What a surprise. Totally unplanned, but we have arrived for the last two days of the 2026 Bowden’s Downunder Beachfest.

It is all to do with vintage and souped up motor cars from last century. Doesn’t seem to have anything to do with beaches. A few of the cars did have roof racks with surfboards on display.

There must have been 100+ cars and trucks lined up along both sides of Caloundra’s main street, Bulcock St. Hundreds of people wandering around having a look.

Most of the vehicles were familiar, from 50s through 80s, very well looked after by proud ageing rev heads!

There were also a large number of old cars and motor bikes cruising around Caloundra streets with throbbing engines entertaining residents.

Interesting times!

The cars had mostly all gone by the following Monday morning and the town could recover from the excitement and get back into its slow winter rhythm.

We are staying in the Golden Leaf apartment complex which is a block back from Kings Beach and the board walk that runs north and south along the waterfront. The complex is fairly basic but clean and comfortable. Nice spot for s week.

There is a steady procession of cargo ships coming close inshore off Kings Beach as they move into and out of the Port of Brisbane. Cruise ships also and cruisers get a good view of the Glass House Mountains as they pass-by.

And of course we have to have some Fish ‘n Chips for lunch in a Boardwalk cafe overlooking the beach on a clear sunny day!