Find seaside fun and plenty of smiles at Caloundra



Standing on the balcony in the soft morning light, looking over towards the Pacific Ocean’s bright blue water and white sand-edged Pumicestone Passage with the giant outlines of the Glass House Mountains in the distance, I wonder why I don’t come to Caloundra more often.

It only took us an hour to get here, instead of two hours to Noosa, and the place seems clean, fresh and bright.  On the walking track that winds along the sea front way below, I can see plenty of people out enjoying the sunshine, some with a sturdy walk and other on a light stroll.

When I hit the beach there’s a big smiley face waiting for me in the sand.  The locals are happy here or maybe they are just making fun of this town’s nickname ‘clowntown’.  It's a little unfair to call such a beautiful place anything other than gorgeous, but I’m being to think Caloundra is all about clowning around and just having fun.



Last night’s dinner at Tides Waterfront Dining , which is located upstairs on the corner of Minchinton Street and the Esplanade on Bulcock Beach was a dream chef’s tasting menu with a Noosa Spanner crab, avocado puree and spiced quinoa entrée followed by crispy pork with apple and fennel puree, seared scallop and a seafood croquette.  Dessert was a Belgium chocolate mousse with a cheese platter at the end. All was priced at $49 for food and an extra $20 for matching wine – excellent value in my book.

During the day the 270 degree views from the restaurant grab your attention says owner Michael Mulhearn.  Tides is Caloundra’s first Australian Good Food & Travel Guide One Hat restaurant.







I spent a very comfortable night at the five star Rumba Resort
which is located right on Bulcock Beach.  They call it a luxury hotel and I’m inclined to agree as I like the little lux touches of the Nespresso machine in the kitchen, the large spa in the ensuite and the free wi-fi – yes, I said free wi-fi.  That just about covers everyone doesn’t it?  Downstairs the two pools (one for littlies) look attractive and it’s really just a stroll to the restaurant and café strip for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  The room was perfectly kitted out with an ample kitchen so you could also make your own meals.




Caloundra has a beach for just about any wind direction, surfing for those with boards, placid shores for those who like smaller surf and a great play park for kids of all ages.

It’s just a great, all-round holiday destination!

Here’s what I saw –




For more information visit www.visitsunshinecoast.com.au/moments

Kerry Heaney

Disclaimer: Ed+bK visited and stayed at Caloundra with the support of Sunshine Coast Destination.