If you want to really soak up the natural beauty and epic attractions this slice of paradise has to offer, then we have the perfect holiday guide for you. Do as the locals do, and check out all the best things to eat, see and do in Mooloolaba.
The best places to eat and drink in Mooloolaba
The Surf Club, Mooloolaba
The first tip you need to know when visiting Mooloolaba is to arrive hungry - the foodie scene is one of the best in Queensland. Start your morning with a tour of the seaside suburbs' best cafes. The Velo Project and De Ja Vu Cafe & Bar get our vote for their eggs benny, corn fritters and smooth coffee. For something a bit special, book lunch at Spice Bar restaurant then in the PM wander to The Wharf and take your tastebuds on a tour around the world. For authentic Italian fare try Il Vento, fill up on modern Asian eats at Rice Boi and taste the Sunshine Coast’s best local produce on a plate (read: mouth-watering seafood) at Pier 33. For something a bit more laidback, you can’t go past the Mooloolaba Surf Club or some classic fish and chips, caught fresh that morning by trawlers at The Spit.
Thirsty? Grab an espresso martini or flaming cocktail from the mixologist masters at Boston Shaker Bar and Backlane Tapas and Wine Bar, or sip craft beers and listen to live music at Taps Mooloolaba and Blackflag Brewing. Round out your night with a stroll along the esplanade to Pavilion Mooloolaba. Snag a seat next to the bi-fold windows overlooking the ocean and order a cocktail or two from their extensive menu.
The best things to do in Mooloolaba
While we reckon it’s always a good idea to throw a towel down on Mooloolaba’s pristine beaches - even in winter - there’s so much to do in this special spot you’ll want to plan your days wisely so you don’t miss out. Start your day right with a stroll along the coastal pathway that stretches just over four km to Cotton Tree. If the lure of the ocean proves too great, you can get to know the friendly locals who call the sparkling blue waters home with Sunreef’s swim with the humpback whales experience. Be enchanted as you float alongside the gentle giants as they slowly make their way up north. If you want to explore under the water without getting wet, pay a visit to SEALIFE Mooloolaba. Discover the Sunshine Coast’s only colony of Little Blue Penguins, marvel at their mysterious coastal wreck and the animals that inhabit it, and wander beneath sharks as you walk through their 80-metre long ocean tunnel.
The Mooloolaba Spit, Mooloolaba
Learn about the Kabi Kabi people, the traditional owners of the Sunshine Coast, with Saltwater Eco Tours and go for a sunset cruise along the Mooloolaba canals, sipping bubbles and feasting on local seafood while the sun slips behind the Blackall Range. Finally, flex your creative side with a sip n’ paint session at Fridas. It’s BYO so you can bring booze and nibbles while an instructor teaches you how to make your own masterpiece.
The best places to stay in Mooloolaba
Be the first to sink your toes in the sand and watch the sun’s golden rays bounce off the ocean with one of Mooloolaba’s best beachside retreats. For something a little bit luxe check yourself into Oceans Mooloolaba. A true sanctuary by the sea, soak up the sunshine and breathe in the fresh ocean air on their sprawling balconies with views that sweep from Point Cartwright to the Northshore. There’s also a huge pool with a 25-metre lap pool attached, spa and gym to check out - plus the whole gang can enjoy a private movie night in the resort's 14-seat movie theatre.
Perfect for the whole family, everyone can holiday in comfort and stunning surroundings at Mantra Mooloolaba Beach. Perched on the Esplanade - stumbling distance to the best shops, restaurants and bars - there’s one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with private balconies offering ocean or lush hinterland views. There’s not one but two lagoon-style pools to bliss out in, plus a gym, sauna and BBQ areas - perfect for grilling the seafood you bought fresh from the trawler earlier that day.
Family walking along Mooloolaba Beach, Mooloolaba
If camping is more your vibe, Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park offers powered sites for your tent, camper or caravan. Revamped in 2019, there's laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, a modern camp kitchen and BBQ facilities. But best of all, there is direct access to Mooloolaba beach.
