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The 17 dreamiest Mooloolaba accommodation picks

Spanning luxurious beachfront resorts to budget-busting retreats, made-to-fit Mooloolaba accommodation is just a click away.

For a small coastal suburb no larger than four square kilometres, mellow Mooloolaba packs a serious punch when it comes to Sunshine Coast accommodation. Spanning state-of-the-art apartments, boutique villas and beachfront caravanning, stellar stays flow throughout the Sunshine Coast beach town.

I’ve shortlisted the best Mooloolaba accommodation (including one very exciting hotel in the works) to help you get there hassle-free.

In short

If you can only choose one Mooloolaba accommodation, make it Sea Pearl Mooloolaba. It ticks all the boxes: central location, a resort pool overlooking the beach, and an on-site day spa.

Hotels and resorts

1. Sea Pearl Mooloolaba

a spacious apartment with scenic sea views at Sea Pearl Mooloolaba
Treat yourself to a luxurious open-plan apartment stay at Sea Pearl Mooloolaba.

Price: $$$$

The only five-star resort in town, Sea Pearl Mooloolaba is as fancy as you can go (until early 2026, that is, when a five-star hotel finally lands – more below).

Located on Mooloolaba Esplanade, the location is unbeatable, and I love that they’ve got two and three-bedroom configurations to choose from. Ocean views abound no matter where you land, as do high-end furnishings like spa baths, open-plan kitchens with European appliances, rain showers and coffee machines. This Mooloolaba accommodation also stands out for its incredible in-room dining experiences, spanning a visit from a personal chef or sommelier to work their magic right on-site. Facility-wise, there’s an ocean-fronting heated pool, private cinema, steam room, gym, day spa and underground parking.

Address: 87 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

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2. Avani Mooloolaba

While Mooloolaba is awash with luxurious stays, I’m pretty excited about Avani Mooloolaba opening its doors at the beginning of 2026. The sleek hotel chain will unveil the beach town’s only true hotel just 100 metres from the sand. In fact, it’s the first international hotel to arrive on the Sunshine Coast since 1988 so you can imagine how stoked regular holiday makers are. Soaring up 12 storeys and offering 180 rooms and suites, the build will also feature a rooftop pool, restaurant and bar, plus wellness facilities and a kids’ club (yet another total Mooloolaba game-changer for parents). Watch this space for more.

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3. Landmark Resort and Spa

a heated lagoon pool at Landmark Resort and Spa, Mooloolaba
The heated lagoon pool is the resort’s biggest drawcard for families.

Price: $$

Another most-loved, amenity-heavy Mooloolaba accommodation pick, I steer towards this one for its heated lagoon-style pool and water feature. It makes the Landmark Resort and Spa incredibly family-friendly, plus you’re right on the Esplanade. If you’re travelling with toddlers, like I was the first time I visited, you’ll appreciate the kids’ wading pool right next to the pool’s big kid territory. Sun loungers are hard to nab so get there early in the morning for pole kid-minding position. Additionally, there’s a rooftop spa to sink into between hangs in your studio suite or one-, two-, or three-bedroom stay. A 10-person sauna, gym and day spa provide extra creature comforts.

Address: 11 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

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4. Mantra Mooloolaba Beach

a suite with ocean view at Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Soak up sweeping sea views from your suite. (Image: Supplied)

Price: $$$

Just a 10-minute walk from the ocean, Mantra Mooloolaba Beach is one of the original luxury stays in the area, embracing the beauty of its surroundings. While the facilities are slightly dated compared to newer Mooloolaba accommodation picks, all 188 one-, two- or three-bedroom stays offer private balconies with ocean or hinterland views. Go for the three-bedroom penthouse for the best on ground. There’s a rooftop observation deck, heated outdoor pool and indoor pool, spa, sauna, business facilities, barbecues, a gym, and undercover parking. Plus, they do room service – a major lazy holiday win.

Address: 7 Venning St, Mooloolaba

5. Pandanus Mooloolaba

a balcony with pool view at Pandanus Mooloolaba
Stay in a spacious apartment with a balcony at Pandanus Mooloolaba.

Price: $$$

Offering comfortable resort-style living for families, Pandanus Mooloolaba is home to 35 roomy apartments spanning one-, two-, three- or four-bedroom configurations. They’re all built with large lounge and dining areas so there’s plenty of space for self-catered family meals. Elsewhere, you’ll find a pool, spa, gym, and secure parking, plus you’re on a quiet street within walking distance from the Esplanade so you’re central without the crowds.

