14 of the best Mooloolaba accommodation picks

By Kristie Lau-Adams
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From luxury beachfront resorts to budget-busting retreats, there’s no shortage of made-to-fit Mooloolaba accommodation.

For a small coastal suburb no larger than four square kilometres, mellow Mooloolaba packs a serious punch in the accommodation stakes. Spanning state-of-the-art apartments, boutique villas and beachfront gems, super-comfortable stays flow throughout the Sunshine Coast beach town. We’ve shortlisted our favourite Mooloolaba accommodation, no matter who you’re travelling with, for you to browse and book with ease.

Aerial view of Mooloolaba Beach

You’ll want to be as close to Mooloolaba Beach as possible when choosing where to stay. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

1. Oceans Mooloolaba Beach

Price: $$$$

The suburb’s only official five-star resort, Oceans Mooloolaba is managed by the same team behind Noosa’s beautiful On The Beach Noosa Resort and Tingirana Noosa, which explains Oceans’ chic coastal ambience.

Home to 46 5-star suites and penthouses, each decked out with modern interiors, plush bedding, and Nespresso coffee machines, the Mooloolaba accommodation features a 25-metre lap pool, kids’ wading pool, heated spa, gym, undercover parking, and a small theatre complete with leather chairs.

Couple enjoy pool at Oceans Mooloolaba Beach

Enjoy views of the beach while swimming at the resort pool. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address: 101-105 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

2. Breeze Mooloolaba Beach

Price: $$-$$$

You’ll spot its unique curvilinear design a mile away. The luxurious Breeze Mooloolaba Beach is situated on the corner of Meta Street and Mooloolaba Esplanade and offers architecturally designed apartments overlooking the ocean.

a two-bedroom apartment with living room overlooking the ocean at Breeze Mooloolaba Beach

Stay in a two-bedroom apartment with panoramic ocean views at Breeze Mooloolaba Beach.

Inside, choose from modern one- or two-bedroom apartments or the ground-level three-bedroom apartments. Whatever your poison, state-of-the-art technology, expansive balconies, and sophisticated interiors await, as does a pool, spa, secure undercover parking, and barbecue facilities.

the lobby at Breeze Mooloolaba Beach

The resort offers state-of-the-art facilities.

Address: 3 Meta Street, Mooloolaba

3. The Peninsula Mooloolaba

Price: $$-$$$

You’ll score instant access to some of the best Mooloolaba restaurants and bars with a stay at The Peninsula Mooloolaba. Located in the heart of its retail and dining hub on the Esplanade, the popular apartment and penthouse accommodation is conveniently located across from the beach. One, two, and three-bedroom self-contained holiday apartments and penthouses are up for grabs, and while the rooms aren’t as new as others in town, they’re packed with all the amenities you need with many offering sweeping water views. The accommodation also features a heated pool, spa, sauna, gym, tennis court, and undercover parking.

Address: 13 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

4. Mantra Zanzibar Mooloolaba

Price: $$$

One of three Mantra properties in Mooloolaba, Mantra Zanzibar is located right on Mooloolaba Esplanade, so it’s the closest to the action. Pick from two and three-bedroom self-contained apartments or penthouses, each with subtle Moroccan-inspired designs, large balconies, comfortable lounge and dining areas, and plenty of natural light. Amenities include a heated pool, gym, spa, business facilities, and barbecues.

Address: 47-51 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

5. Mantra Mooloolaba Beach

Price: $$$

Just a 10-minute walk from the ocean, Mantra Mooloolaba Beach is one of the original luxury hotels in the area, and it embraces the laidback beauty of the Sunshine Coast. The 191 one- or two- or three-bedroom apartments offer private balconies with soothing ocean or hinterland views. Onsite, you’ll find a rooftop observation deck, heated outdoor pool and indoor pool, spa, sauna, business facilities, barbecue facilities, a gym, and undercover parking. Plus, they do room service – a major lazy holiday win.

Address: 7 Venning Street, Mooloolaba

6. Mantra Sirocco

Price: $$$

A slightly more stripped-back Mantra choice compared with the chain’s Mooloolaba counterparts, Mantra Sirocco is still brilliantly situated in the heart of town on the Esplanade. Rooms range from two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments to a penthouse. All are spacious and well-appointed, but those looking for a bit of luxury should book the penthouse as it comes with a private rooftop spa and barbecue. There’s a heated pool and spa for relaxing while admiring the ocean views, plus a gym, a poolside entertaining area, and undercover parking.

Address: 59-75 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

7. Landmark Resort and Spa

Price: $$

There are a variety of rooms to settle into at this beachfront stay, but the biggest drawcard is the heated tropical lagoon-style pool.

