5 reasons to visit Caloundra for your next getaway

By Ashleigh Howarth

Just like in real estate, “location, location, location” can make or break a holiday, and when I’m craving a getaway that truly resets the soul, there’s one spot that never fails me.

Surrounded by five (yes count them - five!) beaches on the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra is the perfect blend of comfy accommodation, slow mornings, salty swims, scenic strolls, delectable dining, boutique shopping, and a hint of adventure.

Here are five reasons why Caloundra is one of my all-time favourite destinations to visit.

Comfortable accommodation to rest your head

With so many places to stay right by the water, Caloundra makes holiday life wonderfully easy.

There’s no need to haul your beach cabana or tote bags overflowing with towels, sunscreen, hats, thongs, water bottles, snacks, buckets, and spades very far because everything is just a short wander away.

My go-to hotel is Rumba Beach Resort, and for good reason. The spacious beachside apartments, two heated pools, one blissfully hot spa, and onsite bar serving complimentary coffee and muffins in the morning and tantalising cocktails during happy hour make it an absolute dream from sunrise to sundown.

There are different types of apartment accommodations to suit all budgets including one, two, and three bedrooms.

All Resort Spa Suites include movies on-demand, a two-person spa, a fully equipped kitchen, free Wi-Fi and, most importantly, plenty of space to unwind. That’s a must for me on a girls’ trip with mum; we love spending time together, but we also appreciate having room to spread out and enjoy a little personal space.

Our two-bedroom apartment had a balcony overlooking the pool, which was perfect for scoping out how busy it was before we slipped down for multiple dips throughout the day. It also an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the cool sea breeze while enjoying our homemade charcuterie-board for lunch.

A standout feature in one of the pools are the glass windows that looks straight down into the restaurant below, adding a wow factor as swimmers feel like they’re floating above the dining area while diners enjoy the unexpected, entertaining view.

If the beach is more your vibe, a few short steps past the resort pools and down the stairs to the esplanade brings you straight out to beautiful Bulcock Beach, where calm, glassy waters make it the perfect spot for both kids and adults to swim, splash, and play.

The resort also overlooks the Pumicestone Passage, with the iconic Glass House Mountains rising in the distance, which if you haven’t seen, are one of the most serene views you will find on the Sunshine Coast.

Beautiful surrounds and multiple swimming options

No matter where I am - at home or away - I love beginning my morning with a long walk. But the views in Caloundra take that routine to another level entirely.

There’s a world of difference between wandering past the same familiar streets every day and strolling along a stunning coastline with the sun warming your shoulders, waves thundering onto the sand, seagulls circling overhead, and the scent of fresh coffee and hot chips drifting in the breeze. That, to me, is pure bliss.

In Caloundra, I never mind rising early because it means I can wander down to Kings Beach along the spectacular 1.6km (one-way) section of the Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway. The standout feature of this route is the boardwalk that links Bulcock Beach to Kings Beach. It hugs the cliffs, providing uninterrupted views across the Pumicestone Passage, out to Bribie and Moreton Islands, and over the ocean where surfers carve through waves and giant cargo ships glide toward open waters.

The pathway is flat, easy-going, and enjoyable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Once you arrive at Kings Beach, you’re greeted by the ocean with various shades of blue and playful waves perfect for jumping and boogie boarding. If you prefer something calmer, the Kings Beach Ocean Pool, positioned on the rocks at the northern end, is ideal. This 25m seawater pool includes a wading area, disabled access, a children’s splash zone, and is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months.

There are also several cafés along the route, making it easy to grab a refreshing drink or a quick bite.

Caloundra truly spoils visitors, with five beautiful beaches located within just ten minutes of Rumba Beach Resort. These include Bulcock Beach, Kings Beach, Golden Beach, Moffat Beach, and Dicky Beach.

Pair that with the resort’s two pools and spa, and you’ve got endless options for a relaxing swim or sun-soaked afternoon.

A delectable smorgasbord of restaurants on your doorstep

One of the greatest perks of staying at Rumba Beach Resort is just how convenient everything is. With a fantastic array of cafés, restaurants and bars lining the waterfront, the toughest decision you’ll face each day is simply choosing what to eat next.

And with so many mouthwatering options mere moments away, it’s easy to turn every meal into part of the holiday experience.

It would be criminal not to sample the local fish and chip shop on any beachside holiday, and when a craving hit for a perfectly crumbed piece of cod, a generous pile of chips smothered in chicken salt, or fresh seafood like calamari, sea scallops, or prawn cutlets, Beachview Seafoods was well worth a visit.

For something more elevated, Tides Waterfront Dining serves a refined modern Australian menu paired with unbeatable views across the water, while The Coffee Club offers its full all-day menu for those who love familiar favourites at any hour.

Hog’s Breath caters to hearty appetites with its famous 18-hour slow-cooked prime rib steak and signature curly fries, and Greedy Gringo delivers a lively Mexican feast bursting with colour and flavour.

If you’re in the mood for burgers, Hello Harry’s juicy gourmet creations never disappoint.

Acqua Restaurant and Bar blend Mediterranean cuisine with Australian influences for a fresh, modern dining experience, and Indiyum Indian Restaurant brings a vibrant mix of bold spices and authentic flavours to the table.

For pizza lovers, Tredici Woodfired Pizza Bar and Restaurant fills the air with the irresistible aroma of handcrafted woodfired creations.

And of course, no coastal holiday is complete without something sweet. Rumba Gelato offers classic and beloved flavours perfect for cooling down after a day in the sun, while 50 Acres Gelato specialises in creatively crafted scoops that will tempt even the most disciplined dessert-lover.

There are of course plenty more incredible eateries up on and around Bulcock Street which you will uncover during your little shopping adventure.

It’s a shopper’s paradise

A visit to Caloundra isn’t complete without spending some time wandering along Bulcock Street, the beating heart of the town’s boutique shopping scene.

The street is lined with an eclectic mix of coastal-inspired homewares stores, fashion boutiques, artisan gift shops, gourmet food spots, and relaxed cafés, perfect for a leisurely browse between beach adventures, plus some pretty flashy art installations and murals which make the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram reel or story.

If supporting local artisans is more your style, the Caloundra Street Fair is a must-visit. Held every Sunday from 8am-1pm, it features more than 120 unique stalls, offering everything from handmade crafts and jewellery to fresh produce and gourmet treats.

For a different vibe, the Caloundra Twilight Market takes place on the last Friday of each month from 5pm-9pm, with a vibrant mix of food and artisan stalls that make for a lively evening of shopping, snacking, and exploring.

Adventure awaits with a number of major attractions close by

Staying at Caloundra there’s plenty of amazing family-friendly activities to enhance your holiday!

Families and thrill-seekers can spend a full day enjoying the rides and entertainment at Aussie World, or feel the adrenaline rush while racing around the Big Kart Track.

Wildlife lovers will be captivated by the world-famous Australia Zoo, home of the late Steve Irwin, or can get up close to marine life at Sea Life Sunshine Coast, featuring immersive exhibits and interactive touch pools.

For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, a Caloundra cruise offers stunning coastal views and the chance to spot dolphins and seabirds, while Pelican Waters Golf Club provides a scenic 18-hole course set against the backdrop of the Pumicestone Passage.

Don’t miss The Ginger Factory, where you can tour the ginger gardens, sample fresh treats, and browse unique gifts.

Add in the vibrant weekend markets and local events, and you’ve got an endless array of experiences to enjoy.

*I stayed as a paying guest at Rumba Beach Resort, and this blog was inspired by my wonderful three-night, four-day stay.

Photographs are my own, except for the koala image.