Escape to the seaside with this Mooloolaba guide

Mooloolaba holidays demand an explore of the region’s eateries, particularly if you consider yourself a foodie. There’s thankfully something for everyone to be found among the rich variety of pubs, surf clubs, cafes and restaurants nearby, including for kids. Brunch is of course well-catered to - drop by The Velo Project for a quality coffee and hefty brunch, or farm-focused La Finca. Acai Brothers on the main drag, and CK Coffee Bar & Wholefoods are also popular for a more health-focused start to the day.

Or later in the day, wander down to The Wharf precinct, where you’re spoilt for choice with smart casual places to grab a bite to eat. Pan-Asian Rice Boi is particularly popular day and night, as is Pier 33, where you can sip on a cocktail while you watch the boats float by. Within arm’s reach is a cluster of seafood markets, including the Mooloolaba Fish Market and the Fish & Chippery where you can purchase fish straight from the trawler, or some battered barramundi to eat while you sit in the sand of the neighbouring shoreline. Or indulge in something a little more sophisticated - Backlane Bar & Street Food offers up creative cocktails and tapas-style plates along the main drag.

Where to drink

Quench your thirst morning and evening at Lot 104 Espresso and Wine Bar, a funky Mooloolaba eatery sitting on the esplanade. Though caffeine fiends may prefer to fall into the welcoming arms of The Pallet Espresso Bar, a coffee-focused space popular for its latte art, that is equally heaving in cakes and bakery treats for sweet tooths.

But what time by the beach really calls for is a cold beer post-dip. Thankfully Mooloolaba can happily cater to this craving courtesy of a rising number of beer specialty spaces, breweries included. Blackflag Brewing belongs on any Mooloolaba guide - find it by following your way down the alley off Brisbane Road to grab a few takeaway tins to try. Fellow local beer creatives 10 Toes brewing is just down the road in Alexandra Head, while Taps Mooloolaba prefers to serve up its craft beer alongside American fare and video games.

Where to stay in Mooloolaba

Mooloolaba accommodation is overflowing - no matter your budget you’ll find somewhere to lay your head for the night. There’s everything from beachfront resorts for those eager to splurge to basic camping options if you’re eager to keep it simple.

Mooloolaba camping is plentiful and in even better news, on the beachfront. The recently revamped Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park is iconic in these parts and particularly popular for those with kids in tow thanks to it boasting direct access to the beach, which is patrolled year-through.

Though self-contained apartments are equally in demand for summer holidays. You’ll find some of the most beloved among resort-style spaces at Mantra Mooloolaba Beach, Sandcastles Mooloolaba, and Seaview Resort Mooloolaba. Eager to splurge? Don’t worry you’ll find options galore. Check out the newly opened Pacific Beach Resort at Mooloolaba Beach, offering beachfront dining or Oceans Mooloolaba for excellent views of the water

Where to play

When it comes to what’s on in Mooloolaba, the answer is simply, a lot. There are a bounty of different ways to spend your time if you like to keep busy, particularly if child-friendly entertainment is on the cards. Sea Life Aquarium is one of the most alluring offerings in Mooloolaba - you can even sign the kids up to become a marine biologist for the day. The family-friendly Gold Coast Aquaduck has also ventured north, expanding to a Sunshine Coast location with the amphibious tour taking you on a one hour cruise through the Mooloolaba streets and the Mooloolah River. You can of course choose to keep things casual instead, taking the kids for a forage through the rockpools on the shoreline.

Older members of the family can dive right in with Sunreef Mooloolaba - here you can see the reef from underwater with diving lessons and tours; or swim with humpback whales when they make their way to these waters (July - October). Or jump onboard with Saltwater Eco Tours for a unique cultural sailing experience, where you'll be immersed in the dreamtime stories and traditions of the Sunshine Coast's first custodians, the Saltwater People. Spot wildlife, sample bush tucker and learn on this fascinating sail cruise. 

Throw on your exercise gear and get ready for a day’s explore - stroll your way along the Mooloolaba Spit right up towards Point Cartwright Lighthouse, followed by a swim at the neighbouring Mooloolaba Beach.

True adrenaline-junkies can keep an eye out for the annual Mooloolaba Triathlon, with six different race options. You’ll start off with a swim at Mooloolaba Beach, followed by a cycle down the Sunshine Coast Motorway, finishing off with a sprint along the Esplanade. Or choose a more leisurely approach, taking in the views from above with a ride through the skies courtesy of Paradise Seaplanes.

Shopaholics may prefer to browse the boutiques which litter the main strip. Pick up a new piece for your wardrobe at Ark and Arrow or Zambezee. Or make way for the weekly Cotton Tree Market, held on Sunday mornings from 7am. It’s here that local artisans, designers and inventors congregate to showcase their wares, making it ideal for picking up a souvenir.