Caloundra

… It’s full of surprises. From the friendliness of the locals, to the sweeping, uncrowded beaches that are only a short drive from the cool, refreshing hinterland. Relax and enjoy the best of both coastal and hinterland offerings.

Swim from white, sparkling beaches or dive into the sheltered waters of the Pumicestone Passage Marine Park. Bush walk in the magnificent Glass House Mountains and Blackall Range.

On the coast, take a surfing class, or try fly-fishing, wind surfing and kayaking. Or simply wind down, pottering about in boats.

Major attractions that all within easy reach include Australia Zoo, the Big Kart Track and Aussie World.

Caloundra is changing. Modern redevelopments include parklands and alfresco dining that blends into the Bulcock Beach, Dicky Beach and Kings Beach foreshore. Stroll from Golden Beach along the new coastal walk around Caloundra Headland to Kawana and north to Point Cartwright.

Wine and dine away from the hustle and bustle and relax with a more casual nightlife that includes intimate wine bars and vibrant cosmopolitan restaurants and cafes.

The verdant hinterland ranges provide the perfect year-round escape and the opportunities are endless. Perhaps a leisurely picnic in the countryside, a stroll through the art and craft shops, a game of tennis. Or be calmed with a soothing massage followed by a relaxing spa. If you’re feeling more energetic learn how to abseil or rock climb.

Caloundra is the southern gateway to the Sunshine Coast and is just one hour’s drive away from Brisbane city or airport and 30 min drive from the Sunshine Coast airport. Caloundra provides an ideal base from which to explore the region. For more information on where to stay and what to see and do visit: www.caloundratourism.com.au, or phone 1800 700 899 for a free copy of the Caloundra Holiday Guide.

Surprisingly beautiful
Pumicestone Passage Marine Park: Either by kayak or sunset cruise, experiencing the natural beauty of the Pumicestone Passage Marine Park at Golden Beach is a never-to-be-forgotten experience.
This tranquil sanctuary offers calm waters to swim, fish or go boating. You can even walk its shores along a coastal pathway that offers plenty of barbecue and picnic spots along the way.
The Passage has extensive mangroves and sea grasses and feeds into creeks and estuaries on its journey south from Caloundra to Moreton Bay. This stretch of water separates mainland Caloundra from Bribie Island and is home to more than 350 species of bird life, including pelicans, black swans and thousands of migratory terns.

Blue Water Kayak Tours provides a unique way to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of this region. This guided tour is relaxing and fun for all the family and offers a close up view of bird and wildlife, and the chance to take a stroll on Bribie Island. Single and double kayaks are available. For further information phone (07) 5494 7789 or visit http://www.bluewaterkayaktours.com/

Caloundra Cruise has a number of daily cruises of the Pumicestone Passage. Enjoy a morning cruise or take the riverboat to lunch at Pelican Waters Tavern. For something different enjoy a glass of fine Australian wine on the sunset cruise or join one of the spectacular eco cruises that head into the heart of the Pumicestone Marine Park. For further information phone (07) 5492 8280 or visit http://www.caloundracruise.com/

Glass House Mountains Tourist Drive: Spectacular mountain views and breathtaking bushwalking awaits. The Glass House Mountains are a series of steep-sided volcanic plugs that dominate the landscape of the Caloundra hinterland. They are formed of rhyolite and trachyte, lavas that hardened inside the vents of tertiary volcanoes that have been greatly reduced by about 25 million years of erosion. The mountains were first named the Glass Houses in 1770 by Captain James Cook and have become one of the premier tourist attractions in the region. For further information on walking trails visitors can contact the Maleny ranger’s office on (07) 5494 3983.

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve near Maleny offers 40 hectares of environmentally protected land filled with wildlife. A visitor centre provides guided tours and history of the local region. Fantastic views surround this popular picnic and barbecue area.

Surprisingly fun
Australia Zoo: Situated on the Glasshouse Mountains Tourist Route, the zoo is home to more than 550 animals and is open every day except Christmas Day from 8.30am to 4pm. Watch otters catch their own fish, have a photo taken with a giant python and check out the interactive Kids Zoo. Be sure to catch the highlight of the day when keepers demonstrate how crocodiles launch a strike from the water’s edge. See the show in the new 5000-seat Animal Planet crocoseum. For further information phone (07) 5494 1134 or visit http://www.crocodilehunter.com/

Aussie World: Get a lighthearted look at our great Australian culture at Aussie World and The Ettamogah Pub on the Bruce Highway. The kids will love playing mini golf, riding the dodgem cars and hurtling about in the Wild Mouse Rollercoaster Ride. Mums and Dads will enjoy the giant Ferris wheel and the chance to relive their younger days and the annual side show alley at the local show every year. With plenty of specialty stores displaying locally made arts and crafts, Aussie World and The Ettamogah Pub are open daily from 9am and admission is free. For further information phone (07) 5494 5444 or visit http://www.aussieworld.com.au/

Big Kart Track: Take a spin on the largest go-kart track in Australia at Big Kart Track on the Glasshouse Mountains Tourist Drive. Cruise around corners and push the pedal to the metal on the straights — and there’s a separate, slower track for children. Big Kart Track is also home to the Bungy Bullet, which will shoot you 50 metres into the air in one second at a speed of 4Gs. Admission is free. For further information phone (07) 5494 1613 or visit http://www.bigkart.com.au/

Fishing: The blue waters off Caloundra have a reputation for world-class sport fishing. This area has hooked a number of fly-fishing world records, including sailfish and longtail tuna over 20kg caught on light line.

