If you’re seeking a sunny sojourn somewhere special this year, Caloundra needs to go to the top of your list. Picture this: golden beaches fringed by rugged million-year-old mountain ranges, street art-covered laneways encasing a vibing culinary scene and bucket list-worthy adventures aplenty. Honestly, it’s not hard to see why this gem was voted Queensland’s must-do holiday destination at the 2023 Top Tourism Town Awards.
Nestled on the Sunshine Coast, just over an hour's drive north of Brisbane, this playground by the sea is the ultimate getaway for young families and groups of mates alike. Book in your annual leave, gather your favourite travel buddies and prepare to make lifelong mems.
With some help from Visit Caloundra here is your guide to all the best things to do in Caloundra.
Hit The Caloundra Street Fair
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in a region than by sampling their fresher than fresh produce at the local market— fortunately, Caloundra has loads of them for you to meander through. Start with the Caloundra Street Fair held every Sunday morning from 8am. Peruse over 120 stalls selling locally made homewares and fashion, then fill up on international eats from the food trucks.
Stay Up For The Twilight Markets
When the sun dips behind the mountains, head to Caloundra Twilight Market (held on the last Friday of the month) and Currimundi Lake Twilight Market (held on the third Friday of every month), where you’ll find food stalls serving tasty eats, plus locally made art and live tunes.
Wander Along Caloundra Art Trail
Venture beyond the sand at this playground by the sea and you’ll uncover a different side to Caloundra. The region is home to a vibrant art scene with a Mural Trail well worth your time. Capturing Caloundra’s quirky history and cultural identity, you’ll find large-scale street art covering the laneways—meander down Lamkin Lane and Dingle Ave for some of our faves.
Hit The Gallery
Round out your stroll with a visit to the Caloundra Regional Gallery. Housed in a converted 1970s building, this history-soaked spot features an ever-changing program of local and national artist’s works.
Cruise Along Pumicestone Passage
35km channel of sparkling water, Pumicestone Passage is a natural beauty where you can kayak, jet ski and paddle board alongside dolphins, turtles and dugongs. It’s also an epic place for a spot of fishing and stunning spot to hire a BBQ pontoon boat, pack a picnic and cruise on. 
Float Away Your Worries
Is it even a visit to Caloundra without a soak at the iconic Kings Beach ocean pool? Watch the waves thrash against the rocks while you bliss out.
Go Above With Ocean View Helicopters
If you’re the kind of person whose curiosity guides you to new adventures, then you might prefer to discover Caloundra from above. Take to the skies with Ocean View Helicopters and cruise along the coastline, zipping up and over the enchanting Glasshouse Mountains and soaring over neighbouring K’gari.
Hit The Mountain Bike Tracks
Swap the family car for two wheelers with an adrenaline-pumping mountain bike ride. Caloundra is home to the iconic Sugar Bag Road Bike Trail, which boasts a labyrinth of tracks featuring rocks, drops, bridges and jumps for novices to experienced riders.
Recuperate At Big4 Caloundra
For family holidays to group getaways with your mates, you’re onto a winner at Big4 Caloundra. The perfect place to base yourself enjoy luxury villas to powered campsites alongside a lagoon-style pool, two waterslides, pizza and coffee vans, a camp kitchen and a pedal kart track.
Take A Break At Rumba Beach Resort
If you’re looking for something luxe, then check into Rumba Beach Resort. The five-star resort’s location is incredible—just steps from the sparkling azure waters of Pumicestone Passage with the Glass House Mountains rising up behind it, no matter which room you get, you’re guaranteed 11/10 views.
Stock Up At The Pastry Lab
Melt-in-your-mouth flaky treats await at The Pastry Lab. The family-run bakery creates moreish works of art. From lemon basil tarts and liquid chocolate centre cakes to twice-baked almond croissants and cruffins—the hardest part will be deciding what to order.
Sip At Coffee Cat On Kings
If you’re looking for one of the smoothest brews in Caloundra, make tracks to Coffee Cat on Kings. Slinging cups of the good stuff daily, here you can sip your morning cuppa while soaking up uninterrupted views of Kings Beach and on Friday and Saturday nights cocktails and live music.
Explore White Picket Fence
File White Picket Fence Cafe under Caloundra’s best brunch spots immediately. Housed in a former nursery, the arched windows and breezy interior set the scene for a seriously delicious experience. Think: unique dishes like spiced prawn po’ boys washed down with a caramel espresso martini.
Nibble Into More Pastries At Cafe Sisily
Craving more pastries? Nestled just one block back from the beach, transport yourself to Italy with a visit to Cafe Sisily. Tuck into authentic Italian treats like tiramisu and our fave, the Sisily (a vanilla shortbread tart filled with Nutella and house-made jam).
Taste Experimental Flavours At One Block Back
Housed in a fully solar-powered warehouse, One Block Back is the epitome of brunch goals. Nestled among the greenery, feast on mouth-watering eats like Korean fried chicken burgers, local snapper croquettes and okonomiyaki. Pro tip: pair your meal with their classic Bloody Mary for total holiday vibes.
Sip And Soak Along The Beach At Moffat Beach Brewing Co.
If you’re looking for one of the best breweries in the region, Moffat Beach Brewing Co. is it. There are 20 tasty drops on tap to try (including limited releases only available in the taproom), so order a tasting paddle and sample as many as you can. Plus, if you love your liquid gold, book for a brewery tour to learn about the brewing process.
Ready to plan your next adventure to the playground by the sea? Uncover more of the colours Caloundra on offer here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Visit Caloundra And Visit Sunshine Coast and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Supplied.