Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Caloundra

Caloundra used to be the Sunshine Coast’s quiet little sister. She’s no Noosa yet, but this southern (Sunshine Coast) belle is getting her groove on. You just have to know where to look.

1. Grab a Beachside Fish and Chips at the Sandbar Cafe & Kiosk

Snap up greasy takeaway beer-battered fish and chips (and maybe a crumbed garlic prawn or two) from the Sandbar’s kiosk, directly across from Bulcock Beach. Spread out on the tables under the giant pine trees across the road and drink in views across Pumicestone Passage to Bribie Island.

Sandbar Cafe & Kiosk, Caloundra QLD — Go for a meal in the cafe and get your fix of some of the freshest seafood in Caloundra.

If it’s a windy day, settle in at the licensed cafe for a slightly pricier but more refined dish such as the smoked Atlantic salmon and Hervey Bay scallop orecchiette pasta, served with pea puree. And maybe get a side of chilli salt and aioli hand-cut chips to treat yourself.

Address: 26 Esplanade, Bulcock Beach

2. Get your Adrenaline Fix with Caloundra Jet Ski

Ken Jeffreys takes the Bogan out of jet skiing with his tours along Pumicestone Passage. The Caloundra Jet Ski trips follow Bribie Island into Moreton Bay Marine Park where you’ll be floored by a rarely-seen aspect of the Glasshouse Mountains from your ‘ski.

It’s not just noisy splashing about either; Ken shares local legends and indigenous history with infectious enthusiasm. If you’re lucky, you may even spot dugongs and dolphins. No licence is required when you’re under the supervision of a qualified guide. If you have got a licence, then rent a jet ski, grab a map and get exploring.

3. Climb up to the top of the Caloundra Lighthouses

Caloundra Lighthouse QLD — Only $5 admission to walk up to the Caloundra Lighthouses (the oldest building in the town).

The best views of both Bribie Island and the Glasshouse Mountain is from the top of the Caloundra Lighthouses. One is the oldest building in the town and the area only costs you a fiver to get access to (when it’s open). Only opening every second and fourth Saturday of the month.

Both lighthouses are accessible to the public, with the newer having a more relaxed and lazy climb to it, and the 1896 building being a little more of a trek (and not for the faint-hearted). If you want a history lesson and a guided tour, it’ll cost you around $40 per person and it’s worth it.

Address: 8/10 Canberra Terrace, Kings Beach

4. Order a Coffee at Lamkin Lane Espresso Bar

Always drink where the locals do. In this case, that’s at funky espresso bar Lamkin Lane , which you’ll find on a cosy little laneway; a nice respite from the main drag, Bulcock Street.

There are single origins from Nicaragua, Brazil and beyond. The piccolo is recommended if that’s how you take it. The handful of outside tables and one communal one inside make for an intimate vibe.

There’s no big array of food options, but it’s all about the dark stuff; Lamkin Lane is in the mix for the best cup of coffee on the Sunshine Coast.

Address: 3 Lamkin Lane

5. It’s Smoothie Time at Coco Loco Club

Coco Loco Club Caloundra smoothie — Heat-beating treats with health credentials: Coco Loco Club, Caloundra.

If you had a hankering for a smoothie or fresh juice in the past here, it was best to traverse the few kilometres to Coco Loco Club, Moffat Beach. It’s all very Instagram-worthy: loud furniture, hanging plants, light and airy.

And a big bunch of bonus points go to these guys, grab one of their Coco Loco buckets, pick up some litter (like the good citizen you are) and hand it back in for a free cup of coffee.

The great taste generators here are the acai bowl (topped with granola, seasonal fruits, coconut flakes, chia seeds and honey) and The Fresh Prince (mango, kale, lime, ginger, mint and coconut water).

Address: 3 Roderick Street, Moffat Beach

6. Go Shopping for a Pressie at Villa Verde Living

Villa Verde drags a little bit of Noosa boutique shopping south. There are local and global selections of homewares, jewellery, knick-knacks and fashion with an overarching beach house aesthetic.
If you’re on holidays, you might ignore the cane furniture but there are plenty of things to spoil yourself with. Cute pair of Miz Mooz shoes anyone?

Address: Shop 1/10 Ormuz Avenue

7. Book a Room to Stay at the Rumba Beach Resort

Rumba Beach Resort Caloundra QLD — Relax by the pool at the Rumba Beach Resort in Caloundra.

There are a plethora of holiday lets in Caloundra but Rumba Beach Resort is the pick of the all-inclusive. Aim for a sea-facing one- or two-bedroom spa suite, which have long, flowing living spaces larger than you could ever need.

The low-key five-star resort is packed with the long-holiday essentials such as complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs (plural), iPod docks and Nespresso machines.

Overall it’s a compact family-friendly resort with a lot of pools to cool off in and an outdoor hot tub to do the opposite. It’s close to beach-front food options and off-street parking and bike hire are available.

Address: 10 Leeding Terrace

8. Clink Glasses over a Dinner at Amici Restaurant Pizzeria

This Caloundra locally-renowned Italian eatery, Amici Pizzeria is a treasure in the community. The drinks list is lengthy and the food tasty (an understatement), this is the perfect end to a Caloundra vacation. Order up a glass of La Vis Pinot Grigio, direct from Trentino in Italy and cheers.

The food menu has enough choices to last you a lifetime, so we recommend that you go along the motto ‘sharing is caring’ and try one of everything. Get a few gourmet pizzas, a couple of plates of pasta (might we suggest the linguine boscaiola?) and a plate of cured meats and marinated olives. Also, side note – they have an Oreo sundae and choc fudge caramel brownie on the dessert menu. Now that’s amore.

Address: 16 Bulcock Street

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

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