Caloundra Markets: Our Vision & Plans for 2026
Hi everyone,
I'm writing on behalf of the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce to share an important update and a clear, positive message: Caloundra Markets are entering a new chapter - supported by our long-term residents and local businesses, and focused on inclusion, collaboration, and a strong future for our town.
Our community has reinforced, and we recognise that vibrant, well-run markets play a vital role in supporting Caloundra’s wider economy, including local retailers, experience providers, accommodation operators, and our food and beverage sector. When markets thrive, the town benefits.
Over recent months, the Chamber has been working closely with long-standing residents, local businesses and developers within the region. There is strong alignment around the role markets can play as welcoming, high-quality experiences that attract visitors, encourage longer stays, and strengthen community connection.
With this shared support and direction, we are looking forward, not backward, and we invite all vendors to help propel Caloundra with positivity and purpose.
Why now?
- Caloundra is growing and evolving
- Aura is now home to more than 18,000 residents
- Investment along Bulcock Street continues to increase
- A younger demographic is moving into the region
- Visitors are continuing to seek authentic, local coastal experiences
Our residents and business community are clear: markets are a powerful driver of foot traffic, visitation, and local spending, and they play a key role in shaping how people experience Caloundra.
Our Market Vision
Bold. Welcoming. Inclusive. Dynamic.
The shared vision from residents, retailers, hospitality, tourism, and accommodation operators is for markets that feel distinctly Caloundra - friendly, relaxed, high- quality, and community-driven. Markets that empower people, inspire progress, and reflect the best of our region:
- Caloundra Street Fair : Our flagship market and the heart of the town - supporting Bulcock Street as one of South-East Queensland’s most loved and authentic browsing streets, while complementing surrounding retail and food and beverage businesses.
- Monthly Twilight Markets: Coastal-inspired evening markets that encourage locals and visitors to stay longer, dine locally, enjoy local experiences, and support nearby accommodation providers.
- Aura Fresh (Watch This Space) : A weekly fresh food market offering convenience, value, and healthy choices for local families, while supporting growers, producers, and small businesses.
What Vendors Can Expect
This is not business as usual. With strong backing from our wider community, the Chamber is committed to four clear pillars:
ELEVATE | COLLABORATE | ADVOCATE | CELEBRATE
- Improved promotion and brand awareness through stronger social media, storytelling, and upgraded websites
- Authentic customer experiences across food, beverage, art, and culture
- Closer collaboration between vendors, the Chamber, retailers, experience
- providers, accommodation and hospitality businesses
- Clear, fair, and respectful communication
- An environment that supports innovation and sustainable growth for small business
What’s Next
We’ll be sending a vendor survey to invite your thoughts, ideas, and feedback - helping to shape priorities and guide improvements.
We are also:
- Increasing social media promotion aligned with our key pillars
- Updating our websites to better support vendors and inform visitors
- Requesting updated business information, improved image galleries, and greater collaboration around promotion
This is a collective effort - grounded in community support and focused firmly on the future.
We value what you bring to our markets and to Caloundra. Together, we can build vibrant markets that support vendors, local businesses, residents, and visitors - and help Caloundra thrive.
More details will follow shortly.
Warm regards,
Michael Shadforth
President, Caloundra Chamber of Commerce