Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by Sam
With a number of great things to do in Mooloolaba, it’s a brilliant spot for a getaway on the Sunshine Coast. The town has a lovely beach, which is the perfect place to sunbathe or go for a swim. Some of the other most popular things to do in Mooloolaba are whale watching, sunset cruises, and Sunshine Coast Hinterland tours – all of which are worth doing if you have the time! Situated just 100 kilometres north of Brisbane, it’s possible to visit on a day trip – but if you have the time it’s worth staying for a few nights to enjoy everything the town has to offer. Find out the best things to do in Mooloolaba on Australia’s Sunshine Coast below!
Looking for somewhere to stay in Mooloolaba? Check out our guide to the best accommodation and places to stay in Mooloolaba!
Things to do in Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba Beach
Make sure to spend a few hours enjoying the wonderful Mooloolaba Beach – one of the best and safest beaches on the Sunshine Coast. This sandy beach is great for sunbathing and swimming, and is patrolled in flagged areas by lifeguards.
Mooloolaba beach has a gentle gradient, which means there is plenty of shallow sea to swim in. The waves are generally fairly low, but in some instances you will find some larger waves here. As long as you’re sensible and swimming in flagged areas then it’s a safe beach for all to enjoy.
Located in front of Mooloolaba Esplanade, the beach is conveniently nearby to a number of shops, restaurants and cafes. A beachfront car park provides free parking up to 2 hours between 8am and 5pm, but it can be quite busy so may take a little while to find a spot. There are also some rock pools to explore at the side of the beach by the car park entrance.
Mooloolaba Spit
Mooloolaba Spit is located at the far end of Mooloolaba Beach, by the rock wall. It’s another nice section of beach, and the waves are normally more calm here as it’s slightly more sheltered than the main beach area.
We recommend heading to Mooloolaba Spit Park for a walk out onto the rock wall, from which you can get some great views of the beach and out to sea. The rock wall stretches out to sea, so is a lovely vantage point of the area.
There are a few restaurants and children’s playgrounds in the area, which make it an ideal spot for families. If you fancy cooking up your own food then you can make use of the park’s public barbecues in this pleasant spot.
Whale watching
One of the best and most exciting things to do in Mooloolaba is a whale watching tour, offering the chance to see majestic humpback whales migrating along the Sunshine Coast. Seeing humpback whales in the wild is an unforgettable experience and will undoubtedly be a highlight of your time in this beautiful part of Queensland.
Tours are run by experienced local skippers, and with their expertise you have a great chance of spotting some whales. The boats are equipped with underwater HD cameras too so that you can see whales both above and below water, which makes it an even more amazing experience.
Commentary is provided throughout the tour, as well as the chance to hear the whales through a hydrophone – a device for listening to sounds underwater. The whale watching season in Mooloolaba and the Sunshine Coast runs from June through to October/November, with daily departures available during these months.
Unfortunately we visited at the wrong time of year to go whale watching, so we didn’t get chance to take a tour. We were fortunate enough to see humpback whales on whale watching tours in Akureyri, Iceland, so we can say say first hand that it’s a remarkable experience!
Whale watching tours in Mooloolaba cost just $75 AUD per person, which is fantastic value for the chance to see these incredible creatures in the wild. Boats have a maximum capacity of 20 passengers, so make sure to book in advance to avoid missing out!
Click here to book an amazing whale watching tour on the Viator website!
Point Cartwright Lighthouse
A walk to the Point Cartwright Lighthouse is one of the best free things to do in Mooloolaba. It’s an easy walk which rewards you with some lovely views of the Sunshine Coast and the nearby beach.
The lighthouse only dates back to 1978, and stands at a height of 32 metres near the entrance to the Mooloolah River. You can walk right up close to the lighthouse, and there are some other walking trails nearby offering slightly different views of the area.
There is a car park at the end of Harbour Parade, from which it’s easy to walk to the Point Cartwright Lighthouse. As the lighthouse is on the other side of the Mooloolah River it’s easiest to get there by car to start the walk.
