New Sunshine Coast Hotspot: Weekend Getaway at Bokarina

Tucked away on the Sunshine Coast, Bokarina is like that effortlessly cool friend who’s just starting to get noticed. This once-hidden gem is now stepping into the spotlight as one of the new Sunshine Coast hotspots. With sparkling beaches, chic stays, and a buzzing dining scene, it’s the perfect choice for a Sunshine Coast weekend getaway. Ready for a new Queensland beach escape? Let’s dive in.

Getting to Bokarina

Bokarina is perfectly positioned for a fuss-free escape, conveniently located between the popular hubs of Caloundra and Mooloolaba on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. If you’re coming from Brisbane, it’s just over an hour’s drive north via the Bruce Highway (about 100 kilometres). If you’re flying in, Sunshine Coast Airport is a breezy 25-minute drive away (approximately 20 kilometres). Either way, it’s an easy journey that lands you right at the heart of this coastal paradise.

New Sunshine Coast hotspot – picture-perfect Bokarina

From the moment you arrive, Bokarina has that postcard magic. Driving in, I immediately noticed the Casuarina Northern New South Wales vibe of beach life blended with modern luxury high-rise buildings and streets lined with villas.

At Bokarina, the white sand beach naturally graduates into the Bokarina Foreshore Bushland Reserve, which is covered in lush green bushland, creating a stunning contrast and buffer between development and the ocean’s edge. From the beach, there’s just a scattering of stylish apartments peeking through the landscape, while the sprawling coastline invites you to walk, swim, or just breathe it all in. Whether you’re chasing a family-friendly holiday or a peaceful escape, Bokarina delivers both in equal measure.

In the mid-20th century, Bokarina was primarily undeveloped bushland and part of a wider area used by local Indigenous groups for fishing, gathering, and seasonal living. By the 1970s, the area was affectionately referred to as Shangri-La by locals, a nod to its unspoiled natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. There are rumours that this was a popular nudist beach!

Development in Bokarina began in earnest in the late 20th century as part of the broader growth of the Sunshine Coast. Its pristine beachfront, central location, and potential for family-friendly living attracted developers, who created residential areas alongside preserved natural spaces. A key turning point was the establishment of the Kawana Waters urban plan, which included Bokarina as a vital part of a growing coastal community.

Sunshine Coast Getaway Day One: Arrive and Unwind

Drive into Bokarina and let its laid-back vibes wash over you. Midway between Caloundra and Mooloolaba, it’s got that sweet balance of calm and cool. Think endless white sand, lush parklands, and plenty of spots to kick back. It’s family-friendly, with a serious adventure playground to explore, but it still has enough stylish eateries to make your Instagram followers just a little jealous.

Your first stop? Seanna Residences. This beachfront beauty offers spacious apartments with epic balconies overlooking the Pacific. Fancy a dip in a landscaped pool surrounded by palm trees? Yeah, they’ve got that too.

I stayed in a three-bedroom apartment that felt so comfortable that I wanted to move in permanently.  Take a look at this video, and you’ll see what I mean.

Looking for something a bit different? Just next door to Seanna, Oceanus has a luxury three-bedroom penthouse that comes with jaw-dropping views and a terrace perfect for sunset drinks. Bonus points for the heated kids’ pool and BBQ area — ideal for Bokarina family-friendly stays.

Another standout is Zinc Bokarina. These stylish apartments feature sleek coastal designs and an abundance of natural light. Whether you choose a two-, three-, or four-bedroom layout, expect sweeping ocean views and interiors that let the beach vibes shine through.

Best of all, they are all just a five-minute walk through the foreshore to the beach.

Evening Indulgence: Where to eat in Bokarina

Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to eat. You won’t go hungry with a great range of cafes and restaurants.

Bocca Italian is a local legend, and from the moment you spot its bold red sign, you know you’re in for something special. Sunshine Coast restauranteur and the brains behind popular coast dining hotspots Rice Boi and Giddy Geisha, Tony Kelly, is the man behind Bocca, which is his eighth Sunshine Coast venue.

This stylish restaurant has a relaxed coastal vibe with its open-plan design and polished yet unpretentious feel. The menu? It is a celebration of Italian classics with a fresh Sunshine Coast twist and your favourites – pane, pasta, and pizza – plus desserts that will have you coming back for more.

Tip: Don’t skip the bread — made from their signature pizza dough, it’s fluffy, has golden perfection, and is worth every carb.

Still got room? Pop next door to Wallace & Wood for dessert. This artisan ice creamery takes things up a notch and makes all its treats from scratch on-site in Bokarina. Their ice cream is based on a traditional French custard ice cream made from local milk and cream from nearby Maleny in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, egg yolks and raw sugar.

