18 unforgettable things to do in Mooloolaba

Peel yourself away from that powdery white sand to experience all the heavenly things to do in Mooloolaba.

The sweeping curvature and rolling waves of Mooloolaba Beach are hypnotising — but there’s more to life in this tranquil Sunshine Coast town than being a beach bum.

Elegant dining experiences, action-packed water sports, one-of-a-kind retail therapy and breathtaking coastal trails are just some of our favourite things to do in Mooloolaba. Here, we reveal your ultimate bucket list.

1. Sip on cocktails at Casita Wine Bar and WAT Den

Crank up the holiday vibes with one of Mooloolaba’s most sophisticated cocktail bars. Newer kids on the block include WAT Den, a narrow hole-in-the-wall located along the up-all-night Mooloolaba Esplanade, shaking up whisky and tequila to create ultra-smooth delights.

Sip cocktails next to the beach in Mooloolaba at WAT Den.

There’s also Casita Wine Bar, a Pinterest-perfect Mediterranean-inspired hot spot complete with olive trees, white-on-white furnishings and delicious small plates.

Nab a spot at the Mediterranean-inspired Casita wine bar.

2. Sample local seafood on a fishing trawler at Prawn Star

In town to sample the famed Mooloolaba prawn? You can’t miss Prawn Star. Set within restored fishing trawlers, permanently moored to dial up the novelty, the seafood restaurant dishes up wild-caught crustaceans in spectacular style. Sure, tiger and king prawns are on the menu but other fine picks include salmon sashimi, crayfish, bugs, oysters and mouth-watering platters that combine them all.

Get your fill of Mooloolaba prawns onboard Prawn Star. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

3. Discover bush tucker at sea with Saltwater Eco Tours

There are a bunch of cruise operators in Mooloolaba however Saltwater Eco Tours consistently stands out for its commitment to blending genuine culture with a really good time.

Guests will enjoy bush tucker-inspired canapes on board during the tour. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Their Bushtucker Cruise is a hot ticket and runs for two hours on the water while serving up inventive canapes utilising local bush tucker, bubbles and beer, informed cultural commentary and didgeridoo performance.

Board a Bushtucker Cruise with Saltwater Eco Tours. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

4. Tackle the Mooloolaba to Alexandra Headland coastal walk

Stretch your legs along a trail that runs from the Mooloolaba River’s northern break wall to the dramatically beautiful Alexandra Headland. You’ll wander right along the boardwalk at Mooloolaba Beach, passing a sprawling playground for all-aged kids and the suburb’s main dining precinct, before climbing over a hill to the Headland, which is endlessly popular with surfers. Bring your togs to take advantage of excellent swimming along the way.

Slow down and soak up the sunshine at Alexandra Headland. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

5. Learn to surf with XL Surfing Academy

Brush up on your longboard skills with one of XL Surfing Academy’s surf lessons. From absolute amateurs to occasional dabblers and the far more confident, every style of surfer is welcome. The team, led by former pro surfer Robbie Sherwell and his family, run introductory group lessons, school holiday sessions and private lessons with multiple sessions staged daily.

6. Explore canals on board the Mooloolaba Canal Cruise

Wind your way through the town’s tranquil waterways on a Mooloolaba Canal Cruise which departs four times daily.

Listen to your knowledgeable skipper while you take in the sights of the canal. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The historical timber ferries have been transporting visitors for more than 30 years and each trip is guided by an experienced skipper who offers commentary on everything you cruise by. Choose from a range of journeys including one-hour expeditions and sunset cruises, and you can even charter a ferry if you’re game.

The historical timber ferries offer the best way to see the sights from the water. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

7. Find your ultimate water sport with Sunreef Mooloolaba

If you’re licenced to dive, head straight to Sunreef Mooloolaba, where you’ll meet local specialists in the art of scuba. But even if you’re new to water sports, there’s something here for everyone.

Dive into the fun with a Sunreef Mooloolaba experience. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Kayaks, jet skis, SUP boards, snorkelling gear, you name it — these guys are the coastal suburb’s go-to and are always eager to show you the ropes.

You might even be lucky enough to experience humpback whales up close with Sunreef Mooloolaba. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

8. Dine in style along the Mooloolaba Esplanade

Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it along the Mooloolaba Esplanade, home to some of the best Mooloolaba restaurants. It flows with superstars including the always-pumping Pavilion Mooloolaba which dishes up breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night aperitifs, Bella Venezia, absolutely nailing authentic Italian despite its touristy façade and The Toast Office, home to excellent gourmet toasties right next to one of the best Mooloolaba accommodation offerings, The Peninsula Beachfront Resort.

