Caloundra family-friendly travel guide

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About Caloundra

Caloundra is one of Queensland’s most popular family-friendly holiday destinations thanks to the variety of attractions and activities on offer for kids of all ages. Pair this with golden beaches, an array of water sports, an upcoming coffee shop and dining scene – including a very hip microbrewery – and it’s close access to other nearby town centres, and you’ve got an all-inclusive vacation winner. And the cherry on top? If you time your visit right, you can attend the Caloundra Music Festival, one of Queensland’s biggest, best-loved annual music events.

Unpack your family at a fantastic Caloundra accommodation, and enjoy fun-filled days under clear blue sunny skies, sandcastles optional.

Caloundra facts

State

QLD

Population

78,962 (2015)

Time zone

GMT+10

Landmass

1,093 km²

Currency

Australian dollar (AUD)

Emergency number

000

Helpful information

Where to go

Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo is the legacy of a true Australian icon, Steve Irwin. Now owned by his widow, Terri Irwin, the zoo is a massive 40 hectares and boasts a variety of wildlife shows where you can meet many of the animals personally, plus hand feed the kangaroos, wallabies and Kids Zoo animals.

Big Kart Track

Unleash some adrenaline at Big Kart Track, Australia’s largest commercial go-kart track. Although adults race here (the go-karts can go up to 70 kilometres per hour!), it is a great day out for the young ones too who can quench their need for speed on the Kids Track, which is open to children over the age of seven to drive their own kart, or for those as young as three to tag along in tandem.

Kings Beach Park

The Sunshine Coast’s string of beaches all offer a different vibe. Kings Beach Park includes an amphitheatre with a stage that hosts a variety of events, covered barbecue areas and children’s playground. A large plaza with a giant fountain playground leads to a stunning surf beach that is patrolled every day of the year. Enjoy a beachfront swimming pool equipped with shade sails, 25-metre seawater lap pool, children’s swimming pool and wading area with disabled access.

Best time to go to Caloundra

Caloundra is a little humid, but boasts beautiful warm days most of the year. A visit in the spring time still delivers lovely maximum average heights of around 22 degrees Celsius, but with much less chance of rain!

Summer

During summer months, the average maximum temperature is around 27 degrees Celsius.

Autumn

During autumn months, the average maximum temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius.

Winter

During winter months, the average maximum temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius.

Spring

During spring months, the average maximum temperature is around 23 degrees Celsius.

Getting in and around for families

Drive

The drive to Caloundra is just over an hour from Brisbane, where you can fly directly into its international airport. Alternatively, the Sunshine Coast Airport is only half an hour south of Caloundra.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available around Caloundra.

Buses

Caloundra is fairly well connected by public transport. You can look up timetable information and routes here.

Food and drinks that kids will love

Australia’s warm climate and rich soil provide nutritious and tasty produce. Caloundra is home to many food establishments and markets, guaranteeing the family will be spoiled for choice. Sandbar Cafe is a local favourite, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner on the waterfront at Bullcock Beach.

Shopping

A variety of shopping spots are around Caloundra, each featuring an array of retail outlets and unique gifts. Caloundra Shopping Centre offers a range of events in addition to its shopping opportunities, while Centrepoint Plaza is an outdoor mall conveniently located a short walk from Caloundra Beach.

Customs

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated, but not expected in Australia.

What to wear

In warmer months, Caloundra really heats up. Make sure to pack thongs, singlets and swimmers to take to the beach. If visiting in winter, be sure to pack a few warmer layers as it still cools down in the evening.

Courtesy

Australia is renowned for its laid-back, egalitarian culture. By and large, friendliness is equated with good manners.

Electricity

Mains voltage in Australia is 230V AC, 50Hz. Use a three-pin adaptor (different to British three-pin adaptors).

Safety and health precautions

Health precautions

No special immunisations or vaccinations are required to visit Australia unless you have come from, or have visited, a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival. However, regulations and medical advice can change at short notice, so check with your doctor and the Australian Department of Health before you leave home.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Australian cities.

Safety

By and large, Caloundra is considered a safe destination, although still exercise regular safety precautions as you would at home.

Most photographed places

Kings Beach

If you want that quintessential Australian beach holiday photo, then look no further than Kings Beach. Located in Caloundra, this pristine spot is renowned for its spectacular beachfront offering great picnic and barbecue areas, kid-friendly waves, a saltwater ocean pool and general laid-back beach vibes. For the best vantage point, head up to the Caloundra Coastal Walk.

Caloundra Coastal Walk

Soak up the beauty of Caloundra by taking the scenic coastal walk. The entire length is 25 kilometres, starting at Golden Beach in the south, but if you have little legs with you just do it in sections at a leisurely pace. A lovely way to spend the afternoon and the perfect opportunity to snap a sunset photo.

Fish and chips at Bulcock Beach

Locals know that the Sandbar Café and Kiosk serves up some of the best fish and chips on the Sunshine Coast. Indulge in some beer-battered and crumbed barramundi with hand cut chips or market fish of the day with kipfler potato and bouillabaisse… yum! If you have family members that aren’t that crazy for seafood then there are desserts and burgers available as well. It’s the ideal spot to take that classic fish’n’chippie by the beach photo.