When I decided to take my 6-year-old son Daniele on a trip to Caloundra, I knew it would be an adventure we’d never forget. Traveling and staying overnight in our trusty van always attracts curious glances and questions from passersby, but this trip was about more than just van life. It was about sharing experiences, teaching teamwork, and finding joy in unexpected discoveries—like a giant pelican that left us both in awe.
Day One: Arriving in Caloundra
The Scenic Drive to the Sunshine Coast
The drive to Caloundra was filled with laughter and excitement as Daniele asked endless questions about what we’d do once we got there. When we arrived, the view of Kings Beach greeted us with its golden sands and sparkling waters.
“This is our home for the weekend,” I said as I parked the van near a shaded spot overlooking the beach close to happy valley.
Daniele’s face lit up. “This is the best parking spot ever, Mom!”
Setting Up the Beach Tent: A Lesson in Teamwork
The first task of the day was setting up our beach tent. I handed Daniele a lightweight pole and said, “Okay, partner, we’re a team. Let’s get this tent up!”
He held the pole steady while I threaded the fabric through. “Hold tight, Daniele. You’re doing great!”
With a little guidance and a lot of giggles, we had the tent up in no time. As we stepped back to admire our work, Daniele exclaimed, “Teamwork makes the dream work, right?”
“Exactly!” I said, giving him a high-five.
An Evening at the Van
Curious Questions from Locals
As the evening settled in, Daniele and I returned to the van to prepare dinner. While he played with his toy dinosaurs on the picnic table, a couple of walkers stopped by, curious about our setup.
“Do you actually sleep in that van?” one of them asked.
“Yes, it’s cozy, and we have everything we need,” I explained, pointing to the kitchenette and foldable bed inside.
Daniele piped up, “And we cleaned it before we came! It’s our little house on wheels!”
Their smiles showed they found it charming, and we chatted for a while before they wished us a good night.
Cooking Dinner Together
Back at the van, I enlisted Daniele’s help to prepare dinner. I handed him a bag of vegetables and a plastic knife.
“You’re in charge of chopping the mushrooms, chef,” I said.
Daniele concentrated hard, carefully cutting them into uneven pieces. Meanwhile, I boiled some pasta and stirred the sauce.
As the food cooked, we talked about our favorite parts of the day. “Setting up the tent was fun, but I think dinner smells the best,” Daniele said, grinning.
We ate our meal under a starry sky, with the sound of waves lulling us into relaxation.
Day Two: Discovering Caloundra’s Treasures
A Morning Adventure
The next morning, we packed a small bag and headed to the Coastal Walk. The ocean breeze and sunshine made it a perfect start to the day. Along the way, we met another family who told us about a giant pelican statue at Golden Beach.
“A giant pelican? Really?” Daniele asked, his eyes wide with wonder.
“Let’s go find it!” I replied, and we changed course.
The Giant Pelican at Golden Beach
Sure enough, there it was—a towering, quirky pelican statue standing proudly by the water. Daniele ran up to it, circling its base with amazement.
“It’s HUGE, Mom! Can we take a picture?” he shouted.
We spent time snapping photos, learning about the real pelicans that frequent the area, and talking to other visitors. The statue was a hit with kids and adults alike, adding a playful touch to our adventure.
Learning Through Teamwork
Cleaning the Van Together
Back at the van, I noticed sand creeping into every corner. “Daniele, we’ve got some teamwork to do!” I said, handing him a small brush.
We swept out the sand, folded blankets, and organized our little space. Daniele took pride in cleaning the steps, declaring, “This van is going to sparkle!”
Building Sandcastles and Problem-Solving
Before heading home, we spent some time at the beach. Daniele wanted to build a sandcastle but struggled to make it stay upright.
“Let’s think about how we can make it stronger,” I suggested.
Together, we dug deeper foundations and used wetter sand to reinforce the walls. By the time we finished, Daniele was beaming with pride over his castle, complete with a moat.
Our trip to Caloundra was everything I’d hoped for and more. From setting up a tent to discovering the giant pelican, every moment was a lesson in teamwork, creativity, and embracing the unexpected.
As we packed up the van and prepared to head home, Daniele looked at me and said, “Can we do this again soon, Mom?”
“Absolutely,” I replied, knowing we’d be back for another adventure.
To Sum up
We Came Across Different People, Creatures, the Unknown, and Even a Gentle Kiss Car Incident – But We Accept the Unknown, and ready for another adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the top activities to do in Caloundra? A: Popular activities include visiting beaches, exploring nature trails, and enjoying water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Q: Is Caloundra suitable for families? A: Absolutely! With its family-friendly beaches, attractions like Aussie World, and interactive wildlife experiences, Caloundra is perfect for kids and parents alike.
Q: What’s the best time of year to visit Caloundra? A: While Caloundra is great year-round, spring and autumn offer the best balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Q: Are there eco-friendly options for tourists in Caloundra? A: Yes, many accommodations and tours focus on sustainability, and the town’s eco-tourism initiatives are highly regarded.
Q: How do I get to Caloundra from Brisbane? A: Caloundra is about an hour’s drive from Brisbane, with public transport options like buses also available.
Q: What are the must-visit beaches in Caloundra? A: Kings Beach, Bulcock Beach, and Golden Beach are top picks for their beauty and variety of activities.