There are some awesome things to do in Mooloolaba that you don’t even need to leave this Sunshine Coast beach town during your entire visit.
However, we suggest visiting Glass House Mountains and Noosa because there are some great things to do in both of these areas too.
Mooloolaba is a great Australian coastal town that’s perfect for anyone wanting affordable beach views from their accommodation and family friendly activities in Sunshine Coast.
Here’s the best things to do in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast.
1. Swim with humpback whales in Mooloolaba
But, did you know Mooloolaba is one of the only places where you can go on a whale watching cruise and actually swim with humpback whales? What a mind blowing opportunity and something that’s on our bucket list for sure. We unfortunately visited Mooloolaba in May, just a month too early to do this once in a lifetime experience.
This 4 hour tour costs around $165 per person here >
To read the reviews and find the cheapest tour on Trip Advisor, click here>
If you’re in Sydney, check out our whale watching review on a sailing boat with Sydney Eco Whale Watching below!
2. Sail away on a catamaran in Mooloolaba
Set Sail Cruises offer up a few variations so you can enjoy the views of the coast looking out as far as Noosa.
The Daily Cruise is a three hour sail and if conditions are perfect, they will sail around Mudjimba Island you might be able to go for a swim. This cruise costs just $40 per adult.
For the same cost of just $40 per adult, you could go on a romantic 2 hour sunset cruise which includes a drink and a platter to share.
Or if you like a bit of jazz music then why not take the $40 Friday Jazz tour which departs at 4pm and is BYO.
Find out more about the Set Sail Cruises here >
3. Go strawberry picking in Mooloolaba
Strawberry picking reminds me of my childhood. I remember gorging on loads of strawberries as a kid seeing as it’s one of the only fruits the UK seems to do really well.
But, did you know you can go strawberry picking at the aptly named Strawberry Fields, just a 15 minute drive from Mooloolaba?
If you don’t fancy picking your own strawberries, you can buy them by the punnet in the shop, alongside jams and strawberry ice cream. Did we mention they do a cream tea, I mean a Devonshire tea as well?
FYI – you can only pick strawberries at Strawberry Fields from June – November as it’s obviously a seasonal thing.
4. Visit Queensland Air Museum in Sunshine Coast
Caloundra
There’s quite a few things to do in Caloundra and if you have a loved one interested in planes or who just wants to pretend they’re in Top Gun, go check out the Queensland Air Museum which is based a Caloundra Airport.
Open everyday from 10am-4pm the Queensland Air Museum is a fantastic activity for kids in Sunshine Coast as you can actually sit in the cockpit in one of the planes and it’s home to the largest collection of historical aircrafts in Queensland.
It’s also a not for profit so all of the staff are volunteers.
Find out more about the Queensland Air Museum here >
5. Skate in the Caloundra Rollerdome
Caloundra
If you’re looking for indoor activities in Mooloolaba then head over to the Caloundra Rollerdome for either roller skating or ice skating, depending on the time of year you visit. You can even have skating lessons and best of all, if you’re visiting in Summer and it’s too hot outside, they have air-con to escape the heat.
The Caloundra Rollerdome is a great one of the great things to do in Mooloolaba when it’s raining.
Find out more about the Caloundra Rollerdome here >
6. Bounce around at Big Boing Indoor Trampoline Park
Birtinya
Another awesome thing to do in the rain in Mooloolaba is to go to the trampoline centre called Big Boing!
Don’t just think of it as being a trampoline centre, there’s ninja course, dodgeball league, fitness classes, trampoline classes and you can hire it out for parties.
Find out more about Big Boing here >
7. Become a knight for the day at Sunshine Castle
Bli Bli
If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Sunshine Coast, we recommend visiting Sunshine Castle, Australia’s BIGGEST castle! Filled with medieval displays, you won’t only learn a lot but there’s loads to do for kids.
Expect a treasure hunt, play dress up in medieval themed head gear and wander around on a self guided tour whilst you find the moat, towers and a drawbridge. There’s also a cafe on site so you can stop by for lunch.
