Naturally beautiful and endlessly fun, it’s easy to fall in love with Mooloolaba.
And better yet, this buzzing coastal town is built for family holidays with kid-friendly beaches, cafes, restaurants and attractions.
To make your Mooloolaba getaway unforgettable, we’ve pulled together the ultimate two-day guide that will keep your family entertained from morning till night.
Day 1
AM
Rise and shine!
Start your Mooloolaba getaway by catching the firs rays of sun from Mooloolaba Main Beach.
Family at Mooloolaba Beach, Sunshine Coast
This scenic spot is a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike. It’s patrolled year-round and its sheltered, north-facing aspect makes it a protected spot for your daily swims.
Next up, live like a local and get your caffeine fix with breakfast at The Surf Club Mooloolaba. With sweeping views of Mooloolaba beach, it's the perfect spot to kick-start your day.
Next, it’s time to head over to the Wharf Mooloolaba and meet creatures of the deep at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast. The kids will be in their element with the interactive touch pool display, Little Blue Penguins zone and 80m-long Ocean Tunnel where you can walk beneath sharks, rays and reef fish.
Lunch
Come lunchtime you’ll have worked up an appetite and there’ll be something for the whole family to love at The Wharf Mooloolaba. Tuck into Asian street eats at Rice Boi, sample local seafood at Prawn Star or soak up the water views from The Dock.
If you can squeeze it in, pop into local ice-creamery Fior di Latte Gelateria after lunch for a sweet treat.
The Wharf, Mooloolaba
After a little rest, it’s time to work off lunch and breathe in the glorious salt air on foot or hire a bike from ecoTekk Sunshine Coast.
We suggest heading north along the coastal pathway towards Alexandra Headland, before stopping to enjoy the new playground at Mooloolaba’s northern parklands.
PM
Get your retail fix at the boutiques and shops along Mooloolaba’s beachfront esplanade before heading down to The Spit for the afternoon.
Family Picnic at The Spit, Mooloolaba
Grab some takeaway fish and chips from one of the many fish and chipperies you’ll find here – such as Mooloolah River Fisheries - and enjoy a picnic on the beach for dinner while watching the sun go down. Bliss.
After a busy day exploring, check in for the night at Mantra Mooloolaba Beach Resort directly opposite the beach, and let the sound of the waves lull you to sleep.
Looking for more family friendly accomodation in Mooloolaba? Check out our Mooloolaba guide.
Day 2
AM
Kickstart your second day in Mooloolaba with a delicious coffee and crepe at Flo's Creperie. Here you have your pick of sweet or savoury, with everything from Nutella and strawberry to King prawn crepes on the menu.
Post-breakfast, make the most of the sunshine and head out on the water. Sunreef Mooloolaba and The Pressure Project offer Snorkel with Turtle tours off Mudjimba Island, or if you feel the need for speed, hop aboard Adventure Rafting’s thrilling Action Ride.
Adventure Rafting & Coastal Express heading out into the ocean from the Mooloolaba Spit
For an experience that connects you to country, Saltwater Eco Tours’ Mooloolaba Bushtucker Cruise welcomes all ages for a tour of the Mooloolah River canals, paired with a local seafood menu.
Saltwater Eco Tours, Mooloolaba. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Lunch
Head back to shore for a long lunch at Pier 33. With uninterrupted views over the Mooloolaba Marina, it’s the perfect spot to order some local seafood – we suggest the Mooloolaba prawns – and soak up the atmosphere.
Aquaduck, Mooloolaba
Afterwards tap into your inner child and jump on board the Aquaduck for a cruise along the esplanade and Mooloolah River canals and waterways. With some entertaining commentary – and the chance for the kids to steer the boat – it’s the perfect way to spend the afternoon.
Alternatively, catch the Mooloolaba Ferry over to Kawana for a waterside drink.
PM
Book in for dinner at landmark Italian dining spot: Augellos.
Located right on the esplanade, it’s the perfect spot for people watching and sensational pizza.
For a sweet end to your family holiday, grab a scoop from Artigiano Gelato on the Esplanade, before returning to your hotel with full bellies and happy hearts.
