Caloundra, Sunshine Coast

Caloundra is a mecca for young families and couples and is the perfect base from which to explore the Sunshine Coast.

Located just one hour's drive north of Brisbane past the Glass House Mountains, Caloundra offers a holiday experience catering to all budgets and requirements.

Protected by Bribie Island, the nearby Pumicestone Passage is ideal for water sports including windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, swimming and fishing.

Onshore, there are plenty of activities to keep the family entertained such as the weekend markets, a round of golf on the Greg Norman designed Pelican Waters golf course, the Queensland Air Museum or other nearby attractions include Australia Zoo, Aussie World, Ettamogah Pub and the Big Kart Track.

Caloundra includes several beaches including Golden Beach, Bulcock Beach, Kings Beach, Shelly Beach, Moffat Beach, Dicky Beach and Currimundi.

The Caloundra coast stretches along some of the most scenic shorelines you'll see. The path is a continuous coastal link from Golden Beach in the south, around Caloundra Headland then Moffat Headland, before heading north following the long, sandy beaches of Kawana to Point Cartwright.

Kings Beach is Caloundra's premier surfing beach and just behind the beach you'll find a modern playground area, barbecue facilities and an amphitheatre for major events. There's also a giant water fountain and in front of the Surf Club is a great foreshore swimming pool.

You can check out the coastline on a cycling or walking tour, on a cruise, by kayak or hop on a jet ski. If you enjoy horseracing, nearby Corbould Park is one of the finest regional thoroughbred racing facilities in the country.

Things to do in Caloundra:

• Australia Zoo
• Eumundi markets
• Aussie World
• Sea Life Mooloolaba
• Bushwalking