Vegan? They’ve got you with a vegan ice cream made with organic cashew milk, coconut cream, cocoa butter and raw sugar.

Matcha fan? They’ve got that, too, and it’s not your run-of-the-mill stuff either. Strawberry matcha is having its moment right now, and Wallace & Wood are shaking things up (literally). They whip up a next-level, ice-cold treat using organic ceremonial-grade matcha from a secret supplier (it’s like the James Bond of matcha), expertly blended with a bamboo whisk. It’s a punchy, zesty flavour explosion that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Match flavours also include blueberry and raspberry, and they use all-natural house-made fruit purees for an excellent result.

Day Two: Explore and Play

Rise and shine — there’s exploring to do! Start with a beach walk followed an ocean swim at the new lifesavers patrolled beach. There’s a handy shady pavilion where you can rinse off the sand and watch the waves for a while, too.

Check the beach for signs of turtle nests.  From November to March, Bokarina Beach transforms into a nesting site for Loggerhead Turtles. Their eggs incubate for 8 to 11 weeks, and with cooler sand temperatures on the Sunshine Coast compared to northern Queensland, most hatchlings are male. Emerging under the cover of night, they instinctively head towards the brightest horizon light, ideally guiding them to the ocean.

Take the kids to Bokarina Boulevard Park and wear them out exploring the adventurous play elements such as climbing walls, slides and swings, and a large net connected by a rope bridge.

Currimundi Lake is just five minutes away and perfect for canoeing, paddleboarding, or splashing around. The calm waters are lined with she-oaks and paperbarks.

Feel like doing nothing at all? There’s a swimming pool with a sun lounge waiting for you on level two of Seanna Apartments.

Lunch and Leisure – Bokarina cafes and dining

For a laid-back brunch with a side of people-watching, hit up Stoa Bokarina. Their all-day menu is a delightful mix of brunch, tapas, and cocktails. Think coastal vibes with a dash of buzz and a Japanese influence.  On weekend nights, Stoa opens up with live music, so pop down and enjoy the vibe.

You’ll walk past Wallace & Wood on the way back to your apartment so why not pop in and try another of their delicious flavours?

Take a stroll along the new coastal pathway from Bokarina Beach to Warana, starting at Beach Access 238. This scenic trail winds through the dunes, offering stunning ocean views at various points. Along the way, you’ll pass native vegetation, with birds and butterflies adding to the charm. The pathway connects to multiple beach access points, allowing you to make the walk as long or short as you like.

Fancy a swim? Simply detour to the beach for a refreshing dip. Rest stops with seating are scattered along the trail, perfect for soaking in the views, and taps are available to refill your water bottle or keep your furry companion hydrated. Near the second-to-last beach access (BA239), you’ll find an incredible viewing platform and resting area overlooking the beach. Adjacent to this spot is a park featuring a playground and toilet facilities, making it an ideal destination for families.

Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the balcony and enjoying the view before choosing your dinner destination.  You might want to browse this selection of local restaurants.

For a brew pub feel, head to Your Mates Brewery nearby in Warana’s industrial area. This is not a place you will stumble over without inside intel. It has all the essentials – craft beer, hearty pub grub, and a relaxed atmosphere. Not sure what to order? Go for the $20 tasting paddle — it’s like speed dating but with beer.  This child-friendly venue also has a children’s play area.

Day Three: Chill and Reflect

On your last morning, take it slow. Bokarina Beach is calling, and whether you’re swimming, fishing, or just wandering along the shore, it’s the kind of place that makes you forget about emails and deadlines.

Bokarina Beach is patrolled by lifesavers, and the beach is off-leash dog-friendly between 5 pm and 8 am. There’s also an off-leash fenced area.  The rental apartment where I stayed is not pet-friendly.

Sunday Coffee is a great spot for fresh pastries and a different version of a strawberry matcha. You can sample three different match styles in one strip!

Before you head out, swing by the Kawana Waters Artisans and Farmers Markets. It’s open every Saturday from 6 am to noon It’s a treasure trove of fresh produce, baked goods, and quirky crafts. A perfect place to pick up souvenirs or snacks for the road. You’ll find it in Sportsmans Parade, Birtinya.

Bokarina may have been a quiet achiever, but it’s stepping into the limelight as one of the new Sunshine Coast hotspots. Whether it’s a Queensland beach escape or Bokarina family-friendly stays that you are craving, this little slice of paradise is ready to show you a good time. Pack your bags and go see what all the fuss is about!