Top 6 things to do in Mooloolaba
To help you plan your next visit
Mooloolaba. It’s fun to say but it’s an even better place to visit. Once you wrap your lips around saying Moo-loo-la-ba without getting tongue tied it’s time to start exploring this vibrant beachside paradise and all it has to offer. In less than 100km, under 1.5hrs drive from Brisbane’s River City you can find yourself in magical Mooloolaba with is white sandy beaches and glistening turquoise waters inviting you to go for a stroll or take a dip.
The waterfront esplanade is filled with boutique shops and trendy cafes and restaurants offering a variety of culinary delights to suit all tastes. It is easy to see why Mooloolaba was voted one of the best beaches in the South Pacific in the 2020 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.
1. Mooloolaba Main Beach
If its vitamin sea you’re needing, set yourself up for a relaxing day on the beach taking in the picturesque views of the blue ocean as it gently laps the shore. Cool off with a dip in the refreshing ocean water. The beach break is gentle, meaning you can swim in the waves without worrying about losing your swimmers in the surf.
You don’t even have to lose sight the view when you go the bathroom. Mooloolaba is home to the unique ‘loo with a view’ offering arguably one of the best public toilet views in the country.
Pop up your sun shade, roll out your towel on the squeaky clean sand and relax. The kids can splash by the waters edge and adults can lay on the warm sand reading and catching up on the latest happenings on the ‘gram’.
With beachfront cafes only a short stroll from the water you can easily spend the day doing a whole lot of nothing. Splash, eat, selfie, snooze repeat… it’s not a bad way to spend a day really.
2. SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
An underwater adventure awaits at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast. Located at The Wharf in Mooloolaba, SEA LIFE is an all weather marine attraction featuring 11 different themed zones providing endless opportunities to watch and learn about various marine creatures.
Experience the ultimate undersea immersion as you literally walk underwater through the 80meter long ocean tunnel while sharks, rays and fish swim overhead.
If you’ve ever wanted to hold a star in your hands now you can, a sea star that is. Hold sea stars, urchins, sea cucumbers and other friendly marine life in the tidal touch pool.
Be entertained by SEA LIFE’s resident seals Teiko, Groucho and Moana as they perform in the daily Seal Island presentation, and then watch them at play underwater in the lower seal island exhibit.
The brand new Little Blue Penguins zone allows you to watch and learn about the Sunshine Coast’s only colony of little blue penguins, the threats that they are facing in the wild and what we can do to help.
Bookings are essential for SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast so make sure you jump online to secure your place.
3. Aquaduck
While you’re checking out the underwater wonders at SEA LIFE, there’s a good chance you will see another aquatic wonder – the Aquaduck!
The Aquaduck departs from right outside SEA LIFE and takes guests on a 1 hour amphibious adventure exploring Mooloolaba’s coastline and canals.
Enjoy stunning coastal views over the Pacific Ocean and the sunshine strip as you travel along the esplanade before splashing into the water for a boat cruise along the Mooloola river spotting wildlife, celebrity mansions, and experiencing the regions natural beauty.
Kids can test out their driving skills as they take the wheel and skipper the duck along the water and receive a captains certificate to take home as bragging rights.
Is it a bus? Is it a boat? It’s an Aquaduck!
4. Mooloolaba Wharf
Spend an afternoon down at The Wharf and find out what all the fuss is about.
Inspired by the Santa Monica Pier and Freemantle Jetty, Mooloolaba built it’s own commercial marine hub ‘The Wharf’ back in 1988. Today 360,000 people a year come to enjoy the laid back atmosphere, seaside vibes, water based activities and stunning views over the Mooloola river.
Offering a unique experience, visitors can enjoy waterports and boating activities, wine and dine in one of the 15 restaurants and cafes, browse through unique fashion and gift shops or simply stroll along the boardwalk without a care in the world. The Wharf has become a popular destination to eat drink and play. For a list of upcoming events and entertainment at The Wharf check out their whats on page.
5. Adventure Rafting
If adrenalin is your thing you will want to check out Adventure rafting which departs from The Wharf precinct. A one hour tour aboard their rigid inflatable will see you cruising out of the Mooloolaba canals and jumping the waves of the open ocean.
Turn up your heart rate as your skipper unleashes 350hp of speed, turns and wave riding travelling past Mooloolaba beach, around Mudjimba island and past Alexandra headland and Point Cartright Lighthouse. Its wet, its wild, and it’s a whole lot of fun!
From June to October Adventure Rafting also offer a whale watching experience allowing you to get up close and personal to the migrating humpback whales each winter. The Coral Sea off Mooloolaba forms part of Australia’s humpback highway providing a fantastic opportunity to observe these majestic mammals as they undertake their annual migration up and down the coastline.
6. Sunreef
If watching the whales isn’t close enough for you, then you need to see the team at Sunreef who offer a swim with the whales experience. Once the skipper has spotted the whales, and if their activity is deemed friendly, it’s on with your snorkel and fins, and into the water. Interaction is up to the whales themselves and you might like to re-watch Finding Nemo so you can brush up on your ‘Whale’ J.
Outside of Whale Watching season the crew at Sunreef are the experts when it comes to all things H2O. From their office at The Wharf, they offer training and hire of powered and non powered watersports, snorkelling, and of course SCUBA Diving.
In addition to PADI courses, Sunreef operate diving day trips to some of Queensland’s best diving locations including the HMAS Brisbane shipwreck and Flinders Reef – a beautiful marine sanctuary protected as part of Moreton Bay Marine Park.
Now that we’ve filled up your to-do list with our top 6 things to do in Mooloolaba, we hope you have a quacking holiday here in sunny Mooloolaba and we look forward to seeing you on the Aquaduck soon.
Blog by Zoe Abrahams
Zoe has worked in the Gold Coast tourism industry for nearly 20years and is the marking manager for Aquaduck Gold Coast, Aquaduck Sunshine Coast, Southern Cross Tours and Gold Coast Sunset Cruise.
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