Considering where to stay in Mooloolaba but don’t know where to pick!
We’re from Queensland so we know a thing or two about accommodation options in Mooloolaba having holidayed for years in Mools growing up. It’s just a place you never get sick of as it is just so picturesque.
What we also love about the Sunshine Coast coastal town of Mooloolaba is that there are tonnes of awesome things to do in Mooloolaba – some of our best memories are in Mooloolaba including swimming with humpback whales, sipping a coffee on the beach (Mooloolaba has great cafes) and eating at some of the best restaurants in Mooloolaba (It has in our opinion some of the best food in the Sunshine State).
Along with awesome activities, there are also many great places to stay in Mooloolaba from epic luxury hotels to self catered accommodation for larger groups on the Sunshine Coast to sweet boutique hotels. Keep reading for the best accommodation options in Mooloolaba for every budget and type of traveller.
Mooloolaba’s Location
If you are not familiar with it, Mooloolaba is located about 1.5 hours drive from Brisbane and about an hour’s drive from Noosa.
You can visit on a day trip from Brisbane but it is recommended to stay at least 3 nights in Mooloolaba to really soak up everything the cute town on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has to offer. Many people choose to stay a week or longer which is ideal to really relax and explore the surrounding area.
It is popular with people from New Zealand and we all know how picturesque New Zealand is so it must be pretty good 😉
Being 10 minutes drive from Alexandra Headlands and Maroochydore and 30 minutes drive to Maleny and Montville in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, it is the perfect base to explore the Sunshine State’s magical coastline and hinterland areas.
Where to stay in Mooloolaba?
Accommodation on Mooloolaba Esplanade **Best Place to Stay in Mooloolaba**
In our opinion, the single best place to stay in Mooloolaba is in accommodation on the Mooloolaba Esplanade, a street which is directly parallel to the Mooloolaba beach and has the majority of Mooloolaba’s best restaurants, bars and cafes on it.
Mooloolaba isn’t a big town so one end of Mooloolaba esplanade to another might only take you 20 minutes (max) to walk. For this reason, virtually anything you book right on Mooloolaba esplanade will be fine.
I know pretty much all the hotels on Mooloolaba esplanade and they are all okay. The Landmark Resort is a bit older these days but it’s still fine.
See here for the best rates and review for accommodation on Mooloolaba Esplanade.
Boys at Christmas on Mooloolaba Beach. It’s very popular at Christmas and New Years eve so book in advance if you want these peak times.
Here are some of our individual recommendations:
This two bedroom apartment is located directly across the road from the famous Mooloolaba beach on Mooloolaba Esplanade.
This apartment is managed by the owner as part of the larger Windward Complex. I have family who recently stayed in this exact apartment and they preferred it to booking direct through the complex as it was more updated and had nicer furniture.
The apartment is upstairs, downstairs with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It includes all the essentials like a coffee machine, washing machine. It also has access to a communal swimming pool and BBQ area.
Note: This apartment is usually only available for longer stays (5+ nights) so if you want a shorter stay, we would recommend staying in the Windward Complex.
Book your stay and see reviews here.
Oceans Mooloolaba
If I can justify the price, this is where I stay if I am coming to Mooloolaba. It is a luxury hotel so it can be a bit pricey, especially during public holidays but it is massively worth it. One of the best beachfront accommodation in Mooloolaba.
Each rooms contain awesome balconies with sweeping views of the sea. Of course the hotel also includes free WiFi and great outdoor pools and facilities for guests to use.
Rooms at Oceans Mooloolaba boast a completely unique blend of minimalist design with ultramodern technology. All furnishings and interior décor showcase a combination of soft shades and sleek contours.
Oceans Mooloolaba also has a steam room, a hot tub and health centre. There’s additionally a sophisticated private theatre along with a projector, leather-based seating and integrated wall audio system.
The hotel is close by to lots of fun things to do in Mooloolaba and the sunshine coast. It is a 25 minute drive to Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo.
One of the best resorts in Mooloolaba without question.
Book your stay and see reviews here.
