Best Things to Do in Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast

Last Update: September 2026

Mooloolaba is one of the most popular beachside towns on the Sunshine Coast and, being only ten minutes down the road from us, it’s somewhere we visit regularly. With a beautiful patrolled beach, a lively esplanade, waterfront restaurants, coastal walks and plenty of activities on the water, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular holiday destination.

But there is more to Mooloolaba than its main beach. Walk along the coast towards Alexandra Headland and Cotton Tree, explore the canals, head across the river to Point Cartwright or use Mooloolaba as a base to discover more of the Sunshine Coast.

Whether you’re visiting for a day, a weekend or a longer Sunshine Coast holiday, here are some of our favourite things to do in Mooloolaba and nearby.

Best things to do in Mooloolaba

Relax on Mooloolaba Beach

You can’t visit Mooloolaba without spending some time at the beach. Mooloolaba Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand with generally sheltered conditions and a patrolled swimming area, making it a popular spot for a swim or a relaxing day by the water.

For surf and bigger waves, nearby Alexandra Headland, Maroochydore and Buddina are great options. If you prefer calmer water, head to Mooloolaba Spit or La Balsa Park across the river. Cotton Tree and Chambers Island in Maroochydore are also lovely spots for a swim, although you should always be mindful of currents when swimming around river mouths.

Walk the Mooloolaba Coastal Path

Walking along the coast is one of the best free things to do in Mooloolaba. From Mooloolaba Beach, you can follow the beachfront path towards the Mooloolaba Spit, a lovely spot to watch the sunset and sometimes spot turtles in the water.

Our favourite walk is from Alexandra Headland Surf Club all the way to Mooloolaba Spit, especially at sunrise. It’s a decent walk, but the coastal views along the way are beautiful. During whale season, keep an eye on the horizon too. We’ve often spotted humpback whales breaching offshore.

Take a Mooloolaba Canal Cruise

My favourite thing about Mooloolaba is that it’s surrounded by water. If it’s not the beach, you’ve got the canals. A Harbour River Canal Cruise is a must do to see the beautiful canals, the local pelicans and some of the most expensive houses in Queensland!

We recommend using the original Mooloolaba canal cruise which takes you through three different areas on board their historic timber ferry, the M.V. Mudjimba. The tour departs right next to Sunreef, lasts an hour, and runs a few times daily.

You can book it online here or just walk in and pay onboard, although in busy periods it’s probably better to book ahead to be sure.

Head to Point Cartwright and La Balsa Park

Point Cartwright is also a popular spot for walkers, joggers, and fishermen. Take a walk around the headland, check out the rockpools and the lighthouse, enjoy the stunning coastal vistas and look out for wildlife.  If you don’t see a bush turkey there, you aren’t paying enough attention! You are also likely to see water dragons in the summer months and maybe whales splashing in the distance during the winter months.

After your walk, head to La Balsa Park and grab a coffee and/or breakfast at One on La Balsa. Or bring a picnic or BBQ to enjoy right by the Mooloolaba River.

Go Whale Watching or Swim with Humpback Whales

Every winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate past the Sunshine Coast, making Mooloolaba a fantastic place for whale watching. Cruises operate during the migration season, generally from June to October or early November.

For something more adventurous, Sunreef Mooloolaba also offers swimming with humpback whales, generally from July to mid-October. We did this ourselves and it was an incredible experience! As the whales are completely wild, swimming encounters depend on their behaviour and conditions on the day, so nothing is guaranteed.

Whether you stay on the boat or take the plunge, seeing humpback whales off the Sunshine Coast is an unforgettable experience.

Visit The Wharf Mooloolaba

The Wharf is a popular spot to hang out. There are a few restaurants where you can enjoy lunch or dinner with a view or just grab a drink. Our favourite restaurant on the coast happens to be there, Rice Boi. It’s not to be missed but go early if you want to sit outside with the view and to avoid queuing. Sadly, they don’t take bookings.

