View source for Caloundra

{{about|the urban area|its central suburb|Caloundra (suburb)|other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2012}}
{{Infobox Australian place
| type                     = town
| name                     = Caloundra
| city                     = [[Sunshine Coast, Queensland|Sunshine Coast]]
| state                    = qld
| image                    = Kings Beach, Caloundra (1) (cropped).jpg
| caption                  = King's Beach
| image_alt                = 
| local_map                = yes
| relief                   = 
| coordinates              = {{coord|-26.8047|153.1338|type:city_region:AU-QLD|display=inline,title|name=Caloundra (town centre)}}
| pop                      = 96305
| pop_year                 = {{CensusAU|2021}}
| pop_footnotes            = <ref name=Census2021/>
| established              = 
| postcode                 = 4551
| area                     = 113.1
| timezone                 = [[AEST]]
| utc                      = +10:00
| dist1                    = <!-- road distances as per template instructions -->
| dir1                     = 
| location1                = 
| dist2                    = 
| dir2                     = 
| location2                = 
| dist3                    = 
| dir3                     = 
| location3                = 
| dist4                    = 
| dir4                     = 
| location4                = 
| lga                      = [[Sunshine Coast Region]]
| stategov                 = [[Electoral district of Caloundra|Caloundra]]
| stategov2                = [[Electoral district of Kawana|Kawana]]
| fedgov                   = [[Division of Fisher|Fisher]]
| near-n                   = 
| near-ne                  = 
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}}
'''Caloundra''' ({{IPAc-en|k|ə|ˈ|l|aʊ|n|d|r|ʌ}} {{respell|kə|LOWN|druh}})<ref>{{YouTube|id=VioyawqmIxs|title=Create Caloundra – Stage 2 Community Engagement|time=14}}, Sunshine Coast Council, 4 August 2021; {{YouTube|id=Po0QSwxpPB8|title=Erosion threatening Golden Beach at Caloundra|link=no}}, [[Seven News]], 5 September 2022</ref> is a coastal town in the [[Sunshine Coast Region]], [[Queensland]], Australia.<ref name=qpnt>{{cite QPN|5784|Caloundra|town in Sunshine Coast Region|access-date=2 October 2023}}</ref><ref name=qpnl>{{cite QPN|48556|Caloundra|suburb in Sunshine Coast Region|access-date=2 October 2023}}</ref>

In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, the town of Caloundra had a population of 96,305 people.<ref name=Census2021/><!-- there is no 2021 census data for the town of Caloundra, only for the suburb, see Talk -->

== Geography ==
Caloundra is {{convert|90|km|mi|1}} north of the [[Brisbane central business district]]. Caloundra is accessible from [[Landsborough railway station]], {{convert|21|km|mi|1}} away, and the [[Caloundra bus station]].

[[Bribie Island]] is located across the [[Pumicestone Passage]] to the south.<ref name="globe">{{Queensland Globe|access-date=24 January 2024}}</ref>

Caloundra marks the coastal northern extent of the [[Moreton Bay Marine Park]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-10-06 |title=Moreton Bay Marine Park |url=https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/moreton-bay |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Parks and forests |publisher=Queensland Government |language=en-AU |archive-date=1 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101122503/https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/moreton-bay |url-status=live }}</ref>

== History ==
Caloundra lies within the [[Australian Aboriginal languages|Aboriginal]] [[Gubbi Gubbi language|Gubbi Gubbi]] (Kabi Kabi, Cabbee, Carbi, Gabi Gabi) language region.<ref>{{Cite SLQ-CC-BY|url=https://maps.slq.qld.gov.au/iyil/view/13|title=Gubbi Gubbi|website=Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages map|access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref> The name ''Caloundra'' is from the Gubbi Gubbi language ''Cullowundoor'' with ''Kal Owen'' meaning 'beech tree' (''[[Gmelina leichhardtii]]'') and ''Dha'' meaning 'place'.<ref name=":0">{{Cite QPN|5784|Caloundra|town in Sunshine Coast Region|access-date=29 June 2017}}</ref>

