ACCOMMODATION

A large variety of accommodation providers are available in the Caloundra region to suit every need and price range.

If you’re driving, you can choose what works for you. Mooloolaba is at least half an hour away and Noosa is an hour. If you’re reliant on walking or other transport, we suggest you book somewhere close to Caloundra’s CBD.

The two main centres of activity for EXPO are the Caloundra Event Centre (CEC) at 20 Minchinton Street and the Oaks Oasis Resort on the corner of North Street and Landsborough Parade.

Many of the key accommodation options are within a 15-20 minute walk from the CEC.

You may also like to consider AirBnBs, Home Stays, Bed and Breakfasts, youth hostels, caravan parks, resorts, motels and self-contained apartments. Some are giving special rates for Expo attendees.

Please note – we do not handle bookings and you will need to make your own accommodation arrangements. You may like to join the discussion on our Facebook group if you would like to post share requests.

Local Transport

We will be providing a bus service to collect prepaid passengers from Oaks Oasis Resort, Mantra Breakfree Grand Pacific Resort, Rumba on the Esplanade and the Caloundra Bus Terminal.

There are many local buses that come to the Caloundra Bus Terminal, but always check bus frequency on weekend timetables. All day free parking is available on the roof of the bus terminal.

Expo Bus tickets will be for sale on our website - if you stay in accommodation in or near to these locations, you will be able to use our bus service.

Taxis, Ubers or carpooling is always a good option. If you are driving to the CEC, please note that some carparks have time limits on Thursday and Friday and make arrangements to accommodate this - it is very disruptive to workshops if you need to leave to move your car.

If you’re flying into Brisbane or Maroochydore airports, you can book a shuttle bus to your accommodation, however, if you’re part of a group, it may be cheaper to rent a car or hire a limousine.

Dining

Caloundra is a foodie’s paradise and offers many wonderful eateries, restaurants and cafes – many with views across spectacular beaches.

Many coffee shops open for early breakfast and several of the larger accommodation providers have dining and breakfast facilities.

If you are preparing your own food, Coles, Woolworths and IGA are close by - check the kitchen facilities available from your accommodation provider before you book.

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are provided as part of your Expo fee at the CEC and at Plein Air locations. You are not permitted to take food into the CEC (they do cater for special dietary requirements).

After our evening events, you may like to try the wide range of take-away or dine-in eating options available locally. We suggest you check with your accommodation provider about the times their kitchens stay open or where they recommend eating, or if you need a booking (especially on weekends).

The RSL and Surf clubs welcome non-members and have a lively atmosphere. Most importantly, make friends at the EXPO and arrange to dine together.

On Saturday night we are hosting a ticketed buffet dinner at the Oaks Oasis Resort. Tickets are limited because of the room size and will be available to purchase when buying EXPO tickets.

The streets are generally safe for single people and you can leave your art gear at the CEC overnight where it will be secure. Please ensure everything is clearly labelled with your name. All electrical plugged in appliances, eg laptops, lights or hairdryers must be tested and tagged with dates valid for September 2020.