Best Beaches near Mooloolaba
About the Suburb
Explore 5 beaches near Mooloolaba, a Sunshine Coast favourite known for calm swimming, a vibrant esplanade, and Mooloolah River views. The north-facing beach is sheltered from prevailing swells, making it one of the safest ocean swims on the coast.
What Makes It Special
- •The Wharf Mooloolaba - waterfront dining, SEA LIFE aquarium, and sunset drinks
- •One of the safest ocean swimming beaches in Queensland
- •Mooloolah River kayaking, SUP, and river cruises from the wharf
Getting There
90 minutes from Brisbane. 20 minutes from Sunshine Coast Airport. Paid parking along the Esplanade and at The Wharf. Free parking on side streets further back.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round for calm swimming. Summer for the liveliest esplanade atmosphere. Winter (June–September) for whale watching from the headland. Avoid Easter long weekend when the town overflows.
Along the Coast
What's On
Horizon Festival
Annual · Next: Friday 1 May 2026
A major arts and culture festival held across Maroochydore, exploring the intersections of art, people, and place, with programming at beachfront, waterfront, and esplanade locations.
www.eloueratower.com.auEVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival
Saturday 1 — Sunday 2 August 2026
A multi-distance running festival featuring full marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km, and 2km fun runs along the Alexandra Headland coastline.
www.runningcalendar.com.au