Caloundra Beaches: Sunshine Coast Holiday Destination
Table of Contents
Welcome to my review of Bulcock Beach in Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast. Here is what you can expect see in this post.
1. Introduction
2. Where is Bulcock Beach?
3. Best Time to visit Bulcock Beach
4. How to get to Bulcock Beach
5. Beach Facilities at Bulcock Beach
6. Things to do at Bulcock Beach
7. Tours and Day Trips
8. Bulcock Beach Accommodation
9. Bulcock Beach Restaurants
10. Coffee Options
11. Final Thought
12. FAQs
Once you have read this article hopefully you’ll be inspired to visit this exceptional part of southeast Queensland.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you interact with them).
Read Time: 12 Minutes
Introduction
There is a lot to like about Bulcock Beach Caloundra.
Nestled at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, this beautiful coastal tourist destination features a dazzling stretch of sand that is perfect for sunbathing and relaxation.
Separated by warm, crystal-clear waters that flow south towards the Pumicestone Passage, you can spend your days here swimming and taking in superb views of the northern tip of Bribie Island, which is located directly across the water. When the tide is low, you can even walk over to it!
If you’d prefer to stay on the beachfront, you’ll find plenty of warm paddling pools to frolic around in, while the waterfront esplanade that flanks it accommodates a number of trendy cafes, hip boutique shops and Bulcock Beach accommodation providers
For those who want to stretch their legs, you can take pleasant coastal walks along the Caloundra Boardwalk and, in particular, up to the Caloundra Lighthouse for terrific sunset views. There are also several picnics spots where you can enjoy fish and chips or an al fresco meal.
Overall, this fabulous Caloundra beach has a lot to offer tourists. So, if you are looking for a family-friendly and dog-friendly holiday destination in southeast Queensland that offers plenty of recreational activities for everyone to enjoy, you should make a point of visiting here.
Like most parts of the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra is a destination you can visit all year round. However, certain times of the year might appeal more to you than others.
Where is Bulcock Beach
Bulcock Beach is one of many beaches you can visit in Caloundra, a beautiful part of the Sunshine Coast.
It is located about 103 km north of Brisbane, at the southern end of the region, in between Golden Beach and Shelly Beach. Both of which are linked by the Caloundra Coastal Pathway.
Located just a short walk from Bulcock Street and the Caloundra CBD (where you will find plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops), the beach is on land traditionally owned by the Kabi Kabi and the Jinibara peoples.
It was named after Robert Bulcock, a seed and produce merchant from Brisbane, who bought around 112 hectares of land in 1875 and built his residence, ‘the Homestead’ on it.
Distance from Bulcock Beach Queensland to Other Destinations
Best Time to visit Bulcock Beach
Like most parts of the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra is a destination you can visit all year round. However, certain times of the year might appeal more to you than others.
If you want warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, the best time to visit Bulcock Beach is during the summer months, which run from December through February. The mercury hovers at around 27°C on average, which is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. However, as this period represents the busiest season of the year, you can expect larger crowds and more expensive beachfront accommodation, which tends to get booked up quickly.
For this reason, you might find the autumn months of March to May and the spring months of September to November more to your liking, when the crowds at this Caloundra holiday hotspot tend to be a bit smaller and the heat less oppressive.
You shouldn’t discount the winter months of June to August either. The water is still pleasant enough to swim in and you can also take the opportunity to spot humpback whales migrating up north along the coast to Tropical North Queensland.
How to get to Bulcock Beach
Bulcock Beach Queensland is a relatively easy destination to get to, particularly if you have a car. Depending on your starting location you will most likely have to take the Bruce Highway, Sunshine Motorway or D’Aguilar Highway at some point, before joining the Caloundra Road – which will lead you directly into town. The CBD and all the major beaches in Caloundra are well sign-posted and if you use an app like Google Maps or Waze you shouldn’t have too many problems.
From Brisbane, the driving time is about 90 minutes, while from Maroochydore it is half an hour. For those coming from up north, when you hit Gympie you will be about an hour and 15-minutes away.
If you intend to fly into the area, the Sunshine Coast Airport is located in Marcoola, just under 30 km away. Virgin, Jetstar and Bonza run regular direct flights to the airport from various destinations in Australia. You can find out which ones here.
