Kawana Waters is the stretch of Sunshine Coast between Caloundra and Maroochydore that holds Kawana Beach, a patrolled surf beach backed by parkland, playgrounds and a surf club. Kawana Waters is an estate name that came into common use rather than an official suburb, covering Birtinya, Bokarina, Buddina, Minyama, Parrearra, Warana and Wurtulla.
For a day out, Kawana Beach is the main reason to come: a quieter, open stretch of sand surrounded by parkland, with a small playground, showers and toilets.
Kawana Beach
Kawana Beach runs along Pacific Boulevard in Buddina, from Beach Access 220 to 228. Kawana Beach is a patrolled surf beach, with the lifeguard tower at Beach Access 223. The Kawana Waters Surf Livesaving Club is in Coopers Lookout Park.
Check Beachsafe for current patrol days and times before you plan a swim, and swim only between the red and yellow flags. If there are no flags, there is no patrol, so stay out of the surf.
Parks and playgrounds behind the beach
You do not have to swim to enjoy this stretch. It works for a family beach morning or a picnic on the grass.
The beach is surrounded by parkland, and the park has two playgrounds and picnic facilities, plus public toilets, and a small playground beside the quieter stretch of beach. Beach showers are at Beach Access 225, 226 and 227.
Coopers Lookout Park surrounds the surf club, with one playground to the north of the club and one to the south. It also has picnic facilities, exercise equipment, a basketball half-court, public amenities and parking.
Buddina Beach and Point Cartwright
Buddina Beach is an unpatrolled surf beach next door, with beach access points 198 to 219. Public toilets are at Point Cartwright Reserve and Alan Walker Park, and there are beach showers at access points 200, 205, 207, 208, 210, 213 and 218. Dogs are not allowed in the dune areas along Buddina Beach, which protects the dunes and the native animals that live in them. Because there are no lifeguards, swim only if you are confident in surf conditions.
At the northern end, Point Cartwright is a 5 hectare reserve of open space and bushland with an active lighthouse at the tip of the headland, and a public toilet at the car park. More in the Buddina Beach guide.
Are dogs allowed at Kawana Beach?
Not on Kawana Beach. Beach Access 217 to 226 on Pacific Boulevard is a prohibited area for dogs. On Buddina Beach, council lists dogs off leash from Point Cartwright to Gulai Street (access points 198 to 201) and from Mawarra Avenue to Talinga Street (access points 210 to 217), and says dogs are not permitted in the Buddina Foreshore Reserve. Council’s dog rules changed in July, so always follow the signs on the day.
More to do around Kawana Waters
- Mooloolah River: the river bounds Kawana Waters to the north and north west. See Mooloolah River.
- Currimundi Lake: the lake bounds the area to the south. See Currimundi Lake.
- Shopping: Kawana Shoppingworld is the main shopping centre if you need food or supplies.
A short history of Kawana Waters
Kawana Waters began as a planned development. Construction on Kawana Island began in 1960, Nicklin Way, the main arterial road, opened in 1965, and the area was officially named Kawana Waters in November 1968. A canal runs through Kawana Island.
Planning your visit
- Cost: the beach and park facilities are public. Council pages list no entry fee.
- Dogs: leave them at home for Kawana Beach, or head to the off-leash stretches of Buddina Beach instead.
- Patrols: confirm days and times on Beachsafe before you swim.
- What to bring: sun protection, water and a plan to swim between the flags.
Getting there and parking
By car, Kawana Beach is about 95 km and about 85 minutes from the Brisbane CBD with no traffic. Coopers Lookout Park has parking. Council does not list details such as time limits, so check the signs at the car park.
Plan a bus trip to the beach with the Translink Journey Planner or call 13 12 30. Council details are on its Kawana Beach page.
Nearby
- Warana Beach – the next beach to the south.
- Mooloolaba Beach – a bigger beach with restaurants and an esplanade.
- Mooloolaba Esplanade – for lunch and a walk.
- Minyama – the neighbouring Kawana Waters suburb.
- Pelican Waters – another Sunshine Coast neighbour.
- Alexandra Headland – a surf beach with a skate park.
Browse more beaches and Sunshine Coast day trips.
You might also like
- Yaroomba Beach (Sunshine Coast)
- Castaways Beach (Noosa)
- Sunrise Beach (Noosa)
Quick answers
Is Kawana Beach patrolled?
Council lists it as a patrolled surf beach. Check Beachsafe for current patrol days and times, and swim between the flags.
Are there toilets and showers at Kawana Beach?
Yes. The park has public toilets, and beach showers are at Beach Access 225, 226 and 227.
Is there a playground at Kawana Beach?
Yes. The park has two playgrounds, one either side of the surf club, plus a small playground beside the quieter stretch of beach.
Are dogs allowed at Kawana Beach?
No. Kawana Beach, Beach Access 217 to 226, is a prohibited area for dogs.
Where is Kawana Waters?
On the Sunshine Coast between Caloundra and Maroochydore, about 85 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD.
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