The gorgeous little coastal town of Mooloolaba is the perfect place for a family getaway. With the Mooloolaba Spit and main beach, as well as plenty of places to eat and shop along the esplanade, it’s the ideal place to relax.
If you’re planning your family Mooloolaba holidays and now you’re looking for the best family accommodation Mooloolaba, QLD has, then you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’m going to share with you some great options when it comes to affordable Mooloolaba accommodation for families.
In terms of Mooloolaba holiday accommodation, it can be a bit expensive for families compared to other Sunshine Coast areas like Caloundra. However, if you do your research, you can still find some great value Mooloolaba family accommodation. Don’t have the time to do your own research? That’s all good because I’ve found the cheap accommodation Mooloolaba provides – you just have to know where to look.
If you don’t have the time or energy to search for the best budget family holiday accommodation Mooloolaba has, then you will love this guide. I’ve already done all the research for you and found some great Mooloolaba hotels and resorts that won’t blow your budget. I’ve made sure all the places recommended in this guide are in a good location, not too expensive and have great family friendly amenities.
So, let’s get started and find you an excellent Mooloolaba family hotel.
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Page Contents
Best Family Accommodation Mooloolaba Map
The good thing about choosing Mooloolaba accommodation for kids is that the area is not overly big. Basically, Mooloolaba is one long beach with an Esplanade running along it, and you can easily walk from one end to the other.
The southern part of the beach is called the Mooloolaba Spit. This area of the beach is relatively protected and has calm water and small waves. The road that runs along the Spit is called Parkyn Parade, and here you will find the popular Sea Life (previously called Underwater World) and the Wharf, which houses a range of restaurants, cafes and shops. The Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park is here as well as a few other Mooloolaba beach resort options.
North of the Spit is where you will find the main beach in Mooloolaba. The beach here is a wide, long northeast-facing beach, which has parklands running alongside it. Along the street here is the Esplanade, which is filled with a stack of restaurants, cafes, shops and a wide variety of Mooloolaba resort accommodation.
Both the spit and the main beach have patrolled swimming areas.
In my view, the Esplanade or as close as you can get is the best place for families to stay in Mooloolaba.
Another great thing about Mooloolaba holiday rental accommodation is that most of it is self-contained. This means that the kids will get their own bedrooms and you will also have somewhere to prepare meals and save even more money! A Coles supermarket is not too far from the Esplanade, so you can easily stock up on supplies.
To help you understand the location of all the Mooloolaba holiday rentals reviewed in this guide, below we’ve provided a map with each place clearly marked. Zoom in and out for a closer view.
A Quick Overview of the Best Mooloolaba Accommodation for Families
Below is a super quick overview of all the Mooloolaba resorts and hotels reviewed in this guide. You can use the table to quickly determine if these options are the best Mooloolaba accommodation for your Mooloolaba beach holidays.
For the more comprehensive Mooloolaba accommodation reviews, keep reading below.
| Name | Room Amenities | Hotel Amenities | Near | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Caribbean Resort | 2 bedrooms, full kitchen, laundry, A/C, balcony or terrace | Heated pool, rooftop BBQ area, games room, gym | 400m - beach & Esplanade 500m - supermarket 1km -the Spit | Book Now |
Nautilus Resort | 2 bedrooms, kitchenette, laundry, A/C, spa bath | Heated pool & outdoor spa, BBQ area, gym | 170m - beach & Esplanade 650m - supermarket 750m - the Spit | Book Now |
Aegean Mooloolaba | 2 bedrooms, kitchen, laundry, A/C | Pool & outdoor spa, BBQ area | 90m - beach & Esplanade 700m - supermarket 700m - the Spit | Book Now |
La Mer Apartments | 2 bedrooms, kitchen, laundry, 2 bathrooms, A/C | Outdoor pool & spa | On the beach & Esplanade 1km - supermarket 350m - the Spit | Book Now |
Newport Mooloolaba | 2 bedrooms, kitchen, laundry, 2 bathrooms, A/C | Outdoor pool, spa, BBQ facilities | 150m - beach & Esplanade 800m - supermarket 750m - the Spit | Book Now |
84 The Spit Holiday Apartments | 2 bedrooms, kitchen, laundry, 2 bathrooms, A/C | Outdoor pool & spa | 500m - beach & Esplanade 1km - supermarket Across the road from the Spit | Book Now |
Cilento Mooloolaba | 2 bedrooms, kitchen, laundry, 2 bathrooms, A/C | Outdoor pool, spa, BBQ facilities, gym | 300m - beach & Esplanade 500m - supermarket 1km - the Spit | Book Now |
Pacific Beach Resort | 2 bedrooms, kitchen, laundry, A/C | Outdoor pool, spa, BBQ facilities, gym | On the beach & Esplanade 350m - supermarket 1.3km - the Spit | Book Now |
Landmark Resort | 2 bedrooms, kitchen, laundry, A/C | Outdoor pool, rooftop spa, BBQ area, gym | 100m - beach & Esplanade 650m - supermarket 850m - the Spit | Book Now |
Seamark on First | 2 bedrooms, kitchen, laundry, A/C | Outdoor pool, BBQ area, gym | 500m - beach & Esplanade 400m - supermarket 1.3km - the Spit | Book Now |
The Best Mooloolaba Family Accommodation Reviews
Below I have reviewed ten great low cost family friendly options for the best accommodation in Mooloolaba.
