Mooloolaba River and Canals Seafood Lunch Cruise

The Wharf Mooloolaba

The cruise departs from The Wharf Mooloolaba on Parkyn Parade, a lively waterfront precinct on the Mooloolah River with restaurants, shops and an aquarium. It is about a five-minute walk from Mooloolaba Beach and the Esplanade, so it is easy to reach from most accommodation in town. Arrive half an hour before departure and the crew will meet you under the white umbrellas in front of the booking kiosk.

Mooloolaba sits roughly 100 km north of Brisbane, about an hour and a half by car, and is one of the most popular towns on the Sunshine Coast. A Mooloolaba river cruise is a lovely way to start or end a beach day, and the 11:00 and 13:00 departures leave time for a swim before or after.

The Mooloolah River

The Mooloolah River winds down from the hinterland and reaches the sea between Mooloolaba and Point Cartwright. Its lower reaches are lined with marinas full of yachts and the trawler fleet that has made Mooloolaba famous for seafood. Leaving The Wharf, the boat glides past moored boats and waterfront restaurants while the crew explains the history of the harbour and the life of the river.

The water is calm and sheltered, so the cruise is comfortable for all ages, including those who usually avoid boats. Keep an eye out for pelicans, cormorants and other water birds along the banks, and sometimes even dolphins that follow the tide into the river mouth.

The canals of Mooloolaba

Behind the river lie the canal estates, a network of quiet, glassy waterways lined with palm trees, private jetties and some of the most striking waterfront houses on the Sunshine Coast. Cruising through them is one of the best ways to see how locals live by the water, and the commentary adds stories about the area's development from a small fishing village to a popular coastal town.

The covered booths keep you shaded while you enjoy the views, and the slow pace makes it easy to take photos. This part of the cruise is especially pleasant on sunny days, when the light turns the water a bright turquoise and reflects the boats and gardens.

Seafood lunch and Mooloolaba prawns

Mooloolaba is known for its fresh seafood, and its prawns are among the most sought-after on the Queensland coast. On this lunch cruise you choose one of four meals served at your table: fish and chips, calamari and chips, fresh Mooloolaba prawns, or a burger and chips for those who prefer something other than seafood. Upgrades and extras can be ordered on board.

Lunch is served as you cruise, so you can eat while taking in the scenery. Drinks are not included but are available to buy on board, including soft drinks and water. With table service and booth seating, it is a relaxed sit-down meal that suits families with children as well as seniors.