About Caloundra
Caloundra and the surrounding area are blessed with unbelievably spectacular scenery. From a choice of eight very different beaches with fascinating rock pools and clear Pacific waters, to lush rainforest, rolling green hills, splendid waterfalls, and intriguing mountains. From Pumicestone Passage to the Glasshouse Mountains to the unbroken miles of beaches between Currimundi and Alexandra Headland, there is a myriad of unsurpassed beauty.
As the southern gateway to the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra is located just over an hour from Brisbane, with the fabulous Hinterland only a half hour drive away.
If you are coming here for a holiday, there is nothing that you will want for.
From fabulous scenery, to a wide range of activities, beaches, shopping, medical facilities, local markets, cultural attractions, restaurants and clubs, there is something for everybody.
Our day time air temperature ranges from an average of 28.6 degrees Celsius in summer to an average 20.8 degrees in July. The night temperatures range from 21.3 degrees in summer to an average winter low of 9.3 degrees.
The water temperature is 26 degrees in summer and falls to 21 in the winter months. There is a growing number of local enthusiasts who swim in the ocean every day of the year.
As our many beaches are so different, the following summary will assist those who are looking to stay in Caloundra for the first time. They are in order from the south to the north.
Bulcock Beach
The closest beach to the Town Centre, and with so much to offer. A southern facing calm water beach ideal for swimming, fishing, boating and windsurfing, and with breath taking views across to Golden Beach, Bribie Island, the bar, and out to sea where there is always the container and cruise ships to watch. It has also become a very popular vantage point to watch the talented (or novice) kitesurfers, and the jet skis surfing the bar. The northern tip of Bulcock Beach is a favourite spot for surfboarders whilst the southern boardwalk is a favourite for the fisherman. The BBQ and picnic facilities are hidden in among the shady trees and the kid’s playground will keep them happy for ages. The beach is patrolled during the summer holiday season.
Currimundi Beach and Lake
This is an east facing beach with good beach breaks for surfers and bodyboarders and is patrolled during the summer months. The lake is also popular for small children, canoeing and fishing, with picnic areas and alfresco dining at the edge. There are also some great spots to jump off the rocks or ropes for the more adventurous. The Currimundi Environmental Park is on the northern side of the lake and provides walking trails through the native vegetation.
Dicky Beach
Great for swimming, surfing and beach fishing, and patrolled by the Dicky Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. This beach is named after the S.S. Dicky, which ran aground in 1893, who’s remains have only recently been removed from the beach. Facilities include electric BBQ’s , picnic tables, toilets, outdoor showers, children’s playground, skate park, and a good selection of take-a-way food shops nearby.
Golden Beach
A beautiful east facing calm water beach on Pumicestone Passage. Golden Beach is ideal for safe swimming, windsurfing, boating, canoeing and fishing. The picnic, playground, and BBQ areas are excellent. The beach area is patrolled during the summer and Easter holiday period.
Kings Beach
Caloundra’s most popular surf beach, which is also connected to Bulcock Beach by a boardwalk skirting the headland. Great for swimming, surfing, fishing, snorkelling and exploring the rock pools. Caloundra Council has spent many millions of dollars upgrading this whole area which now boasts an amphitheatre with regular free concerts, a very popular, interactive water fountain, children’s playground, great picnic areas, and a fabulous new 25m saltwater pool in front of the Surf Club on the beach. The views are spectacular; the food at the Surf Lifesaving Club is always good, as are the many local restaurants. The Headland coastal walk continues to Shelly Beach.
Moffat Beach
A spectacular section of coastline with a high headland, protected bay, the entrance to Tooway Creek and sweeping views north to Point Cartwright. The beach is not patrolled but is renowned among surfers for its excellent point break. The playground and picnic facilities are very popular and the alfresco dining creates a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Shelly Beach
A small picturesque beach, great for walking, exploring rock pools and picnics. The beach is not patrolled, but there are electric BBQ’s, tables, toilets and the great coastal walking track continues on to Moffat Beach.
Wurtulla / Bokarina / Warana / Buddina
From the northern side of Lake Currimundi, there is a continual stretch of eight kilometres of beautiful beaches leading up to the spectacular headland and lighthouse at Point Cartwright. The stretches at Wurtulla and Buddina are patrolled during the summer months.