Inside Mooloolaba’s newest beachfront hotel

Freedom has a smell. At Mooloolaba it’s salt first, then warm sand and sunscreen. Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel is still gleaming after opening in May 2026. Welcome cocktails are waiting at check-in and a private transfer is all organised for the airport run. The five-night My Queensland package also includes Virgin Australia flights, with the first child aged 12 and under flying free.

Mooloolaba mornings

Ocean views, a plush king bed and the Pacific so close you can taste the salt in the air. Take your morning coffee out to your private balcony or join the breakfast crowd on the Esplanade, lined with cafes, gelato counters and fish-and-chip windows. Main Beach is just 100 metres away: sink your toes into squeaky sand, let boogie-boarding kids burn off energy in the gentle surf or slip out early for a solo swim. Between June and November, keep watch for migrating humpbacks. Or get even closer at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium*, a five-minute walk away, where sharks, rays and reef fish glide overhead in an 80-metre ocean tunnel.

Up on the rood

The heated rooftop pool is reserved for hotel guests, with views of Mooloolaba Beach, Point Cartwright and the Glass House Mountains. Claim a private cabana, settle in for a lazy afternoon and order from Sully’s Rooftop. The spanner crab roll comes with furikake, sesame and mandarin mayo; the oysters with passionfruit, salmon caviar and finger lime. Craft cocktails and bottle service are available poolside. Indoors, try a session at AvaniFit gym or book a treatment at AvaniSpa*.

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Trawler to table

Catch of the day is the bonus seafood lunch cruise with Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba, family owned for over 25 years and named a Best of Queensland Experience for 2026. Board at The Wharf for lunch fresh off the trawlers at the Mooloolaba Spit: eight choices, from a generous 250 grams of Mooloolaba King prawns with slaw to a Moreton Bay Bug with seafood sauce, plus a non-seafood option. Kids order from their own menu of fish nuggets or calamari and chips. For 90 minutes the boat idles past the fishing fleet, Steve Irwin’s research vessel Croc One and the ultra-luxury mansions of Millionaires’ Row.

Eat the street

You won’t need to travel far for a night out. Split evenings between First Avenue Cellar + Bar, a cheese and antipasti spread at the Lobby Bar or another round at Sully’s, with a $150 wine and dine credit per room towards the bill. Beyond the hotel, Mooloolaba’s dining scene follows the water, with oceanfront tables along the Esplanade and modern Asian, Greek, Italian and seafood restaurants beside the Mooloolah River and marina at The Wharf.

On the last evening, the thongs at the door are sandy and the dining credit has been put to good use. The return airport transfer is already arranged. Until then, Main Beach is just a few steps away and the rooftop pool is still open.

SPECIAL OFFER EXCLUSIVE TO SUNDAY LIFE READERS

A beachfront Sunshine Coast escape with flights, a seafood cruise and bonus perks. Your deal includes:

• 5 nights in a guaranteed upgraded Ocean King Room
• Exclusive return Virgin Australia flights with checked luggage, with the first child flying free
• $150 wine and dine credit
• Return private transfers between the airport and hotel
• Bonus Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba Seafood Lunch Cruise
• Bonus two cocktails on arrival
• Bonus Privileges Dining Card, offering up to 25 per cent off at various restaurants and cafes
• Bonus My Queensland Experience Pass, offering an exclusive 10 per cent off popular tours, attractions and activities

Book by October 31, 2026 to secure your booking.

Call 1300 000 753 or visit MyQueensland.com.au for more info. Terms and conditions apply.