The period following WW2 represents a social phenomenon. The hardships and rationing following the war were over, there was full employment, people could afford holidays, they had cars and roads were improving. There was great optimism and also a building boom, the biggest since the gold rushes. One outlet for this energy was the continuing story of Australia’s love affair with the beach.

Caloundra, due to its proximity to Brisbane, Ipswich and Toowoomba, was a key destination for holiday makers. These were the formative years for Moffat Beach, with the suburb predominately bushland in 1940, but overflowing with holiday houses 20 years later. Often simple beach shacks, but sometimes more elaborate, the common language was informality. All the ideas of prestige and creation of personal territory could be left at home. It was the next step up from camping. People could tune into modern architectural ideas, but there was a basic simplicity and charm about these places.

Remember to wear suitable shoes, take a hat and a bottle of water on all walking tours.