Caloundra Head was previously known as Petrie Point and Point Wickham (or Wickham Point). Point Wickham takes its name from [[John Clements Wickham]], who did a hydrographic survey of the northern section of Moreton Bay in 1846 and was later the Government Resident of Moreton Bay from 1853 to 1859.<ref>{{Cite QPN|5786|Caloundra Head|cape in the Sunshine Coast Region|access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref> Point Wickham was in use by 1860, where it was noted on official maps.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sketch to illustrate Sir George Bowen's Official Tour in March 1860 |url=https://gisservices.information.qld.gov.au/arcgis/rest/directories/historicalscans/cad_scans/cad-map-misc-map-bowen-tour-1860.jpg |access-date=2022-08-27 |website=Queensland Government Open Data Portal |archive-date=27 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827023623/https://gisservices.information.qld.gov.au/arcgis/rest/directories/historicalscans/cad_scans/cad-map-misc-map-bowen-tour-1860.jpg |url-status=live }}</ref> In an 1892 map it is named "Caloundra Head (Wickham Point)"<ref>{{Cite web|title=Wickham Point|url=http://www.sunshinecoastplaces.com.au/caloundra/kings-beach/wickham-point-the-wishing-tree|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-18|website=Sunshine Coast Places|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401103320/http://www.sunshinecoastplaces.com.au/caloundra/kings-beach/wickham-point-the-wishing-tree |archive-date=1 April 2015 }}</ref> and at some time later the use of Caloundra Head became dominant and the use of the name Point Wickham seems to have discontinued.<ref>Queensland Surveyor General's Map of The Catchment Areas of Brisbane River and the Logan and Albert Rivers, July 1893</ref>

In 1875, [[Robert Bulcock]], an English immigrant who founded a Brisbane newspaper and later represented the Brisbane electorate of [[Electoral district of Enoggera|Enoggera]] in the [[Legislative Assembly of Queensland]] from 1885 until 1888, bought {{convert|277|acre|km2}} of land in the region.<ref name=salt09>{{cite web|url=http://www.saltmagazine.com.au/articles_features_bulcock-beach-caloundra-sunshine-coast.aspx|title=Bulcock Beach's Rich History|publisher=Salt Magazine|date=Spring 2009|access-date=21 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110620002725/http://www.saltmagazine.com.au/articles_features_bulcock-beach-caloundra-sunshine-coast.aspx|archive-date=20 June 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> A town was surveyed in the 1870s, and land sales commenced in 1883. The first allotments of land in Caloundra were advertised for public auction on 28 August 1883. The map states 'the land is of a sandstone nature, undulating and ridgy, heavily timbered with Gum, Bloodwood, Tea-tree and Oak'.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Town of Caloundra|url=http://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/f/1c7c5vg/slq_alma21135184210002061|date=28 August 1883|website=State Library of Queensland|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925005437/https://login.slq.qld.gov.au/pds?func=sso&calling_system=primo&institute=SLQ&lang=eng&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonesearch.slq.qld.gov.au%3A80%2Fprimo_library%2Flibweb%2FpdsLogin%3FtargetURL%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fonesearch.slq.qld.gov.au%2Fprimo-explore%2Ffulldisplay%3Fdocid%3Dslq_alma21135184210002061%26vid%3DSLQ%26lang%3Den_US%26context%3DL%26isIframeSSO%3Dtrue%26from-new-ui%3D1%26authenticationProfile%3DProfile%2B1|archive-date=25 September 2020|access-date=20 May 2020}}</ref> A 1907 map shows several sections from George Street to Ernest St advertised for auction on 7 January 1907 by the Government Land Office.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Plan of allotments in sections 4, 10, 11 & 12, town of Caloundra, and allotments in suburban sections 5, 6, 8, 9, 2a, 5a to 7a and 9a, Parish of Bribie (Caloundra)|url=http://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/f/1c7c5vg/slq_alma21124298360002061|date=7 January 1907|website=State Library of Queensland|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925005442/http://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=slq_alma21124298360002061&vid=SLQ&lang=en_US&context=L|archive-date=25 September 2020|access-date=22 May 2020}}</ref>