It costs $15 per adult, $12 for children or$48 for a family of four.
They also hold Opera concerts in the Sunshine Castle too.
Find out more about the Sunshine Castle here >
8. Go the Aussie World theme park
Aussie World is a family theme park with over 30 rides to keep the kids entertained all day. You’ll find the classics such as the ferris wheel, the dodgems and more scarier rides like The Wasp. There’s a pub on site, loads of food options and even mini golf!
Single entry costs $38, a family of four $136 and a family of five $167.
Find out more about Aussie World here >
9. Go rock climbing for the day in Mooloolaba
Warana
Another great indoor activity in Mooloolaba is the Rockit Climbing Gym. With 21 walls to climb, it costs $18.50 per adult and from $12.95 for kids. You’ll need to hire out the harness separately.
Find out more about Rockit Climbing Gym here >
10. Swim with Seals at Sea Life Sunshine Coast
Not only do we have one of the world’s biggest zoo’s nearby at Australia Zoo, but Sea Life Sunshine Coast packs a punch for animal conservation.
There are many different passes to obtain when you visit Sea Life. Go for either the behind the scenes tour or swim with seals!
Find the best deal to Sea Life here >
11. Hang out in the Salt Caves
Did you know Himalayan salt helps with inflammation and respiratory conditions? It’s also a great health benefit and something to do to rejuvenate the skin.
If you’re looking for a Mooloolaba day spa, why not do something different and go to the Salt Caves. A 45minute session costs $45 but they have loads of packages on offer including massage and sauna thrown in aswell.
12. See Mooloolaba from above on a Seaplane adventure
Ever wanted to go on a seaplane? Enjoy a private tour with a pilot who will be able to tell you everything there is to know about the Mooloolaba region. You’ll take off from the Maroochy River, fly along the coast and over to Point Cartwright’s Lighthouse.
Find the best deal for the seaplane experience in Mooloolaba here >
13. Go on a seafood lunch cruise
If sitting back and enjoying the views whilst eating local seafood is your idea of a great day out then we recommend going on a 1h30m cruise along the rivers and canals on an award winning tour which costs $45 per person. They also have a full stocked bar on board as well 😉
Find the best deal for this awesome cruise here >
Looking for an organised tour?
Check out some of these deals below!
Mooloolaba Accommodation
Looking for somewhere to stay in Mooloolaba? Here we offer up three options catering for all budgets including one we stayed in ourselves.
Cheap Mooloolaba accommodation
Mooloolaba Backpackers is a great cheap Mooloolaba accommodation option for backpackers as it’s situated right in the heart of the coastal town and within walking distance to the beach. Expect free breakfast, free wifi and free surfboard hire!
Bed in dormitory: $34
Double room with ensuite: $85
Find the best deal for Mooloolaba Backpackers here >
Read the reviews and find a deal on Trip Advisor here >
Mid Range Mooloolaba accommodation
For mid range Mooloolaba accommodation, we recommend checking out Mantra Mooloolaba Beach which is where we stayed. It’s literally the perfect home away from home, complete with cracking ocean views, an apartment with a kitchen so you can cook if you want to save on costs and they have two pools, a gym and a games room.
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach costs around $200 a night for an apartment.
Find the best deal to stay at Mantra Mooloolaba Beach here >
Read the reviews and find a deal on Trip Advisor here >
Luxury Mooloolaba accommodation
Parkyn Place offers up a beautiful 3 bedroom apartment overlooking Mooloolaba Beach. The views don’t get much better and this luxury Mooloolaba accommodation option ticks all the boxes for a great family getaway.
Rates to stay at Parkyn Place cost around $600 a night.
Find the best deal to stay at Parkyn Place here >
Looking for other Mooloolaba Hotels?
Find the best deals to stay in Mooloolaba right here >
A big thanks to Visit Sunshine Coast for hosting us on this trip so we could bring you this content.
13 things to do in Mooloolaba
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