The lagoon pool at Landmark Resort Mooloolaba

The heated lagoon pool is the resort’s biggest drawcard for families.

Landmark Resort and Spa provides great family-friendly Mooloolaba accommodation right on the Esplanade, with that pool arriving alongside a kids’ wading pool and sun loungers.

an aerial view of the Landmark Resort and Spa right on the beach in Mooloolaba

Just a stone’s throw away from the beach, Landmark Resort and Spa offers a great base right on the Esplanade.

Additionally, there’s a rooftop spa to sink into between restful hangs in your studio suite or one-, two-, or three-bedroom stays. Elsewhere, there’s a sauna and gym while an on-site day spa begs to be booked.

the two-bedroom room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea at Landmark Resort and Spa, Mooloolaba

Apartments range from studio to three-bedroom in size.

Address: 11 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

8. Coco Mooloolaba

Price: $$$

A beautiful stay located on the street behind the Esplanade, Coco Mooloolaba is contemporary, comfortable and caters to all types of visitors. There are deluxe one and two-bedroom apartments to choose from, each fitted with large balconies, fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and modern bathrooms.

You’ll also find a heated pool, spa and undercover barbecue facilities onsite, plus they loan out beach cabanas, beach carts and chairs, and children’s beach toys for the day.

a couple walking on the poolside at Coco Mooloolaba

Coco Mooloolaba is a perfect spot to unwind. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address: 79-83 First Avenue, Mooloolaba

9. First Light Mooloolaba

Price: $$$

Looking for a state-of-the-art self-contained apartment to live out your executive living dreams? First Light Mooloolaba is endlessly slick and located just one street behind the Esplanade.

the bedroom at First Light Mooloolaba Bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows

Wake up to stunning ocean views from bed.

A collection of one- or two- or three-bedroom apartments feature secure floor-to-ceiling glass doors that let sparkling ocean views flow in. There’s also a pool, sunloungers, barbecue facilities, a gym, and secure undercover parking.

the indoor pool of First Light Mooloolaba

There’s also a pool with sunloungers to take advantage of during your stay.

Address: 25 First Avenue, Mooloolaba

10. The Villas Mooloolaba

Price: $$$

Say no to cookie cutter and embrace a boutique stay located on a quiet Mooloolaba backstreet. The Villas Mooloolaba is home to four beautifully styled villas, scattered with coastal-chic finishes and Instagram-friendly interiors.

the outdoor seating area at The Villas Mooloolaba

Check into one of the beautifully styled villas.

Each villa features two bedrooms and modern bathrooms plus there are either balconies or private terraces to lounge upon. A circular plunge pool and outdoor shower make for ideal spots to unwind, and there are several grassy areas for little ones to explore. If you’ve got a large group, you can even rent out the entire space which sleeps up to 16 people.

the shower area inside The Villas Mooloolaba

Each villa comes with coastal-chic finishes.

Address: 2 Barooga Crescent, Mooloolaba

11. Pandanus Mooloolaba

Price: $$$

Providing ideal digs for family getaways, Pandanus Mooloolaba offers 35 roomy apartments spanning one- or two- and three- or four-bedroom options. They’re fitted with large lounge and dining areas so there’s plenty of space for self-catered family meals. Elsewhere, you’ll find a pool, spa, gym, and secure parking, plus, you’re on a quiet street within walking distance from the Esplanade so you’re central without the crowds.

Address: 21 Smith Street, Mooloolaba

12. Sea Pearl Mooloolaba

Price: $$$$

Treat yourself to a luxurious open-plan apartment stay at Sea Pearl Mooloolaba, located right on Mooloolaba Esplanade. Two and three-bedroom options are available spanning ‘Deluxe’ and ‘Luxe’ options with ocean views and high-end furnishings. Sea Pearl takes things up a notch with an in-room dining experience you can opt for, where a personal chef and sommelier work their magic from the comfort of your room. There’s also an ocean-fronting pool, private cinema, spa, and day spa located onsite.

Address: 87 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba

13. La Vida Airbnb

Price: $$$$

Sleeping up to six guests, La Vida is an idyllic coastal oasis for groups, providing total privacy within a short stroll from the beach. This beachy Airbnb is perfectly set up for summer getaways with its swimming pool, sunloungers, and outdoor dining setting.

a whitewashed living room interior at La Vida Airbnb

La Vida Airbnb offers a simple yet stylish accommodation option in Mooloolaba.