Once at the airport you will be able to catch a taxi pretty easily as Suncoast Cabs has a dedicated airport taxi rank there. You can also hire a car, with the likes of AVIS, Budget, Hertz and Sixt being among the many rental companies that operate there.
You can also catch a bus from the airport, or many other destinations on the Sunshine Coast through the services run by Translink. While those who want to come by train will first have to head to a train station like Nambour, Woombye or Palmwoods and then find transportation from there.
Once you are in Bulcock Beach, the best way to get around is on foot, although recently electric scooters have been introduced into the area, which have quite a long range.
Bulcock Beach Caloundra is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular family-friendly holiday destinations.
Beach Facilities at Bulcock Beach
Bulcock Beach Caloundra is a family-friendly destination that receives over 70,000 visitors every year. Subsequently, its esplanade and boardwalk offer a good range of facilities and amenities to accommodate them.
Overlooking Bribie Island and the Pumicestone Passage, they comprise a two metre wide, accessible timber boardwalk and lush parkland, which is located at the charmingly named Happy Valley – a terrific spot for playing ball games, throwing a frisbee and other outdoor recreation activities.
The Bulcock Beach boardwalk and esplanade extend along most of the coastline, which you can explore on foot, scooters or bikes. Dotted along it are public amenities, drinking fountains, bbq facilities and picnic tables, which present fabulous water views. There is also a children’s playground, plenty of free, off-street car parking and regular access points to the beach.
From September to May, the Ithaca – Caloundra City Life Saving Club patrols the beach, looking out for swimmers on the Sunshine Coast’s only non-surfing beach. Across the road from the boardwalk, you’ll also find a cool strip of eateries and shops which should cover most of your needs.
Things to do at Bulcock Beach
Bulcock Beach Caloundra is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular family-friendly holiday destinations. Subsequently, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do when you are there, on both its sandy shores and oceanfront promenade.
One of the first things you’ll notice about the beach is how calm and clear the water is. Unfortunately, there aren’t that many surfing spots here, however it is a good place to go swimming and engage in other aquatic outdoor activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding. If you don’t have your own equipment, you’ll be able to rent it from various outlets along the beach.
Away from the beach, you can take a lovely long scenic walk along the Caloundra Coastal Pathway. This will take you all the way up to the Caloundra lighthouse and towards Shelly Beach. You’ll be able to take in superb views along the way of the Coral Sea and if you choose to veer off on the Caloundra Boardwalk it will lead you up to neighbouring Kings Beach.
Along the boardwalk at Happy Valley is an expansive park greenspace which has plenty of room to play cricket, football or throw a frisbee around. There are also several bbq areas and picnic tables to enjoy an cooked or packed lunch meal and a big children’s playground which will entertain your little one for hours.
Not far from the beach is Bulcock Street, which is where the main shopping precinct is based. You can also peruse the stalls at the popular Twilight Esplanade Markets, if you happen to be around on the last Friday of the month. You’ll find a good range of crafts, jewellery, gifts, local foods and souvenirs here.
If you are an early riser, its worth heading over to the beach to see the Queensland sunrise, as the colours of daybreak are spectacular here. Should you be staying at one of the best esplanade Accommodation Bulcock Beach Caloundra providers, you’ll be able to take it in from the comfort of your private balcony. Typically the sunrise begins around 5 am in the summer and 6.30 am in the winter.
Other Coastal Attractions Near Bulcock Beach
Tours and Day Trips
There are plenty of beach activities you can enjoy on or around Bulcock Beach that should keep you entertained for a good few days. However, if you have some time available, and the inclination to go on them, there are also several tours, day trips and excursions you should consider booking.
Between them, Viator and Get Your Guide offer a terrific selection of activities that will enable you to experience the main tourist attractions in Caloundra, the Sunshine Coast and further afield in Queensland.
Here is a selection of some of the most popular ones. To book any of them, check out the Viator and Get Your Guide sites.
The Sunshine Coast has a thriving coffee scene. So if you love coffee, you will be pleased to know there are several excellent places where you can grab a latte, cappuccino, or flat white near Bulcock Beach.
Bulcock Beach Accommodation
When it comes to Caloundra Accommodation, Bulcock Beach has several options to choose from for all budgets and tastes.
Set back from the esplanade are a number of high-rise resorts and holiday apartments that provide visitors with convenient access to the beach and spectacular views of the Bribie Island Marine Park and the Glasshouse Mountains beyond.
