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.

About Caloundra

Discover Caloundra

The Ultimate Coastal Playground

HighlightsKings Beach · Bulcock Beach · Glass House Mountains · Caloundra HeadlandAreasCaloundra·Kings Beach·Moffat Beach·Shelly Beach·Dicky Beach·Golden Beach·Battery Hill·Currimundi

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.

Updated Aug 2026

Top Things to Do in Caloundra

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Amazing Scavenger Hunt: Caloundra On The Coast
1 / 6
Amazing Scavenger Hunt Caloundra On The Coast
3.0(5)
2h

Hey there, adventurers and explorers extraordinaire! Welcome to Let’s Roam—the undisputed champs of app-led sc

By Let's Roam
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Great for family and friends
1 / 9
Glasshouse Twister 90 min jet ski experience
5.0(100)
1h 30min

An hour’s drive north of Brisbane, enjoy this 1.5-hour jet ski tour departing from Caloundra on the Sunshine C

By Caloundra Jetski Hire and Safaris
From $375.00
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Sunshine Coast Jet ski Epic
1 / 10
Sunshine Coast Jet ski Epic
4.8(31)
4h

An hour’s drive north of Brisbane, enjoy this half day jet ski tour departing from Caloundra on the Sunshine C

By Caloundra Jetski Hire and Safaris
From $530.00
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Paddle in the aqua blue waters and enjoy some "you time".
1 / 7
Stand Up Paddle Board Rental in Sunshine Coast
5.0(8)
1h

Experience something amazing on this self guided experience. The Pumicestone Passage in Caloundra is like no o

By Bill's Boat Hire and Bike Hire
From $27.00
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Who It's For

Is Caloundra Right for You?

Caloundra is best suited to these types of travellers

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Families
The heritage-listed Kings Beach ocean pool, Pumicestone Passage kayaking, interactive foreshore water fountains, and patrolled beaches across seven distinct spots.
🐌
Slow Travellers & Retirees
A relaxed pace, the Caloundra Coastal Walk, the iconic ocean pool, and a welcoming community with excellent café culture. A genuinely unhurried holiday.
🤿
Watersports Enthusiasts
Kayaking, SUP boarding, boat hire, and jet skiing on the sheltered Pumicestone Passage. Golden Beach is a protected water sports playground.
💰
Budget-Conscious Travellers
Free entry to Kings Beach ocean pool, affordable holiday parks, plenty of park BBQs, and a packed list of no-cost coastal activities from beaches to lookouts.
Local Knowledge

💡 Insider Caloundra Tips

Local knowledge for a better trip

🏊
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.
🚤
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.
🐦
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.
🌅
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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