Caloundra

Caloundra is fast becoming recognised as one of Australia's fastest growing holidays destinations in Australia. The township is located at the southern end of Queensland's stunning Sunshine Coast. The region stretches from the cool green of the hinterland mountains to the crisp blue and white of the beaches. With its greenery, near perfect climate, easy lifestyle and ideal conditions which prevail it is renowned as the most southerly resort on the Sunshine Coast.

The name Caloundra is thought to be named after the Aboriginal word 'Callanda' which means beautiful place in the Kabi language. However, there is some discrepency that it may be derived from the word 'Cullowundoor' meaning beech tree. It is though that Caloundra was given this name because of the trees that grow on the headland of Caloundra Head. The first European settlers in the Caloundra area didn't arrive until 1862 as the land grab, which started in the early 1840s, had concentrated on the Darling Downs and the fertile lands north of the Brisbane River Valley. The first permanent settler in the area was John Ballinger who selected land for sheep-raising south of Lake Currimundi.

Perhaps the most important nineteenth-century settler was the explorer William Landsborough who, with a #2000 reward from the Queensland government, purchased 2372 acres of what is now Golden Beach, on Pumicestone Passage, in 1882. Although he only lived another four years, during which time he grazed sheep, Landsborough Shire is named in his honour.

It was during the 1880s that Caloundra began to acquire its reputation as a seaside resort. The first hotel was built in 1885 on Shelley Beach and by 1905 Wilson's Guest House offered holidays on Dicky Beach. A bakery was built in 1909 and the first general store appeared the following year. While the fertile inland soils were used to grow maize, oats, sugar and tobacco and the local dairy industry prospered, all Caloundra could offer was tourism. The first European to sight Caloundra area was Captain James Cook who in May 1770 named the Glass House Mountains. Matthrew Flinders followed in 1799. He entered the channel between modern day Caloundra and Bribie Island.

It was not until 1862 that Europeans settled in Caloundra as the land grab in the early 1840s had concentrated on the Darling Downs and the land of the Brisbane River Valley. John Ballinger was the first permanent settler, he selected land for sheep-raising south of Lake Currimundi.

In 1882, William Landsborough purchased 2372 acres with a #2000 reward from the Queensland government. This area is now Golden Beach. Although only living for four years, the Landsborough Shire is named in his honour

During the 1880s Caloundra began to acquire recognition as a seaside resort. In 1885 the first hotel was built on Shelly Beach. By 1905, Wilson's Guiest House offered holidays on Dicky Beach. 1909 saw the first bakery and by the following year the first general store appeared.

Facts, Stats and Demographics

The population of the township has exploded from 2800 in 1961 to approximately 25 000 today. This expansion has been accompanied by commerical growth which caters to around 50 000 visitors who arrive each summer. The local economy revolves around tourism, clothing production, building supplies, boat, coach and aircraft manufacturing and small goods.

Climate

The subtropical Sunshine Coast averages 7 hours of sunshine daily - one of the highest rating in the world. The residents and visitors can enjoy year round warm balmy temperatures. During summer temperatures range from 200C to 280C and winter temperatures range from between 100C and 200C.

Getting There

Caloundra is an hour's drive (91 km) north of Brisbane along the Bruce Highway and only two hours drive north from the Gold Coast.

Bus and Coach Services

Sunbus provides frequent services throughout the Caloundra coastal area and the Sunshine Coast. Coaches regularly service the area to and from Brisbane.

Rail

There are regular rail services to and from Brisbane.

Air

Brisbane International and Domestic Airports are located one hour's drive south of Caloundra. There are regular connecting shuttle bus or private transfer services. They operate every day between Brisbane airports and Caloundra. The Sunshine Coast Airport located at Maroochydore 35 minutes drive north of Caloundra. Connecting shuttle buses meet every incoming and outgoing flight.

Caloundra Accommodation

Sunshine Coast Tourist Information