Mooloolaba is a lovely town on the Sunshine Coast about 100km north of Brisbane. We loved its relaxed atmosphere, its wide range of cafes, restaurants and bars and its wonderful beach which runs to the far end of the Spit. For us Mooloolaba is the most attractive of the suburbs of Maroochy, the others being Alexandra Headland, Maroochydore and Cotton Tree.
The visitors information booth is on the corner of Brisbane Road and First Avenue and is staffed by friendly helpful people who can help you with accommodation bookings and give you information about what to do in the area. If you are going to Underwater World you will get a discount if you buy your ticket here rather on the door.
Things to Do in Mooloolaba
The main reason to come to Mooloolaba is the beach and it is well worth it. Running along to the Spit it is sheltered, so generally quite calm, and has a few patrolled swimming areas. There are plenty of activities related to the sea to keep you occupied on your holiday here. You can go sailing from the Marina, rent a kayak and spend a few hours playing in the calm waters in the harbour or go fishing for your dinner.
Underwater World which is located in The Wharf is Queensland’s largest Oceanarium and Aquarium and is open every, day except Christmas Day, from 9am to 5pm. The Oceanarium Tunnel has a large number of sharks, stingrays and other fish and if you are brave enough you can go scuba diving and visit the sharks up close.
You can do a whale watching trip from early June to early November (subject to whale movement) on board Steve’s Whale One which is part of the Australia Zoo set up. It leaves from the Wharf at 10am and returns at approximately 2.30pm with a maximum of 134 passengers and the price includes a buffet lunch, underwater hydrophone to listen to the whales “talking” to each other and marine education. Bookings are essential.
Mooloolaba Harbour, River and Canal Cruise also departs from The Wharf and is a one hour cruise that, as its name suggests, takes you along the harbour, river and canal with an informative commentary along the way. It also takes in the Pelican Feeding which is a wonderful experience and you will get some great views of the hinterland along the way. Cruises depart at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm. Another company offering cruises are Cruise Mooloolaba and you can phone them on 0419 704 797.
If you fancy a 1/2 day fishing trip you can do this with Sunshine Sea Charters which provide all gear and bait and allow you to take home your catch (if you get any!). These trips also depart from The Wharf and can be booked on (07) 5444 7477.
At The Wharf you can also hire kayaks, boats, organise a scuba diving course or trip or even a sailing course.
The Spit runs along Parkyn Parade and is a lovely walk with the river and harbour on one side and the beach on the other. You can either walk along the pavement on Parkyn Parade or walk along the beach starting near the surf club in Mooloolaba. Go right out to the end of the Spit and you get great views back to Maroochydore and beyond with the beautiful hinterland in the background. There are some great fish and chips shops out this way – take a look at our Moolooaba Restaurants for more information.
The Wharf itself is worth a stroll around as it has a few shops, cafes and takeaways, a games arcade and offer a great opportunity to look at some of the yachts in the marina.
For shopping head to the malls on the Esplanade which have a wide range of good quality shops.
There is a ten pin bowling alley in Mari Street in Alexandra Headland if you are looking for something to do on a wet afternoon or in the evening or visit the 12 screen cinema in the Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore.
Need Mooloolaba Accommodation – look no further.