Destination Guides > Australia > Queensland > Sunshine Coast > Caloundra
Caloundra
Caloundra is an unsophisticated town, 96km north of Brisbane that sits on a tropical headland rich in fruit and vegetable farms. It is a well known holiday destination due to its excellent year-round climate and sandy beaches with good surf. It appeals to all ages, and is popular with families as well as independent travellers. Fishing is good here in the calm waters around Pumicestone Channel and off the jetty at Golden Beach, and there are several companies offering daily fishing trips. Snorkelling is also good in these calmer areas, especially off King’s Beach.
Some other activities in the area are also worth visiting. Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, although pricey, is a great place to see crocodiles and other wildlife. It is just off the highway before town, at the same turnoff for the spectacular Glass House Mountains. These are an ever-popular excursion with backpackers for the beautiful views and great opportunity for hiking. The Big Pineapple is the third big sight here, which is one of Australia’s famed Big Things, as well as being a fully functional pineapple and macadamia nut plantation.
Caloundra itself doesn’t have much to offer otherwise. People come here for the water sports and fishing; some also come for skydiving and flying lessons. The town is basically just a long strip of shops surrounded by suburban homes, with a few good cafés and cheap food. It is a business centre at heart, with a small-town feel and a barely blossoming tourist base.
Practical Information
Caloundra Tourism
7 Caloundra Road, Caloundra
Bus 600, 601, 602, 605, 607, 609
Tel (07) 5491 9233 or 1800 644 969
Website www.caloundratourism.com.au
Open 9am-5pm daily
Coming & Going
Translink bus route 605 connects Caloundra with Landsborough Station, route 602 goes to Nambour station via Maroochydore and routes 600 and 607 go up to coast to Maroochydore via Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headland.
Accommodation
Caloundra City Backpackers
84 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra
Bus 600, 601, 602, 605, 607, 609
Tel (07) 5499 7655
Sights & Activities
Kayaking
Blue Water Kayak Tours (tel (07) 5494 7789) run kayaking trips to Pumicestone Passage and Moreton Bay Marine Park that allow you to paddle over to secluded beaches on Bribie Island. Half day tours cost $65 and full day tours are $130.
Queensland Air Museum
This aviation museum at Caloundra Aerodrome has around 40 historic aircraft.
Pathfinder Drive, Caloundra Aerodrome, Caloundra
Tel (07) 5492 5930
Website www.qam.com.au
Admission $9
Open 10am-4pm daily
Sky Diving
Caloundra is a great spot for skydiving and it is one of the very few places where you can have a beach landing. Most people jump from 12,000ft, which gives you 45 seconds of freefall, but you also have the option of a jump from 14,000ft with 60 seconds freefall or the budget option from 6,000ft with only 10 seconds freefall.
Pathfinder Drive, Caloundra Aerodrome, Caloundra
Tel 0500 522 533
Website www.scskydivers.com
12000ft tandem skydive $314; 14000ft tandem skydive $339
