Sunshine Coast achieves world-first biosphere status

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Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has become the only place in the world where three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves sit side-by-side.

The Sunshine Coast Local Government Area was declared a Biosphere by UNESCO, recognising the region as an international site of excellence and an area of natural beauty.

An aerial shot of a kayaker at Double Island Point in Rainbow Beach. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

Sustainable travel options are becoming increasingly important for holidaymakers. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

This adds to the existing Noosa and Great Sandy Biosphere Reserves, meaning three of the five UNESCO Biospheres in Australia are located on the Sunshine Coast. Together they form a biosphere corridor that stretches from the Glass House Mountains in the south, along more than 100km of pristine coastline through Noosa and north to Tin Can Bay.

Snorkelling off Mudjimba Island with a turtle in the forefront. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

Australia currently has five biospheres and three are in the Sunshine Coast. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

Visit Sunshine Coast chief executive officer Matt Stoeckel said the new biosphere credentials will reinforce the Sunshine Coast’s position globally as one of Australia’s leading nature-based destinations.

“The Sunshine Coast has long been a favourite destination for people seeking nature-based experiences and beautiful landscapes," he said.

“Our environment is what makes us special, and it’s not something the tourism industry here takes for granted.

“We have some great examples of sustainable and eco-certified operators, including tours where visitors are encouraged to carbon offset their travel, and accommodation providers where rainwater is captured and recycled, and all scraps and green waste composted.

“But it goes deeper than this, with locals and the tourism industry alike passionate about sharing what is special about our environment and educating others about the importance of sustainability. Caring for where we live is very much a way of life."

A view of the sun rising or setting over Mount Ngungun in the Sunshine Coast. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

The biosphere corridor stretches from the Glass House Mountains in the south, along more than 100km of pristine coastline. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

The announcement comes as research shows preferencing sustainable travel options is becoming increasingly important for holidaymakers. Eco-certified experiences on the Sunshine Coast include Saltwater Eco Tours, Glass House Mountains Ecolodge, Sunreef Mooloolaba and Terele Brewing.

A couple walk along the beach at Point Cartwright. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

There are currently 738 biosphere reserves in the world. (Image: Visit Sunshine Coast)

Australia currently has five biospheres – Sunshine Coast Biosphere Reserve, Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve, and Noosa Biosphere Reserve in Queensland, Fitzgerald Biosphere Reserve in Western Australia, and Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve in Victoria. There are currently 738 biosphere reserves in 134 countries.

Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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12 of the best Mooloolaba cafes for beachside bliss

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

breakfast at Bleu Bean Cafe, Mooloolaba

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