With its proximity to beaches, the area became popular with tourists and a number of hotels and guest houses were set up to accommodate them.<ref name="qpc">{{cite web|url=http://queenslandplaces.com.au/caloundra|title=Queensland Places: Caloundra|author=University of Queensland|year=2011|access-date=21 June 2011|author-link=University of Queensland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706111547/http://www.queenslandplaces.com.au/caloundra|archive-date=6 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Real estate map of Bulcock Estate, Caloundra, 1917 (25793073054).jpg|thumb|Real estate subdivision of Bulcock Beach, 1917]]
In 1917, Bulcock's son, Robert Bulcock Jr, who was a councillor in the [[City of Caloundra|Shire of Landsborough]], subdivided part of the land into 404 lots. This area became known as Bulcock Beach.<ref name=salt09/> 404 allotments of 'Bulcock Estate' were advertised for auction on 16 August 1917 by Isle, Love and Co, auctioneers, with an edge of the Estate mapped as adjacent to Tripcony's store and the Tramway terminus.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bulcock Estate|url=http://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/f/1c7c5vg/slq_alma21104970350002061|date=1917|website=State Library of Queensland|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925005422/http://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=slq_alma21104970350002061&vid=SLQ&lang=en_US&context=L|archive-date=25 September 2020|access-date=22 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=21 July 1917|title=The Bulcock Estate.|page=12|newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]]|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20165780|access-date=22 May 2020|via=Trove|archive-date=25 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925005446/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/20165780|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=9 August 1917|title=Bulcock Estate, Caloundra.|page=8|newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]]|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20152091|access-date=22 May 2020|via=Trove|archive-date=25 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925005423/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/20152091|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1919, 29 subdivided allotments of 'Caloundra Heads Estate' were advertised to be auctioned on 20 December 1919 by Cameron Bros. in Brisbane. A map advertising the auction shows the majority of blocks were on Albert Street between King Street and Kings Beach.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Caloundra Heads Estate|url=http://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/f/1c7c5vg/slq_alma21189553360002061|date=20 December 1919|website=State Library of Queensland|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925005440/https://login.slq.qld.gov.au/pds?func=sso&calling_system=primo&institute=SLQ&lang=eng&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonesearch.slq.qld.gov.au%3A80%2Fprimo_library%2Flibweb%2FpdsLogin%3FtargetURL%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fonesearch.slq.qld.gov.au%2Fprimo-explore%2Ffulldisplay%3Fdocid%3Dslq_alma21189553360002061%26vid%3DSLQ%26lang%3Den_US%26context%3DL%26isIframeSSO%3Dtrue%26from-new-ui%3D1%26authenticationProfile%3DProfile%2B1|archive-date=25 September 2020|access-date=20 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=16 December 1919|title=Advertising|page=10|newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]]|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20398036|access-date=20 May 2020|via=Trove|archive-date=25 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925005501/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/20398036|url-status=live}}</ref> Another undated map shows more blocks of this estate were advertised for auction on King Street towards Ernest Street.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Caloundra Heads Estate : second section|url=http://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/f/1c7c5vg/slq_alma21189735000002061|website=State Library of Queensland|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925005423/http://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=slq_alma21189735000002061&vid=SLQ&lang=en_US&context=L|archive-date=25 September 2020|access-date=20 May 2020}}</ref>

On Saturday 29 December 1934, Caloundra Methodist Church was opened and dedicated by the President of the Methodist State Conference, C. C. Truman. It was the first church in Caloundra.<ref>{{cite news|date=30 December 1934|title=Caloundra Church Dedicated|page=15|newspaper=[[Truth (Brisbane newspaper)|Truth]]|issue=1814|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article203198044|access-date=25 September 2020|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=25 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925005440/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/203198044|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Caloundra branch of the [[Queensland Country Women's Association]] was established in July 1937.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article77861050|title=C.W.A. Branch Formed at Caloundra.|date=30 July 1937|newspaper=[[Nambour Chronicle and North Coast Advertiser]]|access-date=1 January 2019|issue=1730|location=Queensland, Australia|volume=XXXII|page=5|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=14 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914000146/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/77861050|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article184561391|title=MALENY|date=13 August 1937|newspaper=[[Telegraph (Brisbane)|The Telegraph]]|access-date=1 January 2019|location=Brisbane|page=17 (City Final Last Minute News)|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=14 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914000138/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/184561391|url-status=live}}</ref>