Accommodation around Mooloolalaba and Maroochydore
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Coco Mooloolaba
Located in the heart of Mooloolaba, Coco Mooloolaba offers self-contained accommodation only a short
Mooloolaba
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Seaview Resort Mooloolaba
Seaview Resort is ocean fronting apartments. Centrally located on the Sunshine Coast, the 12-store
Mooloolaba
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Newport Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba offers a sunny, seaside charm and it has retained a laidback, casual and inviting atmosph
Mooloolaba
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BreakFree Alexandra Beach
For Sunshine Coast accommodation, that s perfect for the whole family, you simply can t go past Brea
Alexandra Headland
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Osprey Apartments
Perched on a hill overlooking the ocean, Osprey Apartments Mooloolaba offers spacious, stylish apart
Mooloolaba
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Mantra Zanzibar
Located opposite the beach, Mantra Zanzibar offers a stylish East African inspired resort and stunni
Mooloolaba
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Oaks Sunshine Coast Seaforth Resort
Ideally located, Oaks Sunshine Coast Seaforth Resort is just a short stroll from a patrolled surf be
Alexandra Headland
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Landmark Resort
Landmark Resort is located directly opposite Mooloolaba's beautiful beachfront and is comprised of 1
Mooloolaba
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Mantra Sirocco
Situated on the Esplanade in the heart of Mooloolaba, Mantra Sirocco is perfectly positioned to make
Mooloolaba
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Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
With One, Two and Three Bedroom Apartments, Mantra Mooloolaba Beach is bound to be the perfect accom
Mooloolaba
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Highwater Haven
Highwater Haven is the perfect beach getaway for your family and furry friend in Alexandra Headland.
Alexandra Headland
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Mandolin Beachfront Resort
The iconic Mandolin Beachfront Resort, located in the heart of Alexandra Headland, so close to all t
Alexandra Headland
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Lux Beachfront Apartment at Beach Life
This stylishly decorated self-contained apartment is centrally located between Mooloolaba and Maroo
Alexandra Headland
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Soul Beach Bungalow
Coastal lux with a soulful vibe, Soul Beach Bungalow is a beautifully renovated bespoke unit specifi
Alexandra Headland
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Allure Mooloolaba
Experience All u Are at Allure Mooloolaba only one street back from the world-famous beach, shops, r
Mooloolaba
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Soul Beach House
Kick-off, your shoes, slow down, relax and reconnect with family and friends, amidst a tropical back
Alexandra Headland
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Breeze Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba s newest luxury resort features 57 One and Two Bedroom Self-contained Apartments with poo
Mooloolaba
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Grand Palais Beachside Resort
Overlooking the beautiful Alexandra Headland beach, Grand Palais Beachside Resort is your perfect ch
Alexandra Headland
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Alexandria Apartments
Alexandria Apartments offers serviced apartment accommodation for families and couples opposite beau
Alexandra Headland
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Dockside Holiday Apartments
Dockside Holiday Apartments - a small family-friendly resort of one, two and three-bedroom self-cont
Mooloolaba
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Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park
Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park is the must-visit gem on the Sunshine Coast. Mooloolaba Beach Holiday
Mooloolaba
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Pacific Beach Mooloolaba
Pacific Beach Resort at Mooloolaba Beach offers superb beachfront holiday accommodation positioned o
Mooloolaba
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Oceans Mooloolaba Beach
Oceans Mooloolaba offers two, three and four bedroom apartments and penthouses all in similar stylin
Mooloolaba
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Spinnaker Quays
Spinnaker Quays is a boutique resort consisting of 18 three bedroom, two bathroom luxury air-conditi
Mooloolaba
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Raffles Mooloolaba
Raffles Mooloolaba, an intimate resort, is just a short stroll to all that idyllic Mooloolaba has to
Mooloolaba
