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.
- 1Parks Caloundra
1. Glass House Mountains National Park
For dramatic volcanic peaks and established walking trails with panoramic views across the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Open late (after 10pm)Opens early (before 7am)Open SundaysView venue4.7(709)· Google65Spot ScoreWorth a Look 
2Parks Caloundra2. Happy Valley
A leafy local favourite with natural bushland setting, ideal for families wanting a less crowded escape.
Open late (after 10pm)Opens early (before 7am)Open SundaysView venue4.7(2,899)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Parks Caloundra3. Eleanor Shipley Park
A versatile park with open grassed areas and shade, useful for casual recreation or gatherings.
Open late (after 10pm)Opens early (before 7am)Open SundaysView venue4.7(346)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Parks Caloundra4. Lions Park
Community-focused green space with accessible facilities for everyday park visits.
Open late (after 10pm)Opens early (before 7am)Open SundaysView venue4.6(368)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Parks Caloundra5. Little Mountain Common
A quieter hillside spot if you want to step away from busier coastal parks.
Open late (after 10pm)Opens early (before 7am)Open SundaysView venue4.6(170)· Google60Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Parks Caloundra6. Shelly Beach Park
Beach-adjacent parkland combining sand and greenery for seaside relaxation.
Open late (after 10pm)Opens early (before 7am)Open SundaysView venue4.7(318)· Google58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Parks Caloundra7. Point Arkwright Lookout and Picnic Area
Scenic vantage point with dedicated picnic facilities, perfect for waterfront views without fuss.
Open late (after 10pm)Opens early (before 7am)Open SundaysView venue4.7(396)· Google58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Parks Caloundra8. Grahame Stewart Park
Local park with established infrastructure for straightforward outdoor time.
Open late (after 10pm)Opens early (before 7am)Open SundaysView venue4.6(390)· Google57Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Parks Caloundra9. Clarke Place Park
Neighbourhood park suitable for quick visits or regular exercise routines.
Open late (after 10pm)Opens early (before 7am)Open SundaysView venue4.6(313)· Google56Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Parks Caloundra10. Fraser Park
Accessible local green space for everyday community use.
Open late (after 10pm)Opens early (before 7am)Open SundaysView venue4.5(486)· Google56Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Parks Caloundra11. Centaur Park
Another neighbourhood option when you want a shorter park experience nearby.
Open late (after 10pm)Opens early (before 7am)Open SundaysView venue4.6(252)· Google56Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Parks Caloundra12. Arbour Park
Local park with basic amenities for casual outdoor visits.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView 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 | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Happy Valley | 63/100 | 4.7(2,899) | — | Caloundra | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Eleanor Shipley Park | 63/100 | 4.7(346) | — | Caloundra | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Lions Park | 62/100 | 4.6(368) | — | Caloundra | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Little Mountain Common | 60/100 | 4.6(170) | — | Caloundra | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Shelly Beach Park | 58/100 | 4.7(318) | — | Caloundra | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Point Arkwright Lookout and Picnic Area | 58/100 | 4.7(396) | — | Caloundra | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Grahame Stewart Park | 57/100 | 4.6(390) | — | Caloundra | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Clarke Place Park | 56/100 | 4.6(313) | — | Caloundra | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Fraser Park | 56/100 | 4.5(486) | — | Caloundra | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Centaur Park | 56/100 | 4.6(252) | — | Caloundra | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Arbour Park | 55/100 | 4.7(43) | — | Caloundra | Open 7 days |
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.
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