For many of us, a holiday just doesn’t feel complete if the family pet has to stay behind. Thankfully, Caloundra is one of those places where bringing your dog on holiday is easy. With kilometres of waterfront pathways, plenty of green spaces and a relaxed coastal atmosphere, it’s the perfect destination to slow down, get outdoors and enjoy some quality time together.

At Caloundra Holiday Centre, we’ve seen more and more guests choosing pet-friendly accommodation, and it’s easy to understand why. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer stay, having your pet with you means everyone gets to enjoy the holiday. Many of our pet-friendly homes offer secure yards and comfortable living spaces, so both you and your four-legged companion can settle in and feel at home.

One of the nicest things about Caloundra is its welcoming community. After a morning walk along the waterfront, you’ll find plenty of cafés with outdoor seating where well-behaved dogs are welcome, making it easy to stop for breakfast or a coffee before heading off to explore a little more. There are also a number of local parks and dog-friendly beaches nearby, so your pet can enjoy the holiday just as much as you do.

If you’ve been thinking about taking a holiday without leaving your best mate behind, Caloundra is well worth considering. Our team at Caloundra Holiday Centre is always happy to help you find the right pet-friendly property and point you towards some of our favourite local spots to visit while you’re here.

The top five venues to bring your dog

1. White Picket Fence
The proper sit-down feed after a long walk.

2. The Frog’s Kitchen
The classic Caloundra postcard breakfast.

3. The Giggling Goat Emporium
The off-leash walk then breakfast combination.

4. One Block Back
When the food matters as much as the dog does.

5. Moffat Beach Brewing Co. Beachside
Solid afternoon option with a happy dog asleep under the table.

Not everybody follows horse racing, but you don’t need to love racing to appreciate what the Sunshine Coast Turf Club contributes to our community.

The latest Racing Queensland research shows the Sunshine Coast racing industry generates $156.4 million in annual economic value, supports 949 full-time-equivalent jobs and involves almost 3,380 people across training, ownership, administration and volunteering.

Those are impressive numbers, but the real story is the people behind them.

The Turf Club’s leadership team are not simply running successful race meetings. They are passionate Caloundra people who understand that the racecourse can play a much bigger role in our community’s future—creating employment, welcoming visitors, supporting local businesses and bringing people together.

With the Honey Farm Road Sport and Recreation Precinct being developed directly opposite the racecourse, and further investment planned across the southern Sunshine Coast, this area has the potential to become an important centre for sport, recreation, events and community life.

The Turf Club’s success has not happened by accident. It reflects years of vision, persistence and genuine care for the place they call home.

They are good local people doing an outstanding job—and helping build a more vibrant and confident future for Caloundra.

There’s something special about Caloundra. It’s in the way locals greet you with a smile, the ease of finding a great coffee by the water, and the feeling that time slows down just enough for you to truly enjoy where you are.

That’s exactly what we’re capturing with the launch of TasteCaloundra.com.au — a digital food trail designed to showcase the incredible food and beverage experiences across Caloundra and the Southern Sunshine Coast.

This initiative, proudly developed by the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce working with Gravity Projex and in partnership with Visit Sunshine Coast through sub-regional funding, is more than just a website. It’s the beginning of a new way of telling our story.

Because Caloundra has a story worth telling.

From long-standing local favourites to exciting new venues, our food scene has been evolving in all the right ways. Businesses like Bianco, Phoklore, the award-winning Moffat Beach Brewing Co., and the beautifully crafted Beachtree Distilling are setting a new benchmark. And with Mumma’s Deli soon to open in Moffat Beach, there’s even more to look forward to.

These aren’t just places to eat — they are experiences. They reflect the passion, creativity, and resilience of our local business community.

Taste Caloundra brings these experiences together into one accessible, digital platform — a “source of truth” for both visitors and locals. Whether you’re planning a holiday or simply deciding where to go for dinner, this platform makes it easy to discover the very best our region has to offer.

But this is just the beginning.

Alongside the platform, we’re preparing a targeted visitation campaign to reach people actively looking to holiday in our region. We want them to see Caloundra not just as a destination, but as a place to stay longer, explore deeper, and truly unwind.

At the same time, tourism is undergoing a significant shift. We are entering an AI-driven era where the way people discover destinations is changing rapidly. Caloundra must be ready — ready to show up, stand out, and capture attention in new and meaningful ways.

With the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon and the future rail connection bringing greater accessibility to our region, we are standing at the edge of an incredible opportunity.

The time to act is now.

The Caloundra Chamber of Commerce is committed to working alongside our local businesses, community, and key stakeholders to ensure we are ready for this growth — not just to accommodate it, but to shape it in a way that preserves what makes Caloundra so unique.

Because at the heart of all of this is something simple: we want people to choose Caloundra.

To visit. To stay. To shop. To explore. To experience our relaxed, local way of life. And when they do, we want them to leave already planning their return and having a deep desire to come and live in the region.

Taste Caloundra is just the start of that journey — and I couldn’t be more excited about what comes next

Councillor Terry Landsberg’s Local Pick: Between the Flags, Dicky Beach

There’s no better way to start the day than with a morning coffee at Between the Flags at Dicky Beach. It’s got that classic coastal vibe — relaxed, welcoming, and full of life.

You’ll find a great mix of locals catching up over coffee alongside visitors staying just across the road at the Dicky Beach Holiday Park. It’s one of those places where conversations flow easily and the atmosphere feels genuinely connected to the community.

Parking is easy, and from there it’s just a short stroll to the beach — perfect for a quick swim or a surf after your coffee.

Simple, authentic, and exactly what Caloundra mornings are all about 🙌☕️

Councillor Terry Landsberg – Division 2, Sunshine Coast Council

Mike’s Taste Caloundra tip is the Chinese Holiday Restaurant

“If you want a no-fuss, consistently brilliant meal in Caloundra, this is my go-to. Chinese Holiday Restaurant in Bulcock Street is proper old-school Aussie-Chinese—warm welcome at the door, buzzing every night, and food that never misses.

It’s quick, reliable, and seriously good value, with generous portions and flavours that stack up against any capital city Chinatown. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or an easy takeaway, it always delivers. Even my Chinese friends rate it highly, which says everything.

Simple, authentic, and done right every time—this place is a local institution.”

Michael Shadforth – President Caloundra Chamber of Commerce