Watch a spectacular sunset at Cotton Tree

One of our favourite ways to finish the day is with drinks or dinner overlooking the river at Cotton Tree. We love watching the activity on the water while the sun sets over the Maroochy River.

The Boatshed is one of our favourite restaurants in the area and a great spot for sunset. Be sure to book ahead if you’d like dinner in the main restaurant, or for something more casual, grab a drink and some tapas on the lawn out front and enjoy the view.

Visit Buderim Falls

Just a short drive inland, you’ll find the beautiful town of Buderim and the Buderim Forest Park where you can go chasing waterfalls. The Buderim Falls, also known as Serenity Falls, is accessed by a short twenty-minute return walk through a peaceful sub-tropical rainforest of towering trees, ferns, and strangler figs. In the heat of summer, it’s a great place to hang out for some relief from the humidity and for a refreshing dip.

Explore the Maroochy River

The beautiful Maroochy River offers plenty of places to swim, kayak, paddleboard or simply relax beside the water. Cotton Tree, Chambers Island and Picnic Point are two of our favourite spots, but there are numerous parks and little beaches to discover along the river.

On a clear day, you can enjoy beautiful views along the river towards Mount Coolum and Mount Ninderry in the distance. Pack a picnic, hire a kayak or paddleboard, or simply find a quiet spot by the water and enjoy the scenery.

Snorkel with turtles or dive with grey nurse sharks

Sunreef runs regular snorkelling trips to the reefs around Mudjimba Island, just offshore from Mooloolaba. The area is home to turtles, wobbegong sharks, rays, nudibranchs and plenty of colourful reef fish. Tours operate on selected days, so check the current schedule when planning your visit.

If you’re a diver, there are also dive trips to sites such as the ex-HMAS Brisbane and local reefs, with the chance to encounter grey nurse sharks and other marine life.

For a cheaper option, you can also bring your own snorkel and try your luck around Mooloolaba Spit, where turtles are sometimes spotted.

Explore the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

If you can drag yourself away from the coast, the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland makes an easy day trip from Mooloolaba. Head into the hills to explore the charming towns of Maleny and Montville, enjoy rainforest walks and waterfalls, stop at scenic lookouts or simply spend the day café hopping and browsing the local shops and galleries.

Some of our favourite spots include Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Kondalilla Falls and Mapleton Falls, but half the fun is simply driving through the hinterland and enjoying the views along the way.

Want to explore the Sunshine Coast Hinterland? Take a break from the coast and spend a day discovering the beautiful hinterland towns of Maleny and Montville. Read our guides to Maleny and Montville to start planning your visit.

Bonus: Are you visiting at Christmas time? You can go on a Christmas Lights cruise

If you visit just before Christmas, be sure to sign up for a Christmas lights cruise. Every year in  December, the waterfront properties of Mooloolaba, Minyama, and Buddina create a wonderful Christmas light spectacle. It’s only viewable from the water and there are a few tour operators running nightly cruises.

The Saturday before Christmas you can also be part of the famous Mooloolaba Christmas light parade. A parade in which up to 100 boats compete for the prize of best Christmas boat light display. 

Heading to Noosa next? Read our guide to the best things to do in Noosa and surrounds, one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular destinations.

Best Time to Visit Mooloolaba

Mooloolaba is a year-round destination, although April to June and September to November offer warm weather without the peak summer heat. Winter is also a great time to visit for whale watching. Avoid school holidays and long weekends if you prefer fewer crowds.

How Many Days Do You Need in Mooloolaba?

Two to three days is plenty to enjoy Mooloolaba itself. Stay longer if you plan to use it as a base for exploring Noosa, the hinterland and the wider Sunshine Coast.

If you’re planning a longer holiday, my 14-day Sunshine Coast itinerary brings together the region’s beautiful beaches, rainforest walks, charming hinterland towns and hidden gems, with local recommendations to help you make the most of your visit.

How to Get to Mooloolaba?

