Go Coastal: The Best Things to Do in Sunny Caloundra

The Sunshine Coast is always a popular destination for Brisbane holiday-goers who are seeking a sea change, but one spot that sometimes flies under the radar is the sunshine-filled city of Caloundra.

Caloundra boasts a thriving bar scene, and has plenty of fun shops to explore and watersports to get your adrenaline pumping.

We spoke to some locals to get the inside scoop on where to spend your time, and they’ve revealed some hidden gems that are not to be missed! 

QCamel

If you’ve ever wanted to meet a camel (who doesn’t?!), take a short drive out to QCamel to get acquainted with a friendly long face or two. This camel farm hosts visits and tours, and even a camel cuddling opportunity to get up close and personal with these gentle giants.

There are also camel products on the menu for you to try — the milk is lauded as a more nutritious option and is available to sample if you’re feeling adventurous.

573 Bells Creek Road, Bells Creek

Caloundra Jet Ski

Discover the natural beauty of the Pumicestone Passageaway and Caloundra’s water scenes from the back of a jet ski — the ultimate way to explore the coastline.

For adrenaline junkies or vehicle enthusiasts, a jet ski adventure might be just the best thing you could suggest on a visit to Caloundra’s gleaming coastline, but it can also make for a fun family day out.

Head out on an exhilarating tour around Bribie Island and the Passage, set against the glorious backdrop of the Glasshouse Mountains.

Caloundra Markets

If you’re a regular market-goer, or someone who can never usually find the time, make the most of the Caloundra Markets on your next Sunshine Coast escape.

This Sunshine Coast treasure hosts over 120 stalls, making it a bountiful destination for exploring delicious food, local produce, artisanal goodies and some gorgeous gifts.

The markets are held every Sunday from 8am to 1pm, and provide the perfect excuse to get out of bed early on Sunday morning.

Bulcock Street, Caloundra

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Caloundra Street Art

If it’s a beautiful day out , why not stretch your legs on the public art trail? Covering 1.8 kilometres, this leisurely stroll encounters 15 public art pieces.

You can opt for a self-guided stroll, or partake in a guided tour to garner as much insight to each piece and the area as possible. Begin at the Caloundra Regional Gallery, and allow around an hour to explore the murals, sculptures and installations by artists both local and national.

If you don’t want to get lost, pop into the Gallery before you begin to pick up a map, or you can download one off their website. Once you reach the end of your scenic stroll, you’re perfectly placed to pop into a cafe on the Esplanade for some refreshments.

Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra

Salti Reads

Salti Reads is hands down, the best cafe in Caloundra for bookworms. This cute and colourful cafe serves specialty coffee, bubble tea and tasty snacks, all with a beautiful beach view.

They also let their creativity shine, with a whole host of stickers and book accessories that make the perfect gift for the bookworm in your life, or just a new addition to your own collection.

Shop 6/38 Esplanade Bulcock Beach, Caloundra

Kings Beach Saltwater Pool

This pristine beachfront pool deserves a dedicated afternoon to be enjoyed to the full. The 25 metre seawater pool is surrounded by shade sails which offer a reprieve from the sunny Caloundra skies. A children’s spray park makes it the perfect place for families to bunker down.

Esplanade, Kings Beach

Beachtree Distilling Co

Beachtree Distilling Co is not just Australia’s only certified Indigenous distillery, but also the nation’s most awarded organic distillery! So if you’re looking for top-notch organic gins, you needn’t search any longer.

Pop by the distillery for a gin flight and sample the delicate botanicals that are infused into each bottle of gin and vodka at this unique venue.

14 Industrial Avenue, Caloundra West

Shelly Beach Rock Pools

Shelly Beach is the perfect place to get your feet wet and enjoy a languid afternoon by the water. If you’ve got little ones in tow, they’ll relish the opportunity to splash about in the shallow pools, spotting watery wildlife while they’re at it.

Victoria Terrace, Shelly Beach

Hire A Boat or Kayak

If you’re bursting to get out on the water and explore, why not rent a BBQ boat pontoon or a kayak from Bill’s Boat Hire?

North Bribie Island and the Pumicestone Passage are yours to explore from your very own little kayak or boat.

1 Esplanade, Golden Beach

Now that you’ve made your shortlist of the best things to do in Caloundra, why not expand your search? We’ve got your go-to guide for how to spend a weekend on the Sunshine Coast right here. Still on the hunt for some accommodation? Explore some luxury accommodation on the Sunny Coast here.

Writer

Lexie Mamo

17 November 2025

Lexie is the Brisbane Editor at Sitchu and has been part of the team since October 2020. Her background lies in fashion eCommerce and content marketing, having worked in digital roles across brands like Lorna Jane, Black Milk Clothing and dk active. A Brisbane native, Lexie covers food, lifestyle, events, and travel guides for the Sunshine State. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading, visiting coffee spots or snapping shots of her rescue cat for his Instagram account.