Discover a hidden bushland escape in Caloundra
Explore peaceful bushland trails, spot local wildlife and discover diverse native vegetation just minutes from Caloundra's town centre. With family-friendly walks, dog-friendly tracks, picnic facilities and upcoming opportunities to celebrate wildflowers and nature-inspired art, it's the perfect destination for your next outdoor adventure.
Looking for an easy nature escape close to town? Ben Bennett Bushland Park is a hidden gem in the heart of Caloundra, offering peaceful bushland trails, abundant wildlife and plenty of opportunities to slow down and reconnect with nature.
Covering 21 hectares, the park features a network of short, family-friendly walking trails ranging from 800m to 1.1km return. Wander through diverse vegetation communities including rainforest, paperbark woodland, heathland and towering native trees, all just minutes from Caloundra's beaches and town centre.
Why visit?
Ben Bennett Bushland Park offers something for everyone:
- Family-friendly walking trails
- Dogs on lead welcome
- Picnic shelters, electric BBQs and toilets
- Convenient parking
- Excellent birdwatching opportunities
- Diverse native flora and beautiful bushland scenery
The park is particularly popular with nature lovers thanks to its rich biodiversity and variety of local plant species.
Join a Wildflower Festival guided walk
Love wildflowers? Ben Bennett Bushland Park will host a guided walk as part of the Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival on Saturday 22 August from 9.30am to 11am. The walk offers a great opportunity to learn more about the park's unique native flora and natural values while exploring the trails with experienced guides.
Find inspiration for the WildHeART Student Art Prize
Young artists can also turn their bushland adventure into creative inspiration.
The WildHeART Student Art Prize invites students aged 5-18 years to create an original 2D artwork inspired by Australian flora, fauna or fungi. With its colourful wildflowers, birdlife, towering trees and rainforest pockets, Ben Bennett Bushland Park is the perfect place to discover a subject for your next masterpiece.
The competition is:
- Free to enter
- Open to students aged 5-18 years
- Open to Sunshine Coast and neighbouring local government area residents
- Showcasing finalists in a special exhibition at Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden during December 2026 and January 2027
Entries close on 5 October 2026.
Visit the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden website for further details and to enter.
Make a day of it
After your walk, head to nearby Kings Beach for a swim or enjoy a coffee or meal along The Esplanade. Both are just minutes away and connect to the Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway.
Getting there
Access the park via Queen Street, just past Caloundra State High School. Parking is available at the trail entrance, where you'll also find an information board and trail maps.
Trail information:
More adventures: Explore more than 250 walking, running, cycling, paddling, horse-riding and mountain biking trails across the Sunshine Coast with Adventure Sunshine Coast.