Address: 21 Smith Street, Mooloolaba

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6. Oceans Mooloolaba Beach

Price: $$$$

Oceans Mooloolaba is a glorious choice for holiday seekers craving all the amenities. Home to 46 apartments and penthouses, each decked out with modern interiors, plush bedding, and Nespresso coffee machines, the Mooloolaba accommodation features a 25-metre lap pool, kids’ wading pool, heated spa, gym, undercover parking, and a small theatre with leather chairs.

Address: 101-105 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

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Caravan parks

7. Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park

the beach next to Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park
Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park offers convenient access to the beach.

Price: $

You don’t need to be cashed up to enjoy a slice of breezy Sunshine Coast beach life. Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park, a short drive away from the main beach, is a sensational option for budget-conscious families, situated right next to The Surf Club Mooloolaba and within walking distance to The Wharf’s thriving marina precinct. While there aren’t any cabins, powered caravan and camping sites are available right on the beach and there’s a camp kitchen, amenities block, laundry facilities, and free wi-fi.

Address: 100 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

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8. Alex Beach Cabins & Tourist Park

the pool at Alex Beach Cabins & Tourist Park, Mooloolaba
Relax poolside on a deckchair with a drink in hand. (Image: Alex Beach Cabins & Tourist Park)

Price: $-$$

Just a short drive up north of the Esplanade lies Alexandra Headland, a beautiful, quiet part of the coastline that’s mostly free of crowds. Soaking up the serenity isn’t costly at Alex Beach Cabins & Tourist Park, which offers powered sites for caravans and motorhomes plus a variety of villas and cabins. A heated outdoor pool, playground and games room will keep little ones busy, while grown-ups will appreciate the undercover barbecues and camp kitchen, plus an amenities block with coin-operated washing machines and dryers.

Address: 21-23 Okinja Rd, Alexandra Headland

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Holiday homes, apartments and Airbnbs

9. Breeze Mooloolaba Beach

a modern suite with ocean views at Breeze Mooloolaba Beach
Stay in a two-bedroom apartment with panoramic ocean views at Breeze Mooloolaba Beach.

Price: $$-$$$

I spot its unique curvilinear design a mile away, set right off the Esplanade so the ocean shimmers in the backdrop. I love Breeze Mooloolaba Beach for so many reasons (including the little branded notepads by the phone that serve as momentoes) but its calming interiors and ocean views are arguably my favourite bits. Every architecturally designed apartment, spanning one- or two-bedroom stays or three-bedroom ground-level ones, features state-of-the-art technology, private balconies and modern kitchens, while a pool, spa, secure undercover parking and barbecues unleash superior comfort.

Address: 3 Meta Street, Mooloolaba

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10. The Peninsular Mooloolaba

stunning sea views from the balcony of an apartment at The Peninsular Mooloolaba
The Peninsular Mooloolaba puts you close to the beach as possible.

Price: $$-$$$

You’ll score easy access to the best Mooloolaba restaurants and bars with a stay at The Peninsular Mooloolaba. Located in the heart of the Esplanade, the apartment and penthouse accommodation is a skip over the road from the beach. One-, two-, and three-bedroom self-contained rooms, including penthouses, are up for grabs, and while the fit-outs aren’t new, they’re stacked with ample amenities and sweeping water views. Expect a heated pool, spa, sauna, gym, tennis court and undercover parking.

Address: 13 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

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11. Mantra Zanzibar Mooloolaba

Price: $$$

Yet another Mantra property (there are three in total in Mooloolaba), Mantra Zanzibar is located right on the Esplanade, so I love this one for its proximity to the action. Choose from two and three-bedroom self-contained apartments and penthouses, each with clean, coastal interiors, private balconies, roomy lounge and dining areas, and plenty of natural light. Facilities include a heated pool, gym, spa, business services and barbecues.

Address: 47-51 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

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12. Mantra Sirocco

a spacious suite with ocean views at Mantra Sirocco, Mooloolaba
Mantra Sirocco offers a great base right on the Esplanade.

Price: $$$

A slightly more stripped-back Mantra compared to the chain’s Mooloolaba counterparts, Mantra Sirocco is still brilliantly situated in the heart of town on the Esplanade. Rooms range from two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments to the top-tier penthouse. All are spacious and well-appointed, but those looking for a bit of luxury should dive right into that penthouse as it comes with a private rooftop spa and barbecue. There’s a heated pool and spa for relaxing while admiring ocean views, plus a gym, a poolside entertaining area, and undercover parking.

