Popular Tourist Beach in Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland
Table of Contents
Hello and welcome to my information guide to visiting Moffat Beach in Caloundra. Designed for the first time visitor and those who haven’t been there for a while, this post has been structured as follows:
1. Introduction
2. Where is Moffat Beach?
3. Best Time To Visit Moffat Beach
4. What Facilities do they have at Moffat Beach?
5. How to get to Moffat Beach
6. Things to do at Moffat Beach
7. Moffat Beach Accommodation
8. Moffat Beach Restaurants
9. Final Thought
10. FAQs
Please read this my tourist visitor guide right until the end. If you manage to make it that far, I hope you will be inspired enough to visit this delightful beach on the Sunshine Coast in 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: 10 Minutes
Introduction
Of the six main beaches in Caloundra, Moffat Beach is still one of the less well known to tourists. Unlike its more prominent neighbours of Bulcock Beach, Kings Beach and Dicky Beach, Moffat has a low-key charm and vibe that will instantly grab you.
Don’t get me wrong, Moffat Beach is by no means a sleepy backwater where there are more possums than people – rather it has been popular with day-trippers from Brisbane and locals on the Sunshine Coast for many years. It has just been a bit under-the-radar of international and out-of-state tourists, until quite recently. Much to the delight of those who regularly go there.
That said, the secret it would appear is now out, thanks to the success of one of the best craft breweries in Australia, which just happens to be based here, and a steady rise in holiday accommodation options. As a result, this Caloundra hotspot is currently basking in the increasing recognition of being one of the Sunshine Coast’s best coastal areas.
For those who venture here, Moffat Beach has that happy medium many people are yearning for. It is big enough and has enough facilities and amenities to not get bored. Though at the same time it is also small enough to retain a sense of tranquillity and relaxation among its picturesque tree-lined coastline.
Moffat Beach, like the rest of the Sunshine Coast is a destination you can visit all year round. That said, certain times of the year will be more appropriate for your preferences.
Where is Moffat Beach?
Moffat Beach is a beach in Caloundra located on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. It is approximately an hour and 15 minutes drive north from Brisbane and about an hour south of Gympie.
The beach lies to the north of Moffat Head which rises to a height of 30 metres and overlooks the Coral Sea. Just south of the headland is Shelley Beach. The next beach to the north of Moffat is Dicky Beach. From the Caloundra CBD, the beach lies directly north-east.
The traditional owners of the land on which Moffat Beach sits are the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples. However, the beach and suburb is named in honour of James Campbell Moffat – a Brisbane chemist – who built a holiday home on the headland in 1883.
Moffat Beach distance to other Caloundra Beaches
Best Time To Visit Moffat Beach
Moffat Beach, like the rest of the Sunshine Coast Beaches is a destination you can visit all year round. That said, certain times of the year will be more appropriate for your preferences.
If you are wanting to enjoy the sunniest weather, you should visit between the summer months of December to February. At this time, the temperature regularly approaches 33 degrees Celsius so you will have plenty of opportunity to catch some rays. That said, this period also is defined as the rainy season, which means there is a good chance of storms and monsoons. So you will need to keep one eye on the weather gods if you intend to visit during this period. If you do come at this time, accommodation prices are likely to be higher than other times of the year as it is also the school holidays.
For this reason, and especially if you don’t have children, you might want to time your visit for the shoulder seasons either side of summer. This typically is October to November and March to April (outside of Easter). You’ll find the skies are clear then and the temperatures and humidity much more bearable. Accommodation prices will most likely be cheaper too.
Although the winds can be a bit fresh, the winter is a lovely time to visit Moffat Beach if you like beach walking. There aren’t usually too many people on the sand and on sunny days it can still be quite nice for sunbathing.
If you are an early riser you should consider getting up to see the sunrise. Generally this occurs between 4.45am and 6.30am depending on what time of year you visit. You can check out the sunrise times here.
As you would expect, weekends will be busier at the beach than during the week days.
What Facilities do they have at Moffat Beach?
At Moffat Beach you will find a good range of facilities and amenities available to make your time there comfortable.
Sandwiched between the base of Moffat Head and Seaview Terrace is Moffat Beach Park which directly overlooks the beach. There you will find a surf themed playground that is naturally sheltered by a big tree, which is perfect for children to burn off some energy. There are also barbecue facilities and picnic tables (some of which are sheltered).
There is a good amount of free, off-street parking for your cars at Moffat Beach, with no time limits. The main car park is near Eleanor Shipley Park which also has a toilet block, including accessible toilets, showers and another playground for children. There are also more barbecue areas here as well as drinking fountains and picnic tables – again, some of which are sheltered.
Moffat Beach has been a favoured destination to hit the swell for surfers thanks to its wonderful point break.
How to get to Moffat Beach
Moffat Beach is an easy place to get to by car. Depending on where you are coming from you can take any one of several routes to get there. From Brisbane or Gympie, you will at some point need to take the M1, while from Mooloolaba or other parts of the Sunshine Coast you might take the Sunshine Coast Highway or State Route 6.
For the most accurate driving directions, your best bet is to use the Waze app on your smartphone, which I find is very accurate. Alternatively, you can use Google Maps as well.
If you don’t have a car you can always catch a bus to Caloundra from Maroochydore, Nambour or the surrounding suburbs. They operate several buses including the 600, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608 and 609. Your best bet is to check out Translink for the most appropriate timetable for you.
From the Caloundra Bus Station it is about a 25-minute walk to the beach. Alternatively, you can catch an Uber there.
Moffat Beach distance to other Queensland Destinations
Things to do at Moffat Beach
Moffat Beach has been a favoured destination to hit the swell for surfers thanks to its wonderful point break. However, if you are not into riding the waves, there are several other activities you can embrace in this lovely part of Caloundra.
