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

This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island — Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

Laid-back luxury

The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

balcony view from room at The Sundays — Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

inside a room at The Sundays — Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Excellent activities and amenities

Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach — Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Delectable dining

What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .

Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays — Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island — Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Exploring the island

While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .

Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island — Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.