Address: 59-75 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

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13. Coco Mooloolaba

Price: $$$

A comfortable stay located on one street behind the Esplanade, Coco Mooloolaba is modern and caters to groups. Choose from one and two-bedroom apartments, each fitted with large balconies, fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and modern bathrooms. When it’s time to kick back, take advantage of its heated pool, jacuzzi and undercover barbecues, plus the team loan out beach cabanas, beach carts, beach chairs, and beach toys if you’re keen to hit the sand (which is within walking distance).

Address: 79-83 First Avenue, Mooloolaba

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14. First Light Mooloolaba

a modern apartment with sea views at First Light Mooloolaba
Wake up to stunning ocean views from bed. (Image: First Light Mooloolaba)

Price: $$$

Looking for a state-of-the-art self-contained apartment to live out your executive living dreams? First Light Mooloolaba is endlessly slick and located just one street behind the Esplanade. A collection of one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments feature secure floor-to-ceiling glass doors that let sparkling ocean views flow in. There’s also a pool, deck chairs, barbecues, a gym, and secure undercover parking.

Address: 25 First Avenue, Mooloolaba

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15. The Villas Mooloolaba

a coastal-chic villa in Mooloolaba
Check into a coastal-chic villa in Mooloolaba.

Price: $$$

I enjoyed shaking up my usual serviced apartment stay with a booking at The Villas Mooloolaba on a recent family holiday. Located on a quiet Mooloolaba backstreet, the accommodation features four beautifully styled villas, scattered with coastal-chic finishes and Instagram-friendly interiors. Each villa features two bedrooms and modern bathrooms plus there are either balconies or private terraces to lounge upon. A circular plunge pool and outdoor shower are arguably the stars of the show, and there are several grassy areas for little ones to explore. If you’ve got a large group, you can even rent out the entire space, which sleeps 16 people.

Address: 2 Barooga Crescent, Mooloolaba

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16. La Vida Airbnb

a bedroom with pool view at La Vida Airbnb, Mooloolaba
La Vida Airbnb offers a simple yet stylish accommodation option in Mooloolaba.

Price: $$$$

Sleeping up to six guests, La Vida is an idyllic coastal oasis for groups, providing total privacy within a short stroll from the beach. The Mooloolaba Airbnb is perfectly set up for summer getaways with its swimming pool, sunlounges, and outdoor dining setting. Inside, you’ll find luxurious bathtubs and stylish touches throughout including linen sheets, a 50-inch television, a Nespresso coffee machine, and beach essentials including towels, an umbrella and snorkelling gear.

Address: 2 Lawrence Street, Mooloolaba

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17. The River Cottage Airbnb

The River Cottage next to a canal in Mooloolaba
Unwind on the water’s edge at this chic Mooloolaba Airbnb.

Price: $$$$

Kick your shoes off and stretch out overlooking a quiet canal at The River Cottage. The three-bedroom, impeccably styled Mooloolaba Airbnb is a Pinterest dream, all rattan and white, while the backyard flows right out onto the canal. The owners have conveniently placed an umbrella-shaded pair of deck chairs right on the water’s edge to encourage serious unwinding (however families with children under eight are not encouraged as there’s no fencing at the water). Expect a tight but tidy kitchen, wall-mounted TV in the lounge, a deck that flows onto the grass, and bedrooms with soft linen and subtle plant life.

Address: Mooloolaba (directions released upon booking)

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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5 of the best Sunshine Coast day trips

City buzz, gourmet trails, surf breaks and art scenes are all at your fingertips.

When it comes to planning a trip, picking a holiday destination is the easy part. The real dilemma is where to set yourself up for the night. Do you go coastal, city, or countryside? Somewhere remote and rugged, or right in the action? Luckily, the Sunshine Coast, and huge number of amazing Sunshine Coast day trips, have kindly made the choice for you.

Ditch the hotel-hopping and suitcase-lugging. Instead, base yourself at Novotel Sunshine Coast or Mantra Mooloolaba , where big-city culture, vine-covered valleys, and theme parks are all within a two-hour drive.

