The Wharf Mooloolaba
Naturally beautiful, endlessly fun, and oozing personality and year-round good vibes, it’s hard not to fall head over heels in love with Mooloolaba.
This buzzing coastal town is ideal for that multi-gen vaycay as it appeals to both kids and adults alike – think kid-friendly beaches, cafes, restaurants and epic attractions.
To make sure your Mooloolaba family holiday is your most memorable trip yet, we’ve put together the ultimate two-day guide that will keep you entertained from morning to night.
Day 1
AM
Rise and shine!
Start your Mooloolaba getaway by catching the first glorious rays of sun from the sandy shores of Mooloolaba Main Beach.
This scenic spot is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike as it’s patrolled year-round and its sheltered, north-facing position makes it a protected spot for your saltwater fix with the tribe in tow.
Post swim, live like a local and get your caffeine fix and tuck into breakfast at The Surf Club Mooloolaba.
With full bellies, it’s time head over to the revamped Mooloolaba Wharf Precinct to hit up SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, a much-loved aquarium and home to thousands of marine and freshwater animals.
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba
The kids will be in their element with the interactive touch pool display, Little Blue Penguins zone and 80m-long Ocean Tunnel where you can walk beneath sharks, rays and reef fish.
Lunch
Come lunchtime you’ll have worked up an appetite and they’ll be something for the whole family to love at the waterfront modern Asian street food institution Rice Boi, located at The Wharf – next door to SEA LIFE – here the parents can kick back with a cheeky cocktail while you dig into dumplings, curries and soak up the Izakaya-feel vibes.
If you can squeeze it in, make sure to swing by after lunch to Kenilworth Coastal Bakery – the seaside outpost of the Sunshine Coast icon Kenilworth Country Bakery - for some takeaway donuts.
When on holidays, right?
After a little rest, it’s time to work off lunch and breathe in the glorious salt air on foot or bike.
Walk or hire a bike from ecoTekk Sunshine Coast and head north along the coastal pathway towards Alexandra Headland, stopping to enjoy the new playground at Mooloolaba’s northern parklands.
PM
Get your retail fix at the boutiques and shops along Mooloolaba’s beachfront esplanade before heading down to The Spit for the afternoon.
Mooloolaba Spit
Grab some takeaway fish and chips from one of the many fish and chipperies you’ll find here – such as Mooloolah River Fisheries - and enjoy a picnic on the beach for dinner while watching the sun go down. Bliss.
After a busy day exploring and eating until your heart’s content, listen to the calming sounds of rolling waves and you drift off to sleep at Mantra Mooloolaba Beach Resort, located right on the Esplanade.
Day 2
AM
Kickstart your second glorious day in Mooloolaba with a smooth, strong brew and a bite at The Velo Project, a cool neighbourhood café set in a converted garage with a focus on local produce.
Post-breakfast, make the most of the sunshine and head out on the water for a whale watching tour – run seasonally between June and November - with Sunreef Mooloolaba or Sunshine Coast Afloat.
Watching these magnificent creatures do their thing in the wild never gets old and these tours are some of the best Australia has to offer.
In the off season, get your adrenaline pumping and breath in the salt spray out on the water with Adventure Rafting’s thrilling Action Ride.
Adventure Rafting & Coastal Express heading out into the ocean from the Mooloolaba Spit
If the kids are over 10, they can join you for the ride of your life aboard this custom-built boat as you explore Mooloolaba and Mudjimba with expert skippers – just hold on!
Lunch
Head back to shore for a long lunch at Pavilion Mooloolaba, a buzzing waterfront hot spot with Mediterranean-style interiors and modern sharing-style menu.
Shopping along Mooloolaba esplanade
Afterwards tap into your inner child – go on, the kids will love you for it! – and jump on board the Aquaduck for a cruise along the esplanade and Moolah River canals and waterways.
Aquaduck Sunshine Coast cruising through the Mooloolah River
With some entertaining commentary – and the chance for the kids to steer the boat – it’s the perfect way to spend the afternoon.
PM
Book in for dinner at landmark Italian dining spot: Augellos.
Located right on the esplanade, it’s the perfect spot for people watching and sensational pizza.
For a sweet end to the eve, tuck into some dessert from American diner-style venue Ninth Street at The Wharf Mooloolaba or Artigiano Gelato on the Esplanade, before returning to your hotel with full bellies and happy hearts.
