Happy Valley

Happy Valley sits between Kings Beach and Bulcock Beach on Caloundra's Esplanade with two distinct sides. The Clarke Place Park foreshore is sheltered from big surf. At low tide, you'll find large sandbars exposed, creating shallow pools that suit a toddler's first beach day. Crabbing is possible too.

The ocean-facing "Happys" is a sand-bottom break producing waves up to 200 metres long, waist-high to triple overhead. Consistency is low, so don't plan a surf trip around it. Winter with a northwest offshore is your best window, NE to SE swells the pick. Local surf schools run lessons here and the rolling waves make it one of the better beginner spots on the Sunshine Coast.

The 235-metre elevated timber boardwalk from Clarke Place Park to Kings Beach gives you views from Caloundra Head to Bribie Island. The nautical lighthouse-and-ship playground draws families here.

Lifeguard patrols run daily from the September school holidays to early May, plus weekends and school holidays in winter. Conditions change daily, so always check current conditions before swimming. Parking off Esplanade and Ian Street gets tight on busy weekends.