6 Best Places to Paddle Board in Caloundra, AUS

Welcome to the Sunshine Coast’s hidden gem: Caloundra, Australia.

Have you ever dreamt of paddling amidst stunning coastal views and crystal-clear waters?

The best places to paddle board in Caloundra are calling your name.

Join us as we embark on a tour of the serene paddling spots this coastal paradise has to offer. Are you ready to dive in?

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Planning Your Paddle in Caloundra

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs stay above 15 °C right through the year, so there is no closed season. January is the warmest month, averaging 28 °C.
Rules and licences: Australia regulates paddling state by state. Queensland’s one hard obligation, wearing a lifejacket when crossing a designated coastal bar, expressly does not extend to stand-up paddleboards. A lifejacket and a leash remain the sensible choice on open water.

Where to Paddle Board in Caloundra

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Bulcock Beach

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Esplanade Boardwalk (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, protected from the wind by Bribie Island
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, seabirds, fish
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Bribie Island, Caloundra skyline
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of swimmers, follow local regulations

Bulcock Beach offers an ideal location for paddleboarding in Caloundra. Its calm waters, protected by Bribie Island, make it perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

Watch for dolphins and enjoy the scenic views while exploring this beautiful beach.

#2 Golden Beach

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Golden Beach Foreshore (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, shallow water, protected by Bribie Island
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, turtles, seabirds
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Pumicestone Passage, Caloundra skyline, Glass House Mountains
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Swim-safe zones, follow local regulations

Golden Beach is another popular paddle boarding spot in Caloundra, featuring calm, shallow waters perfect for all skill levels.

Paddle along the stunning Pumicestone Passage, taking in views of the Caloundra skyline and Glass House Mountains while spotting marine life such as dolphins and turtles.

#3 Currimundi Lake

🏖️ Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Westaway Parade (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters, minimal currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, water birds
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Currimundi Lake Conservation Park
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local regulations, respect the wildlife and vegetation

Currimundi Lake offers a serene, family-friendly paddle boarding experience surrounded by natural beauty.

Glide through the calm lake waters while taking in the picturesque views and spotting the local wildlife. This peaceful spot boasts a unique paddling experience in Caloundra.

#4 Bribie Island

🏖️ Location Type: Island
📍 Access Point: Banksia Beach (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, protected by Bribie Island
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, dugongs, sea turtles
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Pumicestone Passage, Glass House Mountains
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Swim-safe zones, marine park regulations apply

Just across the Pumicestone Passage from Caloundra, Bribie Island offers stunning views and calm waters for paddle boarders to enjoy.

The shoreline of Banksia Beach provides an ideal launch point to explore the island’s waterways, where you can encounter dolphins, dugongs, and sea turtles while taking in the scenic views.

#5 Kings Beach

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Kings Beach Foreshore (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, rips and currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, seabirds
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Point Cartwright, rocks formations
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Understand beach safety, flags and warnings

For those seeking a more challenging paddleboarding experience, Kings Beach offers rolling waves and active surf conditions.

While not recommended for beginners, experienced paddle boarders can enjoy the thrill of riding the waves at Kings Beach and taking in the coastal views.

#6 Moffat Beach

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Moffat Beach Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, rips and currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, seabirds
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Coastal rock formations
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of surf conditions, follow beach safety guidelines

Moffat Beach provides a picturesque coastal setting for paddleboarders who enjoy a more challenging experience.

With moderate waves and rips, this spot is better suited for experienced paddlers. Explore the scenic coastline and rock formations while riding the waves at Moffat Beach.

Caloundra sits at the bottom of the Sunshine Coast, with the Pumicestone Passage doing most of the work. Brisbane is an hour south, the Central Coast the New South Wales equivalent, and Cairns the tropical one.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case