Caloundra gets revved up for the fourth annual Downunder Beachfest

Caloundra is revved up for five days of cool retro car festivities as part of the 2018 Downunder Beachfest.

Running through to June 10, the festival celebrates the hot rod and classic car lifestyle with more than 650 hot rods, motorcycles and vintage caravans on show.

It features five days of show ‘n’ shine, driving events, cruising to the nearby hinterland, dining, dancing, street parties, trophies and a mega car show in downtown Caloundra and Esplanade.

Supported by Sunshine Coast Council, the event started with a welcome street party on Thursday and will finish with the famous Sunday evening dinner dance at Caloundra RSL.

Division 2 Councillor Tim Dwyer encouraged locals and visitors to break out the brylcreem and bobby socks for the colourful event.

“Caloundra is the place to be over these five days with the fourth annual Downunder Beachfest set to be a blast,” Cr Dwyer said.

“It is fast becoming a highlight of our region’s events calendar and is a great festival which showcases Caloundra, our beautiful beaches and our wonderful mix of small businesses.

“It’s also a great opportunity for our locals to mix with our visitors and create a fantastic atmosphere to support this event.”

Event organiser Colin Chapman said the event provided plenty of opportunity to get up-close and personal with some of the finest vehicles in Australia.

“There will definitely be plenty to do,” Mr Chapman said.

“Organised cruises to nearby tourist areas, show ‘n shine days, driving events, street parties with great bands playing live, organised breakfasts and dinners – the list goes on and on.

“It is also a great event which puts a spotlight on Caloundra.

“The support for the event from the local businesses is both overwhelming and very gratifying.”

Local business owner Norm Foord, of Source Bulk Foods, praised the event for bringing visitors into the region.

“The Downunder Beachfest is a fantastic event for the local community and retail businesses,” Mr Foord said.

“Our business probably increases by 30% over the week and each year we see more of these visitors becoming regulars and repeat customers to our store.”

Some changed traffic conditions are required to facilitate this event. For more details on access to Caloundra during the event, visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/majorevents