Cruise From Brisbane On Quantum Of The Seas

Is this long-weekend cruise from Brisbane the holiday to tick all boxes? Tiana Templeman boards Quantum of the Seas to find out.

Like most long weekends away, ours starts with an early Friday afternoon knock-off, but instead of battling the afternoon traffic on the freeway, we head to the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal. We’re setting sail on a four-night round-trip weekend getaway on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas which departs from our hometown and holds the promise of a unique way to explore our own backyard.

With a port day in Airlie Beach bookended by sea days, we won’t have to worry about getting from one destination to the next, whose turn it is to cook dinner or what to do each evening. It sounds like heaven and we can’t wait to get onboard.

Enjoy a port day at Airlie Beach. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Planning ahead with the Royal Caribbean app

With more than 4000 passengers wanting to make the most of their long weekend, we’ve used the Royal Caribbean app to check in online and pre-book our must-do restaurants, shows and activities that range from skydiving to roller skating, boogie boarding, bumper cars and sightseeing in the North Star viewing capsule.

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas departs from Brisbane.

Plus, there are more dining options than we can poke our forks at. While there are plenty of complimentary restaurants included in our fare, we’ve opted for a three-restaurant speciality dining package so we can eat at all but one of the upmarket for-a-fee restaurants every night.

passengers enjoying the sunset on a paid North Star experience on a sea day, Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas

Watch the sunset from the North Star. (Image: Tiana Templeman)

Friday evening: Dining in Wonderland

With choices ranging from a high-end steakhouse to Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant and sushi at Izumi, it was a tough choice deciding where to eat on our first evening onboard, but Wonderland got our vote for its sense of fun, creativity and tasty food.

From menus that were revealed by ‘painting’ a blank piece of paper with water, to our waiter who delivered each creative dish like he was a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat, the ship’s most innovative speciality restaurant delivered a fantastical dining adventure.

The next day, we embarked on adventures of a different kind during our first day at sea and discovered our ‘relaxing’ cruise was going to be anything but.

Saturday: Embracing thrilling onboard activities

Jumping out of a perfectly good aeroplane is not for everyone – including us – so we’re keen to try the indoor skydiving simulator on the top deck. The nerves kick in while we’re pulling on our flight suits but once we step into the iFly with our instructor and are (literally) floating on air, we can’t wait to re-enter the wind tunnel for our second flight, which is even more fun than the first.

fun in the sun on Quantum of the Seas in the Whitsundays

Soak in the rays by the outdoor pool on deck 14. (Image: Trevor Templeman)

We’re pumped up and ready for more fun so we race downstairs to change into our swimmers and line up to go boogie boarding on the FlowRider surf simulator. Any fears about riding a boogie board with one million litres of water a minute pumping underneath it disappear as we jump onto the simulated wave. Surprisingly, we manage to stay on the board for a while, but it’s going to take a lot more than one weekend cruise before we’re ready to try the stand-up surfing that’s also available.

Later that evening, the North Star viewing capsule is the perfect spot to take in the sunset view over the ocean.

riding the North Star on a sea day at sunset, Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas

Soar over the ship in the North Star observation pod for epic views. (Image: Tiana Templeman)

Dinner is at Jamie’s Italian, followed by the headliner show in the Two70 theatre. We also try the silent disco, which isn’t that silent, as everyone sings while they’re wearing their headphones. After joining a conga line around the dance floor, we finally call it a night.

the dining interior of Jamie’s Italian, Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas

Dine at Jamie’s Italian, one of the ship’s specialty restaurants. (Image: Michel Verdure/Verdure Photo)

Sunday: Port day at Airlie Beach

The next morning, we enjoy a sleep-in and wake up to discover catamarans pulling up alongside the ship to provide complimentary transfers to Airlie Beach. Due to Quantum of the Seas’ size, the ship is anchored offshore but the fast ferry has us at the jetty in minutes.

the Airlie Beach Lagoon dotted with palm trees

Spend time at Airlie Beach Lagoon. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

While there are plenty of great ship excursions to choose from, we opt for a leisurely float in the public swimming lagoon near the centre of town and coffee and cake at a local cafe.

Airlie Beach is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

We’re back onboard in time for a late buffet lunch at the Windjammer marketplace and an afternoon soak in the adults-only Solarium, which has floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views.

