Brush the sand off your feet and explore some of this coastal city’s other attractions
1 Take a bushtucker cruise
Take a cruise on a beautifully restored
113-year-old timber sailboat along the river
and through the canals, passing posh waterfront
homes and sleek yachts. En route, Saltwater Eco
Cruises’ Simon Thornalley and his team share the
history of Mooloolaba’s Kabi Kabi people,
information about the local flora and marine life
and serve a meal featuring local bushtucker.
2 Dine at Rice Boi
Join the line at the perennially popular
Rice Boi at The Wharf, and prepare to tuck
into its crowd-pleasing repertoire of modern Asian
street food with headlining dishes including the
10-hour coconut braised beef or barbecue Ora King
salmon in banana leaf and favourites such as katsu
curry fries, duck bao and sticky char sui pork at the
casual and and bustling venue.
3 Soak and sip at Tank Bathhouse
Sip Champagne while you soak in one of
six mineral-rich bubbling baths, all set at a
different temperature, including a frigid one for the
ice-bath aficionados. You can also dip in and out of
Tank Bathhouse’s dry sauna and steam room, or
book in a massage or facial. There’s an onsite cafe
with water views that offers a tapas-style menu.
4 Toast aperitivo hour
Plaster-covered arched walls, touches of
raw wood and a coastal palette give Casita
Wine Bar a Mediterranean vibe. Owner Kate Gear
took inspiration for the bar from her time spent in
France and Spain with husband, former NZ rugby
player Hosea Gear. A short stroll from the
boardwalk, the cocktail list and succinct but
appealing snack menu make it the perfect pit-stop.
5 Swim at the Spit
If the waves at Mooloolaba’s main beach
are too intimidating, or you have little
ones, The Spit is the perfect swim spot. Protected
by a finger of land separating the ocean from the
river, the water is calm, and the soft crescent of
sand is fringed by casuarina trees, offering welcome
shade. Afterwards, nab a picnic table and nip across
the road for a fish and chip takeaway.
6 Feast on a trawler
Dine among the luxury yachts and
catamarans bobbing in the harbour aboard
a retired, restored timber trawler. Prawn Star is
permanently moored at The Wharf, and serves sea-
fresh platters of local tiger prawns, crayfish, bugs
and oysters, along with cold beer, cider and wine.
7 Breakfast at the markets
The vibe is chill at these Saturday morning
markets. There’s a great spread of produce
– spray-free or organic greens, herbs, fruit, bread,
flowers, cheese, meat and more. Grab a coffee and
graze on ready-to-eat treats, from warm, lemon-
curd-filled buttermilk doughnuts to triple cheese
toasties, banh mi, or a flaky almond croissant.
8 Take in the views
It’s a short, easy walk along a shady path to
the historic lighthouse and muraled water
tower sitting on a bluff at Point Cartwright. On one
side is Buddina Beach, on the other, views to
Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headland beaches all
the way to Mount Coolum.
9 Eat like an Italian
A local go-to for more than 40 years, Bella
Venezia’s popularity shows no sign of abating.
The alfresco dining option is a little more
casual, while inside, it’s date-night romantic, with
soft lighting, crisp white napery and a menu of
polished Italian classics. Wine buffs will be
impressed with the 500-strong wine list, some of
which are available by the glass.
10 Take a whisky flight
A beacon to those who are serious
about whisky, or just whisky-curious,
Wat Den’s backlit bar features some of the notable
collection of about 300 bottles sourced from the
best whisky-producing countries in the world –
from the Scottish islands and highlands to Japan.
Staff can guide you through themed whisky flights
or masterclasses. There’s also an inventive and
seasonal cocktail list and drink-friendly snacks.