12 Parks to Explore in Caloundra
Caloundra offers plenty of green spaces for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're after mountain views, beachside walks, or quiet picnic spots, these parks deliver something different. Here's what each one brings to the table.
1
Parks Caloundra1. Glass House Mountains National Park
For dramatic volcanic peaks and established walking trails with panoramic views across the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
View venue4.7(709)· Google65Spot ScoreWorth a Look2
Parks Caloundra2. Happy Valley
A leafy local favourite with natural bushland setting, ideal for families wanting a less crowded escape.
View venue4.7(2,899)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look3
Parks Caloundra3. Eleanor Shipley Park
A versatile park with open grassed areas and shade, useful for casual recreation or gatherings.
View venue4.7(346)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look4
Parks Caloundra4. Lions Park
Community-focused green space with accessible facilities for everyday park visits.
View venue4.6(368)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look5
Parks Caloundra5. Little Mountain Common
A quieter hillside spot if you want to step away from busier coastal parks.
View venue4.6(170)· Google60Spot ScoreWorth a Look6
Parks Caloundra6. Shelly Beach Park
Beach-adjacent parkland combining sand and greenery for seaside relaxation.
View venue4.7(318)· Google58Spot ScoreWorth a Look7
Parks Caloundra7. Point Arkwright Lookout and Picnic Area
Scenic vantage point with dedicated picnic facilities, perfect for waterfront views without fuss.
View venue4.7(396)· Google58Spot ScoreWorth a Look8
Parks Caloundra8. Grahame Stewart Park
Local park with established infrastructure for straightforward outdoor time.
View venue4.6(390)· Google57Spot ScoreWorth a Look9
Parks Caloundra9. Clarke Place Park
Neighbourhood park suitable for quick visits or regular exercise routines.
View venue4.6(313)· Google56Spot ScoreWorth a Look10
Parks Caloundra10. Fraser Park
Accessible local green space for everyday community use.
View venue4.5(486)· Google56Spot ScoreWorth a Look11
Parks Caloundra11. Centaur Park
Another neighbourhood option when you want a shorter park experience nearby.
View venue4.6(252)· Google56Spot ScoreWorth a Look12
Parks Caloundra12. Arbour Park
Local park with basic amenities for casual outdoor visits.
View venue4.7(43)· Google55Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glass House Mountains National Park | 65/100 | 4.7(709) | — | Caloundra | — |
| Happy Valley | 63/100 | 4.7(2,899) | — | Caloundra | — |
| Eleanor Shipley Park | 63/100 | 4.7(346) | — | Caloundra | — |
| Lions Park | 62/100 | 4.6(368) | — | Caloundra | — |
| Little Mountain Common | 60/100 | 4.6(170) | — | Caloundra | — |
| Shelly Beach Park | 58/100 | 4.7(318) | — | Caloundra | — |
| Point Arkwright Lookout and Picnic Area | 58/100 | 4.7(396) | — | Caloundra | — |
| Grahame Stewart Park | 57/100 | 4.6(390) | — | Caloundra | — |
| Clarke Place Park | 56/100 | 4.6(313) | — | Caloundra | — |
| Fraser Park | 56/100 | 4.5(486) | — | Caloundra | — |
| Centaur Park | 56/100 | 4.6(252) | — | Caloundra | — |
| Arbour Park | 55/100 | 4.7(43) | — | Caloundra | — |
Frequently asked questions
Which park has the best views?+
Glass House Mountains National Park offers the most dramatic scenery with its volcanic peaks and expansive hinterland vistas. Point Arkwright Lookout and Picnic Area is also worthwhile for waterfront views.
Are there parks near the beach?+
Yes. Shelly Beach Park combines beachside setting with parkland, and Point Arkwright Lookout and Picnic Area is positioned for water access.
Which parks are best for families?+
Eleanor Shipley Park, Lions Park, and Happy Valley all offer open spaces and are family-friendly, though we'd recommend contacting the venues directly to confirm specific facilities like playgrounds or picnic infrastructure.
Do I need to pay to enter these parks?+
We don't have confirmed pricing information. Contact the Sunshine Coast Council or individual parks directly for entry fees and facility costs.
Keep exploring
Sunshine Coast guides
roundupSunshine Coast Nightlife: The Best Bars & Live Music
The Sunshine Coast packs its after-dark scene into a string of beachside suburbs, from Caloundra up to Noosa Heads. The vibe leans relaxed rather than big-city loud, with a strong
Read guide →
roundupFree Things to Do in Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast rewards anyone happy to skip the entry fee. Between Noosa in the north and the Glass House Mountains in the south, the region packs in national parks, coastal lo
Read guide →
roundupSunshine Coast With Kids: Family-Friendly Things to Do
The Sunshine Coast is built for family days out, with a generous mix of patrolled beaches, easy national park walks and open green spaces that suit kids of different ages. From the
Read guide →The best of Sunshine Coast, in your inbox
New openings, hidden gems and weekend ideas. One thoughtful email a week. No spam.