Lounge at the adults-only Solarium onboard Quantum of the Seas. (Image: Simon Brooke-Webb)

Sipping cocktails and listening to a jazz quintet, followed by dinner in the complimentary main dining room and an early night, provides the perfect finish to our day in port.

Monday: From dodgem cars to roller skating at sea

Our last sea day is spent chilling on the pool deck, zooming around the SeaPlex, a larger indoor sports arena, on dodgem cars and roller skating for the first time in more than 30 years.

Tuesday: Time to disembark

The next morning we’re one of many passengers waiting at the gangway at 7am with our carry-on bags, ready to stroll off the ship and into the office without needing to take an extra day off work. Our long weekend at sea flew by and ended up being more action-packed than we expected, but also wonderfully relaxing. In short, it was the perfect mini-break.

Cruise itineraries to explore

A similar five-night Queensland cruise onboard Quantum of the Seas will depart Brisbane on 22 March 2024. A six-night cruise stopping at Airlie Beach, Cairns and Willis Island will depart 4 November 2023.

If you’re short on time, three-night cruises are available from Brisbane (onboard Quantum of the Seas; 17 November 2023 and 19 January 2024) and Sydney (onboard Ovation of the Seas; 10 November 2023 and 22 March 2024). These are sampler cruises with no port stops.

an aerial view of Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, Queensland, Australia

Whitehaven Beach is dazzling from above.

Spend a little longer at sea on a seven-night cruise exploring the Queensland coast, departing Brisbane onboard Quantum of the Seas (12 January 2024) or on a nine-night cruise from Sydney onboard Ovation of the Seas (12 January 2024). Ovation of the Seas will also cruise to Tasmania and Adelaide on an eight-night itinerary from Sydney (21 January 2024).

Savour farm-to-fork brunching and creamy coffee at our favourite Mooloolaba cafes.

Slow mornings and brilliantly brewed coffee – they’re my ultimate couple goals. Like most Sunshine Coast beach towns, Mooloolaba delivers the good life in spades. Salty air reliably dials down my stress levels while deep creativity, locally sourced ingredients and magical views make for some of the best cafe culture in the region.

Here, I round up my favourite Mooloolaba cafes, one lazy meal at a time.

In short

If you only dine at one of the best Mooloolaba cafes, make it The Booley for its proximity to the surf, hearty meals and vibrant atmosphere that rolls into afternoon wines.

The shortlist

Hottest new opening: Luca Cafe
Best pastries: Van Wegen’s Pies & Sourdough
Best views: De Ja Vu Cafe & Bar
Hidden gem: The Booley

1. The Velo Project

a plate of strawberry crepe at The Velo Project, Mooloolaba

Skip the everyday breakfast classics and go straight to the crepe menu. (Image: Supplied)

A local’s secret, situated in a quiet street behind the well-trodden Mooloolaba Esplanade, The Velo Project is a converted garage that’s always busy. They roll out such consistently good coffee – I’ve never had one that’s too hot, or too milky or too bitter. Focused on showcasing the region’s freshest produce, the Mooloolaba cafe dishes up brekkie classics dressed in delights, like the avocado smash with roasted garlic and red onion, plus left-of-centre creations including the K. Pop Bagel with beef brisket. If it’s your first time, I highly recommend something off the crepe menu, though. Cooked with buckwheat flour, the bad boys swing sweet or savoury, each lashed in whatever ingredients are thriving at the time (and Nutella, because every season is Nutella season).

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Busy

Location: 19 Careela St, Mooloolaba

2. Luca Cafe

breakfast and coffee at Luca Cafe, Mooloolaba

Tuck into egg and bacon muffins.

I wander away from Mooloolaba Beach to its chilled little sibling, the Mooloolaba Spit, for Luca Cafe, one of the newest Mooloolaba cafes making waves. It’s a good thing because their Banana Bread Iced Matcha is wonderful, as are the friendly staff who welcome me. I’m here early enough to grab a patio table overlooking the street, which fills up quickly, before my Coffee Supreme-bean fix (a killer coffee operation out of New Zealand) hits the spot. The menu covers AM basics like eggs benedict, a big (real big) breakfast and avocado on toast but I go for the seasonal Karaage Stack’s honey-glazed fried chicken on a waffle because you only live once. It’s worth noting that if you don’t make breakfast, lunch offers toasted sandwiches, fish and chips and more.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: 25 Parkyn Pde, Mooloolaba

3. The Booley

a close-up shot of a brunch plate at The Booley, Mooloolaba

Hit up The Booley for a drool-worthy all-day brunch menu.

