Dicky Beach in the north is where beachgoers will see rusted remains of shipwreck
S.S.Dicky, which was forced onto shore by a cyclone and high seas in 1893.
Travelling south from Dicky Beach, visitors will discover the sleepy coastal village of Moffat Beach where a selection of cafes, fashion and homewares shops sits side by side overlooking the point. The headland at Moffat Beach is popular amongst the long-boarding fraternity. In ideal conditions it offers a long, right-hand break that is said to be one of the best on the east coast.
Around the headland to the south lies Shelly Beach, a perfect spot for those who love peering into rock pools and taking a closer look at aquatic life.
Around the Caloundra headland is Kings Beach, home of the Stunned Mullets, a tight-knit male swimming group that meets at daybreak every morning (even in winter) to body surf and ocean swim. Kings Beach is bordered by a leafy park with free barbecue facilities, aquatic playground for the kids and a ocean pool.
A hop, skip and a jump from Kings Beach along a beach boardwalk sits
Bulcock Beach, which is an all-time favourite beach destination for young families. This is where Pumicestone Passage spills into the ocean; kite surfers play in the wild winds in the river mouth, fishing enthusiasts cast off the boardwalk and surfers cruise the long breaks at Happy Valley (a great beginner surf spot). There is a fantastic selection of eateries along
Bulcock Beach, the quintessential fish and chips to fine dining options.
Golden Beach is protected by Bribie Island and is a water sport hub. On any given weekend and throughout school holidays the shores are lined with families picnicking while jumping on and off water skis and wake boards.
PATROLLED BEACHES ALL YEAR ROUND
Golden Beach, Bulcock Beach, Kings Beach, Dicky Beach, Currimundi, Wurtulla
Check out the local surf conditions
here
SECRETS ONLY A LOCAL WOULD KNOW
- If you like running or power walking, there is a superb scenic track that promises to get your heart pumping. Start at Moffat Beach, at the end of Seaview Terrace and follow the footpath south ascending to Moffat Headland alongside George Watson Park. Cruise past Shelly Beach, up and around Caloundra headland and down the hill into Kings Beach. If you’re breathing easy at this stage, continue on to Bulcock Beach and beyond.
- For a salty plunge, visit the surf pool at Kings Beach squeezed between the Kings Beach Surf Club and the South Pacific Ocean.
- Seek and you shall find wondrous sea creatures that spurt water in your face, crabs that scoot at the sight of their own shadow and fish that swim for cover at the rock pools at Shelly Beach.
- Learn to surf at Happy Valley, one of the best beginner waves on the Sunshine Coast.
- Shop in the fig-shaded commercial district along Bulcock Street.
- Eat out in one of the many restaurants, or take fish and chips down to the boardwalk.
- See what’s showing at the Caloundra Art Gallery, located five minutes' walk from the beach on Omrah Ave.
- Fish the current that flows past Bribie Island, a spot that has attracted fish and the anglers who pursue them for decades.
- Wonder at the wide blue sea from a beautiful bird’s-eye view. The cliff that skirts the headland between Shelley and Moffat beaches offers spectacular views of the ocean and beach. Start at McIlwraith Street, Moffat Beach and walk along the edge of the world along the Des Dwyer walkway toward Moffat Beach.
- Watch the kite surfers – the waters off Bulcock Beach are a favourite among advanced riders, so there’s some excellent action to be seen when the wind is out of the southeast.
- There's an extensive network of cycle tracks on the coast, but one of the best would have to be Caloundra’s coastal pathway. This breathtaking nine-kilometre stretch of newly constructed path includes a lighthouse, lakes, creeks and surf as it meanders along Caloundra’s beaches. Although the shared walk and cycle path runs from Point Cartwright in the north to Golden Beach in the south there are different sections for those who want to spread the fun out over several days. A full range of maps can be found at sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
TO MARKET TO MARKET
Caloundra Country and Farmers’ markets – held every Sunday – Central Park, Arthur Street, Caloundra