Accommodation Mooloolaba Attractions
The Sunshine Coast has many attractions for you whilst enjoying your holiday, all within easy reach of your accommodation at Excellsior.
There are endless activities you can do during your stay at Excellsior – Mooloolaba: Underwater World or Australia Zoo. Hervey Bay Whale Watching during the winter months, Everglades Waterbus Cruise via Noosa National Park, or explore the Sunshine Coast with its amazing Glasshouse Mountains, art and crafts villages, or take a daytrip to Fraser Island or the beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterland. A 25 minutes drive will take you to Caloundra`s beautiful Pumicestone Passage or 45 minutes drive will take you to the beautiful hinterland of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa or the famous Eumundi markets. If sport is your thing you can choose to play golf, bowls or offshore fishing. The Sunshine Coast has a number of excellent resort and public golf courses to try your hand at or enjoy a day on the water with a local fishing charter. Enjoy a jog or brisk walk along the timber promenade which winds it way waterside to the entrance of the Mooloolaba harbour and the renowned Mooloolaba Marina, the ideal location to purchase both fresh and cooked seafood straight off the trawler.
Our Pick of the Local Markets
For other markets in the region click here
Kawana Farmers Market
Where: State College, Sportsmad Pde.
When: Saturday 7am to Noon
What: The markets showcase the finest in local fresh produce from the region. All walkways are roofed and paths concreted so customers can shop rain, hail or shine. Kawana Farmers Markets combine fresh produce with locally-produced craft.
*Shady, spots to sit & relax
Eumundi Market
Where: 80 Memorial Dr, Eumundi
When: Wednesday 8am to 1:30pm and Saturday 7am to 2pm
What: Australia’s biggest and best art, craft and produce market
Organisers say you should come to the Eumundi Markets if you’re looking for something special, something different or something homemade.
You’ll find original artworks, sculptures, furniture, handmade toys, homewares, skincare, candles and clothing.
There’s a fresh produce section with delicious fruit and vegetables and amazing cheeses and yoghurts as well as fresh baked breads. Scattered throughout the stalls are buskers and street artists.
Follow your nose to the amazing street food, before having your palms read and a quick massage. These markets are very popular and attract bus tours from across south east Queensland. Best to get there early, pay for parking for a close spot.
*Shady, plenty of spots to sit & relax, entertainment
Fishermans Rd Market
Where: Cnr Fishermans Road and David Low Way, Maroochydore
When: Sunday 6am to Noon
What: These markets have been operated by the Mooloolaba Lions Club for about 15 years. The best hint- get there early for the bargains. This market on the Fishermans Rd sports fields is popular for both fruit and vege and bric-a-brac-. You never know what you will find! The markets include 128 stalls.
*Little shade, not much seating
Yandina Market
Where: Wonga Park, North Street
When: Saturday 6am to Noon
What: Mixture of farmers market & bric a brac. Good for plants. Dubbed “The country markets locals love” the Yandina Markets are a popular, traditional choice of markets on the Sunshine Coast.
The markets include plants, fresh food, bric-a-brac, second hand treasures, collectables and car parts. You may even spot a few vintage vinyl records!
*Little shade, not much seating
Caloundra Street Fair
Where: Bulcock St, Caloundra
When: Sunday 8am to 1pm
What: Caloundra’s Bulcock St comes alive every Sunday for the Caloundra Street Fair. Thousands flock to the centre of Caloundra, just a few streets back from the beach, to experience not only 200 stalls, but great vibes, music and food. There’s also a range of free talks called “tent talks” to get customers acquainted with professionals. Stalls sell everything from fresh produce, to flowers, street food, take home gourmet food and art.
*plenty of shade and seating, entertainment
Noosa Farmers Market
Where:Noosa Australian Football Club, Weyba Rd, Noosaville
When: Sunday 7am to 1pm
What: Nestled among fragrant gum trees, the footy grounds become a hive of activity for the Noosa Farmers Market. The markets offer plenty of different stalls including organic produce, skin care products, marinades, sauces, skin care products, freshly baked breads and cheeses.
