The main sites and attractions in Mooloolaba for a family holiday on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland!
Table of Contents
Welcome to my post about the 20 Best Things To Do in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. To make it easier for you to follow I have organised it into the following sections:
1. Introduction
2. Where is Mooloolaba?
3. Things to do in Mooloolaba
3.1 Walk the foreshore and boardwalk
3.2 Enjoy the sand and sea
3.3 Drink Coffee
3.4 Indulge in different Mooloolaba dining options
3.5 Ride the Aquaduck
3.6 Drink Cocktails
3.7 Play Volleyball
3.8 Ride the Mooloolaba Canal Cruise
3.9 Swim with humpback whales
3.10 Go on a Speed Rafting Tour
3.11 Be pampered at a day spa
3.12 Relax in the Salt Caves
3.13 Marvel at the Marine Animals at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
3.14 Visit Australia Zoo
3.15 Create art at Frida’s Sip n’ Paint
3.16 Eat Ice Cream
3.17 Check out the views from Point Cartwright
3.18 Walking Photography Tour
3.19 Mooloolaba Sunsets Market
3.20 See the Sunrise
4. FAQs
I hope this post helps you have a fantastic holiday if you do decide to visit Mooloolaba.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you interact with them).
Read Time: 12 Minutes
Introduction
You might have read a few ‘Things to do in Mooloolaba’ guides when planning a holiday to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. But have you read one from someone who goes there pretty much every day?
If not, then please give me 12 minutes of your time!
Mooloolaba is the beach I walk on at least five times a week, at various times of the day.
While strolling along its sweeping curve of powdery white sand, and the boardwalk that flanks it, is one of my personal favourite things to do at Mooloolaba, there are plenty of other activities you can enjoy in this vibrant coastal suburb.
For those interested in visiting the Sunshine Coast on holiday, or for locals who need a reminder of what makes the region such a terrific place to live in, here is my take on 21 fantastic things to do in Mooloolaba.
Where is Mooloolaba?
Before I outline them, it’s worth confirming where Mooloolaba Beach is for those who aren’t 100% sure.
Mooloolaba is a suburb of the Sunshine Coast which resides in the city of Maroochydore. It is located about 97 km north of Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland, and encompasses an area of 4.0 square kilometres.
Overall, Mooloolaba is bounded to the north by the suburb of Alexandra Headland and the Mooloolah River to the south. It flanks the Coral Sea to its east and the suburb of Buderim to the west.
Originally called Mooloolah Heads, the suburb derives its name from the Aboriginal word for either ‘Mulla’, which means Red-bellied Black Snake or ‘Mulu’ which translates as snapper fish.
It resides on land traditionally own by the Jinibara and Kabi Kabi peoples.
Enjoying the sand and sea are, of course, the main things to do at Mooloolaba Beach. So, you’ll want to spend plenty of time at both.
Things to do in Mooloolaba
Ok, so now I’ve explained where is Mooloolaba to you, it’s time to dive into the various sites, landmarks, attractions and excursions you can see and do while you are there.
Walk the foreshore and boardwalk
I mentioned that I walk regularly at Mooloolaba Beach, so it makes sense to elaborate on the experience. For those who want to jog, walk, or rollerskate whilst taking in suburb views of the Coral Sea, there is a fabulous section of foreshore and boardwalk you can do this on.
Starting from the Northern Parkland at the top of Mooloolaba Hill, it extends for about 3 km all the way to the end of the rock groyne at the southern section of the beach, near the Mooloolaba Spit parkland.
Throughout the walk, these pathways provide easy access to the beach at regular intervals, and there are plenty of benches, drinking fountains and toilet facilities. You will also be able to check out the HMAS Brisbane Lookout, Australian Dog War Memorial, the rockpools at Briner Beach and the Mooloolaba Foreshore Reserve.
The walk should take you about 50 minutes to an hour as a round trip. However, if you are doing it with children, it might take longer as there are five different playground areas they can enjoy.
Distance to Mooloolaba Beach from other Queensland Destinations
Enjoy the sand and sea
Enjoying the sand and sea are, of course, the main things to do at Mooloolaba Beach. So, you’ll want to spend plenty of time at both.
You can choose to do this at the main Mooloolaba beach, which is patrolled year round from the Mooloolaba Surf Lifesaving club from two main towers.
