Dicky Beach: the quieter, lovelier side of Caloundra
Dicky Beach doesn’t always get the attention of the bigger Caloundra spots, but locals know it’s one of the best stretches of the Sunshine Coast. Quieter than Kings Beach, more community-feel than Mooloolaba, and with a little strip of cafes and shops that’s genuinely worth exploring.
Morning: hit the beach early
Dicky Beach faces northeast, which means beautiful morning light and the best conditions for a swim before 9am. The beach is patrolled, relatively uncrowded on weekdays, and has a natural feel that you don’t always get on the more developed parts of the coast. It’s also a favourite with dog walkers before 8am.
Breakfast: The Sanctuary Cafe (from 6am on weekends)
After the beach, make your way to 3/10 Beerburrum St. The Sanctuary Cafe opens from 6am on weekends and serves a full breakfast menu with 90% of everything available gluten-free. The Eggs Benedict, GF Brekkie Burger, GF fish and chips, and coffee are all worth the walk.
If you’re coeliac or gluten-intolerant, this is one of the few genuinely safe options on the strip — dedicated GF fryer, trained staff, and a kitchen built around GF protocols.
Mid-morning: walk the foreshore
The Dicky Beach foreshore walk connects to Currimundi and the broader Sunshine Coast coastal path. It’s flat, scenic, and easy — great with a dog, great with kids, great on your own.
Lunch or afternoon: back to Sanctuary
The Sanctuary Cafe does all-day dining — gluten-free fish and chips, burgers, calamari, smoothies, fresh juices, and a full licensed bar. Outdoor seating is dog-friendly. Kitchen closes at 7:30pm.
Getting here: Dicky Beach is in Caloundra, about 90 minutes north of Brisbane. Street parking on Beerburrum St and surrounding streets.