While The Booley is located right across the road from beautiful Alexandra Headland, it remains a local’s secret, away from Mooloolaba proper. I love it for that reason, and so many others. Open until 1.30pm daily on the ground level of the Grand Palais Boolarong Beachside, the cafe is a laidback hipster haven perfectly suited to your Instagram feed. A drool-worthy all-day brunch menu includes the standout ‘Booley Bangers’ with free-range pork snags and crispy potatoes, plus there are crispy waffles with lemon curd and berries which I spy on multiple tables around me. If you’re around of an afternoon, they also do wine, beer and cocktails, best enjoyed al fresco with a side of salty sea breeze.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Sceney

Location: 188 Alexandra Pde, Alexandra Headland

4. De Ja Vu Cafe & Bar

the croissant special at De Ja Vu Cafe & Bar, Mooloolaba

Make your breakfast the highlight of your day with De Ja Vu’s croissant special.

Lean into the most tourist-trodden part of Mooloolaba with a table at De Ja Vu Cafe & Bar. Endlessly bustling with holidaymakers as it’s located on the ground floor of Mantra Zanzibar Mooloolaba, one of the best Mooloolaba accommodation options, the hot spot invites ample people watching over generously sized meals. Expect early bird classics including Bircher muesli, omelettes, pancakes, bacon and eggs and corn fritters plus inventive extras like ‘The Mexican’ with chorizo, eggs, peri peri sauce and Manchego cheese. Lunch is just as nourishing as burgers, fish and chips, wraps, pasta and nachos roll out of the kitchen.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Hectic

Location: 4/47-51 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

5. Van Wegen’s Pies & Sourdough

frappe and burger at Van Wegen’s Pies & Sourdough, Mooloolaba

Fuel your day with a frappe at Van Wegen’s Pies & Sourdough.

My favourite pit-stop for a fluffy sourdough loaf and sneaky treats. Tucked away in a set of local shops, Van Wegen’s Pies & Sourdough is understated but locals are obsessed. Think homemade savoury pies filled with excellent (not fatty) meat cuts and blistered to golden buttery perfection, plus a revolving collective of glazed buns, giant slices and tarts. No matter when you drop in, the sweets are prepared with love and fly out the door fast. Love your cold brew? The talented crew dabble in their own creations, giving you another reason to check this spot out.

Cuisine: Bakery

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Takeaway

Location: 15/130 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba

6. Local Social Mooloolaba

ham cheese tomato toasties and coffees at Local Social Mooloolaba

Make a beeline for ham, cheese and tomato toasties at Local Social Mooloolaba.

Indulge in a little retail therapy at The Wharf Mooloolaba before dropping into Local Social Mooloolaba for a light bite and quality caffeine hit. Located in the thick of the entertainment precinct, right around the corner from Mooloolaba Esplanade, the slick spot does great coffee, smoothies and shakes plus grab-and-go meals including wraps, acai bowls, bagels and sandwiches. If you’d prefer to tuck in while seated, pull up a bar stool at the breakfast bar.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: Within The Wharf, 123 Parkyn Pde, Mooloolaba

7. 4 Pines Brewing Co. Mooloolaba

a pint of beer at 4 Pines Brewing Co. Mooloolaba

Enjoy a pint at 4 Pines Brewing Co. Mooloolaba.

Of course, it’s a brewery but after a big night, I can’t resist 4 Pines Brewing Co. Mooloolaba’s giant $13 ‘Brekky Special’. Available until 11am on Saturday and Sunday, it’s a heavenly grease feast of bacon, eggs, hashbrown and sourdough toast. Additionally, this Mooloolaba cafe is located on the Esplanade so I’m always grateful for the salty sea breeze that alleviates my morning brain fog. There’s also a long list of morning classics for not-too-many dollars more and several juices and smoothies on the menu.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Pub-style

Location: 105 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

8. The Colombian Coffee Co.

Barista at work in Colombian Coffee Co. in Mooloolaba

The popularity of the cafe has seen it expand to a second location.