Explore the Sunshine Coast
One of the best things to do in Mooloolaba is to discover some other parts of the Sunshine Coast. We particularly recommend visiting the Sunshine Coast Hinterland – a beautiful region home to quaint towns, rainforest, waterfalls, and more!
The best way to explore the hinterland is by car, so it’s well worth renting one for a day or two. We recommend checking Discover Cars website as they compare between a number of operators to get you the best deal! Click here to get a car rental quote within seconds on the Discover Cars website!
Some of the best spots to visit in the hinterland include the small towns of Maleny and Montville, as well as Kondalilla Falls in the Kondalilla National Park. Both Maleny and Montville are popular spots due to a variety of independent shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants.
If you visit Montville then we recommend visiting The Edge cafe for wonderful views of the Sunshine Coast from above. Check out our guide to the best things to do in Montville for some other tips too! If you fancy staying in the town a night then also be sure to read our guide to the best accommodation in Montville!
Noosa, nestled on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is a slice of paradise where turquoise waters meet pristine sands. It’s a haven for beach lovers, surf enthusiasts, and nature aficionados. Imagine strolling through the bustling Hastings Street, lined with chic cafes and boutique shops, offering a taste of local flavor and style. For those seeking tranquility, the Noosa National Park, with its scenic coastal walks, provides an opportunity to spot dolphins and koalas in their natural habitat. Another great spot to visit in Noosa National Park is the fairy pools.
The Sunshine Coast is not just about serene beaches; there are some diverse and breathtaking trails. Climb the iconic Mt. Coolum to witness a panoramic view of the coastline, a sight that’s especially magical at sunrise. For a less strenuous but equally rewarding experience, Mt. Tinbeerwah offers a short walk leading to an awe-inspiring lookout, perfect for capturing sunset moments. The region’s trails vary from the challenging ascent of the Glass House Mountains to the peaceful walks in the hinterland, each offering a unique way to connect with the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast. If you want to explore some hidden gems around Mooloolaba this is where you will find them!
Sunset Cruise
Kick off your evening in style with one of the best things to do in Mooloolaba at night – a fantastic sunset cruise along the Mooloolah River. Spend an hour and a half cruising through the harbour, river and canals, whilst beautiful sunset colours light up the sky.
Sit back and relax as you cruise along, and take the chance to enjoy a drink on board – with cocktails, beers, wines and spirits available to purchase. Food is also available if you want to enjoy dinner or even just a snack on your cruise.
During the cruise you will pass by the mansions along Minyama’s Millionaires Row, where you will even see Steve Irwin’s famous marine research vessel ‘Croc One’. Commentary is provided throughout so that you can learn about the area as you take in the views.
Sunset cruises start from just $45 AUD per person, with food and drinks coming at an extra cost once on board. It’s one of the best things to do in Mooloolaba at night and is one of the area’s hidden gems – so it’s worth booking now to secure your spot!
Click here to book a lovely sunset cruise on the Get Your Guide website!
Aquaduck Tour
If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Mooloolaba then the Aquaduck tour could be for you! It’s a great way to see Mooloolaba, with one of the highlights of the tour being the unique vehicle which transforms from bus into boat so that you can explore the area from both land and water!
Entertaining and informative commentary is provided by your guide and skipper throughout your tour, as you take in sights like the Point Cartwright Lighthouse and Mooloolah River. Along the canals and waterways you will pass impressive mansions, and wildlife is sometimes spotted from the boat too.
It’s a particularly fun activity for families, with children normally given the chance to steer the boat and being provided with a captain’s certificate after the tour. Tickets for the Aquaduck Tour in Mooloolaba cost $45 AUD for adults and $35 AUD for children, with tours lasting one hour in total.
Click here to book a fun Aquaduck Tour through Viator!
Looking for other places to visit on the east coast? Check out our 3 week East Coast Australia itinerary and what apps you should download for your Australia trip!
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