Mantra Zanzibar
Zanzibar presents a selection of independent condominiums boasting breathtaking ocean vistas, all conveniently situated within walking distance of an array of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Choose from a range of 2 and 3-bedroom condominiums, each thoughtfully adorned with East African decor and equipped with a fully furnished kitchen, spacious closets, televisions with digital programming, and private wardrobes.
The leisure amenities at Mantra Zanzibar encompass a heated pool, a relaxing hot tub, and a well-equipped fitness center.
Nestled in Mooloolaba, Mantra Zanzibar stands as one of the premier resorts on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The area offers an abundance of exciting activities, including fishing, swimming, ocean kayaking, sailing, and jet skiing, ensuring an unforgettable experience for guests.
Accommodation on First Avenue
First Avenue is the street one back from Mooloolaba Esplanade. What we really love about staying on First Avenue is that you can often get better hotel deals than staying right on the front of Mooloolaba Esplanade.
Here are some of the best accommodation options in First Avenue:
Beach Club Resort Mooloolaba
If you are looking for cheap accommodation in Mooloolaba, this is a good choice.
The Beach Club Resort Mooloolaba presents units featuring balconies, all within a mere 400 meters of the shoreline. This delightful establishment boasts an outdoor swimming pool, a rooftop sun deck complete with a rejuvenating hot tub and comfortable lounge chairs. In addition to these amenities, this tropical sanctuary offers a shallow children’s pool, a barbecue area, sauna, fitness center, and a communal gathering space.
The rooftop provides an abundance of opportunities for sunbathing, with both standing and seated tables where you can savor your favorite beverages before embarking on an evening adventure.
Every air-conditioned unit at the Beach Club Resort Mooloolaba boasts a spacious living area equipped with satellite TV and a DVD player. The kitchen is fully appointed with a microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher, making it perfect for extended stays. For those seeking a longer beachside getaway, a clothes washer is also included.
The Beach Club Resort Mooloolaba is conveniently located a mere 15-minute stroll away from Underwater World. If you’re planning a visit to Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, it’s just a 30-minute drive from the resort. Additionally, the Mooloolah River National Park is situated just 6.5 kilometers from the accommodation.
Guests can take advantage of the well-equipped fitness center or enjoy some leisure time in the games room provided by the Beach Club Mooloolaba.
Accommodation in Alexandra Headlands
Alexandra headlands (or Alex as the locals would say) is so close to Mooloolaba you can literally walk. If you don’t find anything suitable in Mooloolaba, searching for accommodation in Alex is another good option.
Alexandra Headlands is a good location in its own right. I personally think the surf club at Alexandra Headlands beats the Mooloolaba surf club (and it’s cheaper).
The cool thing about Alex is that it tends to be a bit cheaper than Mooloolaba. It is also the best place to stay in Mooloolaba for surfers.
Alexandra on the Pacific
Nestled atop a hill, Alexandra on the Pacific offers splendid independent condominiums, many of which boast breathtaking beachfront vistas. This property is conveniently located just a 5-minute stroll away from the pristine Mooloolaba Beach. Within the complex, guests can enjoy access to a refreshing pool, a relaxing spa pool, and a designated BBQ area.
Situated on the picturesque Sunshine Coast, the Alexandra and Mariner apartments are merely a 15-minute drive from Sunshine Coast Airport, with secure parking facilities provided for your convenience. Within a leisurely 10-minute walk, you’ll find a plethora of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore.
Each apartment at Alexandra on the Pacific features spacious living and dining areas, along with generously sized bedrooms. Most of the condos offer the luxury of a spa shower, and all come equipped with fully stocked kitchens, ample wardrobes, and WiFi connectivity.
During peak seasons or weekends, finding affordable accommodation in Mooloolaba can be quite challenging. Therefore, options like Alexandra on the Pacific in Alexandra Headland can prove to be a more economical and attractive choice for travelers.
Best Place to Stay in Mooloolaba for Families
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Situated on The Esplanade, Mantra Mooloolaba Beach highlights 2 warmed pools and a housetop deck offering beautiful city and ocean sees. The revamped suites gloat an overhang and a spa shower. It is 10 minutes’ stroll from Mooloolaba Beach.