St Andrew's Anglican Church was dedicated on Sunday 22 January 1939 by [[Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane|Archbishop]] [[William Wand]]. The construction of the church had been strongly encouraged by Wand who holidayed at Caloundra with his friend [[Queensland Governor]] [[Leslie Wilson (politician)|Leslie Wilson]]. The Governor also attended the church's dedication.<ref>{{cite news|date=23 January 1939|title=Dedication of Church at Caloundra|page=3 (City Final Last Minute News)|newspaper=[[Telegraph (Brisbane)|The Telegraph]]|location=Brisbane|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article184547091|url-status=live|access-date=25 September 2020|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=25 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925005442/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/184547091}}</ref> On 10 December 1966 the foundation stone of the new church was laid Archbishop [[Philip Strong]], who opened and dedicated the new church on 8 December 1967. The new church was consecrated in 1974.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|date=2019|title=Year Book|url=https://anglicanchurchsq.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Year-Book-Volume-II-Feb-2020.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915033326/https://anglicanchurchsq.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Year-Book-Volume-II-Feb-2020.pdf|archive-date=15 September 2020|access-date=15 September 2020|publisher=[[Anglican Archdiocese of Brisbane]]|page=137|volume=2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Parish profile|url=https://anglicanchurchsq.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Caloundra-Glasshouse-Parish-Profile-May-2020.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924233533/https://anglicanchurchsq.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Caloundra-Glasshouse-Parish-Profile-May-2020.pdf|archive-date=24 September 2020|access-date=25 September 2020|website=The Anglican Parish of Caloundra-Glasshouse Country|page=3}}</ref>

The first female councillor was Miriam Westaway, who represented Division 5 from 29 April 1961 to 30 March 1973. She was one of the first teachers at Caloundra State School. She was active in community groups such as the [[Returned and Services League of Australia|RSL Women's Auxiliary]] and a founder of the Caloundra Branch of the Queensland Country Women's Association and the local branch of the [[Red Cross]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/191354656|title=Landsborough Shire Councillor Miriam Westaway, ca 1965|author1=Unknown|date=2012|access-date=1 January 2019|archive-date=14 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914000140/https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/191354656|url-status=live}}</ref>

During [[World War II]], the area became key to Australian defence due to defensive positions along the beaches. Radar stations and machine gun pits were mounted, and Australian and US armed forces came to the area. From the early 1950s onwards, Caloundra experienced a boom in development and population, and by 1968, it had come to dominate the Shire of Landsborough so completely that the council chambers were relocated to Caloundra.<ref name=qpc/>

The Caloundra Library opened in 1986 with a major refurbishment in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Public Libraries Statistical Bulletin 2016-17|url=http://www.plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/388497/SLQ_StatsBulletin1617_20171109.pdf|date=November 2017|website=Public Libraries Connect|publisher=[[State Library of Queensland]]|page=15|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130022546/http://www.plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/388497/SLQ_StatsBulletin1617_20171109.pdf|archive-date=30 January 2018|access-date=30 January 2018}}</ref>

{{multiple image|align=center|total_width=515|image1=StateLibQld_1_101572.jpg|image2 =Caloundra_on_the_Sunshine_Coast_postcard_promoting_the_wonderful_seaside_town,_ca_1950.jpg|footer=Caloundra in the 1930s and 1950s|footer_align=center}}

== Demographics ==
In the {{CensusAU|1933}}, the locality of Caloundra had a population of 271 people.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Census of the Commonwealth of Australia 30th June, 1933: Part VII. Populations and occupied dwellings in localities |url=https://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/ausstats/free.nsf/0/2877B9A263A47F3FCA25784000102F18/$File/1933%20Census%20-%20Volume%20I%20-%20Part%20VIII%20Population%20and%20Occupied%20Dwellings%20in%20Localities.pdf |access-date=5 June 2024 |website=[[Australian Government]] |page=610}}</ref>

In the {{CensusAU|2016}}, the suburb of Caloundra had a population of 3,917 people.<ref name=Census2016>{{Census 2016 AUS|id=SSC30495|name=Caloundra (SSC)|access-date=20 October 2018|quick=on}}</ref>

In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, the town of Caloundra had a population of 96,305 people.<ref name=Census2021>{{Census 2021 AUS|id=31602|name=Caloundra (SAL3)|access-date=28 February 2023|quick=on}}</ref>

== Heritage listings ==
Caloundra has a number of [[heritage-listed]] sites, including:
* [[Tripcony Hibiscus Caravan Park]], Bowman Road, [[Caloundra (suburb)]]<ref>{{cite QHR|30455|Tripcony Hibiscus Caravan Park|602708|access-date=14 July 2013}}</ref>
* [[Caloundra Lighthouses]], 6 Arthur Street and 3 Canberra Terrace, [[Kings Beach, Queensland|Kings Beach]]<ref>{{cite QHR|31351|Caloundra Lighthouses|602746|access-date=14 July 2013}}</ref>
* [[Kings Beach Bathing Pavilion]], Ormonde Terrace, Kings Beach<ref>{{cite QHR|16276|Kings Beach Bathing Pavilion|601513|access-date=14 July 2013}}</ref>