It is a beautiful stretch of curving sand that is perfect for beach activities like sunbathing, building sandcastles and ball sports, as well as water sports like surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking and wake-boarding.
Alternatively, Briner Beach near the northern parkland is much less busier than the main beach, which makes it a lovely spot for sunbathing, yoga and relaxing with a good book.
Some people choose to have a dip in the water here, but as the area is not patrolled, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Drink Coffee
When I am not walking along the beach or sunbathing, one of my favourite things to do in Mooloolaba is drink coffee. There are plenty of cafes along the Mooloolaba Esplanade, Brisbane Road and River Esplanade where you can pick up a skinny latte, cappuccino or espresso.
My favourite place is Hustle & Flow which is open every day from around 5.30 am to about 1.30 pm. It is a little hole in the wall underneath the Mooloolaba Surf Club that serves terrific Campos coffee.
Elsewhere, the Old Beach Espresso is a good choice just a few doors down from the surf club while, Frankie’s does good coffee too.
If you fancy a coffee after 5 pm, your best bet is Augello’s (which is part owned by Billy Moore, the ex-Queensland and Australia NRL legend) or Virtue.
If you love browsing the latest styles and looking for unusual items, you’ll no doubt find shopping to be one of the best things to do in Mooloolaba.
Indulge in different Mooloolaba dining options
As well as several fabulous venues where you can get coffee, you will also find plenty of excellent restaurants on the Esplanade and surrounding area.
One of the most impressive places to eat in Mooloolaba is Bella Venezia, which serves up a superb selection of pizza and pasta dishes in a fine dining setting with outdoor seating.
Located in the Pacific Beach Resort, it has been a stalwart on the Esplanade since 1983. The last time I was there I had the house made ravioli, which featured Mooloolaba king prawn, Western Australian lobster, Oscietra caviar and champagne sauce. It is not cheap, but it is delicious.
Other terrific places to eat on the main esplanade include The Spice Bar and The Pavilion, while Thai Lotus on Brisbane road serves up a fabulous selection of Asian delights.
Elsewhere, on Parkyn Parade, Pier 33 and Sakana Sushi Bar offer excellent fish dishes, while The Dock, Ninth Street and Rice Boi are places to go on the Mooloolaba Wharf.
Vela Project on Careela Street, about a five to ten minute drive from the main esplanade, dishes up exceptional farm fresh food in a refurbished, residential garage setting, if you fancy escaping the crowds.
Distance from Mooloolaba Beach to other Sunshine Coast Beaches
Ride the Aquaduck
If you have been to the Gold Coast you might recognise the Aquaduck. However, for the uninitiated, riding on this hybrid boat and bus vehicle is one of the best things to do in Mooloolaba Beach.
During this hour-long tour the Aquaduck will provide you with an excellent introduction to Mooloolaba. It will take you on a drive around the streets of the suburb before venturing into the water on a river cruise.
Make sure you have your camera at the ready while you are shown around.
Go Shopping
Among the various restaurants and cafes that lined the Mooloolaba Esplanade and surrounding streets are several boutique shops. Between them, they sell everything from jewellery and clothes to souvenirs and artwork.
If you love browsing the latest styles and looking for unusual items, you’ll no doubt find shopping to be one of the best things to do in Mooloolaba.
Some notable shops to look out for include O’Koko, Treasure Store and Vivian the Store. All of which sell a fabulous selection of clothing items.
For those interested in interior design pieces, Coastal Luxe Homewares in the Mooloolaba Wharf has some great stuff.
The Sunshine Coast features a number of tranquil waterways and one of the best things to do in Mooloolaba is explore them.
Drink Cocktails
What could be better than sipping cocktails at sunset. Well that is exactly what you can do at a few places in Mooloolaba.
A prime spot for doing this is at the Spice Bar, which enjoys a lofted position that enables you to take in stunning views of the Coral Sea and Mooloolaba coastline.
Elsewhere, the Casita Wine Bar, WAT Den and Inca Bar are all fairly new joints, with great ambiences, that offer a terrific selection of inventive cocktails, tequila and whiskies.
Play Volleyball
Most evenings, directly on the sand at the Mooloolaba Beach, a number of public courts are set up by Sunshine Coast Beach Volleyball.
They are all free to use and available on a first come first served basis. It is one of the best things to do in Mooloolaba if you want to stay active, enjoy the sport and make new friends.
