
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Canberra Terrace has the best sunset in Caloundra
The lookout above Kings Beach delivers an unobstructed 270-degree view across the passage to Bribie Island. Arrive 20 minutes before sunset and you'll have one of the most beautiful moments of your trip.
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