There’s also a range of handcrafted items and places to grab breakfast too.
Peregian Beach Markets
When:First and third Sunday of every month. 7am to 12:30pm
What: This unique beachside markets have been operating for more than 20 years to support the work of the local surf lifesaving club. The markets have on average 111 stalls, with a special focus on the variety of upcycled art and craft as well as organic produce and a great beachside atmosphere.
Nights on Ocean
When: Second Friday of every month. 5pm to 9pm
What: Ocean Street is blocked off every second Friday of the month and transformed into a hive of activity for Nights on Ocean. The event is an evening of art, craft food, wine and culture, mostly for the adult crowd.
Pop up bars fill the alleyways and fairy lights string from the trees. Stroll through and check out the stalls after dinner at one of the nearby restaurants or food stalls.
Cotton Tree Markets
Where: King St, Cotton Tree, Maroochydore
When: Sunday 7am to Noon
What: Cotton Tree Markets offers something for everyone. For more than 22 years the Market has featured local artisans, designers or inventors selling their own unique and creative works within a precinct of fine cafes, fashion and wares. You’ll find fashion, jewellery, original artworks, sculptures, skincare, pottery, shells, plants, baking, homewares, kids toys and more. Soak up the friendly market atmosphere and be entertained by local performers. By supporting the Cotton Tree Markets you’re not only supporting the Sunshine Coast’s local artisan’s, designers and inventors, you are also supporting people living with cancer.
*No shade, sit in one of the streets many cafes
Our Picks of Restaurants
There are so many eating places to choose from that are in walking distance but these are our top picks.
Nb. You will need to book for Fri & Sat nights at most restaurants
Fish on Parkyn
Type: Seafood
Where: 25 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
What: Our special lunch fav. Usually not crowded
Upscale Australian seafood and wine in a spacious bistro opening onto a terrace with a sea breeze. Fish on Parkyn in Mooloolaba is wedged between the bustle of the harbour and a surfing beach which makes for even more appetising views.
Contact: 07 5444 4711
Rice Boi
Type: Asain Fusion
Where: The Wharf, Mooloolaba
What: OMG titillation of the taste buds. Fusion of modern asian cuisine. . Busy as! group bookings GO EARLY. New outdoor seating.
Contact: 07 5444 1297
Augellos
Where: 13 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba
What: Classic Italian dishes and gourmet pizzas served in a large circular dining room with water views. Great for Pizzas. Show your room key for a discount
Contact: 07 5478 3199
Ocean Ended
Where: 14 Duporth Ave, Maroochydore
What: Glorious view to the mouth of the Maroochy River. Great staff. Greek cuisine done really well. Great for small gatherings.
Contact: 07 5443 4310
Boatshed
Where: The Esplanade next to Cotton Tree Pool. Cotton Tree
What: Spectacular location right on the Maroochy River under the cotton tree. No other restaurant matches this for location. Fine wine and dining.
Contact: 07 5443 3808
Spirit House
Type: Thai
Where: 20 Ninderry Rd, Yandina
What: Spirit House is the Sunshine Coast’s most awarded Asian/Thai…Set in a lush tropical Asian garden and built …Contemporary Thai dining with dishes to share, served in tranquil tropical gardens. Asian, Thai, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. Well worth the 20 min drive
Contact: 07 5446 8977
Tang Dynasty
Where: 3/20 Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba
What: Best pick of the Chinese restaurants, Bauhinia across the road is also good.
Contact: 07 5444 1182
See Restaurant
Type: Seafood
Where: 123 Parkyn Parade, The Wharf, Mooloolaba
What: Fine wine and Modern Australian seafood menus served in an intimate dining room with water views.
Contact: 07 5444 5044
Sangs
Where: 101 Alexandra Pde, Alexandra Headlands
What: A bit further away at Alexandra Headland but worth it if you are an Asian food fan. BYO only, they don’t have ice.
