10 Things to Do at Mooloolaba
Life’s a beach they say…
Never was this saying more true than on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, where its all about the beach.
Whether you are travelling as a couple, group of friends, or with kids in tow, there is plenty to do around Mooloolaba.
- Surfing The Beach
The Sunshine Coast is the most northerly part of the Queensland Coast that has surf. With everything from Wide Bay northwards being in waters protected by either the massive pile of sand in the form of Fraser Island, or inside the Great Barrier Reef. So grab a board and dive in. Surf lessons can be had from Mooloolaba Beach, with Mooloolaba Surf School. - Get in and Boogie
If full-on surfing is not for you, then head along the Esplanade, where every second shop sells boogie boards. Then hit that surf, and boogie. Must admit, it has been a long while since I last rode a boogie board, so I cruised on down to the spit end of the beach, where waves were a bit calmer. Then I spotted a 10 year old having a whale of a time, so I followed his lead, and was soon catching waves, and zooming in to shore at a rapid rate. Sooo much fun. - Dig it
Spend a lazy day digging your toes into the sand, read a book, and watch the ebb and flow of the beach set. Or grab your bucket and spade, join the kids, and dig your own river channel or construct a sandcastle fit for a fair maiden. Watch the kids with the really cool toys – like barbie on her surfboard, who gets thrown into the surf, and calmly turns and surfs the waves back to her tiny human. - Strut with the Strollers
Join the constant parade of people of all ages and fitness levels, who walk/jog/run daily along Mooloolaba’s scenic foreshore. There is a boardwalk/walking track through the mangroves if you favour keeping your joggers dry, or you can kick off your shoes and go for a paddle in the warm waters lapping across these white sandy beaches. Or head out along the breakwater to watch the comings and goings of local boaties across the infamous Mooloolaba bar at the mouth of the river. Or if you are super fit, you can even jump in and join the few hardy souls who swim laps of the spit beach. Whew! - Beach Sports
Seriously, everything happens at the beach here. You can bring your volleyball and form a team with your friends to have a fun “set and a dig” on the beach courts. Or grab a bat & ball, an esky to masquerade as stumps, and get a boisterous game of beach cricket going. I even happened upon a tournament of beach rugby – both girls and boy warriors battling it out on the sand. - What’s SUP?
Opportunities abound, to paddle your way to upper body strength. There’s a SUP club for those with the requisite core strength and balance. They even have organised SUP races off spit beach for a competitive mad standing or kneeling paddle. A few extremely well balanced souls can be seen surfing in on their SUPs when the waves are running along the bar. Or you can stick to the calm waters of the Mooloola River, and the extensive canal system. A more serene paddle is to get into the outrigger action from the Mooloolaba Outrigger paddlers at the marina. - Super Fresh Fish
Head down to the marina wharf as the fishing boats come in, and buy the day’s catch straight from the boats. Doesn’t get fresher than that. If you are not in the mood for cooking, there is a strip of excellent seafood cafes and restaurants right there serving up the best of delicious local fare. Try Fish on Parkyn for “dock to table” lunch or dinner in style, or go casual and grab fish and chips from Mooloolaba Fish Market, and then stroll across the road to enjoy your catch on the beach. - Sea Life
Plunge down the tunnel of sharks at Sea Life aquarium. Find Nemo amongst the anemonies and pause for a while to be mesmerised by the luminous jelly fish tank. Don’t miss the seals showing off their talents as they cheekily perform their slick-tricks for the enthusiastic crowds. Sea Life Aquarium at Mooloolaba Wharf area. - Eat-Drink-People Watch
Take a stroll along the Esplanade, or duck into The Wharf, and check out the many options for eats and drinks. At The Wharf you can climb aboard the Prawn Star boats for everything seafood, or linger at The Dock for pub food and a dose of local “cool”. Have a leisurely brunch at Melody’s as you watch the morning surf roll in or take in some tunes at 4 Pines Brewing around cocktail hour. It all takes place along the beach Esplanade, or overlooking the river – spoilt for choice. - Shop ’til you Drop
Shopping really is a mission in Mooloolaba. When you realise your southern climate (mostly black) wardrobe simply will not do, you will be spoilt for fashion choice. Light and bright colours, natural fabrics, and easy-wear styling is the order of the day. Coastal style homewares and gifts add to the shopping-ops along the Esplanade strip.
