Local’s guide to Caloundra and the southern Sunshine Coast

Craving sand between your toes and the peace of a slower pace? Don’t just escape to the coast, know the coast—and lap up all the reasons locals love the southern Sunshine Coast town of Caloundra.

From the best coffee haunts, hidden beaches, best bars and B&Bs, tap into this gorgeous coastal town’s laid-back lifestyle; this is your local’s guide to Caloundra.

Eat

There’s only one word for Caloundra’s dining scene: booming. This once sleepy hamlet of the Sunshine Coast now boasts cafes and restaurants on almost every corner. And they’re good. Really good.

Both the Esplanade and Bulcock Street off Bulcock Beach have a wealth of dining options all day long.

For a breakfast to linger over, make your way to Lamkin Lane Cafe to find one of the Sunshine Coast's most enticing all day menus, with seasonal goodies including black forest rice pudding, Vietnamese reuben sandwhiches, and avocado toast loaded with hummus, edamame and chilli oil. If caffeine with a side of indulgence is your thing (poached pineapple and thyme pancakes, anyone?) White Picket Fence is just the place to get your fill first thing. 

Hello Harry’s burgers are a Sunshine Coast institution, and its outpost along the esplanade is no different. Tuck in to American-style burgers, French fries, chicken wings and thick shakes for a meal with views to die for.

Drift Bar dishes up the best steak and live music combo going, Kings Beach Tavern is a local's haunt for pub classics and meal specials, while Amici is a sleek but casual pizzeria that also offers a range of traditional pastas to be enjoyed in the main dining room or breezy terrace. For something a bit special, Tides Waterfront Dining offers sweeping views and some of the best seafood on the coast.

Drink

Find yourself at Moffatt Beach with a killer coffee craving? One Block Back is (literally) just a block back from the beach, serving locally-roasted coffee and a small but mighty menu of breakfast dishes and light meals.

For drinks with a view, Coffee Cat on Kings Beach steals the best ocean scenery going—and has plenty of shady outdoor seating for when those blistering summer days get too much. Its location might only be rivalled by Pavilion Kiosk, which sits right by Kings Beach saltwater pool .

Do as the morning walkers do and pitstop at Aurenda Coffee Co on Kings Beach Headland, which slings coffees from 5am daily. You'll also find some of the best coffee on the Sunshine Coast at Slide Coffee House, tucked just off Bulcock St - their roastery is located just a little further north in Coolum, so you're guaranteed the freshest cuppa. 

When it's time to switch to something a little stronger, pull up at one of the outdoor picnic tables at Kings Beach Bar as the sun sets for crazy beautiful views of the ocean and a cocktail or two. Or, wander over to Moffat Beach Brewing to nab an alfresco table with live music every Friday - Sunday, and locally brewed beers perfect for a beach escape.

For a chance to chat with local makers, head to Beachtree Distilling Co - Caloundra's first and only distillery - for a behind the scenes tour and tasting. Having only opened in 2021, the team has already won glory at the World Gin Awards for the signature berry Organic Quokka Gin.

Stay

Surrounded by beaches and with the majestic Glass House Mountains in the distance, it’s hard for Caloundra accommodation to not have views.

For breathtaking vistas across Pumicestone Passage, Rumba Beach Resort on Golden Beach is an award-winning boutique option when looking for luxury accommodation in Caloundra. Equally, the Waterford Prestige Apartments steal commanding views of Bulcock Beach and passage – hard not to when you’re mere metres from the sand – and offers a variety of self-service apartments to boot.

Rolling Surf Resort lays claim to being the area's closest resort to the ocean, situated right on Kings Beach. For a little extra room, book a one, two, or three bedroom apartment at Aspect Caloundra - there's a full size tennis court, pools and spa, BBQ facilities and more to keep the family entertained.

Caravanners and campers can kick back at Dicky Beach Holiday Park which sits just steps from the sand, while families with active kids should look to Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort which boasts its own water park and is moments from Golden Beach. 

Play

Morning strolls don’t come more picturesque than along the Caloundra Coastal Walk. Depending on your fitness levels (or your inclination), this 25km walking track hugs the coastline from Golden Beach in the south to Mooloolaba in the north.

Dicky’s, Moffatt, Happy Valley, Shelly, Bulcock, Kings; Caloundra’s beaches are a who’s who of world-class beaches. Caloundra is blessed with both surf and shelter, making it haven for surfers and young families alike.If you're travelling with pups, Moffatt Beach and Shelley Beach offer dog-friendly areas to run off that energy. 

Caloundra’s beaches are some of the best on the Sunshine Coast, but when the sand and the surf is a bit much, especially for the little ones, heads to the saltwater tidal pool at Kings Beach. Get there early to nab one of the umbrellas overlooking the ocean.

For a change of pace, immerse yourself in the region’s incredible flora and fauna by heading inland to Currimundi Lake Conservation Park. Take a walk along one of the peaceful walking tracks, kayak or SUP along the lake’s edge, or spot the incredible array of native wildlife along the lake lookout point.

To ramp things up, the Sunshine Coast’s big three attractions, Australia Zoo, Aussie World and Big Kart Track, are all within short driving distance from the town centre.

Art buffs won’t be missing out either; just a few blocks back from Bulcock Beach, Caloundra Regional Art Gallery showcases local artists from around the region, as well as displaying the finalist entries of the prestigious Sunshine Coast Art Prize each year. But you can also admire some creative corners with a stroll around town thanks to local street artists. 

Want to take a bit of Caloundra home with you? Local artisans and stallholders pop up at both the Twilight Markets and Caloundra Street Fair, where you can get your hands on beautiful handcrafted pieces for your home, fresh produce and a decent feed. 

Film fanatics will feel equally at home in Caloundra’s retro-style cinema. Settle in with a classic movie and a bucket of popcorn for peak escapism.

Keen to explore the water? Caloundra Jet Ski lets you traverse the tranquil waters of the gorgeous 35km-long Pumicestone Passage adjacent to Bribie Island. Jet solo or as a duo and tag along on a tour; the guides are all locals and know more than a thing or two about this stunning stretch or water. Longer tours can even explore the Moreton Bay Marine Park more deeply, home to dugongs and migratory shorebirds from the northern hemisphere, for serious holiday memories in the making.

Fishing fanatics are also well catered for; throw a line in along the boardwalk (the guardrails come fitted with rod holders, and even bait-cutting boards and taps), or hit Bill’s Boat Hire in Golden Beach for the freedom of your own fishing vessel.

Ready to pack your bags? Discover the secret to a weekend in Caloundra, and add a few of these different things to do on the Sunshine Coast.