== Suburbs ==

Caloundra is not strictly defined, but the boundary used by the [[Australian Bureau of Statistics]] for census purposes and the urban zone defined by the [[Sunshine Coast Region|Sunshine Coast Regional Council]] (formerly the [[City of Caloundra|Caloundra City Council]]) almost exactly coincide.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}} This region is bounded roughly by Currimundi Creek, Rainforest Drive and the Mooloolah River to the north, Beerwah State Forest and [[Bruce Highway]] to the west, the [[Pumicestone Passage]] (separating the area from [[Bribie Island]]) and the ocean to the east, and Bells Creek to the south.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}} The [[central business district]] (CBD) for the area is located on Bulcock Street, [[Caloundra (suburb)|Caloundra]].{{citation needed|date=June 2025}}

[[File:Caloundra Queensland 2.jpg|center|thumb|750px|{{center|Panoramic view of Caloundra}}]]

The Caloundra urban centre consists of the following suburbs:{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
* [[Aroona, Queensland|Aroona]]
* [[Banya, Queensland|Banya]]
* [[Baringa, Queensland|Baringa]]
* [[Battery Hill, Queensland|Battery Hill]]
* [[Bells Creek, Queensland|Bells Creek]]
* [[Caloundra (suburb)]]
* [[Caloundra West, Queensland|Caloundra West]]
{{col-break}}
* [[Corbould Park, Queensland|Corbould Park]]
* [[Currimundi, Queensland|Currimundi]] (part)
* [[Dicky Beach, Queensland|Dicky Beach]]
* [[Gagalba, Queensland|Gagalba]]
* [[Golden Beach, Queensland|Golden Beach]]
* [[Kings Beach, Queensland|Kings Beach]]
* [[Little Mountain, Queensland|Little Mountain]]
{{col-break}}
* [[Nirimba, Queensland|Nirimba]]
* [[Meridan Plains, Queensland|Meridan Plains]] (part)
* [[Moffat Beach, Queensland|Moffat Beach]]
* [[Pelican Waters, Queensland|Pelican Waters]]
* [[Shelly Beach, Queensland (Sunshine Coast)|Shelly Beach]]
{{col-end}}

== Climate ==
{{Weather box
|location = Caloundra, Queensland
|single line = yes
|metric first = yes
|Jan record high C = 37.6
|Feb record high C = 35.2
|Mar record high C = 33.8
|Apr record high C = 32.5
|May record high C = 29.6
|Jun record high C = 26.5
|Jul record high C = 27.0
|Aug record high C = 28.4
|Sep record high C = 33.3
|Oct record high C = 32.2
|Nov record high C = 34.6
|Dec record high C = 35.5
|year record high C = 37.6
|Jan high C = 27.6
|Feb high C = 27.2
|Mar high C = 26.4
|Apr high C = 24.6
|May high C = 22.2
|Jun high C = 19.8
|Jul high C = 19.3
|Aug high C = 20.3
|Sep high C = 22.3
|Oct high C = 24.1
|Nov high C = 25.4
|Dec high C = 27.0
|year high C = 23.8
|Jan low C = 21.4
|Feb low C = 21.2
|Mar low C = 19.9
|Apr low C = 17.4
|May low C = 14.9
|Jun low C = 11.7
|Jul low C = 10.8
|Aug low C = 11.6
|Sep low C = 13.9
|Oct low C = 16.5
|Nov low C = 18.5
|Dec low C = 20.3
|year low C = 16.5
|Jan record low C = 15.0
|Feb record low C = 15.3
|Mar record low C = 13.4
|Apr record low C = 9.3
|May record low C = 6.4
|Jun record low C = 4.3
|Jul record low C = 3.3
|Aug record low C = 5.0
|Sep record low C = 6.8
|Oct record low C = 9.2
|Nov record low C = 11.7
|Dec record low C = 12.7
|year record low C = 3.3
|Jan precipitation mm = 174.0
|Feb precipitation mm = 202.4
|Mar precipitation mm = 208.0
|Apr precipitation mm = 172.9
|May precipitation mm = 170.3
|Jun precipitation mm = 102.4
|Jul precipitation mm = 89.2
|Aug precipitation mm = 60.8
|Sep precipitation mm = 54.3
|Oct precipitation mm = 81.1
|Nov precipitation mm = 113.3
|Dec precipitation mm = 147.4
|year precipitation mm = 1578.3
|source = Bureau of Meteorology<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://reg.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_040040_All.shtml
|title = Climate Statistics for Caloundra, Queensland
|access-date = 9 June 2012
|archive-date = 24 February 2020
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200224173728/http://reg.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_040040_All.shtml
|url-status = live
}}</ref>
}}