Inside, you’ll find stylish and spacious bedrooms with linen bedding, a luxurious bathtub, a 50-inch television, a Nespresso coffee machine, barbecue utensils, and beach essentials including towels, an umbrella and snorkelling gear.

a close-up shot of the bed at La Vida Airbnb

The property can sleep up to six guests.

Address: 2 Lawrence Street, Mooloolaba

14. Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park

Price: $

You don’t need to be cashed up to enjoy this easy, breezy Sunshine Coast beach town. Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park is a sensational option for budget-conscious families, situated right next to The Surf Club Mooloolaba and within walking distance to The Wharf. While there aren’t any cabins, powered caravan and camping sites are available right on the beach and there’s a camp kitchen, amenities block, laundry facilities, and free wi-fi.

Address: 100 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba

Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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The luxurious Australia Zoo cabins you’ll share with freshwater crocs

    By Kristie Lau-Adams
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    The newest digs at Australia Zoo’s Crocodile Hunter Lodge blend five-star fixtures with freshwater fauna for one of the country’s most spectacular overnight stays.

    A watercoloured haze of sunrise pink pulls me to the outdoor deck where my bleary eyes focus on the invasion at my feet. One. Two. Three, four. Five… no way. Six? Yes way. Six crocodiles float motionless in a lagoon on the other side of the glass wall I’m pressed against. The sight is so overwhelmingly unexpected and spine-tingling that I audibly squeak. I swear the chunkiest one eyeballs me.

    Freshwater crocodiles at the Crocodile Cabins

    Share your stay with the resident crocodiles. (Image: Australia Zoo)

    I’ve woken up inside one of just four Crocodile Cabins, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge’s newest two-storey, two-bedroom stays right off Australia Zoo in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. It’s a morning view you will not find elsewhere on earth and to be dressed in a fluffy white robe and custom-branded slippers, as a heated private plunge pool dazzles beside me, is surreal. This is five-star luxury with 24/7 live entertainment in the middle of birdsong-freckled Australian bushland and it’s only 6:20 in the morning. Crikey doesn’t begin to describe the exhilaration right now.

    View of the deck of the Crocodile Cabins at Australia Zoo

    The lagoon is home to 10 crocodiles. (Image: Australia Zoo)

    Location

    Aerial view of Australia Zoo featuring the Glasshouse Mountains

    The Glasshouse Mountains are the backdrop of Australia Zoo. (Image: Australia Zoo)

    Found in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge’s Crocodile Cabins are immersed in pristine bushland. The sublime Glass House Mountains are less than 10 minutes’ drive from the lodge and their famed abrupt, narrow volcanic peaks are seen along your journey via Steve Irwin Way. A two-minute drive around the corner from Australia Zoo on Steve Irwin Way, the Crocodile Cabins are adjacent to a natural freshwater pond that houses 10 crocodiles. The pond is also home to an exceptionally brave raft of ducks and endangered Mary River turtles. In cabin number 18, where I’m staying with my husband and two children, the second floor offers glimpses of a mountainous landscape that instils deep serenity.

    Style and character

    Exterior of the Crocodile Cabins at Australia Zoo with kangaroos grazing

    The luxe new Crocodile Cabins were designed to reflect a luxury woolshed aesthetic. (Image: Australia Zoo)

    The Crocodile Hunter Lodge connects to its unblemished surrounds via raw materials including recycled timber, black steel, soft LED lighting that glows sunset-caramel and rammed earth walls. The designers were going for “luxury woolshed” so while the main building, original Red Kangaroo, Emu and Black Cockatoo cabins, and brand-new Crocodile Cabins ooze sophistication, nothing looks out of place.

    It wholly embraces the wildlife that originally inhabited the land, as two Diamond pythons are enclosed within the main reception area and Cunningham skinks and a bearded dragon greet you right out front. Kangaroos chill, koalas snooze, bush turkeys lurk and lorikeets, finches and ducks glide throughout the entire property.

    Facilities and services

    The 25-metre heated Billabong infinity pool at the Crocodile Hunter's Lodge

    Take a dip in the croc-free heated Billabong pool. (Image: Australia Zoo)

    The star of the show is The Billabong, a 25-metre heated infinity pool set against a grassy lawn dotted with red kangaroos, koalas and a hot-lapping emu. Speaking of which, at 5pm daily, a zookeeper pops around to answer guest questions about The Crocodile Hunter Lodge’s resident wildlife — an experience I seize to wrap my head around why that emu won’t stop pacing. The answer? He’s on heat and looking for a mate. Makes sense, the poor fella.

