History

In 1964 the inaugural race between Sydney and Brisbane was established by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. In 1972, to alleviate the troubles associated with negotiating the tides and sandbanks of Moreton Bay, the finish was changed to Point Cartwright. The Sydney to Mooloolaba Yacht Race was born and put the town "on the map".

Annual Events: Mooloolaba Triathlon, Sydney to Mooloolaba Yacht Race, Etchells Yacht Championship.

At a glance

To give yourself a Beach holiday in Mooloolaba is giving yourself the luxury of choice.  A favourite destination for its miles of safe beach, it is also the newer funky vibe of Mooloolaba after dark that visitors are embracing with smiles.

Mooloolaba continues to boast one of the coast's best family beaches, with its north-east aspect ensuring protection from the elements. Simply lie on the beach with a good book or take hold of life and try kitesurfing - your choice. From the sedate to the thrilling, beach activities cater to all types of families.

During the past 10 years Mooloolaba has become one of Australia's most vibrant and exciting beachfront developments, delivering a delicious modern injection into local fun, food and fashion. There is no better place to grab fresh seafood right off the back of a trawler. Mooloolaba's extensive variety of seafood fare is made possible by direct waterway passages and a devoted community of local fishermen. The cosmopolitan Esplanade is at the centre of this development with internationally-renowned oceanfront restaurants and luxury accommodation to match.

While bikinis, thongs and beer are as acceptable as they have always been, designer dresses, stilettos and cocktails are a welcome addition. A perfect blend of the hip and the unpretentious.

Taste

The luxury of choice! From Mediterranean to Moroccan, Thai to Tibetan, Mooloolaba's best eating venues run along the beach, sit nestled on the river and dot The Spit.

Stroll the Esplanade and hand-pick deli delights. Try the Mooloolaba Surf Club for a dining experience at one of the best locations on the coast - right on Mooloolaba Beach.  Sit on the large deck of Bridge Seafood on Brisbane Road and watch the trawlers deliver your lunch or dinner to the restaurant's private jetty - seafood doesn't get much fresher than that.

Shop

If Maroochydore is the home of the big shopping centre then Mooloolaba is the hub for coveted boutiques! Whatever your taste, there will be a bulging shopping bag with your name on it. Designer clothing, bargain fashion, antiques, curios and homewares can all be admired or acquired. The only obstacle to the boutiques is the range of fine cafes and eateries along the Esplanade which may happily slow your progress. You will want to shop all day so wear comfortable shoes - or better yet, don't wear comfortable shoes and just buy new ones!

Play

Enjoy your stay by playing on, above, beside or under the water. Party boats, kayaks, sailboats, scenic cruises, parasailing or scuba diving adventures are all offered at the Marina and Wharf complex. Fishing is always a popular activity, but if you would rather watch the fish then visit Queensland's largest oceanarium and aquarium: UnderWater World. Be surrounded by more than 25,000 weird and wonderful sea creatures. Get interactive by diving with the sharks or perhaps choose a friendlier water buddy and swim with the seals - they're so friendly, they have a tendency to kiss!

Explore

Mooloolaba's beach and river provide little surprises around each corner. Early morning walks along the beach are a great opportunity for relaxed exploration and sea shell collecting. Choose a stroll along The Spit's boardwalk to get closer to nature. Exchange your walking shoes for a bicycle and take advantage of the extensive bike paths, with some routes linking cyclists north to Coolum and Noosa. Once family time is complete, quench your curiosity and explore the nightlife at the Esplanade, The Wharf or the bars on Brisbane road.

Local knowledge

Mooloolaba's beach and port not only attract admiring visitors, but also some of the world's top international sporting competitors. Mooloolaba hosts more than 2,500 national and international competitors every year in March during the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival. Locals know that this is an opportunity to see not only what our worldly competitors have to offer, but also some of Australia's most talented athletes in action. Sailing fanatics are also lucky enough to catch some of the world's best with two internationally recognised yacht races using Mooloolaba as a primary base. 

Click here to discover a day in Mooloolaba