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Things to do in Mooloolaba

Our most recommended things to do in Mooloolaba

Sunshine Coast: Mooloolaba River Sunset Cruise

1. Sunshine Coast: Mooloolaba River Sunset Cruise

Unwind into the Mooloolaba evening with a cocktail or two and a selection of the catch of the day while sailing effortlessly through the magical scenery of the Mooloolah Rivers.  The cruise picks you up from Wharf Mooloolaba, and takes you out to the river mouth first to enjoy scenic views right down to the Noosa headland.  Next stop is the local Mooloolaba fish markets to pick up the fresh catch of the day. You’ll then continue on a leisurely cruise through the bottom section of the Mooloolah River, and then through the harbor and canals. The boat is fully licensed so you can purchase wine, beer, cocktails and soft drinks all on board. And if you’d like to eat, A full à la carte menu is offered, using the fresh catch of the day picked up at the market.

Mooloolaba: Seafood Lunch Cruise

2. Mooloolaba: Seafood Lunch Cruise

Depart for your seafood lunch cruise from The Wharf in Mooloolaba. Jump aboard this entertaining 1.5-hour cruise along the river and canals of Mooloolaba, a top destination in Australia! Kick back and relax with table service and entertaining commentary from your guide. Come with an appetite - included on the cruise is a choice of four meals: fish and chips, calamari and chips, fresh Mooloolaba prawns, or a burger and chips. Upgrades and extras will be available on board. Enjoy your delicious meal while sailing by the beautiful sunny coastlines of Mooloolaba. With a fully licensed bar and comfortable booth seating onboard, this is a day out for the whole family to enjoy! 

Mooloolaba Canal Cruise with Entertaining Commentary

3. Mooloolaba Canal Cruise with Entertaining Commentary

Discover the Sunshine Coast from the water on a canal cruise on a historic timber ferry, the only 1 still in operation in the region. Departing from Mooloolaba, explore the coast and canal system and enjoy an optional lunch at a nearby restaurant after the cruise. Upon departure, cruise past the wharf complex and marina towards Mooloolah Island, a man-made island where you can find some of Mooloolaba’s most luxurious mansions and award-winning homes. Continue on past Minyama Island and learn all about its famous residents including celebrities and sports stars. Then, enter the Kawana Canal system and learn the history of the area's development from useless swamp land to some of Queensland’s most expensive real estate. Enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline from Mooloolaba Beach right up to Noosa Heads as the boat turns around at the river heads before returning back through the river. Pass the pilot boats used by the Brisbane pilotage service and see where the wild Osprey Eagles nest. On the way back, pass by commercial fishing boats, including the largest long-line fishing fleet in Australia. Finish off the cruise by passing the Mooloolaba Marina and Yacht Club. Select the lunch option and combine the cruise experience with a meal at a local restaurant. Choose from a specific menu of fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes, plus sides, and 1 house wine, beer, or soft drink.

Mooloolaba: Sunshine Coast Sunset Canal Cruise

4. Mooloolaba: Sunshine Coast Sunset Canal Cruise

As the setting sun slowly slips behind the majestic Blackall Mountain Range to the west of Mooloolaba, cruise through the waterways. Watch as nocturnal wildlife begins to appear and bird calls welcome the evening. Listen to commentary from your onboard skipper. Grab some dinner to bring onboard and purchase drinks with the licensed on board bar. Head to the pier to meet your guide and group and hop aboard the vessel. Your skipper will provide commentary while the glass-fronted waterside mansions reflect the setting sun. Check out the fishing boats returning to the harbor with their fresh catch of prawns, crabs, and fish. The trip ends back at the wharf.

Whale Watching Without the Crowds

5. Whale Watching Without the Crowds

Looking for a whale watching experience you'll remember and want to talk about for a long time? Crusader 1 is limited to 22 passengers,  therefore offering you a personal day out on the water with unobstructed views of these inquisitive majestic animals. Be in awe of the spectacular breaching, close encounters, magical songs and tail slapping of the humback whales. Get up close and personal with these gentle giants of the sea and encounter pods of dolphins and turtles. The biggest advantage of whale watching on Crusader 1 is that you'll always have that rail side position ready for that perfect photo moment. Crusader 1 is an open deck vessel, very safe and allows full walk around access even to the bow of the boat where you can watch the dolphins play and follow your path.

Mooloolaba: 1-Hour Land and Water Tour

6. Mooloolaba: 1-Hour Land and Water Tour

The one-hour amphibious Aquaduck tour includes an informative tour along Mooloolaba Beach, the Esplanade, and Sunshine Strip with a cruise through the canals and waterways. This tour offers a perfect mix between beautiful natural landscapes, wildlife, and waterways with the homes and mega-mansions of the super-rich and famous. Onboard, stories are shared featuring the history of the region including those from the original owners, beach culture, local produce, wildlife and much more. The tour has a one-hour duration and is a fantastic way to see and experience the heart of the Sunshine Coast. There are many photo opportunities on the tour and guests are encouraged to bring cameras, phones, and GoPro's.

