Caloundra today is best known for its long walks, beautiful beaches and lazy tourist vibes. Founded in the early 1900’s, it is a mix of both old historic buildings and glassed resorts scattered along beaches and lakes. With most of its buildings being holiday apartments or shops, Caloundra is quite different from the busy business cities of Australia. It truly is a holiday city.
You notice as you walk the streets around the beaches and lakes that, although most of the buildings are high rises, the city is not bustling or busy, it is far from it. The foreshore moves quietly and has an exceptional cafe culture. Grandma and Grandpa sit by the lake sipping tea while the kids skate along the boardwalk. Following the boardwalk around the lake you end up at the beach. Old and young together take out their Mals and surfboards as the gentle waves break. Your Instagram feed is soon filled of pictures of palm trees and decks overlooking the beach.
Protected by Fraser island the beaches of Caloundra are well known for being gentle enough for learning how to surf. It is typical to watch a father and son sharing a wave on a stand-up paddleboard or even to see several friends all surfing a wave together. However, if you are of the more serious breed of surfer look no further than the reef break at Moffatt beach or the larger surf of Noosa all within 30 minutes.
But if the beach and cafe culture is not your thing look no further than the Caloundra hinterland. Here you find award winning restaurants, quirky cafes, fabulous wineries and stunning accommodation. Even for those glued to the beauty of the coast should you be able to break away you are rewarded by quaint villages, picturesque hills and panoramic views to rival any holiday destination.
A trip through the hinterland is incomplete without passing through Maleny and Montville. As you make your way to the Maleny Botanic gardens you are stunned by one of the most beautiful, privately funded, gardens in Australia. From here stop in at the Flame Hill Vineyard and take in the panoramic ocean and mountain views. With wine produced and prepared exclusively on their estate the Montville winery offers arguably the best wine in the area.
As you make your way to your final destination visit the markets of both Maleny and Montville too meet the locals and find a bargain. From beautiful old tools to hand-made features to hang in the house, you’ll enjoy this unique country vibe. Should you choose to stay for a time make sure to book into Spicers’ Clovelly Estate where you will experience fine dining and a comfortable room.
Although many might say Noosa or Maroochydore are the “places to be” on the Sunshine Coast Caloundra truly has more to offer. With its homely city vibes and quiet countryside there really is an ideal holiday for anyone who decides to visit.