• Understand
• Get around
• Do
• Buy
• Drink
• Contact
• Stay safe
• Get out

Caloundra is a city on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Slightly more laid-back than its neighbours Coolum and Noosa, Caloundra still retains a slightly "old-fashioned" air.

[edit] Understand

Caloundra's suburbs are in fact a number of different beaches, each with a slightly different local character. Among these are Golden Beach, Moffatt Beach, Dickie Beach and King's Beach.

[edit] Get in

The easiest way into Caloundra is by road from either the south (Brisbane) or the north (the rest of the coast).

[edit] By car

Following the highway north from Brisbane for approximately two hours (depending on traffic) will get you to Caloundra. Be aware that the Sunshine Coast is a popular weekend getaway for Brisbanites, so expect a slightly longer drive on a Friday afternoon. You will also have to pay the toll on the Gateway Bridge as you leave south Brisbane.

[edit] By bus

Regular bus services run from Brisbane to Caloundra. The bus terminal is located near King's Beach.

[edit] By train

The nearest train station is located at Landsborough in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, from there a connecting Sunbus service operates into Caloundra.

[edit] By boat

[edit] Get around

For a comparatively small city in population terms, Caloundra takes in a surprisingly large area, much of which is quite hilly. Unless all you want to do or see is close to your accommodation (which is unlikely), a car will probably come in handy.

[edit] See

[edit] Beaches

The major attraction of Caloundra is the beaches, some of the state's best. These include:

• King's beach, the main patrolled surf beach, even has a webcam.
• Bulcock beach, popular with families, but beware of the strong current along Pumistone passage. Bulcock beach also features a lovely boardwalk with bars and restaurants and also some very popular fishing spots.
• Moffatt beach.
• Golden beach, popular with windsurfers. You will find a number of hire places offering kayaks, surf-ski's sail-boards, Hobie-cats, fishing dinghy's and pontoons.
• Dickie beach, popular with families and adjoins a caravan park.
• Shelly beach, popular for picnics and exploring the rock pools.

[edit] Horse Racing

170 Pierce Avenue, (07) 5491 6788 [1] Racing every Sunday

[edit] Do

All beach-related activities are more than well catered for.

Play golf at Caloundra golf course.

Go Tandem Skydiving with Sunshine Coast Skydivers

Hire a a luxurious pontoon boat and enjoy the delights of the Pumicestone Passage. Bill's Boat Hire, 2 The Esplanade, Golden Beach, Phone: (07) 5492 2008

Take an eco-explorer tour of Pumicestone Marine Park aboard the "African Queen" Caloundra Cruise

[edit] Buy

While there are no traditional "tourist purchases" to make, there are a number of shops stocking books and suchlike which are often worth a browse.

[edit] Eat

As befits a seaside town, seafood is very popular and there are many fish and chip shops around. For the sweet tooth, the Gelateria Milano is highly-regarded in the southeast of Queensland and is actually run by Italians, unlike many other gelato shops.

[edit] Budget

Parkside Eatery Golden Beach, Shop 3, 54 Landsborough Parade, Golden Beach, Caloundra (07) 5492 3737 serving delicious home cooked meals, snacks, fine coffee and take away treats. Visit today for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner or anytime in between.

[edit] Mid-range

[edit] Splurge

[edit] Drink

• Caloundra RSL, 19 West Terrace, Caloundra, Phone: (07) 5491 1544.

Winner Queensland Club of the Year for the 4th time (Clubs Queensland Awards) Winner Best Food Venue in Queensland for the 5th time (Clubs Queensland Awards)

[edit] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Caloundra City Backpackers, 84 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra (07) 5499 7655, [2] dorm $18.00, twin (2 persons, 2 single beds) $42.00/room, double (double bed + ensuite) $52.00/room

[edit] Mid-range

• Rydges Oasis Resort Caloundra, Landsborough Parade Golden Beach, ph 1300 857 922, [3]. Provides guests with a variety of accommodation ranging from Hotel Spa Rooms to Self Contained Apartments and Villas. Rydges Oasis Resort is located on the southern tip of Queensland Sunshine Coast at Caloundra. Rydges Hotels and Resorts is an Austrailian owned and operated company.

• Shearwater Resort, [4].

[edit] Splurge

[edit] Contact

[edit] Stay safe

The usual precautions against theft in a developed nation should be taken. As always in coastal Australia, remember to swim between the flags - namely the red-and-yellow flags erected by the surf lifesavers each day. Between those flags is the safest part of the beach. It may be more crowded, but the risk to life otherwise is considerable. Lifesavers are also often annoyed at having to rescue tourists not following those instructions.

[edit] Get out

Caloundra can serve as a base from which to visit Australia Zoo [5] run by "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin. The spectacular Glass House Mountains are also nearby.