In 1875, Robert Bulcock Snr purchased 277 acres (112 hectares) of land for £70. Part of this land would later become Caloundra’s central business district. Upon his death, the land was inherited by his son, Robert Bulcock Jnr. In 1917, residential blocks from his estate were auctioned. Following are some of the early shops and landmarks that helped shape Caloundra‘s CBD.
1: 1930s – Bottom end of Bulcock Street near Tay Avenue
Unobstructed views to the water. Still no bitumen at this stage.
Image courtesy Lloyd Clark.
2: 1930s – Harold Took’s Store, 48 Bulcock Street
The shop on the right-hand side was Harold Took’s Store. Note the dirt street, lack of gutters, and Norfolk Island pines planted by the council along the footpath in front of residential homes.
Image courtesy Dorothy Slawson.
3: 1935 – Amus U Theatre, 11 Bulcock Street
The ‘Amus U Theatre’ later changed its name to the ‘Strand’ around 1948. Caloundra did not have electricity connected until just before or during World War II (1939–1945).
Image courtesy Dorothy Slawson.
4: 1936 – Barker‘s Pharmacy, 24 Bulcock Street
David Barker Snr’s chemist shop included living quarters above. In addition to dispensing medical advice, he also sold radios, fishing tackle, and outboard motors.
Image courtesy David Barker Jnr.
5: 1935 – Tytherleigh‘s Store, 36 Bulcock Street
John Tytherleigh, a local pioneer, built his fourth shop in Caloundra, naming it Universal Providers. He later opened a neighbouring store selling clothes, linen, and drapery.
6: 1937 – Caloundra Motors, 67 Bulcock Street
Horace Carter rented this garage from Ernie Rinaldi. Before that, Ernie operated a bowser out the front of his store at 63 Bulcock Street, which he opened in 1921. The Rinaldi shop sold a wide range of goods and also served as a Commonwealth Bank agency.