One activity you simply must do is traverse the Caloundra Coastal Walk. It will involve a fair effort if you walk it, as it spans 25 kilometres all the way from the shimmering waters of Golden Beach to the beautiful foreshore at Mooloolaba Beach. However, you will be able to visit some of the Sunshine Coast’s best beaches and historic landmarks along the way. You will also be able to take awesome photographs – especially at the Caloundra Headland – and enjoy a coffee and a feed at various cafes along the way.
Although Moffat Beach is not a patrolled beach, you can enjoy a swim at Tooway Creek. This offers a safe and family-friendly way to enjoy a dip in its clear and calm waters and is also a good spot for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.
If you fancy a picnic, you’ll find picnic shelters and barbecues at Eleanor Shipley Memorial Park. There are also several benches which make excellent spots to enjoy an al fresco bite to eat under shady pandanus and pine trees.
Kids will enjoy letting off some steam at the playground that resides in the park, while those who visit with their dogs can let them run around off-leash between Beach Access points 270 and 276 between the hours of 4pm and 8am every day. Outside of this time you might want to head to Wurtulla Beach or Currimundi, which both have sections that are designated as off-leash.
Moffat Beach Accommodation
Many people who visit Caloundra tend to stay within the Kings Beach or Bulcock Beach area, where there are several bigger hotels, resorts, holiday apartments and rental accommodation dotted along the Caloundra Headland. However, if you are wondering where to stay in Moffat Beach, there are a few decent options to choose from, catering to all various preferences.
One of the best options is Norfolks on Moffat on the wonderfully named Queen of Colonies Parade. Directly overlooking the beach they offer two- and three- bedroom apartments that are fully self-contained. They come with comfortable bedrooms, well-equipped kitchens and laundry facilities that are very handy for when you need to was your togs or clothes after a sweaty day by the sand.
If you fancy staying a little bit away from the beach, the Moffat Beach Motel is a good option. It is just a 7-minute walk from the sand and charges competitive rates for comfortable rooms with a nice range of amenities including a swimming pool that are within easy walking distance of cafes, shops, restaurants and supermarkets.
For those wanting private accommodation which will enable them to self-cater in a holiday home, some good options are the Beach House @ Moffat, Raintrees Moffat Beach and Nothling 66.
You can make a reservation at any of the hotels in Caloundra here.
With its beautiful setting, laid-back nature and decent facilities, Moffat Beach is a fantastic place to come to whenever you are in Caloundra.
Moffat Beach Restaurants
Moffat Beach not only has some decent places to stay but it is also known on the Sunshine Coast for possessing a thriving foodie scene. Overall, it has some terrific venues to eat at, which provides great options for all ages when you fancy a break from the beach. Although the dining scene in Moffat doesn’t stay open as late as other destinations in Caloundra, the vibes and quality of food is right up there with the best of them.
One of the popular cafes that resides among the main drag of Seaview Terrace is Sunny’s @ Moffat. This licensed cafe and restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner and provides stunning views overlooking Moffat Beach. It serves up a delightful selection of modern Aussie dishes, which includes numerous locally sourced and freshly caught seafood choices.
A few doors away from Sunny’s is Moffs Moffat Beach. This venue is another fully licenced cafe that provides both alfresco and indoor dining options with a laidback beachside ambience. Along with top notch coffee, they serve a menu of Italian, Asian and contemporary Australian fare that is sure to impress. As it is a pet friendly venue it is a great place to bring your four-legged friend.
Talking of good coffee, Pocket Espresso serves arguably the best in town. It also has a good range of classic Aussie favourite dishes that are kind to your stomach and light on your wallet.
Also on that same strip of eateries, Blackwater Trading Co is a top choice. It presents a first range food and drink menu which you can enjoy inside or on its large outdoor dining area. This joint is known on the Sunshine Coast for always having six, locally made craft beers on tap. It also hosts live musicians in the evening and is positively bustling in the mornings and on especially on weekends.
Other Recommended Caloundra Restaurants
Final Thought
With its beautiful setting, laid-back vibe and decent facilities, Moffat Beach is a fantastic place to come to whenever you are in Caloundra.
It might not have the electric atmosphere, patrolled beaches or range of amenities of other beaches on the Sunshine Coast. But what it does have is a paradisaical feel which instantly helps you to relax and de-stress from the pressures of your daily life.
For those looking for a place to enjoy a digital detox or to invigorate your soul without being completely cut off from civilisation, you’ll be hard pressed to find any place better to visit on the Sunshine Coast.
FAQs
Where is Moffat Beach?
Moffat Beach is a coastal suburb in Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. It is located about 103 km north of Brisbane and can be reached via a drive of about one hour and 15 minutes from Brisbane along the M1 (Bruce Highway). If you are coming from Gympie, it will take you just over an hour to reach the area.
Is it safe to swim at Moffat Beach?
Moffat Beach is not a patrolled beach, so you are not recommended to swim in the waters around this part of the Coral Sea. If you do venture into the water you will need to be mindful of the waves. For this reason, you might want to stick to Tooway Creek, a sandy inlet just off the beach that offers favourable swimming opportunities.
Is Moffat Beach a dog-friendly beach?
Yes, the beach access points of 269 and 276 (from Lower Neill Street all the way to Russell Street) are designated as an off-leash zone. Therefore your four-legged friend can run around and get some exercise between the hours of 4pm and 8am every day.
Where is the best place to get coffee at Moffat Beach?
Moffat Beach has some good options for those wanting to get your coffee fix. In my opinion, the best of them is Pocket Espresso. As well as serving up a delicious range of lattes, flat whites and cappuccinos, they have a fabulous food menu and a lovely outdoor space out the back to enjoy it. This venue is also dog-friendly, so you could bring your pooch with you.