Bulcock Beach is Caloundra’s calm-water beach, on the Pumicestone Passage beside the town centre, with a boardwalk, picnic areas, BBQs and showers along the Esplanade. It is a sheltered bay rather than a surf beach, so it suits an easy Caloundra day out.
The beach is inside the former Caloundra Bar on the Pumicestone Passage. Sand movement has closed the old channel, which is why the water forms a bay-like area. The foreshore parkland and boardwalk behind it have plenty of picnic areas, and the council lists the beach as a location for weddings and events.
Can you swim at Bulcock Beach?
Yes. Bulcock Beach is a patrolled beach, and lifeguards patrol on weekends, school holidays and public holidays from September to May. Outside those times the beach is not listed as patrolled, so swim with care. The council points to the Beachsafe website for exact patrol times.
Facilities on the foreshore
The Esplanade at Bulcock Beach has BBQs, picnic tables or seats, showers, public toilets and a drinking fountain. The beach access points are numbered 296 to 300. A boardwalk runs along the foreshore with picnic areas, so you can bring lunch and stay the day.
The boardwalk and fishing
The boardwalk is a dog on-leash area, and animals are not allowed within five metres of the barbecue facilities. Fishing, rod casting, bait preparation and fish handling are restricted on the boardwalk, and fishing is not allowed in the immediate dining area. The designated fishing area is at the lower deck at the western end of the Esplanade, next to two disabled parking bays.
Is Bulcock Beach dog friendly?
Not on the sand. The council’s boardwalk page says animals are prohibited on Bulcock Beach, and its list of dog-prohibited areas names Bulcock Beach (beach access 295 to 302). The boardwalk is a dog on-leash area. Follow the signs at the beach and check the council’s dog map, or phone the council on 07 5475 7272.
Markets on Bulcock Beach
Bulcock Beach is the setting for the monthly Caloundra Twilight Markets, held on the last Friday of the month from 5 pm to 9 pm on the Esplanade at Bulcock Beach, with free entry. On Sundays the Caloundra Street Fair runs from 8 am to 1 pm on Bulcock Street, in the town centre, also with free entry.
Eating and picnics
Between the BBQs, picnic tables and seats, the drinking fountain and the showers, you can run a whole beach day from the Esplanade without leaving the foreshore. Animals are not allowed within five metres of the barbecue facilities, so leave pets at home. The Caloundra Twilight Markets also bring stalls to the Esplanade once a month.
Planning your visit
- How long: a couple of hours for a swim and a picnic, longer if you add a market or a walk to Kings Beach.
- Cost: free to visit.
- What to bring: a picnic or food for the BBQs, sun protection and towels.
- Best time: patrolled swimming days, which are weekends, school holidays and public holidays from September to May.
Getting there and parking
By car, Bulcock Beach is about 92 km and about 80 minutes from the Brisbane CBD without traffic. Council removed paid parking fees in the Caloundra CBD from 2 March, and time limits still apply in signed areas, so read the sign at the space. The council’s news item names only the Caloundra CBD and does not say whether the Esplanade is included.
By bus, Translink route 600 stops at Caloundra station and at Bulcock Street at Canberra Terrace in the town centre. Check the timetable for times on the day you go. Plan your trip with the Translink Journey Planner or call 13 12 30.
What is planned for the beach
Sunshine Coast Council lists long-term coastal adaptation planning for Golden Beach and Caloundra (Bulcock Beach) as an underway project, with community feedback shaping future concept options. The council page names no dates or works, so check the council page for updates.
Nearby
- Kings Beach – Caloundra’s main beach, with a 25 metre ocean pool, a seawater fountain and playgrounds.
- Golden Beach – four kilometres of calm Passage foreshore with picnic parks and boat ramps.
- Dicky Beach – a patrolled surf beach with a shipwreck and a playground.
- Moffat Beach – cafes and the headland walk.
- Caloundra Lighthouse – history and visiting tips.
Browse more beaches and Sunshine Coast days out.
You might also like
- Wurtulla Beach (Sunshine Coast)
- Kawana Waters (Sunshine Coast)
- Banksia Beach (Bribie Island)
Quick answers
Where is Bulcock Beach?
On the Esplanade in Caloundra, on the Pumicestone Passage beside the town centre.
Is Bulcock Beach patrolled?
Yes, on weekends, school holidays and public holidays from September to May. Check Beachsafe for current patrol times.
Are dogs allowed at Bulcock Beach?
Not on the beach. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the boardwalk.
Does Bulcock Beach have toilets and BBQs?
Yes. The foreshore has public toilets, showers, BBQs, picnic tables and a drinking fountain.
Is parking free at Bulcock Beach?
Paid parking fees were removed in the Caloundra CBD from 2 March, but time limits apply in signed areas. Read the sign where you park.
What is the difference between Bulcock Beach and Kings Beach?
Bulcock Beach is a calm Passage beach in town, while Kings Beach is the open-coast beach with the ocean pool and playgrounds.
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