Mooloolaba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids MooloolabaMaroochydore, Queensland |
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Apartments, 2008
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 Mooloolaba
Location in Queensland
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| Population | 8,202 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 2,051/km2 (5,310/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 4557 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 4.0 km2 (1.5 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||||||||
| Location |
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| LGA(s) | Sunshine Coast Region | ||||||||||||||
| County | Canning | ||||||||||||||
| Parish | Mooloolah | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Maroochydore | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Fisher | ||||||||||||||
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Mooloolaba is a lively coastal suburb located in the Sunshine Coast Region of Queensland, Australia. It's about 97 kilometers (60 miles) north of Brisbane, the state capital. Mooloolaba is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, known for its beautiful beaches and waterways.
In 2021, Mooloolaba was home to 8,202 people.
Contents
What is Mooloolaba Like?
Mooloolaba is surrounded by water and land. To the east, you'll find the Coral Sea. The Mooloolah River forms its southern border. To the north is Alexandra Headland, and to the west is Buderim.
Mooloolaba Harbour
The Mooloolaba Harbour is a busy place. It's home to many fishing boats. It also serves as a base for pilot vessels that help guide ships through Moreton Bay and to the Port of Brisbane. Because it's protected by Point Cartwright, it's a safe harbor for boats in all kinds of weather. Many recreational sailors enjoy using it.
Mooloolaba Esplanade and Beach
The Mooloolaba Esplanade runs along the beach and is a hub of activity. Here, you can visit the Sea Life Sunshine Coast marine park. There are also many shops selling souvenirs, clothes, books, and art. You'll find lots of restaurants too. Behind the buildings facing Mooloolaba Beach are places to stay, like camping grounds, hostels for backpackers, and villas along the canals. Mooloolaba is a popular tourist spot, and large cruise ships often anchor just outside the port.
Getting Around Mooloolaba
You can reach Mooloolaba in several ways. Buses connect it to Brisbane. You can also take a train to nearby stations like Nambour or Landsborough, then catch a connecting bus. For longer distances, the Sunshine Coast Airport offers flights.
A Look at Mooloolaba's History
Mooloolaba gets its name from Aboriginal words. Mulu means "snapper fish," and mulla means "Red-bellied Black Snake." The area was first called Mooloolah Heads. In 1919, a man named Thomas O'Connor changed the name to Mooloolaba when he divided land to sell it.
Early Buildings and Schools
A Methodist church hall opened in Mooloolaba on January 28, 1933. Soon after, the Mooloolaba Provisional School welcomed its first students on May 2, 1933. It became Mooloolaba State School in 1938. In its early years, the school had fewer than 50 students. The original school building is still there today, though it has been made larger over time.
Who Lives in Mooloolaba?
The number of people living in Mooloolaba has been growing.
- In 2016, there were 7,730 people.
- By 2021, the population had grown to 8,202 people.
Learning in Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba State School is a primary school for students from Prep to Year 6. It's located on Cnr Meta & Douglas Streets. In 2018, the school had 703 students. It also has a special education program for students who need extra support. The school can teach up to 822 students.
There are no high schools directly in Mooloolaba. The closest high school is Mountain Creek State High School, which is in the nearby suburb of Mountain Creek.
Things to Do and See
Mooloolaba has many facilities and attractions for everyone to enjoy.
Community Services
The Sunshine Coast Regional Council provides a mobile library service that visits Moondarra Drive. This means you can borrow books and other materials even if you don't live near a main library.
There are also churches in the area. The Mooloolaba Uniting Church is located at 6 Meta Street. The Greek Orthodox Parish of the Sunshine Coast also meets at this Uniting Church once a month.
Marinas and Boating
Mooloolaba is a great place for boating. There are two marinas where boats can dock:
- The Wharf Marina, which is a 2.2-hectare marina.
- Mooloolaba Marina, a larger 12.1-hectare marina.
There are also several boating facilities managed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. These include boat ramps and a pontoon on Parkyn Parade, making it easy for people to get their boats into the Mooloolah State Boat Harbour.
Sports and Events
Mooloolaba is famous for hosting exciting sports events. It's home to the Mooloolaba Triathlon, a race that combines swimming, cycling, and running. The Sydney to Mooloolaba Yacht Race also finishes here. Plus, the beaches often host various other events.
Main Attractions
Sea Life Sunshine Coast is a major tourist attraction on Parklyn Parade. It's a large aquarium and zoo focused on marine animals. You can see sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, seals, and penguins. A cool feature is an 80-meter (262-foot) underwater tunnel where you can walk and watch the marine life swim all around you!
Mooloolaba in Pop Culture
Mooloolaba has appeared in popular culture. It was featured in the fourth season of the TV show The Amazing Race. The town is also mentioned in the song "RSL 1984" by the Christian pop/rock band Newsboys. It's the fourth town named in the original Australian version of the famous song "I've Been Everywhere".
