Post Malone is headlining a country festival 15 minutes from Mooloolaba. Sunday 18 October, Kawana Sports Precinct. Whether you’ve had the tickets since drop day or you’re only just catching up, one day is not enough. Here’s how every type of festival-goer should plan their weekend, making the most of Mooloolaba.
1 – The ones who booked on drop day: Groups and couples
You sent the group chat the lineup the second it dropped. You’ve been rationing your Bailey Zimmerman listens until the real thing. Now you need the weekend to match the energy.
Saturday: Check into Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel – the Sunshine Coast’s newest beachfront hotel with a rooftop pool and Sully’s Rooftop bar that everyone is already talking about. Walk to the Esplanade, get your bearings, then head to Rice Boi at the Wharf for dinner. Waterfront beer garden, Asian street food, cocktails. Get in early or expect to wait a bit, it’s worth it either way.
Sunday morning: Brunch at De Ja Vu Cafe & Bar on the Esplanade. Get there early, it fills up fast on weekends. Beach walk. Festival prep. You’re 15 minutes from Kawana, no stress. Jump on the closest bus and you’ll be there in no time.
Sunday – Strummingbird: Post Malone, Bailey Zimmerman, Cooper Alan, the Silver Spur Saloon, line dancing. The full thing. Stay for all of it.
Sunday night: Back to Mooloolaba. Spero at the Wharf for Greek share plates if you’ve still got an appetite. Then if you’re feeling like the night’s not over, head to the Pavilion Rooftop for a few more expertly crafted cocktails and a late night boogie.
Monday: Sleep in. Slow coffee and a refreshing Acai bowl to cure your hangover at The Good Eats Mooloolaba. Beach swim. Drive home fed and (hopefully not too) sunburned.
2 – The family making it a proper adventure: Parents, kids of all ages
Strummingbird is all-ages, and Mooloolaba was made for exactly this kind of weekend. The beach is north-facing, calm and swimmable; a beach where you can actually relax while the kids are in the water. SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is right at the Wharf. Nothing is more than a short walk from anything.
Saturday: Check into Coco Mooloolaba or Breeze Mooloolaba – self-contained apartments with room to spread out, right in the heart of the precinct. Straight to the beach after check-in. Let everyone decompress. Dinner at Dirty Moe’s, slow cooked deliciousness, casual, easy for groups and hungry kids.
Sunday morning: Breakfast at Bleu Bean Cafe on Brisbane Road – on the way out, nice and easy. A local favourite with a relaxed vibe and an Asian-inspired menu with something for everyone. Head to Strummingbird early so the kids can settle in before it gets busy.
Sunday – Strummingbird: An all-ages day out. The markets, the music, the atmosphere, it works for every age in the group.
Sunday night: Quick ice cream stop on the way back in Mooloolaba for a post-festival refresher. You’ve got endless options along the Esplanade, Valentino’s for a good classic, Luma or Yogurt & Gelato World for a self-serve scoop.
Monday: SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast at the Wharf for a proper morning activity, or book a river cruise for something slower and more scenic. Lunch at The Dock on the Wharf before the drive home, everyone leaves happy.
3 – The Post Malone fan who didn’t realise they liked country: New country fans
You’ve had Pour Me a Drink on repeat for months. You know every feature on F-1 Trillion. You’ve also started listening to Luke Combs and you’re not entirely sure when that happened. Either way, you’re going, and you’re going to have an unreasonable amount of fun.
You probably haven’t planned past the ticket. That’s fine, Mooloolaba doesn’t require complex planning.
Saturday: Check into Landmark Resort or Malibu Apartments. Walk the Esplanade. Dinner at The Savvy Squire for the perfect pub meal and some bevs.
Sunday morning: Swim, then coffee at Half Court Coffee – a newer addition with beans from Semi-Pro roasters in Brisbane and a fit-out worth the visit. Hop on the bus to Strummingbird knowing you’ve done the morning right.
Sunday – Strummingbird: Arrive early for the Silver Spur Saloon. Try line dancing. You will enjoy it more than you expect. Stay for every act.
Sunday night: Back to Mooloolaba. Wat Den for cocktails, they’ve got a serious whiskey list, and the kind of place that makes you feel like the night isn’t over yet. If you’re still not ready to hang up your dancing shoes, end your night at Taps Mooloolaba.
4 – The local who’s been waiting all year: Sunshine Coast residents
You’re going to Strummingbird and driving home after. But Mooloolaba is still the best before and after. Meet your crew there before the show, come back for the Sunday night wind-down when it’s over.
Sunday morning: Brunch at The Velo Project on Careela Street – locally sourced and dog-friendly. Early swim, grab another coffee to go, head to Kawana. You know the roads.
Sunday – Strummingbird: The full day. You’ve earned it.
Sunday night: Back to Mooloolaba. The Surf Club for a cold drink on the beach. Low-key, unpretentious, and exactly the right way to end a big day. If you’re after something a little more fancy, Casita Wine Bar on River Esplanade is your move – Mediterranean tapas, a great wine list, and an intimate vibe that feels a world away from festival crowds.
Make the Most of Mooloolaba
Whatever kind of festival-goer you are, this is the weekend that earns a Monday sleep-in. The beach is here, the food is here, the drinks are here, and none of it requires a plan more complicated than showing up.
Book your accommodation early. Strummingbird weekends fill fast and Mooloolaba is the obvious base camp. You don’t want to be the group that drove straight home.
Meet me in Mooloolaba. See you in October.
