The Sunshine Coast has undergone such a cultural evolution over the years, and perhaps no area more so than Caloundra.
Far south enough that the drive is convenient for Brisbane visitors, but north enough that you feel like you’re really escaping into a sub-tropical paradise, Caloundra has that perfect kind of balance that you’re looking for in a holiday destination and now plays host to some of the Sunshine Coast’s hippest venues.
To bring you the best of Caloundra, we’ve teamed up with Jim Beam so you can make the most of summer and craft your ultimate coastal hit list with your crew.
Eat
White Picket Fence
Image Credit: White Picket Fence | Instagram
This colourful Caloundra cafe serves up delicious breakfast and lunch as well as tapas and cocktails in the evening, so feel free to hang out with your mates in the breezy surrounds all day long if you’re so inclined. We certainly do. Pop for a spot of shopping on the Esplanade in between meals, or cool off with a swim at nearby Bulcock Beach.
Aurenda
Aurenda Coffee Co at Kings Beach has the locals frothing with its top shelf brews. If you’re feeling peckish, a tasty range of brekky treats gives way to evening fare that is heavily Japanese-influenced, including real-deal yakitori and ramen, as well as small plates. Little ones have their own menu, too.
Lamkin Lane
Image Credit: Lamkin Lane | Instagram
If colourful, beautifully presented fare that jumps off the plate is your jam, then Lamkin Lane is the Caloundra cafe for you. Try such unique delicacies as the house-made shiitake potato rosti with beef phở, basil and burnt onion hollandaise, or a mouth-watering buttered croissant with truffle oil and soy milk mushroom and pickled ginger, just for something different.
Coffee Cat
Image Credit: Coffee Cat | Instagram
Coffee Cat, right on the golden sands of Kings Beach, has one of the most highly-coveted beachfront cafe views and you'd be remiss not to visit here with the whole gang. If you're a sweet lover, indulge in the decadent house-made choc chip waffles with Nutella or if savoury is more your thing, the big brekky has everything bar the kitchen sink, and the evening tapas menu is loaded with delights including the gochujang chicken wings.
The Pocket Espresso Bar
Tucked away at unassuming Moffat Beach, the Pocket Espresso Bar is a sweet surprise that’s well worth the trip, featuring a mix of healthy and indulgent dishes sure to satisfy the fussiest of groups. We dreamed about the crispy eggplant burger and smoked corn with miso butter for weeks.
Amici Restaurant
This lowkey Italian restaurant is a real slice of Naples in the heart of Caloundra. Order up classic pizzas or go gourmet for a night with flavour combinations like chicken and cranberry, pumpkin and pine nut, or hickory smoked pork with BBQ sauce. Of course, generous pastas and antipasti abound, as well as a separate menu for the bambini.
Tides Waterfront Restaurant
Boasting 180 degree views from the Pacific Ocean, along the Pumicestone Passage to sunsets over the Glasshouse Mountains, there is never a bad view at Tides Waterfront Restaurant. The menu champions local seafood, and keep it simple with an array of weekly dining specials that will save some serious coin. Tides is also stunning function and events space for your next special event.
Acqua Restaurant
Gorgeous venue with stunning waterfront views? Don’t mind if we do. The aptly-named Acqua Restaurant champions a modern Australian menu with a contemporary vibe. Think: beautifully aged, chargrilled steaks, fresh seafood, pressed lamb shoulder and a range of creamy pastas, washed down with a classy vino selection.
Sandbar
It doesn’t get much fresher than the seafood at Sandbar, smack bang on the Esplanade at Caloundra. Sandbar offers up all your classic fish and chippery deep-fried deliciousness, as well as fresh seafood and burgers, all at prices that won’t break the bank.
Drink
Drift Bar
The place to be for local craft beer, a round of icy Jim Beam and Cokes for your crew, live music, a great menu and waterfront views, Drift Bar is primely situated right on the Esplanade at Bulcock Beach. As well as all-day menus and premium coffee, craft beer and wine selections, they also do weddings, parties and everything. Versatility and views, what’s not to love?
Kings Beach Bar
Image Credit: Kings Beach Bar | Instagram
Classic beach bar tucker done just right and an extensive drinks menu are probably the two most important things you need to know about Kings Beach Bar. Offering up stunning views, crisp Jim Beam and Cokes for your crew, plus hearty dishes this modern, unpretentious restaurant has all the ingredients for a great night out (and a great brekky—and lunch.)
Moffat Beach Brewing Co.
Beach lovers unite at Moffat Beach Brewing Co., where you can enjoy a cold one with your toes practically in the sand. This award-winning brewery and restaurant is run with love by locals and has quickly become one of the most popular venues on the Sunshine Coast—one visit and you'll realise why.
Golden Beach Tavern
Golden Beach Tavern is the tropical escape you never knew you needed. Not just your everyday pub, there are 16 hotel rooms and a gigantic kids’ playground on site, making it a super convenient family destination. Dine on hearty pub grub and let the grommets get active in the sand pit while you kick back with a cold brew.
Your Mates Brewing Co.
Born on the Sunshine Coast in 2013, the Your Mates Brewing Co. was crafted by a community of mates, a search for the perfect bevvie and a celebration of everything great about Aussie culture. The original brewpub is located in Warana (only a short drive from Caloundra) and we think it's absolutely worth the drive with a loaded pub menu and regular live music.
Things To Do
Hit Kings Beach And Moffat Beach
Image Credit: Kings Beach | TEQ
Moffat Beach might just be the Sunny Coast’s best kept secret. This tree-lined gem is well known to locals but is still making its reputation amongst visitors. And with its golden sands, safe swimming and high quality nearby dining nearby, it’s unlikely to stay a secret for long.
The more popular Kings Beach features the Sunshine Coast’s only ocean pool, the Caloundra Mural Trail and pretty endless array of cafes, shops, restaurants and bars to play in, as well as a long stretch of sandy patrolled beach that kids and grown ups alike will love.
Go Market Shopping
Image Credit: Caloundra Twilight Markets | Instagram
Try visiting Caloundra and not coming back with an extra bag or two. There are goodies galore on offer, from the street shopping at the Esplanade, to a range of unique and exciting markets featuring locally made products, art, homewares, jewellery and slow fashion. Caloundra alone features the Caloundra Street Fair, held every Sunday morning, Caloundra Twilight Markets, on the last Friday evening of every month, and the Currimundi Twilight Markets, held on the third Friday evening of every month.
SUP In Pumicestone Passage
Image Credit: Paddleboarding | TEQ
The calm water of the Pumicestone Passage is the perfect spot for the fam to go stand-up paddleboarding. This kid-friendly activity is perfect for those clear sunny days when the water is twinkling, shouts of happy swimmers fill the air and the smells of fish and chips evoke an appetite. In good news, paddleboard hire won’t break the bank, either.
Walk The Coastal Boardwalk
Image Credit: Coastal Boardwalk | TEQ
The Caloundra Coastal Walk kicks off at the stunning Golden Beach and if you’re prepared to do the full 25km stretch, it’ll take you to Mooloolaba in the north. But of course, you can take in just the sections you want to, at your own pace. Trust us when we say, there aren’t many views like it in the world.
Looking for more? Check out the full list of Caloundra's best cafes.
This summer, Jim Beam is bringing the coastline to your coaster, popping up on the beachside with gigs, good times and community events in partnership with Surfing Australia. Check out more of Jim Beam events and summer happenings here.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Jim Beam. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.