Skydiving: See Caloundra, from the air. Sunshine Coast Skydivers offer visitors the ultimate skydiving experience, landing right on the beach at Caloundra seven days a week. With views stretching the whole of the coast, skydiving in Caloundra offers visitors a truly unforgettable experience and some of the best aerial coastline views in the world. Blues skies all year round. For further information visit http://www.jumpscs.com

Queensland Air Museum: Let your imagination fly high into the clouds inside the cockpit of a menacing jet fighter, perhaps a droning bomber or any one of more than 20 complete aircraft in one of Australia’s finest air museums, the Queensland Air Museum at Caloundra Airport. Walk among displays from around the world including bombers, helicopters and passenger aircraft and sense the adventure of flight in the early days of commercial aviation. The museum is open 7 days from 10am to 4pm and showcases aviation history dating back to World War Two and the early years of commercial flight. Coaches and other group visits are welcome by appointment. For further information phone (07) 5492 5930 or visit http://www.qam.com.au/

Surprisingly Gourmet
Dining in Caloundra is a food lover’s delight. Every table comes with a view and there are options to suit all budgets and palates. Choose from fresh off-the-boat seafood, authentic Asian, Greek and Italian cuisine or a juicy steak to satisfy even the biggest meat lover. The choice is yours and matching the diversity of what to eat, comes a surprising amount of dining options. Choose from luxurious and intimate fine dining to the award winning Caloundra RSL for good food and good company. Try Alfie’s on the Beach owned by NRL great Alfie Langer or Café Mediterranean, voted Queensland’s best café, both just some of the many options to relax and enjoy delicious meals and snacks.

Maleny Cheese: Discover mouth-watering taste sensations and see them being made. Mild cheeses on offer include brie, camembert and fetta. This award-winning business is open seven days a week 9am to 5pm not far from Tree Frog Gallery and Maleny Touchwood. For further information phone (07) 5494 2207 or visit http://www.malenycheese.com.au/

The Big Barrel Winery on the Landsborough-Maleny Road is part of a growing hinterland industry. Sample award-winning wines and take a tour of the facility. For further information phone (07) 5429 6300.

Maleny Dairies: From the cow to the bottle and everything in between, Maleny dairies offers visitors a milk experience so fresh you can pat the cow it came from. Tours of the dairy operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings by appointment. Call (07) 5494 2392 to make a booking, or visit http://www.malenydairies.com.au/

Colin James Fine Foods in Maple Street, Maleny, and Bulcock Street in Caloundra have won many awards. Try their rum and raisin and hazelnut roche ice creams, and delicious gourmet cheeses. Call (07) 5494 2860.

Surprisingly Cosmopolitan
Shopping: With something for everyone, Bulcock Street in the Caloundra CBD is your one-stop destination for everything you need. The tree-lined main street offers something for everyone. Casually browse through the many beautiful boutiques full of hidden fashion treasures and a broad range of surrounding retail outlets offer visitors fantastic bargains or that something special to remember your holiday. The Bulcock Street markets operate every Sunday morning with almost 100 stalls of local produce and unique art and craft.
Stockland Shopping Centre and Kawana Shoppingworld bring together a range of speciality and brand stores to complete all your shopping needs.

Arts & Culture: Art and culture abounds in Caloundra with the Caloundra Regional Art Gallery offering amazing works by established local and national artists.
The Walk of Stars stretches from the rock’n’roll theme restaurant Velvet Waters at the lower end of Bulcock Street to the top of the hill. This walk is a tribute to Australian music with commemorative plaques lining the main street.
Crafters and admirers alike will love nearby Maleny offering visitors a seemingly endless array of boutique gift, fine art and craft specialty stores. Cosy cafes allow visitors a day of relaxed browsing followed by a delectable afternoon tea.

Accommodation: A range of accommodation matches the diversity of what to see and do and includes boutique bed and breakfasts, cute cottages, budget backpackers, well positioned caravan parks, holiday homes, serviced resorts, self-contained apartments with ocean views to units within walking distance of the beach.

Events and Festivals: Annual events and festivals include the Maleny Wood Expo From Chainsaw to Fine Furniture, Jazz in the Park with virtuoso James Morrison, Queensland Mid-Amateur Golf Championships, Caloundra Triathlon and the thrills and spills of the Coates Rally Queensland Caloundra each June. The Sunshine Coast Turf Club offers the best regional racing program in the state at Corbould Park and regularly attracts a top field of horses, jockeys and trainers from around Australia and New Zealand.

For a complete list of events and dates visit www.caloundratourism.com.au.