86. King's Beach, Caloundra, Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
Do you dream of travelling all over the world – but then realise where you live is the perfect destination for exploring?
In today’s episode Lyle and I take you on a walking tour – literally – of our home beach which is the perfect destination for exploring. We are at King's Beach which is part of Caloundra, on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland Australia. We have our microphones on our T-shirts as we wander along the most popular beach in the area – which happens to be across the road from our home. We stroll through the parklands, playgrounds, past restaurants and cafes, the ocean pool and fountain and we describe them all as we go.
Many people visit here each year – especially families in the school holidays and it is so beautiful, that we felt we should go out and about to share it with you.
Make sure you stay listening to the end where we fill you in on all the activities and places that you can do and visit, all within a 30-minute drive or walk. We are talking water activities like surfing, jet skiing and sunset cruises as well as visiting world famous tourist attractions like Australia Zoo– Crikey – We tell you where you can go hiking up ancient volcanoes, as well as some secret places away from the crowds with fantastic views. There is so much to do here and we are so excited to share our little piece of the paradise with you today.
Please enjoy episode 86.
SHOWNOTES AND PICTURES BELOW
King’s Beach Ocean Pool and Pavilion
At the northern end of King’s Beach is the ocean pool. It has a 25m area for laps as well as a wading area and ramp for easy access. It is open every day from 4.30am to 9pm, unless it is closed for cleaning. It has pool life guards in the school holidays. The pool area is fully enclosed and plenty of seating and shade areas as well.
It is a popular spot as it is close to the Pavilion which is a heritage listed building just outside the pool enclosure. The Pavilion houses a small cafe and changerooms with showers and toilets. There is also a shady green space just in front of the Pavilion which is perfect for a picnic or just to look at the beach.
King’s Beach
King’s Beach is the most popular beach in the Caloundra area. It is very popular with families as it is a safe patrolled beach. The beach is 500m long and quite flat, so great for playing beach games. There is a path that runs along the beach which is great for walkers and next to the path are parklands, bbqs and playgrounds. It is a fantastic spot to spend a day.
Views from King’s Beach
There are many vantage spots to enjoy the views around King’s Beach. The headland at the northern end has tables and chairs under the Norfolk Pines and is a popular spot, especially when the cruise ships are travelling through the shipping channel and the humpback whales are on their annual trip to give birth to their babies.
The best spot for views at the southern end of King’s Beach is on the boardwalk that joins Kings beach to Happy Valley. You can see Moreton Island, Bribie Island as well as the Glass House Mountains from this spot.
The King’s Beach Ampitheatre
You can’t visit King’s Beach in Caloundra without seeing the amphitheater at the entrance to the beach area. Years ago it was part of a caravan park, but now is a massive green oval for families to enjoy. There is a full stage under cover that is used often for events. The most well-known event that is held in the amphitheatre as well as all the other parkland area surrounding it, is the Caloundra Music Festival. It is a 3 day event that is held each year on the October long weekend. There are a huge variety of musical acts, including many of Australia’s best known musicians as well as many from overseas.
Sunsets at Caloundra
The sunsets are legendary at Caloundra as the sun sets behind the Glass House Mountains over King’s Beach and the Pumicestone Passage.
Caloundra Street Art
Caloundra is rapidly becoming known as the art centre of the Sunshine Coast. There are a few art galleries around the town area. As well as galleries Caloundra has a unique collection of street art including murals from the well-known local artist Steven Bordonaro. You can join a free walking tour around the city centre each month.
Banana Bender Pub
If you want a truly uniquely Australia place for a drink, coffee or meal, then the Banana Bender pub is the place to go. It is just a 20 minute drive from Caloundra and is open 7 days. It is at the entrance to Aussie World which is a great fun park with many rides for kids and adults.
The Banana Bender pub is decorated solely in and Australian beach theme, complete with waves, koalas, kangaroos, parrots and snakes and sharks.
Surf Lessons
One of the most popular activities around the Caloundra beaches is learning to surf. The small waves and flat beaches make it a great area for learners. The beach at Happy Valley is particularly popular and this year many of my family learnt to surf, only with one lesson.
If you would like to know more about this spectacular area of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, then you can click on one of the players above for our jam-packed podcast episode. If you would like to see what other areas of Australia we have podcasted and blogged about then click the button below.