    Emu at Australia Zoo

    The local zookeeper visits each afternoon to answer any wildlife-related questions. (Image: Australia Zoo)

    Additionally, there’s a washing machine and yoga mat in each of the Crocodile Cabins, a gift shop near the hotel’s reception, 24-hour concierge, fast wi-fi, the on-site Warrior Restaurant and Bar (more on that below), and a minivan service that takes guests to Australia Zoo and back between 8:30am and 5pm daily.

    The cabin

    Interior lounge and deck area of Crocodile Cabins at Australia Zoo

    The light-filled interior is a welcoming sight. (Image: Australia Zoo)

    While it’s luxe all the way, this is Irwin country — wildlife fascination, and khaki, is unavoidable. That said, I enter the Crocodile Cabin, and it feels like an auction winner on The Block. A soaring eight-metre ceiling opens the living room into another stratosphere while large glass panels stream natural light and shimmer off that heavenly plunge pool. A huge, fully equipped kitchen with white cabinetry and sleek black handles is the stuff of Pinterest dreams while a Fisher & Paykel stovetop and dishwasher, Bosch in-built fridge, and Tefal pots and pans refine holiday cooking. A contemporary timber dining table by Sydney’s Kave Home brings modern farmhouse vibes while a Samsung Smart TV powers down into a photograph of the Glass House Mountains, taken by Robert Irwin, to dial up the tech. It’s big, bold and beautiful.

    The bedrooms give views of the lagoon at Crocodile Cabins

    The upstairs bedrooms deliver sweeping views of the croc-filled lagoon below. (Image: Australia Zoo)

    What of those neighbouring crocs? Slithering between pond and lagoon, sunbaking on small patches of grass and even adults-only “snuggling” (particularly in the evenings when action gets hilariously loud) offer round-the-clock viewing. It’s not just my children racing out in their pyjamas the following morning to see what they’re up to. These reptiles are totally enthralling, fascinatingly prehistoric and especially endearing given their group size. You’ll count all 10 during an overnight stay with the babies of the bask proving adorable — a word I never previously associated with crocodiles. But here, I’m in love.

    Equally charming are the cabin’s personality pops that pay tribute to Australia’s first family. From animated caricatures of the late, great Steve Irwin, his wife Terri, their son Robert and daughter Bindi, to animal facts shared via the deck’s walls and a door mat emblazoned with ‘Crikey!’, the Irwins share intimate pieces of themselves. Even the toilet paper and paper towels are khaki in colour, sparking their trademark joy unexpectedly.

    Dining room at the Crocodile Cabins in Australia Zoo

    Indigenous artwork adorns the walls of the dining area. (Image: Australia Zoo)

    Nature-inspired wallpaper lights up each bedroom while a large Indigenous artwork is mesmerising in the dining room. Indigenous prints are also spotted across cushions, subtly energising the open-plan living and dining. The Crocodile Cabins are considered, authentic odes to their surroundings — and I struggle to compare their warmth to anywhere else I’ve ever stayed.

    Food and drink

    Fresh produce from the garden at Warrior Restaurant and Bar

    The spotlight is firmly on the fresh local produce at Warrior Restaurant and Bar. (Image: Australia Zoo)

    Warrior Restaurant and Bar is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, located within walking distance to the Crocodile Cabins (don’t miss the ‘Native Food Hill’ just right of the dirt road near the small staff-only zone — an edible garden of vegies and herbs that fuel the kitchen). You can sit inside to watch its open-plan kitchen or outside on the patio overlooking those roos. My family and I are officially wildlife warriors after checking into the Crocodile Cabins so heading outside for another chance to admire the animals is a no-brainer.

    Breakfast options at Warrior Restaurant and Bar

    Breakfast is included for hotel guests. (Image: Australia Zoo)

    As a hotel guest, one dish off the breakfast menu and two drinks are included, plus your group scores a complimentary fruit platter. Warrior has earned itself a solid reputation on the Sunshine Coast for elegantly showcasing the region’s nutrient-dense produce, and these skills are on full display even at 7:30am. Locally sourced sourdough is topped with earthy, nutty Rocky Creek mushrooms from nearby Kiamba, Little White goat cheese from nearby Wamuran, and free-range eggs to craft the ‘Sunny Coast Toast’. Meanwhile, my children fill their fists with apple and cinnamon pancakes, house-made apple jam and vanilla ice cream before they’re licking their plates clean. They also beg me for the adorable croc-shaped chocolate that appears on the teaspoon by my latte, but I pretend I can’t hear them and drop it into my creamy caffeine hit without a glimmer of guilt.

