For a gentle walk with stunning coastal scenery, seas breezes and plenty of magical places to stop and explore, head off on the Caloundra Coastal Walk. While the greater walk comprises of a 25km hike between Golden Beach and Mooloolaba, the more manageable stroll between Bulcock Beach and Kings Beach is a perfect outing for families of all ages.
Caloundra Coastal Walk: Bulcock Beach to Kings Beach
Enjoying a walk by the water is not only good for you physically but it’s also good for the soul. There is just something about looking at waves, feeling sea breezes on your face and basking in sunshine that makes you feel wonderful.
The Caloundra Coastal Walk is an ideal way to get up your steps without breaking into too much of a sweat.
While the whole walk from Golden Beach to Mooloolaba is 25km, and might be suitable for more energetic walkers, we find the stretch between Bulcock Beach and Kings Beach is more to our liking.
Walking Distance between Bulcock Beach and Kings Beach
The picturesque walk between Kings Beach and Bulcock Beach is about 1.3km each way and takes approximately 20 minutes, though this will obviously change depending on how fast you walk and how many stops you make.
Accessibility
The walk between Bulcock Beach and Kings Beach is accessible for those utilising wheelchairs, walking aides and prams. With a combination of concrete paths and wooden boardwalks, flat pathways guide you on this pretty coastal walk. Due to the location of this walk (beside the beach), there is at times sand covering parts of the walkways, so keep this in mind when visiting.
On the walk, there are a few spots where you can pull over and have a rest and some bench seats where you can sit down and admire the view.
Accessible toilets are located near the playground at Happy Valley/Bulcock Beach, across the carpark near Beach Access 288 (Levuka Avenue), beside the Kings Beach Surf Club and near the Kings Beach Playground.
What Can You See on the Walk
Taking a stroll between Bulcock Beach and Kings Beach affords walkers with plenty of action and views.
Stop for a while and watch surfers catching a wave or maybe listen as waves lap or crash into the shore. For a fun activity, enjoy investigating the rock pools below, trying to spy crabs scuttling to and fro. Or maybe witness energetic fish leaping out of the water.
Another very unique and surprising sight from the shore of Caloundra is the spectacle of passing ships. Due to the location of the North-West Shipping Channel, vessels entering and exiting the Port of Brisbane must pass close to the shores of Caloundra, which makes for perfect viewing. On any given day you will spot cargo ships, cruise ships and pleasure craft traversing the waters off Kings Beach.
While most of the action revolves around the water in Caloundra, take a moment to look above. You might be blessed with clear blue skies, a storm rolling in or perhaps vintage planes flying overhead from nearby Caloundra Aerodrome. Helicopters on joy flights or surveying the coastline are also seen buzzing about the sky.
In the distance you can even marvel at the distinct Glasshouse Mountains jutting out from the horizon.
On the land side, there are several playgrounds to stop a,t as well as some eateries where you can grab a coffee, ice cream or a yummy lunch by the water.
Suggested Itinerary
Exploring the Caloundra Coastal Walk can be done in any format and at any time of the year, but here is our suggested itinerary for a perfect day out.
Leave home after breakfast and enjoy a play at the Happy Valley Playground as soon as you arrive.
Follow this with a picnic morning tea by the water (we love sitting on the grass under the shade of the trees just near the Happy Valley Playground).
After everyone has full bellies, embark on the 1.3km walk to Kings Beach, stopping along the way to check out the views.
If the weather is suitable, enjoy a swim at Kings Beach or the Beachfront Saltwater Pool. Not keen on getting wet – a play in the sand is just as fun.
While you are at Kings Beach have lunch – one of the cafes or the surf club is a popular option, as is casual fish and chips by the beach.
Sneak in a play at one of the Kings Beach playgrounds before turning around and heading back to Bulcock Beach.
Check out the rockpools at Bulcock Beach or take a wander along the sand to view passing ships.
When you’ve had a suitable dose of vitamin ‘sea’ get back in the car and head home with fond memories of your time in Caloundra.
If you’re still looking for other activities to fill your time in at Caloundra, consider visiting:
- Caloundra Lighthouse
- Queensland Air Museum
- Explore one of the many awesome themed playgrounds in nearby Aura
Our Caloundra Coastal Walk Top Tips
- Prepare all members of your party adequately before setting off on your walk
- Exercise caution with children when walking, particularly by the water and near edges of paths
- Consider sun safety at all times of the year – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses etc
- While there are water taps along the walk, it might be an idea to bring your own water bottles.
- Use toilet facilities when you see them.
- Take a camera, binoculars or a phone to capture the stunning scenery along the walk.
How to Get Here
The Caloundra Coastal Walk can be accessed at many points along the walk, though for the Bulcock Beach to Kings Beach portion of the walk, we suggest parking on the Esplanade Bulcock Beach or down by the Kings Beach Surf Club.