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach Hotel is simply meters from a few shops, eateries and public vehicle. It is 15 minutes’ drive from Sunshine Coast Airport and Noosa Heads. Brisbane is an hour and a half’s drive away.
Every one of the cooled suites offer polished style, a kitchenette or completely prepared kitchen, a dining setting and clothing space. All incorporate a parlor region with a couch and a flat screen TV.
One of the best hotels on the Mooloolaba Esplanade.
Best Place to Stay in Mooloolaba for Couples – Breeze Mooloolaba, Ascend Hotel Collection
Breeze Mooloolaba, an Ascend hotel, offers a fantastic location in Mooloolaba, situated less than a five-minute stroll from Mooloolaba Beach. Within a convenient 10-minute walk, you’ll find an array of local shops, restaurants, and charming cafes. Moreover, there are plenty of other enjoyable attractions nearby, such as the Aquarium.
Each of the air-conditioned apartments is well-appointed with a fully equipped kitchen featuring modern amenities like a dishwasher, oven, microwave, toaster, fridge, and kettle. Additionally, apartments come stocked with toiletries, hairdryers, and flat-screen televisions. Most rooms at the hotel also boast a private balcony, adding to the overall comfort of your stay.
For travelers arriving by air, Sunshine Coast Maroochydore Airport is the closest, located just 8 kilometers away from the property.
Best Mid Range Accommodation – Newport Mooloolaba Apartments
The ground floor hosts a variety of motel-style rooms, delivering exceptional value due to their prime location in Mooloolaba. These rooms offer ample space and come equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable stay, including air-conditioning, a convenient kitchenette featuring a fridge, and a television, among other amenities.
Alternatively, the property also presents a selection of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments, each complete with its own fully equipped kitchen and a private balcony boasting delightful views. While the apartments may entail a higher cost, they prove particularly suitable for extended stays or larger groups.
Within the complex, guests can take advantage of numerous outstanding facilities, such as a heated outdoor swimming pool, a relaxing sauna, and convenient barbecue facilities. Complimentary private parking is also provided, offering an ideal solution, as the most convenient way to reach Mooloolaba is by car.
Best Luxury – Mantra Sirocco
The Mantra Sirocco Aparthotel stands out as one of Mooloolaba’s finest luxury accommodation choices. Positioned practically right on the beachfront, nestled along Mooloolaba Esplanade, this lodging option boasts an exceptional location with effortless access to a diverse array of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops.
This is an ideal retreat if you desire to spend your days basking in the sun on the beach, and you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy the hotel’s expansive heated outdoor pool. Beyond the inviting pool, this upscale hotel features a fitness center, convenient barbecue facilities, complimentary private parking, and much more.
The property presents two-bedroom apartments that come complete with a private balcony offering breathtaking sea views, a fully equipped kitchen, air-conditioning, cable TV, and a host of other amenities. Both the standard and executive apartments are generously proportioned and exude a contemporary flair, making them an excellent home base for your Mooloolaba holiday.
Boutique accommodation in Mooloolaba – Lillypilly Bed and Breakfast
Lillypilly Bed and Breakfast is thought by many to be one of the best places to stay in Mooloolaba, consistently earning top ratings in the region. Situated just a brief 5-minute drive or a leisurely 25-minute stroll from Mooloolaba Beach, this property offers a serene setting while maintaining proximity to an array of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops.
Set amidst an enchanting garden, the property boasts a charming swimming pool and inviting sun loungers, creating an idyllic environment for relaxation. For those seeking culinary delights, barbecue facilities are readily available, and complimentary bicycles are on hand for those looking to explore the town on two wheels.
With only two rooms on the property, each equipped with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV featuring satellite channels, and a convenient kitchenette, guests can relish a comfortable and private retreat. The ground-floor room boasts its own secluded patio, while the upper-level room offers a private balcony. Given the limited number of rooms, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the facilities with few, if any, other guests – perhaps even having the pool all to yourself!
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