Top Towns for 2022: 8 reasons to visit Mooloolaba

A beach holiday in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast truly has something to offer everyone, as former Queenslander Carla Grossetti declares. The coastal town also came in at no. 41 in your pick of Top 50 Aussie Towns.

Find the complete list of the Top 50 Aussie Towns here

I first visited Mooloolaba about 20 years ago to enjoy a beach holiday with my beau that revolved simply around the surf and sand. But these days, I would drop anchor in Mooloolaba for a multitude of reasons.

Walk along the luxurious beachfront esplanade adjacent to Mooloolaba Beach. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

1. Dine at Prawn Star

For starters, make a pilgrimage here primarily to enjoy fresh-caught prawns at the Prawn Star, now moored in both Mooloolaba and Cairns.

Mooloolaba is worth the trip for a visit to Praw Star alone. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

2. Soak up the live music at The Wharf

One of the many reasons to visit Mooloolaba is to rub shoulders with loafer-clad yachties and the young surfie set listening to live music at The Wharf.

Wander down to The Wharf in Mooloolaba. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

3. Join a Saltwater Eco Tour

Likewise, a cruise up the Mooloolah River with Indigenous-owned Saltwater Eco Tours is also a must to learn about the Kabi Kabi’s rich culture.

Join Saltwater Eco Tours to learn about the Kabi Kabi’s rich culture. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

4. Get your fill of Walker Seafoods

The Sunshine Coast is very much on the map for foodies thanks to Walker Seafoods. The local business has Marine Stewardship Council certification for sustainable fishing of yellowfin tuna, albacore tuna and broadbill swordfish. It’s what any local restaurant worth their salt serves.

5. Check out The Pavilion

The Pavilion, sandwiched between Briner and Mooloolaba Beach, is the pumping new hotspot at the Mantra Mooloolaba Beach. This smart and sophisticated spot is all elegant archways and rattan chairs full of sun-kissed people with hair arranged by the ocean.

The Pavilion is Mooloolaba’s pumping new hotspot.

6. Gorge yourself on sustainable seafood

Fish on Parkyn, Spice Bar, Pier 33, The Surf Club Mooloolaba, Rice Boi and Il Vento get our vote of confidence for their association with Walker Seafoods as it means they share an ethos to promote sustainable products. If you see market fish on the menu here, you order it.

The Surf Club Mooloolaba is one of many restaurants serving sustainable seafood. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

7. Dive with sharks or swim with whales

Sign up for the new Shark Dive Extreme experience at Sea Life to get an idea of what else is in the ocean. Or simply spend a breezy day between July and the end of October swimming with whales on a Sunreef tour.

Go swimming with whales on a Sunreef tour. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

8. Stay tuned for the opening of Avani Mooloolaba Hotel

Back on land, the announcement of the new upscale $50 million 180-room Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel also sends a message to holidaymakers about confidence in this sought-after destination.

No question, I could move to Mooloolaba tomorrow to just relax, lay back and enjoy a life of sweet leisure.

Explore more of Noosa in our travel guide or find out which other towns made it into your Top 50.