Loea Boutique Hotel

Worth getting out of bed for

While Maroochydore may be a suburb, its offerings are far from suburban, especially when it comes to provisions. A saunter down Ocean Street will reveal that this is one place whose sun-kissed fingers lie firmly on the gastronomic pulse. Though, with more bars and restaurants than it’s advisable to try – at least not in one go – you’ll be glad to learn that there are plenty of outdoor pursuits to balance it all out. The Maroochy River is home to a number of activities both in and out of the water; try your hand at kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and riverside Pilates at Plaza Pontoon, or catch-and-release fishing over at Barra Fishing Park. Little Smith’s will enjoy what can only be described as a complex of floating bouncy castles over at Bli Bli AquaPark, while adults can turn some laps on Maroochy River Jetski Hire’s freestyle circuit. Scale Mount Coolum at sunrise for some coastal vistas, or take up swinging (no, not that kind) at the Maroochy River Golf Club. But if peeling yourself away from your poolside perch seems a tad too ambitious, we totally understand. 

Local restaurants

Sophistication comes naturally to Pier 33, a must for seafood lovers perched at the edge of Mooloolaba Marina, with moored fishing trawlers visible from its whitewashed dining terrace. Start with Tasmanian oysters in a shallot vinaigrette, before tucking into a Mooloolaba swordfish steak with panzanella salad, pistachio and Persian feta. For elevated European fare, the loved-by-locals Market Place Bistro runs a menu of finely tuned classics; choose from scallop crudo risotto cooked in preserved lemon, baked snapper with burnt butter, capers and flaked almonds, or a helping of good, old-fashioned tiramisu. 

Local cafés

The interiors of Criminal Coffee Co. are almost as smooth as its roasts with a dusty pink espresso bar, olive subway tiles, polished concrete and exposed brick. Serving eco-conscious caffeine hits, they’re Australia's first zero waste coffee company. They do a mean toastie, too. A stroll further inland will bring you to Little Sisters Coffee Co. which allows for a spot of vintage shopping alongside speciality brews. 

Local bars

Good vibes abound along Maroochydore’s Ocean Street, where bar-hopping is a prized pastime. Among the most notable establishments there’s Elixiba, a Gaudi-esque joint where self-proclaimed herbal alchemists concoct a number of boozy plant-based potions tailored to your mood. For something a little more cosmopolitan, the Rooftop Bar and Garden is a seven-storey sun trap with a retractable roof, sleek design and an even sleeker wine list.