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A Ride on the Aquaduck - Exploring Mooloolaba by Land and Water
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Feb 6, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: 11 hours ago
A Ride on the Aquaduck - Exploring Mooloolaba by Land and Water
Climbing aboard the Sunshine Coast Aquaduck is one of those experiences that instantly brings out your inner child. Part bus, part boat and entirely fun, this one-hour cruise offers a relaxed and entertaining way to see Mooloolaba from a completely different perspective. With colourful commentary, coastal scenery and the novelty of driving straight from the road into the water, the Aquaduck is a standout Sunshine Coast experience for all ages.
Boarding at The Wharf
The Aquaduck departs from outside SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast at The Wharf Mooloolaba, with several departures scheduled throughout the day. As we arrived, the bright, amphibious Aquaduck was hard to miss, drawing smiles from passers-by even before the tour began.
We climbed aboard, settled into our seats and listened as the friendly crew explained what lay ahead. Built from aluminium and designed to travel on both land and water, the Aquaduck feels sturdy and safe — and once everyone was in, we were off.
Rolling Along the Esplanade
The tour begins on land, cruising along the Mooloolaba Esplanade. From our elevated seats, we had fantastic views of Mooloolaba Beach on one side, with its golden sand and rolling surf, and the lively strip of cafés, restaurants and shops on the other.
The ride is a little bumpy — the Aquaduck has no suspension — but that just adds to the sense of fun. Along the way, the guide shared interesting facts about the area, pointing out landmarks and adding light-hearted commentary that kept everyone engaged.
From Road to River
One of the most exciting moments of the tour comes when the Aquaduck reaches the boat ramp. Without stopping, it transitions smoothly from bus to boat and slips straight into the water — a moment that never fails to impress.
Once afloat, the pace slows and the atmosphere becomes calm and relaxing as we glided along the Mooloolah River. The shift from road noise to gentle water movement is immediate and soothing.
Cruising the Canals and Waterways
As we travelled through the canals of Minyama, we passed luxury waterfront homes, sleek motor yachts and quiet moorings. The views constantly change, offering a glimpse into a side of the Sunshine Coast you don’t usually see from the road.
We also had great views back toward The Wharf Mooloolaba, watching tour boats come and go while the captain and guide continued to share stories about the local area, marine life and waterways.
One of the highlights was passing Croc One, the impressive 75-foot vessel custom-built for Steve Irwin, once used for animal research and rescue. From there, the scenery shifted again as we headed toward Point Cartwright, where sailing boats and fishing trawlers dotted the water.
A Relaxed Way to See Mooloolaba
What makes the Aquaduck cruise so enjoyable is its easy pace and playful nature. There’s no rushing, no effort required — just sit back, listen, look around and enjoy seeing Mooloolaba from both land and water in one seamless journey.
It’s especially well suited to families, first-time visitors and anyone wanting a gentle sightseeing experience that still feels a little bit adventurous.
Why the Aquaduck Cruise Is Worth Doing
The Sunshine Coast Aquaduck Cruise is more than just a novelty ride — it’s a relaxed, entertaining and surprisingly informative way to explore Mooloolaba. From cruising the esplanade and splashing into the river to gliding past waterfront homes and historic vessels, it offers a unique perspective on this vibrant coastal town.
If you’re looking for a fun, low-stress experience that shows off the best of Mooloolaba, the Aquaduck is well worth adding to your itinerary.
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