Top Towns for 2022: 8 reasons to visit Mooloolaba

Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
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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.

Mooloolaba Beach
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.

Prawn Star Mooloolaba
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.

The Wharf in Mooloolaba
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 Tour s is also a must to learn about the Kabi Kabi’s rich culture.

Saltwater Eco Tours Mooloolaba
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 Mooloolaba
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
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.

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.
Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Discover the remote Queensland lodgings bringing luxury to the outback

    Australian TravellerBy Australian Traveller
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    Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

    Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

    cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp
    Unwind in the ancient outback.

    About Rangelands Outback Camp

    Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

    Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

    Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

    Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

    Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

    aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent
    Soak in 360-degree views.

    Rangelands Outback Camp tours

    Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours .

    Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

    Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

    The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

    A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park , a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

    A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

    tour being led through Rangeland rifts
    Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

    Sleeping in luxury

    After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

    Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

    Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

    inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom
    Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

    Rangelands Outback Camp dining

    As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

    Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

    Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

    Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.