Sunshine Coast Airport is around 15–20 minutes away by car, while Brisbane Airport is approximately 1.5 hours away, depending on traffic. Mooloolaba is easily reached from Brisbane via the Bruce Highway and Sunshine Motorway.

Getting Around Mooloolaba

Mooloolaba is very walkable, with the beach, Esplanade, The Wharf and Spit all close together. Local buses connect nearby coastal areas, but a car is useful if you want to explore the wider Sunshine Coast and hinterland.

Planning a Sunshine Coast holiday?

Mooloolaba is a fantastic base, but there’s so much more to discover beyond the beaches!

My 14-day Sunshine Coast Escape combines coastal highlights, rainforest walks, wildlife spotting, scenic lookouts and charming hinterland villages into one carefully planned itinerary, packed with local favourites and practical tips from years of exploring the region.

Explore my 14-day Sunshine Coast itinerary →

Where to stay in Mooloolaba?

Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel

For a stylish stay in the heart of Mooloolaba, Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel is a great option, within easy walking distance of the beach, Esplanade and The Wharf. One of its highlights is the rooftop bar, a fantastic spot for a sunset drink with views across Mooloolaba. The hotel also has a rooftop pool, making it a great choice if you want to be close to everything. Find out their latest prices here.

Oceans Mooloolaba

Oceans Mooloolaba is located right on the waterfront and is a 5-star resort offering an elegant pool area with landscaped gardens. It has a spacious balcony area with sweeping views of the ocean. Find out their prices here.

Breeze Mooloolaba, Ascend Hotel Collection

Breeze Mooloolaba, Ascend Hotel Collection is in the heart of Mooloolaba, less than a 5-minute walk to Mooloolaba beach. Local shops, restaurants and cafes are within a 10-minute walk. The Sea Life Aquarium is just a 4-minute drive. Find out their prices here.

Raffles Mooloolaba

Raffles Mooloolaba  is just 200 m from the beach, and several cafés and boutiques. The hotel features free Wi-Fi, a heated pool, and a hot tub. All apartments feature a balcony, are air-conditioned and offer a spacious living area. Walking distance to Sea Life. Find out their prices here.

Mooloolaba FAQs

Is Mooloolaba worth visiting?

Yes! Mooloolaba has a beautiful beach, great coastal walks, waterfront dining and plenty of water-based activities. Its central location also makes it a great base for exploring the Sunshine Coast.

Is Mooloolaba better than Noosa?

Both are worth visiting, but they offer different experiences. Noosa has its famous national park, Hastings Street and a more upmarket feel, while Mooloolaba is more relaxed and centrally located for exploring the wider Sunshine Coast. We enjoy both for different reasons.

Can you visit Mooloolaba without a car?

Absolutely. Mooloolaba itself is very walkable, and local buses connect it with nearby coastal areas. A car is mainly useful if you want to explore further afield.

Can you swim at Mooloolaba Beach?

Yes. Mooloolaba Beach is a popular swimming beach with patrolled areas. Always swim between the red and yellow flags and follow lifeguard advice.

What is Mooloolaba known for?

Mooloolaba is best known for its beautiful beach, lively Esplanade, The Wharf, fresh seafood and easy access to the ocean for whale watching, diving and other water activities.

Is Mooloolaba good for families?

Yes. The patrolled beach, playgrounds, walking paths, calm areas around the Spit and plenty of casual places to eat make Mooloolaba a popular choice for families.

What can you do in Mooloolaba when it rains?

On a rainy day, enjoy the cafés and restaurants along the Esplanade and The Wharf, browse the shops, visit a local brewery or take a drive into the hinterland if the weather is clearer inland.

Looking for more places to explore around Brisbane? From beautiful beaches and islands to lush rainforests, scenic mountain drives and charming country towns, there are plenty of incredible destinations just a short drive from the city.

Read more: Best Day Trips from Brisbane – 14 Amazing Places to Explore

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