Sample local roasting at The Colombian Coffee Co., where beans are crafted in-house much to the delight of early risers across the region. Inspired by the rich flavours of Colombian coffee production, and the owners’ roots, this Mooloolaba cafe is adored locally for its coffee but also for its warm hospitality. It’s been such a hit in recent years that the team opened three other stores around the state. Inside, vintage furniture and scattered greenery create a home-away-from-home while a limited menu offers sandwiches, salads, slices and other grab-and-go treats.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Friendly

Location: 4/20 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba

9. Francis Bean

Francis Bean, a local spot in Alexandra Headland and not the famed American nepo baby, dishes up delicious breakfast and lunch favourites including pancakes with ice cream, chilli scrambled eggs, eggs benedict, and bagels. A good option is diving into the $16 breakfast deal which includes a large coffee and one dish. Their coffee hits the spot, too, as Campos beans fill the machine. Even better, you’re right across the road from the beach so there’s always a seat with a view.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Local

Location: 3 Mari St, Alexandra Headland

10. Half Court Coffee

Another of Mooloolaba’s newer offerings, unveiled in April 2025, Half Court Coffee is a slick ode to caffeine and one helluva sport. Before I enter, I catch a very cute tiny hoop hung above a rubbish bin, and once I’m ordering, I spy stools mirroring basketball shades via vibrant orange legs. Also, the counter was made from old basketball flooring, astonishingly. It makes sense that the operation is the brainchild of Semi-Pro coffee, a hyper-creative team roasting beans out of Brisbane. Pair your silky-smooth caffeine fix with a fresh pastry, as I did, and kick your feet up at one of the outdoors tables where locals converge daily.

Cuisine: Pastries

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Chilled

Location: 1-3 Kyamba Ct, Mooloolaba

11. Bleu Bean Cafe

Savour refined breakfast favourites at Bleu Bean Cafe.

Adored by locals for its seasonal homemade meals and quality caffeine hits, Bleu Bean Cafe is worth venturing just a little further back from the beach for. Take a seat indoors or outdoors and choose from flavour-packed, internationally inspired dishes including a much-loved sweet potato rosti, the Bleu Bean Savoury Mince on toasted sourdough, and a bunch of breakfast regulars. The team also play around with authentic Asian flavours, with a delicious slow-cooked pulled beef pho on the menu during my last visit in June 2025. Visitors can also expect cold-pressed juices blended with healthy spices and herbs.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: 3/104-106 Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba

12. The Good Eats Mooloolaba

Just a few steps down from the Surf Club Mooloolaba, I find The Good Eats Mooloolaba nailing organic plates prepared with love. A coastal fit out sets a serene scene as my chilli eggs with multiple mushroom varieties and pickled chilli slices light up my morning. Consider the ‘Fan Favourite’, too, compiling fresh avocado, tomato, goat’s feta, pistachio dukkah and salsa verde for a total flavour bomb. I’m not a Chai drinker myself, but the table next door is treated to an organic sticky chai with colourful edible petals and I almost order one. A lovely start to any day, just moments from the sand.

Cuisine: Modern Australian and organic

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Calm

Location: 3 River Esplanade, Mooloolaba

A weekend escape on Quantum of the Seas from Brisbane to Airlie Beach

Is this long-weekend cruise from Brisbane the holiday to tick all boxes? Tiana Templeman boards Quantum of the Seas to find out.

Planning ahead with the Royal Caribbean app

Friday evening: Dining in Wonderland

Saturday: Embracing thrilling onboard activities

Sunday: Port day at Airlie Beach

Monday: From dodgem cars to roller skating at sea

Tuesday: Time to disembark

Cruise itineraries to explore

Soak up the sun at our favourite Sunshine Coast beaches

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The most breathtaking waterfalls to chase on the Sunshine Coast

Top 11 things to do on K’gari

12 of the best Mooloolaba cafes for beachside bliss

Savour farm-to-fork brunching and creamy coffee at our favourite Mooloolaba cafes.

In short

The shortlist

1. The Velo Project

2. Luca Cafe

3. The Booley

4. De Ja Vu Cafe & Bar

5. Van Wegen’s Pies & Sourdough

6. Local Social Mooloolaba

7. 4 Pines Brewing Co. Mooloolaba

8. The Colombian Coffee Co.

9. Francis Bean

10. Half Court Coffee

11. Bleu Bean Cafe

12. The Good Eats Mooloolaba