Early morning we headed up to Shelly Beach in Caloundra, which is one of the Sunshine Coast’s hidden gems. Shelly Beach has a lovely stretch of oceanfront and is unpatrolled and not suitable for swimming meaning you’ll rarely see a crowd on the shore. In fact, you’ll often have the white sands and oceans views all to yourself. Facing directly east, this is the perfect place to enjoy a tranquil sunrise or reconnect with nature on a solitary beach stroll. If you’d like some company, bring your four-legged bestie along for an off-leash romp between 4 pm and 8 am during May and October.
After capturing the first rays of the sun we followed Des Dwyer Walkway pass George Watson Park to Moffat Headland.
We kept going along the path and followed O'Donnell Walkway to stumble across viewing platforms where you can look down over the beach. Moving forward down the hill we reached Moffat Beach, which is a vibrant little strip of alfresco cafes and restaurants full of chatty locals, classy accommodation and famous surf break. Being protected from the winds by Moffat Headland, the beautiful swimming beach has a protected inlet however; caution is recommended as the area is not patrolled. For surfers, Moffat Beach offers a perfect point break, it also happens to be the home of Australia’s longest running surf competition; The Ma and Pa Bendall Classic.
Just as we reached Moffat Beach it started to rain, so we ducked into shelter, waited for it to pass and decided to head back to Shelly Beach. Once back we drove back for a coffee at Moffat Beach.
Anyone who knows anything about Moffat Beach will tell you to pay a visit to The Pocket. Beginning as a hole-in-the wall coffee joint, The Pocket became so popular that it outgrew its initial home and had to expand to include the space next door. Now, they’re not only delivering some of the best coffee in Caloundra, but also an uber-cool interior, impressive menu and drool-worthy cocktails so make sure you stop in for happy hour. The tiny cafe is now packed most days and nights, with a queue for coffee stretching out the door on weekends.
After coffee we took our pup for a run on the beach with heaps of others getting out and exercising their dogs. Moffat Beach is an off-leash only at the times indicated on the council signs.
After a run on the beach Kim detoured to Bliss for seaside living, which is a little beachy shop at Moffat Beach. It has a carefree vibe about it with lots of colour and all the lovely seaside homewares.
Just as Kim jumped back in the car a lightning storm hit Moffat Beach and had Kayak fisherman return back to shore in droves and taking shelter as it quickly pass after many ground hits. Once pass we headed back to Brisbane with no sign of any rain.
Caloundra is taking coastal cool to the next level with its award-winning beaches, thriving coffee, craft beer and market scene, and a social calendar brimming with festivals, events and expos. Take another look at this holiday gem, it's just an hour north of Brisbane making it the perfect base for your next Sunshine Coast escape. Grab a frothie at Moffat Beach Brewing Co, take a dip at the king of beaches – Kings Beach, market shopping, Sunday sessions at 26° Bar and Venue, Caloundra Coastal Walk, Jet Ski around Pumicestone Passage and explore Currimundi Lake trails.
#sunshinecoast #sunshinecoastbc #sunshinecoasthinterland #sunshinecoastphotographer #sunshinecoastdaily #sunshinecoastfoodie #sunshinecoastfood #sunshinecoastdogs #brisbanebloggers
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Ovation of the Seas
Pacific Islands • 22–30 Oct 2026
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Sailing: 22 October 2026 • Sydney
About Us
Tony & Kim Outdoor Adventures
At Tony & Kim Outdoor Adventures, we share our passion for travel, exploration, and storytelling through authentic, experience–driven content. Based in Queensland, Australia, we document our 4WD adventures, coastal explorations, and outdoor escapades, aiming to inspire others to discover new destinations and create lasting memories.
Thank you for visiting our site and sharing the journey with us. We hope our stories encourage you to get out there, explore new destinations, and create memories of your own.
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