The courts are located directly opposite the main sheltered BBQ area. If you don’t fancy playing yourself, you can always watch others play a game.
Ride the Mooloolaba Canal Cruise
The Sunshine Coast features a number of tranquil waterways and one of the best things to do in Mooloolaba is explore them. You can do this on one of the iconic Mooloolaba Canal Cruises which depart four times a day.
For many years, these historical ferries have taken tourists on various guided tours that range from one-hour sails to romantic sunset cruises.
If you are up for the challenge, you can even charter a ferry as well. It is always worth checking the Mooloolaba weather if you fancy doing this.
Many of the major Mooloolaba accommodation resorts have day spas that offer a wide range of massages and therapies that are designed to rest and revitalise your mind body and soul.
Swim with humpback whales
You might not be aware, but Mooloolaba is a prime spot for whale watching. If you happen to be in town between June and November, you might catch a glimpse of the famous Migaloo during its 7500 km annual migration up Australia’s east coast.
Even if you don’t see Migaloo, there is a good chance you will spot one of the 35,000 whales that also make this journey.
Several whale watching tours run from various parts of the Sunshine Coast. But one of the best things to do in Mooloolaba is to go on this three hour, whale watching cruise offered by Sunreef Mooloolaba, which also enables you to swim with them as well.
It’s a Sunshine Coast holiday memory that will stay with you forever.
Things to do when you visit Mooloolaba Beach
Go on a Speed Rafting Tour
If you are looking for a high-octane, thrill seeking activity to do on your Southeast Queensland holiday then you will love this speed rafting tour!
One of the best things to do in Mooloolaba for adrenaline junkies, this extremely powerful, 350 horsepower vessel will hurtle you around at tops speeds into the open waters of the Coral Sea.
You’ll no doubt whoop and holler with delight as you are jostled and jolted through a series of dramatic turns and twists.
If you manage to keep your eyes open, you’ll be able to enjoy magnificent coastal views of Mudjimba Island, Point Cartwright and, of course, Mooloolaba Beach.
Be pampered at a day spa
If the thought of zipping around the Coral Sea in an adventure raft makes you want to lie down for a couple of hours, then you should consider treating yourself to a spa treatment.
Many of the major Mooloolaba accommodation resorts have day spas that offer a wide range of massages and therapies that are designed to rest and revitalise your mind body and soul.
One of the best places to go is The Waterfall Day Spa, which resides inside the Landmark Resort. They have a wonderful selection of massage, body rituals, pamper packages and facial treatments that will make you feel like royalty. If you intend to go with your significant other, make sure you check out their couples packages.
Other options include the Zen Den Day Spa (which at the time of writing has 160 five star reviews on Google) and the Naked Skin Day Spa at the Mantra Mooloolaba Beach, which also has a cocktail lounge.
If you or your kids are mesmerised by life under the sea, then a visit to the SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast in the Mooloolaba Wharf is a must-do activity.
Relax in the Salt Caves
If you find yourself slightly under the weather during your Sunshine Coast holiday, one of the best things to do in Mooloolaba is to relax in the Salt Caves.
Essentially, they put you in a room full of Himalayan salt lamps where you relax on reclinable armchairs. The great thing about this is that Himalayan salt has been linked to reducing inflammation and respiratory conditions. It can also rejuvenate you skin and has several other healthy benefits.
Sessions last for about 45 minutes here and are so relaxing, you could well fall asleep!
The Salt Caves are located a couple of blocks back from the main esplanade on Smith Street. They also offer sauna and massage services as well.
Tours Available when you visit Mooloolaba Beach
Marvel at the Marine Animals at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
If you or your kids are mesmerised by life under the sea, then a visit to the SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast in the Mooloolaba Wharf is a must-do activity.
Accommodating over 10,000 creatures including sharks, seals, penguins and sting rays, this fantastic attraction also boasts one of Australia’s biggest jellyfish collections as well as a Seahorse Kingdom.
As well as its exhibits, it runs a number of interactive presentations which make it one of the best Sunshine Coast Mooloolaba things to do on your holiday.
This entry ticket gives you full access to the popular family-friendly tourist attraction.
Visit Australia Zoo
The world famous Australia Zoo is one of the main Sunshine Coast tourist attractions. So, as it is only a 25-minute drive away from the Mooloolaba Esplanade in the nearby suburb of Beerwah, you should make a point of checking it out.
