A comprehensive guide to whale watching on the Sunshine Coast

By Megan Arkinstall
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The Sunshine Coast serves up some of the best whale watching in Australia.

When it comes to whale watching, the Sunshine Coast has the absolute goods. Stretching from Caloundra to Rainbow Beach, the Sunshine Coast occupies 100 kilometres of prime coastal real estate along the so-called Humpback Highway, along which some 40,000 whales travel during their annual migration north. From whale watching cruises to swimming with whales and coastal lookouts, these are the best ways to spot whales on the Sunshine Coast.

What month is best for whale watching on the Sunshine Coast?

travelling humpbacks on Sunshine Coast

Spot pods of humpback whales on their journey to the north. (Image: Krista Eppelstun)

Whale watching season officially runs from June to October on the Sunshine Coast. Each year, after feeding off krill in Antarctica, thousands of humpbacks begin their long journey north to mate and give birth to their calves in the warmer waters off Queensland’s coast. Some whales travel up to 10,000 kilometres – as they socialise, play and rest along the way – with juveniles often leading the way. If you go whale watching later in the season you may be lucky enough to spot the newborn calves on their return journey south.

Where is the best place to see whales on the Sunshine Coast?

an aerial view of Alexandra Headland

Alexandra Headland is a prime spot to score a sighting. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Mark Fitz)

The coastal town of Mooloolaba is a hotspot for whale-watching. Visitors can jump onboard a cruise for both whale-watching and whale swims; these regularly depart from The Wharf Mooloolaba. On land, pack your binoculars and make a beeline for Point Cartwright Reserve, home to an active lighthouse and viewing platform that overlooks the mouth of the Mooloolaba River and coast. Or just north of town, Alexandra Headland is another great place to park yourself for a while and keep your eye on the horizon.

a whale watching tour off Mooloolaba with Sunreef

Spot whales on a four-hour cruise. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Mark Fitz)

If you’re staying in Noosa, you’ll also be able to conveniently jump onboard a whale-watching cruise, with many departing from the Noosa Marina. Within Noosa National Park, about one kilometre from the Coastal Walk entrance, Dolphin Point Lookout offers a great vantage point to spot these majestic mammals while enjoying the beauty of the national park.

an aerial view of Point Cartwright Reserve

Point Cartwright Reserve offers a great vantage point for whale watching. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Reuben Nutt)

Point Perry, in Coolum, and Moffat Headland Lookout, just north of Caloundra, also boast spectacular views of the ocean and are favourite spots for whale-watching on the Sunshine Coast.

The best whale watching tours on the Sunshine Coast

Whale watching cruises

Whale One, Mooloolaba

an aerial view of Sunreef’s Whale One vessel, Mooloolaba

See humpbacks off Mooloolaba aboard Sunreef’s Whale One vessel. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Krista Eppelstun)

Sunreef’s Whale One vessel departs from The Wharf Mooloolaba between June and October. Its educational whale-watching tours run for two to three hours depending on whale activity, departing twice daily during the week and three times daily on the weekends. The vessel can fit up to 120 passengers, has an indoor area and light food and drinks are available to purchase on board. And if you don’t spot whales, you can try again for free on another trip!

Adventure Rafting, Mooloolaba

a whale-watching tour with Adventure Rafting, Mooloolaba

Embark on an exhilarating two-hour whale-watching tour along the stunning Mooloolaba coastline. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Krista Eppelstun)

Accommodating just 20 guests onboard, this intimate whale-watching tour departs three times daily between June and October from The Wharf Mooloolaba. The vessel features underwater cameras to live stream the whales that are swimming nearby, which is a bonus if they don’t surface, with a hydrophone relaying their symphonic calls.

Cavalier Cruises, Mooloolaba

guests onboard Crusader 1, Cavalier Cruises, Mooloolaba

Hop aboard Cavalier Cruises for a luxe whale-watching experience.

