The Top Things to Do in Mooloolaba | Best Activities & Attractions
If you’re looking for things to do in Mooloolaba and tempted by the idea of lounging on a beach frequently voted one of the best in the entire South Pacific by Tripadvisor travellers, this Sunshine Coast suburb really delivers! With sun-soaked beaches, sweeping coastal views and buzzing places to dine, you’re in for a treat when you pack up the family and head to this Sunshine Coast winner. With fantastic year-round weather, this sunny subtropical spot is known for long, languorous summers and short, moderately cool winters. A lazy 10.5-hour drive from Sydney and only 1.5 hours from Brisbane, what’s stopping you from planning the perfect motorhome trip?
Make Glorious Mooloolaba Your Playground for Your Next RV Holiday
Mooloolaba offers plenty of attractions to keep even the fussiest tourists enthralled. Whether you’re a family of four looking for an action-packed vacation or a romantic couple seeking solitude and good food, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Mooloolaba, Queensland. And that famous beach, which keeps getting voted in the top 10, is on your doorstep if you stay at Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park. Boasting pure white sand and year-round lifeguard patrols, you have direct access from your powered site.
Mooloolaba Activities to Keep You Busy
If action is the attraction, Mooloolaba has plenty of high-energy pursuits to keep the hyper family members happy on your trip. From toddlers to teens, whether you want to get your hearts started or go at a slower pace, you can find activities to keep everyone entertained.
Walk, Run or Cycle
Right out front of the Mooloolaba caravan park is the Coastal Pathway, which stretches 73km from Bells Creek to Coolum. Great for a morning power walk before a refreshing dip in the Coral Sea. You can pack your own bikes and scooters to explore this stunning stretch of coastline, with idyllic coves and busy promenades. Or, hire two wheels for a half-day cycle tour of the winding path, riding through bush and parklands by beautiful lakes and beaches.
Take in the View
Guiding ships into Moreton Bay since 1897, the region’s lighthouse is a standout. The most recent signal tower incarnation was erected at the mouth of Mooloolah River on Point Cartright in 1978. Drive the 8 minutes from Mooloolaba centre to La Balsa Park for the 3.5km Point Cartright Lighthouse loop trail. Taking roughly 50 minutes to complete, the trail offers ocean and river views, with amenities dotted along the way.
Stand, Surf or Stroke
Mooloolaba Canal and Mooloolah River are ideal locations for stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking to see the stunning waterside, hinterland views, and luxury homes. Sunreef Hire Mooloolaba offers plenty of action-packed water pursuits, including jet-skiing, private charter boats and cruises. The Sunshine Coast staple also offers Swim With Whales and Snorkelling With Turtles At Mudjimba Island to get up close and personal with the local marine life.
Adrenalin Junkies, Listen Up!
Just 30km from Mooloolaba, you’ll find Maroochydore’s Ocean Addicts surf shop. High-energy activities include surfing, kitesurfing lessons, and surfboard hire for the wave riders. If you’ve always wanted to try the wing, the hydrofoil lessons will teach you the basics of flying through the water. Learn pop-ups in your surfing lessons to try standing on the board. You’ll walk away with helpful skills to take back home and practise.
Pack in Some Family Fun
As far as theme parks go, Aussie World in Palmview has plenty to keep thrillseekers entertained. A 16-minute drive from Mooloolaba, it boasts rides and entertainment for the whole family. It includes Australia’s tallest and fastest 360-degree pendulum, which can reach 80km/hr as it launches 32m upwards, completing up to 5G-force looping inversions. When looking for things to do on the Sunshine Coast, plenty of rides will keep the little ones busy, with the Bug Run, Tin Lids Tea Party, Giggle Go Round and more on the go. Your family can also enjoy the Dingo Racer, Redback, Rev Shed, slide, maze and mini golf, as well as Professor Boggleworth’s Illusinarium and the Crazy Mirrors for some mind-bending fun.
Mooloolaba Activities to Slow You Down
Starting your day at a more leisurely pace will help you easily slip into holiday mode. From cruising the idyllic waterways to taste-testing the local fare or lazing on a beach, Mooloolaba activities include passing your time in a quieter style if that’s what you’re yearning for.
Cruising The Canals
How does a calming boat cruise, followed by a seafood lunch, sound? Mooloolaba Canal Cruises offers tranquil one-hour cruises along the area’s stunning waterways to disembark at The Wharf for your choice of meal from the iconic Prawn Star, The Dock or Flo’s Creperie. Prawn Star serves fine wild-caught Australian seafood, including oysters, bugs and prawns, while The Dock offers traditional Aussie fare or try Flo’s for savoury or sweet treats. If you’d prefer to drink and dine onboard, Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba serves a seafood lunch, sunset drinks and al-la-carte dining or a BYO food and drinks cruise for 2 to 8 people aboard your choice of vessel from the boat charter’s fleet. Look out for Steve Irwin’s “Croc One” research vessel as you head into the canals to take in Minyama mansions (known as Millionaire’s Row) for some impressive architecture and aspirational homes. Or simply enjoy Mooloolaba and Kawana Waters on the beautifully restored local ferry, catering to passengers, pets and bicycles.
Visit the Aquarium
Say “hello” to the fishes at Sea Life Sunshine Coast when looking for Mooloolaba activities for the kids. This magical underwater world offers an array of delights for children and adults of all ages. There are plenty of animal zones to explore, including sharks, seahorses and jellyfish. Watch the seal show or get up close and personal with the penguins. Parents who need a break can let kids explore three levels in the indoor play zone, Shipwreck Shores.
