# Moffat Beach, Queensland

Moffat Beach is a coastal suburb in the Sunshine Coast Region, Queensland, Australia. In the 2021 census, Moffat Beach had a population of 2,691 people.

## Geography

Moffat Beach is within the Caloundra urban centre, located directly north-east of Caloundra CBD.

## History

The suburb and beach were named after James Campbell Moffat, a chemist from Brisbane, who acquired 20 acres (8.1 ha) of coastal land at Caloundra on 18 August 1882. A year later, he built a holiday house c. 500 metres south-east of Moffat Beach on the headland which now also bears his name.
The Queen of the Colonies pandanus tree stood on the headland above the site where 13 passengers from the Queen of the Colonies shipwreck were cast ashore in a small boat during stormy weather in April 1863 while returning from Moreton Island. In 1963, a concrete memorial was erected on the site.
In 1888, Caloundra's first guesthouse "Sea Glint" opened on a ridge overlooking present-day Moffat Beach. During this time Sir Thomas McIllwraith, Premier of Queensland, was a regular visitor to Sea Glint on the shore of Tooway Lake or Wilson's Lake as it was then known

## Demographics

In the 2016 census, Moffat Beach had a population of 2,553 people, made up of 1245 (48.8%) male and 1307 (51.2%) female. The median age of the Moffat Beach population was 44 years, above both the Queensland median of 37 and the Australian median of 38. 77.4% of people were born in Australia. The next most common countries of birth were England (5.1%) and New Zealand (4.5%). 92% of people only spoke English at home. Religious affiliations in Moffat Beach were predominantly No Religion (33.5%), Catholic (23.1%) and Anglican (15.4%).
In the 2021 census, Moffat Beach had a population of 2,691 people.

## Education

There are no schools in Moffat Beach. The nearest primary school is Caloundra State School in neighbouring Caloundra. The nearest secondary school is Caloundra State High School also in Caloundra.

## Shopping and eating

A bakery, convenience store, doctors' surgery and post office are located at Buccleugh Street.
Cafes, restaurants and takeaways as well as gift shops, an art gallery and craft brewery are located in Seaview Terrace and around the corner into Roderick Street.

## Parks and recreation

The Queensland State Government tourism website refers to Moffat Beach as "the Sunshine Coast's hidden gem".
Moffat Beach Park lies between Seaview Terrace and the base of Moffat Head. Overlooking the beach, this park provides a naturally sheltered surf themed playground, as well as shelters with picnic and barbecue facilities. Off-street car parking is provided. Shade along the beachfront in the park is provided by a line of iconic Norfolk pines, believed to have been planted around 1928, that the local council notes have cultural and heritage significance to the Caloundra region.
Eleanor Shipley Park stretches from Tooway Lake through to the cafes of Seaview Terrace. Barbecue facilities and picnic shelters are provided, as well as a children's play area and easy access to Moffat beach.
Queensland Tourism summarise as follows: "Peaceful and serene with shade provided courtesy of the pine and pandanus trees that line the shore, breezy Moffat is one of the Sunshine Coast’s top picnic spots."
Roslin Park in Roslin Street provides a children's play area and is dog-friendly.
On Moffat Beach, dogs are allowed off-leash before 8am and after 4pm. The beach itself is unpatrolled.
The Des Dywer walking track is an oceanway that runs from Moffat Beach to Bulcock beach, following the coastline on cliffs and boardwalks.

## Surfing

Moffat Beach is protected from southerly winds by Moffat Headland which provides a sought-after surf break.
One of Australia's longest-running surf competitions, the Pa and Ma Bendall Surfing Classic is held every Easter in honour of local surfing legends Charles "Pa" and Marjorie "Ma" Bendall.