If it’s your first time visiting Mooloolaba, get ready to fall in love with one of the Sunshine Coast’s most effortlessly beautiful beachside destinations. From pristine beaches and scenic walks to incredible dining, boutique shopping and ocean adventures, Mooloolaba has everything you need for a relaxed coastal escape. Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of your first visit.
Soak Up the Beachside Bliss
Start your trip with the main event – Mooloolaba Beach. Known for its soft white sand, gentle waves and patrolled swimming areas, it’s perfect for everyone from early-morning swimmers to families building sandcastles. Take a stroll along the beachfront esplanade, grab a coffee from one of the many cafés, and settle in for a day of sun, surf and salt air.
If you’re after a change of pace, wander around the corner to the Spit – a local favourite for calm swimming, paddleboarding and fish and chips by the water.
Explore the Ocean
No visit to Mooloolaba is complete without getting out on (or under!) the water.
- SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium is a must for families and anyone curious about marine life.
- For adventure-seekers, take a whale watching cruise (June–October) or get up close with ocean life on a scuba diving or snorkelling tour at the Ex-HMAS Brisbane wreck.
- Prefer to stay dry? A sunset cruise along the canals is the perfect way to see Mooloolaba from a new perspective.
Eat, Drink & Enjoy
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining. Start your morning with a fresh juice or smoothie bowl from one of Mooloolaba’s health cafés, and for lunch or dinner, enjoy freshly caught seafood straight off the trawlers at the Mooloolaba Wharf or The Spit.
Whether you’re after waterfront fine dining, a rooftop cocktail, or a casual meal with a view, Mooloolaba’s food scene has it all.
Shop Coastal Style
Boutique lovers, you’re in luck. The Mooloolaba Esplanade is lined with stylish fashion boutiques, homeware stores and local gift shops – perfect for finding a little piece of the coast to take home.
Walk, Wander & Discover
Stretch your legs along the Mooloolaba to Maroochydore Coastal Walk, a scenic trail that winds past beaches, headlands and ocean lookouts.
Stay a Little Longer
Whether you prefer luxury resorts, family-friendly apartments or cosy stays just steps from the sand, Mooloolaba has accommodation to suit every traveller. Wake up to ocean views, take an early dip, and watch the sunset from your balcony – this is coastal living at its finest.
Local Tips
- The best time to visit? Anytime! Mooloolaba shines year-round with a mild climate and plenty to do no matter the season.
- Parking is available at PARKnGO Mooloolaba Central, however why not consider walking or cycling if you’re staying nearby.
- Don’t miss the Mooloolaba Sunset Markets, held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month, for live music, street eats and relaxed coastal vibes.
Ready to Plan Your Visit?
Your first trip to Mooloolaba won’t be your last. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a summer holiday, you’ll find yourself drawn back to this welcoming coastal haven again and again.
Discover more things to do, see and experience at discovermooloolaba.com.au