If you are wondering where to stay in Bulcock Beach below are a few popular options. You can click here to find out more details or make a reservation at any of them.
Rumba Beach Resort
Located directly over the road from the beach, this well-looked after hotel offers air conditioned units that come with kitchen facilities and private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy swimming in the outdoor pool, relaxing in the hot tub or the convenience of self-service laundry.
If you are not driving, an airport shuttle is available for an extra charge.
BreakFree Grand Pacific Caloundra
This low key resort on Bulcock Street is a terrific place for families to stay during their Caloundra holiday as it has an excellent kids club. It also has very good accessible features such as parking, lift and swimming pool. Accommodations are stylish and comfortable and guests can also enjoy a sauna and spa facilities.
Belaire Place
Located on Minchinton Street, a block back from Bulcock Beach is the fabulous Belaire Place. It is a good base for those who want to be near the beach and Caloundra Events Centre, both of which are about a five minute walk away.
Rooms here are very homely and come with kitchen facilities. There is also a restaurant onsite for those who don’t fancy cooking.
Watermark Resort
This lovely Caloundra holiday accommodation provider offers a range of two- and three bedroom apartments that come with kitchens and spacious living areas. Each of them has private balconies that present stunning views of the Coral Sea and some even come with whirlpool baths.
Guests can also enjoy free parking, and outdoor swimming pool and free WI-FI at this child-friendly resort.
Bulcock Beach Restaurants
You certainly won’t lack options when it comes to finding somewhere to eat on your Sunshine Coast holiday as there are plenty of Bulcock Beach Restaurants to choose from on the esplanade and surrounding streets.
One of the most popular places is Tides Waterfront Dining which is an upscale venue offering a terrific range of meat and seafood dishes in a hip space that boasts 270 degree views.
Another lovely venue is the Acqua Restaurant & Bar, which you will find on the corner of the esplanade and Otranto Avenue. Presenting a fabulous seaside dining option, the menu here caters to all tastes. They also run a food happy hour which is perfect for families with children.
If you are in the mood for a burger or other coastal classic style meals, the Salt and Sand Cafe & Bar is as good a place as any to get your fix.
Alternatively, Drift Bar is the perfect place to start your day with a ‘Bulcock Breakfast’ that is so big, it’ll take you until lunch time to finish! They also have a fantastic selection of lunch and dinner mains.
Other Excellent Restaurants on the Sunshine Coast
Coffee Options
The Sunshine Coast has a thriving coffee scene. So if you love coffee, you will be pleased to know there are several excellent places where you can grab a latte, cappuccino, or flat white near Bulcock Beach.
One of the best and most convenient options is the aforementioned Drift Bar who proudly serve what they say is the best coffee in town.
Similarly, the Salt and Sand Cafe & Bar has cool vibes and great coffee, while the Frog’s Kitchen in the Grand Pacific Resort serves up your daily java fix with a smile and terrific water views.
If you fancy heading away from the beach, the Fig & Sparrow Cafe and White Picket Fence are excellent choices on Bulcock Street. Elsewhere, Moffat Beach and Dicky Beach also have terrific options.
Final Thought
If you are planning a day trip or longer holiday to any of the beaches on the Sunshine Coast, Bulcock Beach Caloundra is an excellent option.
Overall, its a fabulous destination to bring your little ones as there are plenty of family-friendly activities you can do. Additionally, for couples, there is nothing more romantic than sunbathing on the golden sands or walking hand-in-hand along the Caloundra Coastal Pathway.
The great thing about Bulcock Beach is that it is easy to get to and has all the amenities and facilities you need to enjoy your time here. Indeed, once you get here you won’t want to leave. Such is the appeal of this fabulous Queensland holiday destination.
FAQs
Where is Bulcock Beach Caloundra?
Bulcock Beach is situated on the Caloundra bar within the Pumicestone Passage. It is one of the most family-friendly beaches on the Sunshine Coast and resides about 105 km from Brisbane. Overall it should take you about 90 minutes to drive there from the CBD.
Can you swim at Bulcock Beach?
This Caloundra beach is patrolled between the months of September and May by surf-lifesavers. Its calm waters make it a terrific beach for kids and non-strong swimmers to swim during this period.
Is Bulcock Beach Dog-Friendly?
Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the beach or within five metres of the bbq areas. However dogs on a leash are allowed on the Bulcock Beach boardwalk.
