When you are using car hire in Caloundra you would probably like to get out and enjoy the sights so we have made a list of some of the highlights of the surrounding area.

Australia Zoo delivers an animal experience like few other zoo’s in Australia. You can cuddle a koala, hand-feed Asian Elephants, walk with a Sumatran Tiger and watch crocodiles, snakes and much more. Australia Zoo is a wildlife adventure packed with fun, entertainment and education. It is recommended to allow the best part of a day to see everything the zoo has to offer. Australia Zoo is less than 30 minutes from Caloundra along Steve Irwin Way, which also offers views of the famous Glasshouse Mountains.

Heading north of Caloundra following the beach is very rewarding trip whether you have an hour or two or a whole day to enjoy the beautiful beaches. There are roads that follow the coastline most of the way to Noosa and these feature numerous beaches and bays, scenic lookouts, beachside cafés and restaurants.

Mooloolaba arguably has some of the most beautiful beaches on the Sunshine Coast with both surf beaches and a peaceful bay. It is 30 minutes from Caloundra and is home to Underwater World. This tourist attraction includes a large aquarium with transparent tunnels so you can get up close and personal with many sharks and fish. There are also shark dives, seal swims and shows, otters and many other animal displays.

Aussie World is home to Ettamogah Pub, has over 30 rides and games plus many specialty stores. It is at Palmview, which is 20 minutes from Caloundra by hire car. Near Aussie World there is also a strawberry farm where you pick your own strawberries and enjoy delicious strawberry treats, it is called Strawberry Fields.

The Glasshouse Mountains are located in a national park of the same name and can be seen less than 30 minutes drive from Caloundra. The 12 mountains in the park are the cores of extinct volcanoes and were named by Captain Cook in 1770. Some of the mountains have walking tracks and there are many picnic areas and forests surrounding them.

The peaceful waters of the Pumicestone Passage Marine Park are a lovely place for a swim, an eco-cruise or a guided kayak tour where you can experience the bird life and beauty of a thriving marine habitat. The Pumicestone Passage stretches from Caloundra to the southern tip of Bribie Island.