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MOOLOOLABA

WORDS LAHNEE PAVLOVICH PHOTOS PABLO PAVLOVICH

I think its safe to say that if you live on the Sunshine Coast, you have visited Mooloolaba. An iconic beachside haven where nature meets the hustle and bustle of sidewalk cafes and bars, and of course boutique shopping. One might say Mooloolaba almost has it all. Especially when it comes to food and dining. But that doesn’t mean you’ve seen it all. In fact, we wanted to introduce you to a few hidden gems and some shiny new ones too. So, if you love great food, fun new places and want to have a little adventure next time you hit up the strip, read on.

PLAYGROUND/PICNIC AREA

Where: Northern Parkland, Mooloolaba Why visit: You might have noticed the newest addition to the Northern Parkland in Mooloolaba? The one-of-a-kind children’s adventure playground is situated right beside a fantastic sheltered picnic and barbecue area designed around an open grassy space, which is perfect for throwing down a picnic rug or playing ball all while watching the incredible ocean views you just don’t get anywhere else. Give it a try: Don’t feel like sitting in at one of the restaurants or cafes, this is the perfect option for a takeaway lunch, or pack your own and bring it along to enjoy the best Mooloolaba has to off er.

EL BIGOTON

Where: The Wharf, Mooloolaba Why visit: This place is a slice of Latino heaven in Mooloolaba. And it has recently been taken over by new owners Paulo and Franklin who are excited to keep dishing up delicious and authentic Latin American street food and cocktails. Give it a try: The location is lively, the margaritas are on point and the food is as close to being somewhere in Latin America as you are going to get here on the Coast. A personal favourite is definitely the tacos. In a word, delicioso!

CRUMBED OR NAKED

Where: The Esplanade, Mooloolaba Why visit: You might remember this place once being a hole in the wall joint on the southern end of the Esplanade. But how things have changed. The family run business has got bigger and better, recently moving to a new spot with cafe seating so you can now have your schnitzel and fresh juice at your own table with an ocean view. And of course, it is always served up with a big smile. Give it a try: The crumbed chicken schnitzel wraps are what this place is known for, with the freshest produce the strip has to off er and always served with extra love… and sauce. The breakfast burger and coff ee deal in the mornings is also always a winner.

SCHWENKEE ESPRESSO

Where: River Esplanade, Mooloolaba Why visit: This is a small hidden gem, quietly tucked away across from The Wharf, but it packs a punch when it comes to delicious breakfast options and great coff ee. In fact, they even serve up their very own roast, Spot Coff ee. Think good vibes, yummy dishes and cute little tables and chairs paired with dangling vines for added whimsy. Give it a try: You have to taste the sweet banoff ee waff les. They are divine.

ESCAPE TO THE WHARF

A landmark at the heart of one of Queensland’s most beautiful locations. The Wharf Mooloolaba is a unique location that’s quintessentially Australian. With the picturesque Mooloolah River and Marina as its backdrop and a variety of entertainment and dining experiences available, it is the perfect setting for you to connect, create and celebrate life’s simple pleasures.

KENILWORTH COUNTRY BAKERY

Where: The Wharf, Mooloolaba Why visit: Kenilworth Country Bakery is known world-wide and people will line up for hundreds of metres to get their donut fix at the original Kenilworth store. Now you don’t need to make the drive out to the hinterland, instead, just duck down to The Wharf and indulge to your heart’s content. Give it a try: You simply can’t visit the Mooloolaba version of Kenilworth Country Bakery without tasting a coff ee in a donut. Game changer. Don’t forget to take a six pack of delicious donuts home for the family too.

TAPS MOOLOOLABA

Where: Corner of Brisbane Road and The Esplanade, Mooloolaba Why visit: This grungy institution has just launched a little something for the Coast’s musos. Every Tuesday night they will be putting on a Live & Local open mic night to celebrate local musicians. Give it a try: Local beers, local musicians and delicious food. Need I say more?

PRAWN STAR

Where: Marina Berth, The Wharf Mooloolaba Why visit: The newest addition to Mooloolaba’s incredible dining scene at The Wharf, Prawn Star has made quite the splash dishing up freshest seafood right on the water in the marina. Literally. The restaurant is on-board two trawlers where all the food is cooked fresh. They have also just opened a new pontoon area for that aft ernoon sunset tipple. Give it a try: You can’t go past the fresh prawns, succulent oysters and seafood platters. Yum.

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