== Transport ==
The region of the Sunshine Coast, including Caloundra, is serviced by the [[Sunshine Coast Airport]], located at {{QLDcity|Marcoola}}. A smaller [[Caloundra Airport|regional airport]] is also located at Caloundra.

Caloundra's suburbs are served by [[Kinetic Sunshine Coast]], who operate the [[Caloundra bus station]] in Cooma Terrace. Bus routes 600, 602, 603, 605, 607, 609 connect Caloundra to [[Kawana Waters]], [[Maroochydore]], [[Buderim]] and [[Landsborough, Queensland|Landsborough]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/timetables/bus|title=All bus timetables|author=Translink Queensland|access-date=29 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317183755/https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/timetables/bus|archive-date=17 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Of residents aged 15 and over, 0.5% report using public transport to commute to work.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sunshine Coast's Top Commuter Suburbs: Public Transport Reigns Supreme on Census Day! |url=https://www.microburbs.com.au/People-Lifestyle/Top-suburbs-for-Public-transport-commuters/Sunshine-Coast |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=www.microburbs.com.au |archive-date=12 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712010700/https://www.microburbs.com.au/People-Lifestyle/Top-suburbs-for-Public-transport-commuters/Sunshine-Coast |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Landsborough railway station]] on the [[Sunshine Coast railway line|Sunshine Coast line]] has regular services to [[Roma Street railway station]] in Brisbane, operated by [[Queensland Rail]]. There are several bus companies providing coach services from Caloundra to [[Brisbane Airport]].

== Industry ==
=== Tourism ===
[[File:Caloundra_2013.jpg|thumb|Bullcock Beach, Pumicestone Passage and the Northern tip of Bribie Island]]
[[File:Caloundra Australie.jpg|thumb|Apartments along Kings Beach]]
Caloundra has a variety of [[beach]]es, providing amenity to the local residents and tourists.
*[[Golden Beach, Queensland|Golden Beach]] is protected by [[Bribie Island]] to the east, and is used for swimming, windsurfing, boating and fishing. At low tide, Golden Beach and Bribie Island are relatively close.
*Bulcock Beach is a still water beach, has board-walks, piers and numerous restaurants, and is situated opposite the northern end of Bribie Island. The Des Dywer walking track is an [[oceanway]] that starts at Bulcock beach and follows the coastline on cliffs and boardwalks. The walking track ends at [[Moffat Beach, Queensland|Moffat Beach]] north-east of Bulcock, and is about a one-hour walk. Bulcock Beach is patrolled by volunteer lifesavers from [[Ithaca–Caloundra City Life Saving Club]].
*[[Kings Beach, Queensland|Kings Beach]], named for Allan King who ran a guest house in the area in 1888, is the main beach of Caloundra. Kings Beach is patrolled all year round by Metropolitan – Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club and has a picnic and children's play area. Kings Beach also has a swimming pool which, whilst built to be separate from the ocean, is fed directly from seawater.
*[[Shelly Beach, Queensland (Sunshine Coast)|Shelly Beach]] is not a swimming beach, with the danger of wild rough waves and rocks. However, the northern and southern ends are safer for more advanced or supervised swimmers. Locals often find these places appropriate as, not only is it remote from the crowds of the adjacent King's Beach, but local council laws allow dogs on the sand. On low tide, shells and rock pools can be found along the beach. Shelly is surrounded by residential housing with a maximum of five storeys.
*[[Moffat Beach, Queensland|Moffat Beach]] is not a patrolled beach, but [[Dicky Beach, Queensland|Dicky Beach]], located one kilometre north, has a surf lifesaving club and is patrolled year-round. Moffat Beach is surrounded by residential housing, cafes, a post office, a newsagent, parkland and apartments.
*The surf beaches are Kings Beach and Dicky Beach which commence at the eastern end of Bulcock Beach, namely
**Happy Valley (full east/south-east exposure) – officially Happy Valley is part of and shown on maps as Bulcock Beach.
**Kings Beach (E/SE)
**Shelly Beach(E/NE)
**Moffat Beach (E/NE)
**Dicky Beach (E/NE)
*On Caloundra's outskirts is [[Aussie World]], located at the Glenview turnoff on the [[Bruce Highway]].
*Corbould Park Racetrack &ndash; home of Sunshine Coast Turf Club which holds an important race meet during the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival, with the [[Group races|Group 3]] [[Sunshine Coast Guineas]] and Listed Caloundra Cup.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.races.com.au/races/group-3/sunshine-coast-guineas/|title=Winners and Past Results for the Sunshine Coast Guineas|access-date=12 May 2015|publisher=Races.com (Australia)|date=2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092234/http://www.races.com.au/races/group-3/sunshine-coast-guineas/|archive-date=18 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Amenities ==
The [[Sunshine Coast Region|Sunshine Coast Council]] operates a public library at 8 Omrah Avenue.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/About-Libraries/Open-Hours/Caloundra-Library|title=Caloundra Library|website=[[Sunshine Coast Regional Council]]|access-date=30 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130204342/https://library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/About-Libraries/Open-Hours/Caloundra-Library|archive-date=30 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Caloundra branch of the [[Queensland Country Women's Association]] meets at 17 Kalinga Street.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.qcwa.org.au/branch-locations/|title=Branch Locations|publisher=[[Queensland Country Women's Association]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226010724/http://www.qcwa.org.au/branch-locations/|access-date=26 December 2018|archive-date=26 December 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

