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Mooloolaba, Queensland - Beaches, Wharf Life & Coastal Experiences on the Sunshine Coast
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Feb 22, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: 18 hours ago
Mooloolaba, Queensland - Beaches, Wharf Life & Coastal Experiences on the Sunshine Coast
Mooloolaba is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular seaside destinations, perfectly positioned at the mouth of the Mooloolah River in the heart of the region. Located around 90 kilometres north of Brisbane, this vibrant coastal town is loved for its safe swimming beaches, lively wharf precinct, excellent dining scene and relaxed beachside atmosphere.
With golden sand, calm blue water, waterfront walks and plenty of things to see and do, Mooloolaba is an ideal destination for a day trip or a longer Sunshine Coast escape.
On our recent visit to Mooloolaba, we started the day exploring the Esplanade and Mooloolaba Main Beach. Then we headed to The Wharf, enjoyed a coffee overlooking the river and visited the Sea Life Aquarium. We then went on an Aquaduck cruise through the canals and finished the day with a lovely sunset at Point Cartwright.
Exploring the Esplanade & Mooloolaba Main Beach
We started our day wandering along the Mooloolaba Esplanade, the town’s lively beachfront strip lined with surf shops, fashion boutiques, cafés and restaurants offering relaxed alfresco dining.
Along the foreshore you’ll find shady trees, grassy areas, picnic tables, playgrounds and walking tracks, making it a great place to slow down and soak up the coastal atmosphere. One standout spot is the famous “Loo with a View”, a beachfront amenities block with a large deck overlooking Mooloolaba Main Beach — one of the best ocean views you’ll find from a public lookout.
Mooloolaba Main Beach is considered one of the safest beaches on the Sunshine Coast. It’s patrolled year-round by the Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club, which has been keeping swimmers safe since 1922. Protected by Point Cartwright, the beach features a long stretch of white sand, gentle waves and crystal-clear water, making it perfect for swimming, relaxing and family beach days.
The Wharf Precinct & Marina
Next, we headed down to The Wharf Mooloolaba, a vibrant waterfront precinct set alongside the marina. This area is home to a great mix of cafés, restaurants, boutiques and specialty stores, all overlooking the water.
We enjoyed a coffee and cake while watching boats come and go, admiring luxury yachts, fishing trawlers and the relaxed marina life that gives this area so much character.
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium
Just steps from The Wharf, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is one of Mooloolaba’s most popular attractions. Open seven days a week, the aquarium offers an immersive journey through Australia’s marine environments.
Walking through the impressive 80-metre Ocean Tunnel, you’ll come face to face with sharks, giant rays and colourful reef fish swimming overhead. The Seahorse Kingdom, themed around the lost city of Atlantis, is home to over 100 seahorses and seadragons, making it one of the largest displays of its kind in Australia.
Other highlights include the playful Little Blue Penguins, the colourful Coastal Wreck exhibit showcasing Australian marine life, and Seal Island, where daily presentations provide both entertainment and insight into seal behaviour. The softly lit Jellyfish Kingdom is a surprisingly calming space, with delicate jellyfish drifting through glowing displays.
Aquaduck Adventure on Land & Water
One of the most fun ways to experience Mooloolaba is aboard the Aquaduck Sunshine Coast Cruise, a one-hour adventure suitable for all ages.
The tour begins on land, cruising along the Esplanade as the captain and guide share interesting facts about Mooloolaba and its history. The real highlight comes at the boat ramp, where the Aquaduck smoothly transitions from road vehicle to boat.
Once on the water, the cruise travels along the Mooloolah River, passing waterfront mansions, busy fishing trawlers and notable landmarks including Steve Irwin’s Croc One. It’s a relaxed, entertaining way to see the town from a different perspective and a great activity for families.
Sunset at Point Cartwright
We finished the day at Point Cartwright, a rocky headland located at the entrance to the Mooloolah River. This scenic area features coastal walking tracks, rock pools and a historic lighthouse. Watching the sun set from the rock wall was the perfect way to end our visit, with sweeping views back over Mooloolaba and the ocean glowing in the fading light.
More Things to Do in Mooloolaba
Take a Mooloolaba Sunset Cruise
Unwind on a relaxing sunset cruise along the Mooloolah River and canals as the sky glows with evening colour. It’s a peaceful way to see the waterfront, enjoy the coastal atmosphere and finish the day on the water.
Go Stand-Up Paddleboarding or Kayaking
Hire a paddleboard or kayak and explore the calm waters of the Mooloolah River at your own pace. It’s a great way to enjoy the scenery and spot marine life close to town.
Walk to Point Cartwright Lighthouse
Follow coastal walking tracks to the Point Cartwright Lighthouse for sweeping ocean views, rocky headlands and excellent whale-watching opportunities during the season.
Enjoy the Dining Scene
Mooloolaba is known for its fantastic food options, from casual beachfront cafés to seafood restaurants overlooking the marina. It’s an ideal place for a long lunch or sunset dinner.
Cruise the Mooloolaba Canals
Explore the waterways on the Original 1-Hour Mooloolaba Canal Cruise — a relaxed boat tour that glides past waterfront homes, mangroves and river vistas while you learn about the history and highlights of the area.
Visit the Mooloolaba Surf Club
Stop in at the historic Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club for drinks or a meal with views over Main Beach, while learning a little about the town’s surf lifesaving history.
Spend Time at the Foreshore Parks
Relax in the grassy foreshore areas near the beach, with shaded picnic spots, playgrounds and walking paths perfect for families and easy coastal wandering
Why Visit Mooloolaba?
Mooloolaba brings together everything the Sunshine Coast does best — safe swimming beaches, waterfront dining, family-friendly attractions and beautiful coastal scenery.
Whether you’re wandering the Esplanade, exploring marine life, cruising the river or enjoying a sunset by the lighthouse, Mooloolaba offers a relaxed yet lively coastal experience that’s easy to fall in love with.
It’s a destination that works just as well for a casual day trip as it does for a longer stay, and one that captures the laid-back spirit of the Sunshine Coast perfectly.
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