Sunshine Coast: SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Entry Ticket

7. Sunshine Coast: SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Entry Ticket

Take part in animal conservation activities on Australia’s Sunshine Coast Aquarium with access to the SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast in Mooloolaba, approximately 1-hour from Brisbane. Learn about projects to protect the local environment, discover the unique wildlife of the billabongs and more. Then, come face to face with seals, otters, and even sharks! General admission will get you up-close to many of the creatures that live beneath the sea and show you more about their fragile ecosystems. Discover what animals inhabit the surrounding waters of Queensland and what measures are being taken to protect them. Be entranced by the delicate movement of seahorses in the Seahorse Sanctuary. Touch an array of sea stars and sea cucumbers in the Tidal Touchpool. Explore the coral gardens, clown fish, and sea anemones of the Pacific Reef. Go to the brand new Coastal Wreck zone, and learn about the many species that inhabit the coral reefs of Australia. Learn about the unique wildlife of the billabongs, including freshwater sawfish, barramundi, and pacu fish (a cousin of the piranha). Marvel at creatures whose ancestors have been in the world for more than 650 million years in Jellyfish Kingdom, come up close to fierce-looking moray eels, and much more.

Mooloolaba: Whale Watching Cruise

8. Mooloolaba: Whale Watching Cruise

Cruise from Mooloolaba Wharf for the chance to see whales on this boat tour. Hear the song of the whales with the onboard hydrophone. Sail on a fast boat to ensure that you get as much time with the whales as possible.  Embark from Mooloolaba Wharf and enjoy panoramic views of the coast as you head to the whale watching location. Relax in a comfortable seat with a high back. Feel the power of the engine as you speed to your destination.  Listen to commentary from you skipper to learn about these mysterious creatures. Watch as the whales breach, slap the water with their massive tails, and perform spy hops and peduncle throws.

Sunshine Coast: Shared Return Transfer to Eumundi Markets

9. Sunshine Coast: Shared Return Transfer to Eumundi Markets

Spend the day exploring Australia's largest outdoor market, Eumundi Markets. Ensure stress-free shopping and enjoy the enchanting experience of this world-renowned market. Pickup is available from Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Alexandra Headlands, Cotton Tree, Coolum, Twin Waters, Marcoola, Peregian Beach, Sunshine Beach, Noosa, Noosaville, Tewantin. Benefit from a return transfer service that will get you there nice and early so you can shop for the best local artisanal bargains and freshest delicacies on offer before the crowds arrive. Discover a range of arts, crafts, and tasty produce from some of Australia’s most talented artisans at seriously low prices. Browse the stalls, indulge in gourmet morsels to eat, or shop 'til you drop for art, handcrafted homeware, hand-built furniture, trendy ceramics, or funky fashion and jewellery. When you've filled up on local delicacies and finished shopping, relax with a massage, get your palm read, or listen to local musicians before heading back to your hotel in the afternoon.

Mooloolaba: Adventure Rafting Wildlife Tour

10. Mooloolaba: Adventure Rafting Wildlife Tour

Set off on a rafting adventure on a custom-built vessel as you explore the Mooloolaba coastline and Mudjimba Island. Get some informative commentary about the Sunshine Coast while you keep an eye out for dolphins and other sea life. Kick off your tour with a safety briefing before boarding your raft. Cruise the Mooloolah River while taking in the sights. See the local fish market, La Balsa Park, and some charming local houses. Admire the impressive Mooloolaba birdlife and meet some of the local Pelicans living at Point Cartwright. Check out the artwork featured on the Point Cartwright Lighthouse. Afterward, head to Mudjimba Island where you'll stop to view the local turtle population and learn about the Indigenous history that surrounds this interesting island.

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Frequently asked questions about Mooloolaba

What top attractions are a must-see in Mooloolaba?

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Other Sightseeing Options in Mooloolaba

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What people are saying about Mooloolaba

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 356 reviews

It's worth the detour

Very good day at the castle... The staff is smiling and welcoming despite the heat wave!! Too bad there was no air conditioning! And I think it would be good to give headphones with the small radios... It's not practical to hold them in your hand and you can't always hear well! Otherwise I recommend!!

We are here on holiday from Sydney with family from NZ - Paul our skipper was fantastic- a great way to find out about the area - so informative but fun also - we would absolutely recommend the cruise to anyone visiting the Sunshine Coast - so lovely to be on the water - it was excellent

We had a great trip up the River on the Seafood river cruise, met some other lovely like minded travellers and had a great lunch, my husband had prawns and I had barramundi and chips. We have done that same cruise a few years ago and enjoyed it just as much.

Good fun experience, enjoyed our sunset cruise with a few drinks and the lovely crew along with our food with no complaints. Enjoyed the commentary from the captain and had a good laugh.

My wife and I had the best 1.5 hour trip. Rod the skipper was so informative about the whole place and Kerry made sure we didn’t go thirsty.