Embark on the e-bike Golden Beach tour, where the scenic Bells Creek Boat Ramp offers a captivating blend of history and natural beauty. Named after Mary Alice Bell, a governess with a pioneering spirit, this locale connects you to the rich heritage of the area. Bell’s dedication and connection to explorer William Landsborough adds a layer of intrigue to your journey. The creek, once known as Kelaher Creek and Tooringoor by the Indigenous people, tells a story of transformation and history.

As the official starting point of the 96 km coastal pathway, Bells Creek Boat Ramp is not just a launchpad for your adventure but a gateway to exploring the stunning coastline. The spot where Bells Creek meets Pumicestone Passage is a natural masterpiece, home to majestic black swans and offering serene views. This idyllic setting serves as a perfect backdrop for your e-bike tour, promising a blend of cultural history and natural splendour that will leave you in awe.

Discover the historic Military Jetty, a pivotal World War II fortification on Bribie Island’s northern end, safeguarding Brisbane and the North West shipping channel. Operational by 1941, this site was buzzing with young soldiers from Fort Bribie, who would swim across to Golden Beach for dances or to visit sweethearts in Caloundra. The jetty was a crucial point for the movement of troops, goods, and wartime equipment to the Bribie Fortification. Along Ocean Beach within Bribie Island National Park, weathered gun emplacements and searchlight buildings still stand, remnants of the 6-inch gun batteries that once defended Queensland’s coastline. Positioned to secure the passage south, Fort Bribie was Moreton Bay’s primary defense, its shallow waters dotted with islands and sandbars shaping the strategic landscape. In 1942, the defense was bolstered by establishing a Skirmish 6-inch battery at Skirmish Point. Post-war, in 1946, the land now known as Golden Beach began its transformation with the start of land subdivision, marking a new era of peace and community development.

Embark on a journey through time with our visit to the site where the Old Caloundra Lighthouse, was preserved through the heroic efforts of the Golden Beach Power Boat Club in 1970. Initially facing demolition, this beacon of history was moved to Woorim Park, adjacent to the club’s new site, safeguarding its legacy. The Caloundra Head Lighthouse, marking the North-West Channel along with two others on Bribie Island, is a testament to Caloundra and Moreton Bay’s rich maritime heritage. Commencing construction in March 1896 and completed by August, the lighthouse stood on a generous donation of land by Robert Bulcock, a notable figure in Caloundra’s development. This lighthouse wasn’t just a navigational aid but also a symbol of the community’s resilience and evolution, from its operational years starting in 1896 to its relocation back to its original site in 1999, after a dramatic rescue effort. Today, standing proudly next to its modern counterpart, the Old Caloundra Lighthouse continues to illuminate Caloundra’s history, representing Queensland’s unique architectural and maritime legacy as the oldest surviving building in Caloundra.

Discover the serene beauty of the Costigan Mangrove Boardwalk in Monash Park, a tranquil path that meanders through lush mangroves at the edge of Pumicestone Passage, offering stunning views of Bribie Island. This carefully constructed boardwalk, complete with interpretive signage, invites visitors to explore and learn about the unique mangrove ecosystem that thrives here. It’s a place where the natural world is both preserved and celebrated, with a bird hide providing a discreet spot to observe local wildlife, including the majestic pelicans.

This captivating walkway is not only a peaceful retreat but also an educational journey, highlighting the importance of mangroves in marine life conservation. Home to six different mangrove species, the area supports a vibrant ecosystem where young fish find sanctuary among the roots, and birds nest in the branches. The Costigan Mangrove Boardwalk represents a harmonious balance between human curiosity and nature’s resilience, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Golden Beach.

Experience the poignant Anzac Memorial Walkway on the Golden Beach e-bike tour, a solemn tribute to Australian servicemen and women who served in all conflicts. Officially dedicated as a War Memorial on Remembrance Day, November 11, 1995, this scenic path stretches from Kings to Shelly Beaches, blending the stunning coastline with deep historical reverence.

Along its course, individual plaques honor the memory of those who fought for peace, allowing families and friends to commemorate their loved ones. Each marker on the walkway tells a story of bravery and sacrifice, inviting reflection on the contributions of those who defended Australia.

The Caloundra Headland Memorial Walkway is more than just a route; it’s a journey through Australia’s military history, set against the backdrop of its breathtaking landscapes. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to pause, reflect, and appreciate the freedoms secured by the nation’s veterans. This walkway is a must-visit, providing a moment of contemplation amid the beauty of the Sunshine Coast.

During WWII, the RAN’s Port War Signal Station (PWSS) evolved from its initial location at Cowan Cowan on Moreton Island to “Buena Vista” in Caloundra, before finally being established at Wickham Point. This final iteration, a three-story reinforced concrete building near today’s Light Beacon at Wickham Point, played a crucial role in the naval defenses of Moreton Bay. Unfortunately, this building was demolished in the late 1950s.

The PWSS at Wickham Point, known as RAN Station 1 Caloundra PWSS, was vital for managing naval communications, ensuring the safe passage of friendly vessels into Moreton Bay and identifying potential threats. It hosted a full complement of personnel, including WRANS, in compact quarters surrounded by a mesh wire fence. The station’s extended defense officer was responsible for overseeing the examination service, controlling submarine indicator loops, and minesweeping operations to protect the port.

This piece of history not only highlights the strategic importance of Caloundra during the war but also the collaborative efforts between the RAN, WRANS, and allied naval forces to secure Australia’s eastern coastline.

At the Queen Of Colonies Lookout, the northernmost highlight of our e-bike Golden Beach tour, history and natural spectacle converge. This northernmost vantage point offers breathtaking views of whale migrations along the Sunshine Coast. From March to November, witness the majestic journey of over 22,000 humpback whales, along with visits from minke whales, southern right whales, and orcas, peaking between June and October.

This lookout commemorates the “Queen of the Colonies” shipwreck, a tale of survival where 13 passengers were cast ashore in 1863. A memorial stands as a testament to their story, amidst the backdrop of Moffat Beach, named after James Campbell Moffat who established the area in 1882.

During your visit, keep an eye out for the local water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii), Australia’s largest dragon lizard. These adept climbers and swimmers add a prehistoric touch to the landscape, often seen sunning themselves or navigating the foliage with ease.

This spot is not just a feast for the eyes but a journey through time, offering glimpses into both Queensland’s maritime history and its rich natural heritage.