Contact: 07 5475 4412
Spice Bar
Type: Japanese
Where: 123 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba
What: An acclaimed eatery with chic decor serving Asian Fusion dishes & banquets. Incorporating cutting edge design, open kitchen, bar and outdoor balcony seating, private function areas with an amazing view of the Pacific ocean off …Pricey but good food & atmosphere. Servings are on the small side.
Contact: 07 5444 2022
Bella Venezia Restaurant & Bar
Type: Italian
Where: 95 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba
What: Kirsten’s fave Italian. Classic Italian meals in a long-running space by the beach, with tiled floors and chic lounges the new upgrade is amazing. Great atmosphere at night with Alfresco seating under lights
Contact: 07 5444 5844
Moom Asian Cuisine
Type: Asian Fusion
Where: 23 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba
What: OMG Taste sensation. Fusion of asian based meals with a distinctly Japanese fare. Prices are really reasonable for what you get. BYO wine
Contact: 07 5444 2299
Ton Khao Bistro
Type: Thai
Where: Landmark Resort Hotel, 6/11 Mooloolaba Esplanade
What: Our fave of all the Thai restaurants ( and there are lots to choose from)
Small but cosy. BYO wine
Contact: 07 5444 5693
Il Vento
Type: Italian
Where: The Wharf 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
What: Il Vento brings to Mooloolaba traditional Italian cuisine to be enjoyed in a modern seaside setting. The only restaurant in Mooloolaba equipped with a wood-fired oven, Il Vento promises to bring the people of Mooloolaba perfect wood-fired pizzas and fresh handmade pasta
Use your Uber account to order a delivery from il Vento in Sunshine Coast. Browse the menu, view popular items and track your order.
Contact: 07 5477 7849
Best Coffee & Breakfast
After owning our own Campos cafe for years, we are coffee snobs
so there aren’t many places we recommend but those we do know how to make good coffee.
Hustle & Flow
Where: Mooloolaba Surf Club (underneath – hole in the wall)
What: We are campos diehards so this is our fave. Right on the beach it is the best place to go after a walk. The staff are friendly and know how to make a good coffee. Warning long lines on weekends
Coffee Brand: Campos
La Finca
What: Best scrambled eggs ever. A great selection of breakfast meals. They roast their own beans.
Coffee Brand: Columbian
The Good Bean
What: Not our fav but it gets good wraps from others for coffee.
Coffee: Good
Mooloolaba Surf Club
What: Sunday morning buffet is reasonably priced and well done. Worth it for the view
Coffee: Not good, go down stairs to Hustle & Flow
Bleu Bean
Where: 3/104-106 Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba
What: Outdoor area at the back on the canal, some great vego options.
Coffee: Good
Website: facebook
Acai Bowl
What: For a healthy bowl
Coffee: NA
Schwenkee
What: We like this more for the food than the coffee but both are good. Actually, breakfast meals are amazing.
Coffee: Petty Good
*Closed Tuesdays
Velo Project
What: Espresso and farm-fresh food in a former garage cafe with wood floors and vintage decor, open early. Coffee beans are roasted on site
Coffee: Good
Alex Surf Club
What: What’s better than breaky on the beach served from the surf club. This place is old school and makes THE Best breaky wraps. We go just for them. Busy but quick.
Coffee: Give it a miss
Our Picks of Fish & Chips
You’re on the Coast, you should definitely partake.
Mooloolaba Fish Market
What: Fresh & cooked. Pull up to their jetty in your boat.
Tips and Info: Reef fish & chips pack
Ray Jays
What: Weekend nights it has music, check their specials during the week
Tips and Info: Weekday specials
Saltwater
What: Just relocated but still at the Wharf
Tips and Info:
Fisheries on the spit
What: Eat upstairs for something different
Tips and Info:
Bridge Seafoods
What: Eat on the deck, they have their own dock
Tips and Info: Licensed
59 Fish
What: Well priced and good serving sizes. They also do frozen meals.
Tips and Info: Good service