9. Swim at the protected Mooloolaba Spit Beach

You can jump in right along beautiful Mooloolaba Beach but the best swimming is at Mooloolaba Spit Beach. Patrolled conditions and protection from southerly gusts make for tranquil dips, plus there’s outstanding fish and chips to be ordered from Fisheries on the Spit and enjoyed while overlooking the waves.

10. Get pampered at a Mooloolaba day spa

You won’t walk far along central Mooloolaba Esplanade before running into yet another Zen-inducing day spa.

(Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

From Zen Den Day Spa offering all the usual treatments plus float therapy, and The Waterfall Day Spa inside Landmark Resort, to Salt Caves offering salt therapy inside a salt-laced halo chamber, there’s always something ultra-soothing to indulge in.

Experience a unique float therapy session at Zen Den Day Spa.

11. Slurp up gourmet gelato at Happy Pops

Like day spas, ice-cream shops rear their all-too-tempting heads every few metres along Mooloolaba’s main strip but you really can’t say no to Happy Pops. The South East Queensland artisanal gelato chain crafts the cold stuff onto paddle pop sticks before decorating them with your preferred bells and whistles. Marshmallows, Nutella, fruits, sprinkles and more — it’s irresistible.

It’s impossible to remain sad while eating these delightful treats.

12. Grab a pub feed at The Surf Club Mooloolaba

Blessed with prime real estate, The Surf Club Mooloolaba is the place to head for relaxed dining with outstanding views.

Dine on pub classics with beachfront views at Surf Club Mooloolaba. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

Classics including chicken parma and schnitzel, burgers, burritos and fish and chips are all up for grabs, as is a selection of fresh seafood and grilled meats. Grab a spot on the outdoor deck for an unparalleled holiday atmosphere.

13. Prep a beachfront picnic at Alex Bluff Foreshore Park

Soak up your surroundings with a picnic or barbecue at Alex Bluff Foreshore Park. BYO supplies to spread across a sheltered picnic table or cook within the public barbecue facilities as you take in the park’s landmarks including the HMAS Brisbane Memorial, the Korean War Memorial and the Australian War Dog Memorial. It’s a one-kilometre stretch that’s perfect for some slow-paced downtime.

14. Unleash your inner child at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast

Fascinated with life below the sea? SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is just the ticket, crammed with more than 10,000 creatures including a Seahorse Kingdom and one of the country’s largest collections of jellyfish.

Engage with the marine life during your visit. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

If you’re more interested in the heavyweights, seals, sharks, sting rays and penguins are all ready to be explored plus there’s a smorgasbord of face-to-face encounters to really make it memorable.

Spend time watching tiny penguins at play at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

15. Fuel your creativity at Frida’s Sip n’ Paint

Get those crafty juices flowing inside the doors of Frida’s Sip n’ Paint studio, a guaranteed giggle where BYO beverages are a downright necessity. As you journey down to the bottom of your wine bottle, a professional artist is on hand to walk you through your artistry and provide nibbles, ensuring you’re still standing by the end of the session.

Sip and paint with your ladies at Frida’s.

16. Go shopping at The Wharf Mooloolaba

Commemorate your visit by picking up something chic from The Wharf Mooloolaba. Home to an excellent edit of stores filled with clothing, homewares, jewellery, artworks and more, the delightful shopping mecca is located a little away from Mooloolaba Esplanade so it’s a nice change of scenery from the chaos. Cafes and bars including The Savvy Squire, a James Squires brewhouse, are located within just a few steps.

Find all manner of shops tucked inside The Wharf Mooloolaba.

17. Tour land and sea with Aquaduck Sunshine Coast

Is it a boat? Is it a plane? Is it legal? Find answers to every one of your burning questions on board Aquaduck Sunshine Coast, the notorious hybrid vehicle also spotted on the streets of the Gold Coast. The flashy automotive tackles a street tour (hence the wheels) before embarking on a river cruise (hence the boat) to present a truly unique thing to do when in Mooloolaba.

Explore Mooloolaba onboard the amphibious Aquaduck. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

18. Catch sensational views from Point Cartwright Lighthouse

Charge your camera battery because the views from Point Cartwright Lighthouse are spectacular. Located right at the mouth of the Mooloolaba River, the landmark stands tall at 32.4 metres, however it’s the blue-on-blue out yonder that’ll really catch your eye. Spy the expansive river as well as the dazzling coastline and Mooloolaba Spit from this incredible vantage point.

Take in incredible views from the Point Cartwright Lighthouse. (Image: Nurserowan via Getty Images)

Explore more of the Sunshine Coast with our pick of Mooloolaba accommodation, top restaurants and cafes that are the perfect place to start the day.