On this luxury whale-watching tour, each of the 22 guests on board Crusader 1 are spoiled with 360-degree views from the comfort of lounge seating. This open-deck vessel allows passengers to fully walk around, which is ideal given the unpredictable movements of whales. Operating from July to October, the tours include light refreshments, soft drinks and water, with drinks available to purchase from the bar onboard and BYO food allowed. These cruises depart twice daily from the Tank Bathhouse Marina.

Noosa Thriller Ocean Adventures, Noosa

a humpback whale rising from the waters, Noosa Thriller Ocean Adventures

Glimpse these gentle giants in the waters off Noosa National Park. (Image: Brent Milne)

Thriller is a purpose-built adventure-style boat that fits 12 guests. It departs two to three times daily from The Floating Boathouse Restaurant on a two-hour whale-watching tour. The boat explores the waters just off Noosa National Park between June and November, where whales, as well as dolphins and turtles are known to frequent.

Noosa Oceanrider, Noosa

a jet boat ride with Noosa Oceanrider

An action-packed ride will give you a chance to seek out whales. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Krista Eppelstun)

From July to October Oceanrider takes 12 people out cruising for whales. Departing from Noosa Marina, the two-hour tour heads along the Noosa River and around Noosa National Park seeking out whales and other marine animals.

Noosa Wave Boating Adventures, Noosa

Departing daily between June and November from The Noosa Whale & Dolphin Centre, this informative two-hour tour guarantees a whale sighting or you’ll receive 50 per cent off your next cruise. The vessel has a full canopy for sun protection and allows guests to move around freely.

Kayak with whales

Epic Ocean Adventures, Double Island Point

kayaking on Double Island Point with Epic Ocean Adventures

Kayak through Double Island Point alongside whales. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Krista Eppelstun)

This minimal-impact tour is a win-win for whales and whale-watchers. Departing daily from Noosa between June and October, the six-hour tour to Great Sandy National Park includes beach four-wheel-driving and a fully guided ocean kayak where you may be paddling alongside majestic humpbacks in the pristine waters of Double Island Point. You’ll likely also spot dolphins, turtles and rays too. Light snacks and water are included and you’ll enjoy leisure time before returning to Noosa.

Swim with humpback whales

Whale One, Mooloolaba

A man standing on the bow of a boat in the ocean.

Take the plunge and swim with whales. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Krista Eppelstun)

If you’ve seen whales from the surface, it’s time to see them from a different perspective. Sunreef was Australia’s first operator to offer an extraordinary swimming with humpback whales experience onboard Whale One and promises a 92 per cent success rate. Donning a mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit, just 15 guests will head out on a four-hour cruise to find whales and, when it’s safe, will have the opportunity to enter the waters for a life-affirming swim alongside these gentle giants.

Noosa Wave Boating Adventures

This tour promises a total marine experience, during which you can swim with whales, dolphins and sea turtles in their own environment. This 2.5-hour tour on a specially designed vessel includes all the gear – just bring your swimmers, towels and sense of awe.

Things to know

  • There is no specific time of day that is better for whale watching.
  • Keep an eye out for whale blows, which happen as they rise to the surface to breathe.
  • Most whales surface every five to 10 minutes when active but can stay underwater for up to 40 minutes.
  • Dress in warm clothes and a waterproof jacket, in case of choppy conditions or seaspray.
  • Pack sea sickness tablets if you’re prone to getting sick on boats or check with the cruise operator if they have some onboard.
  • Maintain a safe distance of at least 100 metres from whales and even more from calves.
  • If whale-watching from land, take a chair, some binoculars and be patient.
Megan Arkinstall is a freelance travel writer who you’ll often find at the beach, bushwalking or boating with her young family. She loves reliving travel memories through writing, whether that be sipping limoncello in a sun-drenched courtyard of Monterosso or swimming with green turtles in the aquamarine waters of Tropical North Queensland.
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12 of the best Mooloolaba cafes for beachside bliss

    By Kristie Lau-Adams
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    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