Make Time for a Picnic
Mooloolaba Foreshore Park offers plenty of space to pack a lunch for two to 20 people when planning things to do on the Sunshine Coast. Stretching 350m along the foreshore between Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba, there are large grassed areas for games, a climbing playground for the kids to explore, barbecues with shaded picnic areas and a viewing platform. You’ll find access points to the beach to cool off after kicking a footy ball and public toilets. Take the boardwalk and wander down past the Mooloolaba Surf Club, popular for dining and entertainment, to the Southern Park if you’re looking for more seating and scenic views.
Get Out In Nature
The Alex Forest Conservation Area features 1km of walking trails in revegetated wet sclerophyll forest. Explore the 6ha of wildlife reserve that supports a wide range of biodiverse wildlife, including threatened species of animals and plants. The area is an important ecosystem sustaining life while balancing the vine forest and timber clearing. Take the half-hour drive into the Sunshine Coast hinterland to visit the ancient Glass House Mountains for scenic lookouts and panoramic hikes. Choose from hard to moderate trails to get the most out of this picturesque location. You can plan a stay at one of the modern and stylish Glasshouse Mountains Tourist Park or enjoy a quieter, more tranquil night in GlassHouse Mountains Caravan & Camping Park.
Food, Glorious Food
There are so many scrumptious dining options in Mooloolaba. Famous for its prawns, from king to school size, this Sunshine Coast Maroochydore suburb can satisfy even the most picky eaters. With tantalising tastes ranging from tapas and international cuisine to good plain Aussie pub food, there are options for lazy dining over water views to vibrant spots to keep the kids happy.
What’s For Breakfast?
Open every day from 5am, De Ja Vu cafe is a hot spot for the first meal of the day. Lavazza Coffee, pancakes, waffles, and plenty of hearty breakfasts are ready to fill your stomach, including the popular Brekky Croissant Burger or healthy Green Brekky option. Head to the top of the Esplanade for ocean views, Eggs Benedict and Botero Coffee in a family and pet-friendly environment at Melody's Licensed Cafe. For diehard caffeine aficionados, you can’t go past The Colombian Coffee Co. for Fair Trade South American coffee beans. For the best of local growers, farmers and produce, check out The Velo Project. Passionate about sustainable food and coffee, this Careela Street gem is a mouthwatering explosion of tastes. Wander the Esplanade for plenty of other Mooloolaba options to tempt your tastebuds.
Time for Lunch
The Wharf boasts a plethora of excellent restaurants to sample while you’re staying on the Sunshine Coast. The Dock specialises in smoked meats and sizzling steak meals, offering 16 beers on tap and indoor and alfresco dining. Local Social has plenty for the family, with tasty bagels, sandwiches and wraps or grab some Japanese on your way to the beach from Sushi Kibou. For long, languorous lunches and live music, Pier 33 has what you need. Check out delectable Asian street food at Rice Boi or head back to the Esplanade for Entice Food & Wine for great burgers and lunchtime eats.
Dinner and Drinks
Mooloolaba has many choices for fantastic cuisine, wines and beers. For an award-winning masterpiece Italian menu, choose Bella Venezia for your fine-dining pleasure. Sumptuous decor and exceptional service, along with a delicious menu, will delight your senses. For couples or friends dining together, See Restaurant offers over-water dining, Modern Australian cuisine and an exceptional wine cellar. Spero Greek Street is a family-owned beach-style eatery with plenty of child-friendly options and a bright, colourful interior. For chic decor and tasty Asian fusion food, head to Spice Bar on the Esplanade to sample natural, local and ethical ingredients for meals lovingly made from scratch. Watch out for the Sunset Markets on the beachfront when planning your motorhome trip to Mooloolaba. A picnic blanket on the beach is all you’ll need to enjoy a tasty meal of gourmet street food, the buzz of live entertainment and artisan stalls.
Fun After Dark, Without the Kids
Book a sitter and take some time off from parenting with an eclectic mix of bars and entertainment for the over-18s. Backlane Bar & Street Food is open late for those suppertime cravings and delicious cocktails. Boston Shaker Bar is a 1920s-themed bar reminiscent of the Prohibition era, except with plenty of luscious cocktails and a comprehensive wall of whiskey bottles to choose from. The bar hosts cocktail shaker classes and singles nights for some adults-only fun. With a drinks menu filled with whiskey and tequila, WAT Den really delivers, hosting Whiskey Club nights and Margarita Mondays. Open till late every night of the week, WAT Den gives Havanna-style dark and moody cigar-bar vibes on the Mooloolaba Esplanade. For the beer drinkers, Blackflag Brewing is hidden down a back alley close to the beach and offers pool tables, punk rock music and Sunshine Coast local musicians every Friday and Sunday afternoon.
Finding Things to Do in Mooloolaba, Queensland
There is so much on offer once you arrive in this Maroochydore beachside suburb. You’ll be spoilt for choice for Mooloolaba activities, action and eating. Whether planning a lengthy caravan stay or holidaying with loved ones in a motorhome over a long weekend, drop in, check it out and enjoy the ocean breezes and tantalising edible delights as you kick back and relax in this subtropical paradise.
Photo Credit: Beach During Sunset by Bella White from Pexels via Canva