The Best Hotels and Places to Stay in Caloundra, Queensland

Highly rated by families and self-catering independent travellers, Rumba Resort has multi-bedroom apartments directly across the road from Pumicestone Passage, where kids can swim in the calm protected waters. Did we hear you say you don’t like swimming in the sea? That’s OK: there’s also a resort pool if you’re looking for a change of scenery from Bulcock Beach. Decked out in neutral shades, the light-filled apartments come with all you’d expect from an outstanding resort: wifi, air-conditioning, movies on demand, and fully equipped kitchens with luxury appliances.

Boasting epic views straight up Brimbie Island, this large complex has a mix of apartment sizes on each level. Choose according to your budget, and preferences: north- or south-facing balconies, spa baths, and proximity to the swimming pool are all important considerations. Aspect Caloundra is an excellent option if you’re someone who needs something new to do every day: it also has a gym, sauna, and flood-lit tennis courts to complement the onsite pool and cinema room.

Further south from Caloundra centre, on a prime parkland spot opposite Pumicestone Passage, and leaving no roads between your accommodation and the beach, Gemini Resort is an excellent choice in Caloundra for travellers with kids. Besides family apartments with bunk beds for the children and huge balconies overlooking the water, family-friendly features include the lagoon-style pool with a slide and water playground and a strict no smoking policy throughout the entire resort. Plus, both of the hotel towers have dual lifts, a bonus if you forget the kid’s sunscreen and have to nip back up to your room!

If being close to the action is a priority, the simple motel-style rooms of Belaire Place will appeal. The location couldn’t be better, with this spot literally a stone’s throw from the red and yellow safety flags on Bulcock Beach. For those rare days when the beach does not entice, there’s a small heated pool onsite too. Guests rave about the central location, value for money, and friendly staff here more than the decor – although the ocean-facing balconies are also worth writing home about. Dining-wise, you’re steps away from a burger bar, gourmet coffee shop, plus high-end contemporary dining at Tides.

Facing Kings Beach, one of Caloundra’s surf beaches, Rolling Surf Resort offers incredible access to the waves, in case you brought your board with you. It’s complemented by a swimming pool that includes wading areas perfect for younger children. Tiled, spacious, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in classic creams and browns come with full kitchens, spa baths, laundry facilities and plasma TVs in your lounge room and the master bedroom. Plus, you’re less than ten minutes’ walk from Amici Restaurant & Pizzeria, Tides, and other dining options along Bulcock St or just off Bulcock Beach.

Although its main entrance is on Bulcock Street, the BreakFree Grand Pacific spills onto the waterfront esplanade, a few steps from popular sunbathing spot Bulcock Beach. This multi-storey complex comprises cream-and-turquoise apartments with blond-wood furnishings, overlooking a curvaceous pool. Splurge a little on the rooftop apartment with a private terrace and all-encompassing sea views. BreakFree is well placed for holiday-makers who like to dine out, with a selection of international restaurants – Venice Gourmet Pizza, Chinese Holiday, Beachview Seafoods – literally steps away. To help keep prices accessible, room servicing is offered weekly.

As the name suggests, this resort is right on the water which means no road noise, just the sound of the waves lapping on the walled waterfront and the swishing of the tropical palm trees peppered around the property. It’s a short walk from beaches but with a generous on-site swimming pool area that includes three outdoor pools (one that is heated year-round). While all apartments offer at least partial glimpses of the water, if you’re on a romantic break, try to nab the penthouse apartment, which features a private rooftop spa with particularly expansive ocean views.

There are views of the ocean from your balcony, or the rooftop BBQ area, as well as the gorgeous Glasshouse Mountains which look particularly spectacular at sunset. If the walk to the beach from Bulcock Street is too far, you can always take a dip in the pool and outdoor spa onsite. Rooms here are tastefully decorated in a contemporary palette of greys and blues and range from simple hotel rooms to apartments with a full kitchen. Don’t feel like cooking? Tredici Wood-Fired Pizza is just across the street.