About Caloundra
Caloundra and the surrounding region are blessed with some of the Sunshine Coast’s most diverse and spectacular scenery. Visitors are spoilt for choice, with eight very different beaches offering everything from calm, sheltered waters to surf breaks, fascinating rock pools, and clear Pacific Ocean views. Beyond the coastline, the area unfolds into lush rainforest, rolling green hills, impressive waterfalls, and the striking peaks of the Glasshouse Mountains.
Stretching from the tranquil waters of Pumicestone Passage to the dramatic hinterland landscapes and the uninterrupted beaches between Currimundi and Alexandra Headland, Caloundra showcases the very best of coastal Queensland. As the southern gateway to the Sunshine Coast, it is conveniently located just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane, while the Hinterland is only 30 minutes away, making it an ideal base when choosing accommodation on the Sunshine Coast.
For holidaymakers, Caloundra offers everything you could need for a relaxed and rewarding stay. From pristine beaches and scenic walking tracks to shopping, medical facilities, local markets, cultural attractions, restaurants, and clubs, there is truly something for everyone.
The Sunshine Coast climate adds to its appeal year-round. Average daytime temperatures range from around 28.6°C in summer to a comfortable 20.8°C in July, with mild winter nights averaging a low of 9.3°C. Ocean temperatures sit at approximately 26°C in summer and around 21°C in winter, and many locals enjoy swimming in the ocean throughout the year.
As each of Caloundra’s beaches offers a different experience, the following guide will help first-time visitors understand what makes each location unique, listed from south to north.
Bulcock Beach
Bulcock Beach is the closest beach to Caloundra’s town centre and offers a variety of experiences. This south-facing, calm-water beach is ideal for swimming, fishing, boating, and windsurfing. It also provides breathtaking views across to Golden Beach, Bribie Island, and the shipping channels, where container ships and cruise liners are a constant point of interest.
The beach has become a popular spot to watch kitesurfers and jet skis navigating the bar, while the northern end attracts surfboard riders. The southern boardwalk is a favourite with anglers, and families appreciate the shaded picnic areas, BBQ facilities, and children’s playground. Bulcock Beach is patrolled during the summer holiday season.
Currimundi Beach and Lake
Currimundi Beach is an east-facing stretch of coastline known for its reliable beach breaks, making it popular with surfers and bodyboarders. The beach is patrolled during the summer months, providing added peace of mind for swimmers.
Adjacent to the beach, Currimundi Lake is especially popular with families. Its calm waters are well suited to young children, canoeing, and fishing, while the surrounding picnic areas and alfresco dining spots make it an ideal place to spend the day. For those seeking adventure, there are also rock and rope jumping areas nearby. The Currimundi Environmental Park on the northern side of the lake offers walking trails through native vegetation.
Dicky Beach
Dicky Beach is well known for swimming, surfing, and beach fishing and is patrolled by the Dicky Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. The beach takes its name from the S.S. Dicky, which ran aground in 1893, with its remains only recently removed.
Facilities at Dicky Beach are excellent and include electric BBQs, picnic tables, toilets, outdoor showers, a children’s playground, a skate park, and a variety of nearby takeaway food options, making it a popular choice for families and visitors.
Golden Beach
Golden Beach is a calm, east-facing beach located along the sheltered waters of Pumicestone Passage. It is particularly well suited to safe swimming, windsurfing, boating, canoeing, and fishing.
The beach features well-maintained picnic areas, playgrounds, and BBQ facilities and is patrolled during the summer and Easter holiday periods. Its relaxed atmosphere and protected waters make Golden Beach a favourite for families staying in Caloundra accommodation.
Kings Beach
Kings Beach is Caloundra’s most popular surf beach and is connected to Bulcock Beach via a scenic boardwalk that skirts the headland. It is ideal for swimming, surfing, fishing, snorkelling, and exploring rock pools.
The foreshore includes an amphitheatre hosting free concerts, an interactive water fountain, children’s playground, picnic areas, and a 25-metre saltwater pool located in front of the Surf Lifesaving Club. The views from Kings Beach are spectacular, and visitors are well catered for with quality dining options.
Moffat Beach
Moffat Beach is a stunning section of coastline featuring a high headland, a protected bay, and sweeping views north towards Point Cartwright.
While the beach is not patrolled, it is highly regarded among surfers for its excellent point break.
The playground and picnic facilities are popular with families, and the surrounding cafés and alfresco dining options create a relaxed yet cosmopolitan atmosphere, making Moffat Beach a favourite local spot.
Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach is a small, picturesque beach ideal for walking, picnics, and exploring rock pools. Although it is not patrolled, visitors can enjoy electric BBQs, picnic tables, toilets, and easy access to the coastal walking track that links Shelly Beach with Moffat Beach.
Wurtulla / Bokarina / Warana / Buddina
From the northern side of Lake Currimundi, an uninterrupted eight-kilometre stretch of beautiful coastline extends north through Wurtulla, Bokarina, Warana, and Buddina, leading to the dramatic headland and lighthouse at Point Cartwright. The beaches at Wurtulla and Buddina are patrolled during the summer months and offer long, open stretches of sand ideal for walking, swimming, and enjoying the Sunshine Coast lifestyle.