St Andrew's Anglican Church is at 46 Upper Gay Terrace, Kings Beach ({{Coord|-26.8032|153.1381|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|display=|name=St Andrew's Anglican Church}}).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contact Details|url=https://cgca.com.au/contact/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924231835/https://cgca.com.au/contact/|archive-date=24 September 2020|access-date=2020-09-24|website=St Andrew's (Caloundra & Glasshouse Country)|language=en-AU}}</ref> Some of the church's locum staff of retired priests are part of the [[Progressive Christianity]] movement.<ref>[https://anglicanfocus.lbcdn.io/uploads/2024/10/241009-Parish-Profile.pdf]</ref><ref>[https://www.progressivechristians.org.au/about-us/our-members/]</ref><ref>[https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/religionandethicsreport/a-new-22progressive-christian-voice22/4257608]</ref>

Caloundra Uniting Church also has links to the Progressive Christianity movement.<ref>[https://caloundraunitingchurch.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Explorers-_Group.pdf]</ref><ref>[https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/sunshine-coast/love-is-love-newage-christians-debate-gay-marriage/news-story/fee0442d3d3ae6ea6d6135eb6db8f317]</ref><ref>[https://caloundraunitingchurch.org.au/adults-activity/]</ref>

== Awards ==
Caloundra has won the [[Australian Tidy Town Awards|Australian Tidy Town Award]] in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sustainablecommunities.com.au/honour-roll/|title=Honour Roll|website=Keep Australia Beautiful – Tidy Town Awards|access-date=3 July 2023|archive-date=3 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703115916/https://www.sustainablecommunities.com.au/honour-roll/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Queensland Tourism Industry Council named Caloundra the 2023 Queensland Top Tourism Town.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2023/06/13/its-official-coast-destination-named-states-best/|title=It's official: Coast destination named state's best in Top Tourism Towns awards|date=13 June 2023|work=Sunshine Coast News|access-date=3 July 2023|archive-date=2 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702224905/https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2023/06/13/its-official-coast-destination-named-states-best/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Notable residents ==
* [[Robert Bulcock]], pastoralist and [[Queensland]] politician
* [[James C. Moffat]], chemist and pastoralist

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{wikivoyage|Caloundra}}
* {{Commons category-inline|Caloundra, Queensland}}
* [http://artabase.net/gallery/75-caloundra-regional-art-gallery Caloundra Regional Art Gallery Artabase page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211185217/http://artabase.net/gallery/75-caloundra-regional-art-gallery |date=11 December 2007 }}
* [http://www.caloundratourism.com.au Caloundra Tourism]

{{Sunshine Coast Region}}
{{Queensland cities}}
{{South East Queensland}}
{{Portal bar|Queensland}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Caloundra| ]]
[[Category:Coastal cities in Australia]]
[[Category:Queensland in World War II]]
[[Category:Coastline of Queensland]]