Took a few days out with lock down restrictions eased and did a road trip up to the Sunshine Coast to support tourism operators in this region. A 2 hour drive from the Gold Coast and although peak hour traffic we had a good run. It’s been years since we have been Mooloolaba and it was such a delightful stay.
Highly recommend our accommodation, Sandcastles Mooloolaba Apartments. Our 1 bedroom self-contained deluxe apartment had everything that suited our needs. The owners were amazing and very friendly. We had a room with a balcony and great views up Mooloolaba Esplanade and further down the beach to the Mooloolaba Rock wall. Our direct line of sight was the SLSC, with the solar power on the roof, a bit distracting. I would recommend checking the location of your room at time of booking but the upside of this was it was just a very short walk to the SLSC and the sunrise and beach views could still be enjoyed from your balcony, lounge room or bedroom which I truly loved. Also check out the cute lizards who lounge on the ground floor inside the complex in their own little playground.
The location is amazing! Loads of fun exploring the local boutiques especially the stores located underneath the complex. The beach is a mere 20 metre walk, you are surrounded by a plethora of great dining options, the local supermarket was a nice 15 minute walk each way, the café scene is vibrant and lively. I walked to the end of Parklyn Parade again 15 minutes each way and bought fresh Mooloolaba Prawns, stopped at the Mooloolaba Wharf at the BWS for a bottle of bubbles, made a salad, crusty fresh bread and dinner was served as the sun faded into the west and we could enjoy watching the changing colours of the sky and looking at the ocean.
Enjoy a swim, take a walk up to the Mooloolaba Rock wall or in the other direction enjoy a walk along the Beach Terrace then around to Alexandra Parade. Other great tourism options include;
Sea Life Sunshine Coast, indoor attraction with over 10 000 sea creatures to see. Daily shows include Australian Fur Seals and Sea Lions as well as booking a Penguin Encounter with Little Blue Penguins, their Ocean Tunnel is fab!
Saltwater Eco Tours is the newest water touring activity that connects guests with local Indigenous Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi people whilst sailing in an historic vessel. Several tour options available here to book from Cultural tours, Sunset & Live Music tour and Whale Watching.
Aquaduck now offers a tour based in Mooloolaba, this one-hour amphibious tour includes journeying along Mooloolaba Beach, Esplanade, Canals and Waterways. Full commentary on board. Great for all ages.
The Mooloolaba Wharf certainly has had a refurb since the last time I saw it, maybe 15 years ago. Loads of food and beverage outlets, retail therapy and of course the marina to take tours from for scuba diving, fishing charters etc.
Be sure to grab a coffee from Café Bomba, located down Burnett Street. On a lazy Sunday morning you can enjoy breakfast, get your caffeine fix and listen to the sweet tunes by a Sunshine Coast local performing live. This family owned business offers a great laid back vibe, welcoming and friendly staff and patrons.
Scotch Bonnet has a great breakfast menu and again very welcoming and friendly staff. Located on the Mooloolaba Esplanade, offering lovely views to the ocean. This venue is known for it’s Caribbean beach grill and being a rum bar. Will definitely have to go back for an afternoon sess.
For more tourism information
https://www.visitsunshinecoast.com/
https://www.visitsunshinecoast.com/place/mooloolaba