    In the afternoon, cocktails by the Warrior team turn infinity pool frolicking into the happiest of hours. My husband’s espresso martini, safely served in a plastic glass, is so nice he orders it twice while I request extra heat in my second chilli margarita. Two chunky slices of fresh chilli from the garden, seeds intact, are promptly introduced. It does the trick and I’m back to koala spotting in style.

    Dinner at Warrior Restaurant and Bar

    The well-rounded menu at Warrior Restaurant and Bar will keep the whole family satisfied. (Image: Australia Zoo)

    Dinner at Warrior brings a mixed bag of families, couples and large groups, clearly attracting non-hotel guests in the evening. My slow-braised beef Rendang curry, paired with cardamom rice and finished with toasted coconut, peanuts, fried rice noodles and pickled cucumber, melts in the mouth. The kids smash their mini-Wagyu burgers and thick-cut chips before moving onto the colouring-in activities our waiter places in front of them.

    If leaving your Crocodile Cabin proves too tempting, it’s worth noting that Warrior’s entire menu can be ordered to your room between 7am and 9pm. In-room dining also extends to an ‘Afternoon Snacks’ menu which includes a beautiful ‘Woombye Cheese Plate’ of four locally produced cheeses (Woombye Cheese Company is famed throughout Queensland, particularly their award-winning washed rind). An antipasto platter, sliders and chips are also available between 3pm and 5pm.

    Do the Crocodile Hunter Lodge’s Crocodile Cabins provide access for guests with disabilities?

    While the Crocodile Hunter Lodge offers two specific accommodation options for guests with access needs, the Crocodile Cabins are not designed to be accessible. The upstairs level is only reachable via a staircase. Facility-wise, however, the infinity pool is fitted with a pool hoist, wide deck area, wide access ramp, a spacious and fully equipped bathroom (with a shower and shower seat) and accessible car parking right in front of the adjacent main building.

    Warrior Restaurant and Bar also has its own accessible bathrooms, plus it’s located on the ground level, while the minivan shuttle to Australia Zoo is also wheelchair accessible.

    Are the Crocodile Hunter Lodge’s Crocodile Cabins family-friendly?

    The deck at Crocodile Cabins Australia Zoo

    The two-storey cabins are made for families. (Image: Australia Zoo)

    Yes, from every angle. While the cabins are styled without super-fragile furnishings or itty-bitty choking hazards, family-friendly amenities can also be arranged. High chairs and portacots are on the list, as are incredibly thoughtful items for babies like nappy bins and bottle sanitisers.

    Additionally, a ‘Treat yourself!’ mini bar-style set up in the kitchen includes purchasable items like a plush toy, ‘Snap’ card game, reusable colouring mat and puzzle. My personal cherry on top? A few days prior to check-in, I received an email from the reservations team to confirm my preferred bed configuration in both bedrooms — single beds or Kings, the choice was mine. How impressive.

    Are the Crocodile Hunter Lodge’s Crocodile Cabins pet-friendly?

    Sadly, the only four-legged creatures invited to sleep over are the crocs and their fellow resident critters. The team explain that domestic pets like dogs and cats may pose hygiene and safety issues for the accommodation’s native animals, but registered service and guide dogs are all good if you get in touch before you arrive.

    Do the Crocodile Hunter Lodge’s Crocodile Cabins serve as wedding accommodation?

    You’re more than welcome to book all four cabins if they’re available, but there’s no wedding accommodation package as such. The Crocodile Hunter Lodge does offer wedding ceremony packages (up to 30 guests) that incorporate the on-site Ironbark Paddock events space, plus there are wedding reception packages within Warrior Restaurant and Bar for up to 30 guests.

    Details

    Best for: Families looking to elevate a zoo visit and, of course, animal lovers.

    Address: 88 Irwin Rd, Beerwah, QLD

    Getting there: The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is a two-minute drive from Australia Zoo, which is a one-hour drive north of Brisbane. The nearest airport is Sunshine Coast Airport, which is a 30-minute drive from the accommodation. Direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and Cairns run regularly.

    Tex the Koala at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

    A stay at the Crocodile Cabins also gets you zoo access and a ‘Sneak Peek’ entry to Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. (Image: Australia Zoo)

    Price: From $2,099 per night for up to four guests. This includes daily breakfast at Warrior Restaurant and Bar for each guest, a $150 dining voucher for Warrior Restaurant and Bar, daily Australia Zoo entry for each guest, ‘Sneak Peek’ entry to Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for each guest, a welcome gift and regular minivan shuttle service to Australia Zoo.

    Check-in process: Pick up your key from reception — a short walk or a minute’s drive from the cabins — any time from 2pm. There’s one undercover car space, plus a driveway at each cabin to conveniently house an additional car.