Mooloolaba Things to Do

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Well there is always something doing along the main tourist strip at Mooloolaba. It is a case of people people everywhere. There are coffee shops and restaurants...and shops selling clothes as well as some very nice places to stay....not really budget though.

You can hop across the road and there is the magic of the sandy beach and surf. One day there was this boat right on the foreshore.

The Mooloolaba Surf Club is nearby so you can safely swim between the flags. Inside the club is a place to eat and enjoy a few drinks and admire the view... there are gaming machines if you like a flutter.. As a traveller you can gain entry to the Club...but you need to sign in and produce ID..

Of course for New Year's Eve the roads are closed and it can get a little boisterous. Some prefer to find a spot a little bit closer to Alexandra Headlands...so you are in it but not in it.

Another time the area is closed off is for the annual triathlon...first rate competitors (I used to work in the medical tent at one time)

Main photo courtesy of a friend

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Mooloolabe Esplanade is the place to be. This is where it all happens. This is where you can sit and enjoy the view and then hop up and run across the road to the gorgeous surf. You can walk along the beach front...climb on the rocks...

You can eat , drink and be merry...there is O'Malley's Irish pub...there is the Surf Club. And 'yes' there are many shops selling all sorts of fun things....and of course clothes...shoes...beach gear

You can buy groceries...and a newspaper right on the front. The post office is down the road apiece....a little walk I am afraid ...on the road to Caloundra.

And it can be on a budget if you work it right.

The Wharf is where you will see may ships in their moorings and where you can dine at the elegant See Restaurant. ...Of course Hogs Breath is there as well if you prefer a less formal dining.
There are a few boutiques and also a spot to buy an icecream if that takes your fancy.

Underwater world is just across the way from the shopping complex and down at the far end you will find a Tavern.

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Mooloolaba Beach is one of the most popular on the Sunshine Coast and in Australia. The main surf beach faces east and is home to the Mooloolaba Surf Club. As the beach continues south it curves around giving it a north-eastern to northern aspect and is more protected - ideal for families and less confident swimmers.

The beach is patrolled by Surf Rescue members of the Surf Club on weekends and public holidays during the surf season. Otherwise the patrol roster is covered 7 days a week every day of the year by Council lifeguards.

http://www.thesurfclub.com.au/slsc/patrols.htm

The website link below is to beach-cam giving a live view of the beach.

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One of the attractions in Moolooaba is Underwater World. The aquarium introduces you to 8 marine zones each of which is unique. Most exhibits are interactive.

Touch and Tell features the tidal reef and you are encouraged to touch and feel starfish and sea cucumbers. The wierd and wonderful things of the sea are displayed in tanks and include the poisonous stone fish. The seal show of Seal Island is very entertaining and you can pre-arrange a visit 'back-stage'. Otters rule as the Asian Small Clawed otters amaze with their tricks.

There is a Fresh Water display with Crocodiles and giant Barramundi (no fishing allowed here!) and even fauna of billabongs such as Lungfish and various frogs.

A new zone introduced since my last visit is the Crawly Creatures featuring Painted Crayfish and giant crabs.

The most popular and well known exhibit is the tunnel under the shark aquarium and there is even an opportunity to dive with the sharks!

Underwater World is open daily from 9am to 5.00pm except
Christmas Day and limited trading on Anzac Day. Last admissions
are 1 hour prior to closing time.

My last visit to Underwater World was in the pre-digital days (as you know - you never go to what is closest to you) so my photo quality is not the best. I have included two from the website. It gives me an excuse to go back to take some more pictures!

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Looking for some morning exercise after last night’s excesses?
Walk the beach from the Mooloolaba Surf Club to the end of the rock wall at the mouth of the Mooloola River.(Approximately 1.6 kms).

On the return trip. take the coastal walking track which has been established behind the dunes. Stops to extend your exercise regime on apparatus designed to give specific body muscles a work-out are provided and there are change rooms, showers and toilets plus water fountains for comfort breaks. Several play grounds for kids are provided.

There are opportunities to eat and drink as well at the end of Parkyn Street (360 metres from the rock wall) Anyone for coffee? Or more substantial meals?

Not only an exercise opportunity but the natural beauty and the activities of surfers at the rock wall and, in the river, the comings and goings of amateur and professional fishermen and the pilot boat crew make for an interesting trek.

More pics in the travelogue below.

This is a great place to take the kids. There are many hands on exhibits where the children can touch sea creatures and wall sized tanks to be able to look into. The best part is where you stand on a conveyor belt and you are surrounded by swimming fish and sharks.

This is where everyone goes and it is a great place to wander around. On one side of you there are shops and to the other there are fantastic views of the ocean. This is a foodies heaven - lots of open air cafes and restaurants.