Mooloolaba Is Totally Underrated. Here’s Why You Should Visit This Winter
As an Australian, I think I speak for us all when I say that we really can’t handle the cold. While people elsewhere in the world can only dream of the temperatures we “endure” during winter, those of us that reside under the Tropic of Capricorn find a way to complain about the short days and below-average weather.
But while we’re dreaming of beach days and short-sleeved t-shirts, Aussies up north are living the dream, proving that heading north for a winter weekend break really is the best way to combat those winter blues. But most of us usually only head to tourist hotspots, forgetting that good weather can be found in other parts of the country, too.
[related_articles]59449[/related_articles]One destination that’s consistently and criminally overlooked is Mooloolaba. Because, if you’re looking for a weekend getaway that won’t break the bank, Mooloolaba has everything you need. And when the average temperature for the Sunshine Coast during June to August is 7 to 22 degrees Celsius, what more could you want?
It’s also the perfect base from which to explore all the Sunshine Coast, with easy-to-navigate roads and public buses that run regularly throughout the region.
Let’s be honest here – Mooloolaba isn’t known for its culinary scene, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some pretty decent places in town. Obviously, the seafood is pretty decent on the Sunshine Coast, and there are plenty of options for fish and chips on Parkyn Parade. Enjoy it down at the beach while you’re watching the sun set.
Alternatively, you can find an impressive range of fresh fish and seafood at the markets if you’d prefer to cook at your accommodation.
If you really can’t go without a trendy cafe or an Instagram-worthy meal, The Velo Project serves farm-fresh food in a vintage-styled environment. And the food is pretty tasty.
It’s also worth noting that, on the second Friday of each month, the Nights On Ocean market in nearby Maroochydore attracts up to 12,000 people, which is pretty impressive when you consider that the town’s population is just 47,600. Aside from the typical market fare, the markets are a great place for street-food style dinner before you grab a drink at the Captain and Duke pop up alleyway bar.
Every Wednesday and Saturday since 1979, the world-famous Eumundi Markets have served up all of your local artesian, harem pant, and gozleme needs.
The markets have an impressive range of items and food stalls, and you can even find things like fortune telling or massages. Even if you’re not that into buying the typical market goods, it’s worth going to get a sense of what life’s like up north.
When it comes to getting out and about, Buderim Forest Park has a lot to offer: a bushwalking trail, BBQ and picnic facilities, water holes and waterfalls. Don’t let the easy accessibility fool you – the park really is a special place to visit if you want to get in touch with nature.
It’s not advisable that you swim in the waterholes, though the cool forest air will probably deter you from wanting to do that, anyway.
If you are keen for a dip, the bus from Mooloolaba to Noosa takes half an hour and runs along the coastline, so make sure you get a window seat for all the views.
How To Get There
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(Lead image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
