You Won’t Believe This Beach Is Just an Hour from Brisbane!

After weeks of tropical heat in Southeast Asia, coming home to Queensland for Easter felt like hitting the reset button. This Easter Sunday 2025, we took a spontaneous day trip from Brisbane to Mooloolaba—and it turned out to be the perfect blend of chill, charm, and coastal beauty. Getting There: Mooloolaba is just a 1.5-hour drive from Brisbane, making it an easy and scenic day trip. We parked at SEA LIFE Mooloolaba (plenty of space, great spot!), then walked just 3 minutes to reach the golden sands. Parking: Free or paid options near SEA LIFE Beach Access: Completely FREE Why Mooloolaba Beach Stole Our Hearts: Soft white sand and crystal-clear waters—picture-perfect Crowded? Yes. But still peaceful and friendly Great for people-watching, swimming, sunbathing, and just soaking up the views Views of the Pacific Ocean, surfers catching waves, and families building sandcastles—pure Aussie joy TIP: Pack a picnic or beach mat and settle in for a few hours. There are plenty of cafes and public restrooms nearby. Lunch Stop: Sushi Kibou After some solid beach time, we walked over to have some food nearby—a modern Japanese spot with flavorful dishes that hit the spot. Beef Curry Udon: AUD $24 Rich, comforting, and just the right spice level Karaage Chicken Rice Bowl: AUD $19 Crispy, tender, and packed with flavor Yes, a bit on the pricey side—but totally worth it for the quality and seaside vibe. Extra Nearby Gems: Point Cartwright Lighthouse: Just a short drive or coastal walk with epic views Sunshine Coast Beachfront Walks: Endless coastal trails to explore Local shops and boutiques: Great for a quick browse or souvenirs Why You Should Visit: Perfect beach day escape from Brisbane Relaxed vibe with world-class views Great for solo travelers, couples, or families Free beach access and easy parking nearby Fantastic food options and nearby attractions Would we go again? In a heartbeat. Sometimes the best travel memories are made right in your backyard. Coming home for Easter and breathing in that salty air reminded us how lucky we are to live in Queensland. #travel #couplestrip #beachlife #seascapes #queensland #mooloolaba #brisbane #australia