New accommodation and dining venues transform Bokarina from coastal hideaway to Sunshine Coast hotspot

One of the Sunshine Coast’s lesser-known coastal hideaways is fast becoming a favourite among locals and tourists alike as the beach-side suburb of Bokarina welcomes new accommodation and restaurants.

Known during the early 1970s as ‘Shangri-la’, Bokarina Beach’s attraction has only increased in recent years with three new luxury holiday accommodation options and an emerging dining scene.

Located halfway between Caloundra and Mooloolaba, Bokarina is home to a patrolled surf (and dog friendly) beach, parklands, an extensive coastal walking and cycling path and a nine kilometre stretch of white sand.

Stay

Opened in June 2024, Zinc Bokarina is nestled along the shores of Bokarina Beach on Bokarina Boulevard and provides a host of two-, three- and four-bedroom modern apartments, each with luxury fittings, an abundance of natural light and unparalleled comfort and style. Complete with sleek lines and a contemporary, coastal design, the apartments seamlessly blend with the natural landscape and allow the sweeping ocean views to be the star of the show.

Just around the corner from Zinc Bokarina is Oceanus, just a seven-minute walk from the beach with a selection of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments available. Oceanus’ luxury three-bedroom penthouse offers uninterrupted views over the breaking white-water surf on the pristine Bokarina Beach. The fully self-contained apartment boasts a spacious living area and large terrace, perfect for families and friends. The Oceanus complex features a 25-metre pool, separate heated children’s pool with sunshade, gym, steam room and large pool deck with an expansive BBQ area.

Set on two hectares of beachfront parkland, Seanna Residences boasts a landscaped pool podium and a mix of apartments with wide frontages and breathtaking views over the Pacific Ocean. The deluxe three-bedroom apartment comes with stunning ocean and pool views, a spacious main living area, fully equipped kitchen, laundry and a large balcony.

A full range of short-stay and longer-stay accommodation can be booked at: https://bokarinaaccommodation.com.au/

Eat & Drink

Sunshine Coast restauranteur and the brains behind popular coast dining hotspots Rice Boi and Giddy Geisha, Tony Kelly, opened his eighth venue in Bokarina Beach in 2022. Bocca Italian fast became a dining institution in its own right, serving up a fresh take on Italian classics that are designed for sharing. But the real hero is Bocca Italian’s bread, which is made from the same hand-stretched dough as their pizzas. Bocca Italian perfectly blends a coastal Mediterranean atmosphere with the Sunshine Coast’s beachy splendour.

After indulging in Italian classics, right next door is a dessert option not to be missed. Wallace & Wood is an artisan ice creamery that makes all their 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. Wallace & Wood also offer a vegan ice cream made with organic cashew milk, coconut cream, cocoa butter and raw sugar. The treats don’t stop there. In September they added ceremonial grade organic matcha to their menu with flavours including strawberry, blueberry and raspberry – the first on the Sunshine Coast to use all-natural house-made fruit purees paired with matcha of this quality.

The team behind popular Moffat Beach breakfast haunt, One Block Back, are set to add their second Sunshine Coast venue to their portfolio when Stoa Bokarina opens late October. This vibrant space is set to add all day brunch, tapas and cocktails to the growing dining scene of Bokarina Boulevard. Visitors can expect a vibrant, coastal atmosphere with natural warmth and seasonally inspired dishes, complemented by perfectly brewed coffee.

And one of the Sunshine Coast’s favourite – and most irreverent – breweries, Your Mates, is next door in Warana. They offer pub-style food, entertainment and, of course, their beers. A great way of experiencing their range is through a $20 tasting paddle of four brews.

Play

Canoe and SUP at Currimundi Lake

Just five minutes’ drive from Bokarina, Currimundi Lake is a beautiful nature reserve with a 6km canoe and paddle trail. The narrow waterways are lined by she-oaks, paperbarks and banksia, and are well protected from the wind. The waters are safe, clean and have only a gentle tidal flow. Canoe, SUP and kite surfing equipment is available for hire.

Stop at the Kawana Waters Artisans and Farmers Markets
Every Saturday morning, rain or shine, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Kawana Waters Artisans and Farmers Markets. Locals gather to offer hot coffee, fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and plants.

Explore the Scenic Coastal Pathway

Embark on a leisurely stroll along the picturesque coastal pathway stretching from Bokarina Beach to Warana Beach. The pathway is perfect for activities like walking, jogging, and bike riding, and is wheelchair friendly. Access points to the beach are available along the way and viewing platforms provide a stunning panorama of the beach.

Take a dip in Bokarina’s pristine beach

Bokarina Beach offers a pristine stretch of coastline ideal for swimming, water sports, fishing and leisurely waterline strolls. This is a patrolled surf beach, with the Sunshine Coast's newest tower and service operating between September and May. Dogs are allowed off the leash in certain areas of the beach.

Family friendly Bokarina Boulevard Park

Ideal for families, Bokarina Boulevard Park is located adjacent to the Bokarina Beach lifeguard tower and offers picnic areas, shelters, and various seating spots, making it an ideal year-round destination for the community. The playground caters to adventure seekers, boasting climbing walls, slides, swings, and a large net connected by a thrilling rope bridge.

For all touring options around Bokarina and the rest of the Sunshine Coast: www.visitsunshinecoast.com