1. Sunshine Coast to Brisbane

Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes (105km)

Shake off the sand from your sandals and swap the beach for the throb of the Queensland capital. Ease in gently with a bougainvillea-filled stroll through South Bank, iced latte in hand, before cooling off at Streets Beach lagoon – Brisbane’s answer to the coast (but without the waves).

Once firmly in big-city mode, hit up the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) , home to Australia’s largest collection of modern and contemporary artworks. Dive into the past at the Queensland Museum, where prehistoric fossils of Australian dinosaurs and megafauna collide with First Nations cultural collections and interactive science exhibits.

All this learning got you hungry? Howard Smith Wharves calls. Here, riverside dining delivers breweries with meat-forward menus, Japanese fine dining and overwater bars. If you’ve got room for more, Fortitude Valley’s shopping boutiques await you and your wallet.

woman walking around Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
Wander the Gallery of Modern Art. (Image: TEQ)

2. Sunshine Coast to the Scenic Rim

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (170km)

Make your way inland to the Scenic Rim for the state’s best vineyards and age-old volcanic slopes. Start your day early (like, sparrow’s breakfast early) at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park . Here, take a treetop walk through the canopy and hand-feed the wild birds who flock here.

Next, it’s your turn to eat. Here, the food scene operates where locally sourced produce is an expectation, not an exception. Order a picnic basket crammed with regional wine and cheese to devour next to the creek at Canungra Valley Vineyards . Or perhaps a grazing platter of vegan and non-vegan cheeses at Witches Falls Winery .

Feeling bold? Tackle the Twin Falls circuit in Springbrook National Park. Or keep the gourmet life going with a Scenic Rim Brewery tasting paddle, best enjoyed while taking in the rise of the Great Dividing Range.

woman with cheese and wine at Witches Falls Winery
Enjoy a cheese platter at Witches Falls Winery. (Image: TEQ)

3. Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast

Drive time: 2 hours (180km)

Surf, sand and sparkling skylines might be the Gold Coast’s MO, but there’s more to Surfers Paradise and beyond. Kick things off with a beachfront coffee at Burleigh Heads, then hike through Burleigh Head National Park to look over the ocean and whale sightings (dependent on the season, of course).

Cool off in the calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek before chowing down on the famously buttery Moreton Bay bug rolls at Rick Shores . Travelling with the kids? Then you can’t miss Australia’s theme park capital, with Dreamworld ’s big rides and Warner Bros. Movie World ’s Hollywood treatment at hand to keep the family entertained.

aerial view of Tallebudgera Creek
Dive into Tallebudgera Creek. (Image: TEQ)

4. Sunshine Coast to Tweed Heads

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (200km)

Dare to cross enemy lines? Then welcome to New South Wales. Tweed Heads blends the laid-back attitude of the Northern Rivers with high-quality dining, experimental art, and farm-fresh indulgence – a combo worth the drive.

Start strong with a long, lazy brunch at Tweed River House , then swing by Tropical Fruit World for exotic finds like red dragon fruit, handfuls of lychees and black sapote. Next, hit M|Arts Precinct – an art deco hub of micro galleries, artist workshops and one-off boutiques.

Round off the day with sunset drinks at Husk Distillers among the glowing cane fields, and order one with their famous Ink Gin. You’ll thank us later.

exterior of Husk Distillers
Taste the famous Ink Gin at Husk Distillers. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Drive time: 1 hour (70km)

Strap on those hiking boots and make tracks inland, where volcanic peaks, misty rainforest and hinterland townships beckon. Ease in with the Glass House Mountains Lookout Walk, or, if you have energy to burn, tackle the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk for a 360-degree sight of the surrounding summits.

Next: Montville. This township delivers European-style architecture and old-world appeal. Nearby, settle in at Flame Hill Vineyard, where a large pour of estate-grown wine comes with encompassing views of the countryside.

Not ready to leave the hinterland villages just yet? Of course not. Meander past art galleries and indie shops at Maleny. Nab some fudge from Sweets on Maple for a sweet fix. Or go salty at Maleny Dairies with a farm tour and a chunky wedge of their deliciously creamy cheese.

End the day among the eucalypts and rainforests of Kondalilla National Park. Here, the Kondalilla Falls Circuit winds down through trees humming with life to a rock pool beneath a waterfall – as if designed for soaking tired feet before heading back to the coast.

view of Mount Ngungun on the scenic rim queensland
Take on the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your Sunshine home base at all.com.