This tour will give you entry ticket and transfer to this 700 acre zoo on Steve Irwin Way – so named after the larger than life personality who is synonymous with it.
Whilst there you will be able to see a range of animals including crocodiles, komodo dragons, red pandas, cheetahs and giraffes. You will also be able to check out several interactive animal shows as well.
Overall, there are plenty of places you can get your fix of gelato and ice cream on the Mooloolaba Esplanade, including Gelatissimo, Valentino’s, Artigiano and Ben & Jerry’s.
Create art at Frida’s Sip n’ Paint
Fancy doing something a bit different?
Well, why not channel your inner Picasso over a glass or two of white or red at Frida’s Sip n’ Paint studio. One of the best things to do in Mooloolaba for those on a girl’s holiday, you can get tips from a professional artist while you sip on your favourite BYO tipple.
You also get to keep your artwork once the session has finished.
Restaurants near the Best Mooloolaba Hotels
Eat Ice Cream
It always amazes me how many people I see eating ice cream on any given day of the year in Mooloolaba – even winter!
Overall, there are plenty of places you can get your fix of gelato and ice cream on the Mooloolaba Esplanade, including Gelatissimo, Valentino’s, Artigiano and Ben & Jerry’s. Between them, they cover pretty much every flavour you could think of.
If you happen to be on Parkyn Parade, around the Mooloolaba Spit, you could try the Fior di latte Gelateria or Ice Cream Galore.
You should also make a special effort to check out Happy Pops on the main esplanade in the Peninsular Beachfront Resort. They offer a superb range of artisanal, handcrafted gelato and gourmet waffles that are served on a stick.
Check out the views from Point Cartwright
Although it’s close enough to throw a cricket ball to the Point Cartwright walking path from the rockwall at the Mooloolaba Spit, you need to drive down the Nicklin Way in Warana to get there.
It is worth doing though because this fabulous headland is home to the iconic Point Cartwright Lighthouse, which resides at the mouth of the Mooloolah River.
To get to it is a 4.5 km loop that winds back and forth around the river and extensive parkland. It is a popular spot for dog-walkers and picnics and if you make your way to the top of the hill you’ll get spectacular, full length views of Kawana Beach and a panorama that also extends to the river and Mooloolaba coastline.
If you are an early riser, one of the best free things to do in Mooloolaba is see the sunrise.
Walking Photography Tour
The Sunshine Coast and in particular Mooloolaba Beach and the connected foreshore are stunning areas to photograph.
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a David Bailey or Ansel Adams, then you may well enjoy this fascinating walking photography tour which is hosted by Kerry Mulgrew, a well-known local snapper.
During the tour you’ll be given plenty of tips on how to capture the perfect shot and be taken to several places where you can attempt to do so.
Kerry will also provide you with some fascinating tidbits about Mooloolaba and the Sunshine Coast as you make your way too and from Alexandra Headland.
Types of shopping when you visit Mooloolaba Beach
Mooloolaba Sunsets Market
Every Thursday, during the months of December and January, the Mooloolaba Esplanade is shut down to accommodate the Mooloolaba Sunset Markets.
Located on the road in between the shops and the main car parks, you can walk through the area to browse the many different stalls that are set up there.
At them, you’ll be able to buy everything from jewellery and clothes to souvenirs and nik naks. There are also plenty of food trucks to grab a bite to eat, making it one of the best things to do in Mooloolaba during the evening.
See the Sunrise
If you are an early riser, one of the best free things to do in Mooloolaba is see the sunrise. You’ll have to get up early to do this in the summer, when it starts around 4.45 am, while in the winter it is closer to around 6.15 am. You can find out the daily sunrise times here.
As you get a clear view of the horizon from anywhere along the Mooloolaba foreshore and esplanade you will have no trouble finding a spot to sit down and take it all in.
One of the best areas is at the HMAS Brisbane Lookout which gives a unique perspective from its lofted position. The end of the rockwall at the Mooloolaba Spit is another very good viewing spot.
FAQs
What are some of the best things to do in Mooloolaba on the beach
Some of the best things to do in Mooloolaba include swimming, beach walking, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and playing volleyball.
What are some of the best things to do in Mooloolaba other than the beach
Away from the beach you can enjoy coffee and food at a good selection of venues. In addition, you can book several tours including whale watching and check out local attractions like SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium.