Caribbean Resort
You’ll find just about everything a family needs for a great trip at this Mooloolaba holiday accommodation. Resorts in Mooloolaba along the Esplanade can be costly but move just 400m away, and Caribbean Resort offers an affordable alternative.
Family accommodation at the Caribbean Resort comes in two-bedroom apartments that can sleep up to 4 guests in one double bed and two single beds. These holiday apartments Mooloolaba offers include a living and dining area with a flat-screen TV, well-stocked kitchen with dishwasher and oven, master bedroom with tv and a spacious second bedroom.
The bathroom has a spa bath and a shower, and every apartment has a balcony or terrace. All apartments also feature air conditioning throughout, free wifi and private laundry facilities.
This holiday rental Mooloolaba offers has great facilities with a heated outdoor pool, so swimming is possible all year round, a modern rooftop dining area with BBQ facilities and a gym with a spa and steam room. The kids will also love the onsite games room, and there is even a café/restaurant within the resort.
Location/Distance:
- Esplanade: 400m or 5 minute walk
- Sea Life Centre: 450m or 5 minute walk
- Mooloolaba Beach: 400m or 5 minute walk
- The Spit Beach: 1km, 13 minute walk or 4 minute drive
Why We Love it?
The facilities both in the room and the resort, in general, are great for families; with a pool, rooftop dining, sauna and games room, there’s sure to be something to please everyone.
What’s Not to Love?
Having a heated pool is great, but the long skinny shape with no shallow end isn’t perfect for young children.
Summary
If you’re looking for Mooloolaba apartment accommodation that is completely self-contained, spacious and has some great facilities on site, Caribbean Resort could be the perfect spot for your family holiday.
Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.
Nautilus Resort
If you’re looking for Mooloolaba budget accommodation but still want to be close to the beach and esplanade, Nautilus Resort offers family apartments at an affordable price.
The Nautilus Resort can sleep up to 4 guests in one double bed and two single beds in a two-bedroom apartment. There is also a small living/dining area and a well-stocked kitchenette for families who want to cook for themselves. Bathrooms have a bath and a shower, which is handy for the little ones and all of the apartments feature a TV, free wifi, air conditioning and laundry facilities.
This budget accommodation Mooloolaba offers also has a three-level, heated swimming pool with a waterfall, shallow pool for young kids and a heated spa at the top perfect for adults to relax in. The hotel also has BBQ facilities on site, a gym and free onsite parking for guests.
Location/Distance:
- Esplanade: 400m or 5 minute walk
- Sea Life Centre: 230m or 3-minute walk
- Mooloolaba Beach: 170m or 2-minute walk
- The Spit Beach: 750m, 9-minute walk
Why We Love it?
The price and location are pretty hard to beat at just a stone’s throw away from the beach and the shops and restaurants along the esplanade.
What’s Not to Love?
The pool setup may not be the best for young kids with quite a few steps and the small shallow pool up a level from the other.
Summary
Nautilus offers really affordable and cheap accommodation in Mooloolaba within easy walking distance of the beaches, shops and attractions for families who want an easy, relaxed place to stay during their holiday.
Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.
Aegean Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba self-contained accommodation doesn’t come much closer to the beach and esplanade than the Aegean!
Two-bedroom apartments at the Aegean can fit families of 4 in one double bed and two single beds. Apartments also contain a well-stocked kitchen with an oven and dishwasher if you want to cook for yourself and a living/dining area with comfortable seating and a flat-screen tv. All apartments also feature air conditioning throughout, free wifi, a balcony, laundry facilities and all bathrooms have baths and showers.
The resort has an outdoor pool and guests can even relax in the spa or prepare their meals in the BBQ area. There is also secure onsite parking available to guests who book in advance.
Location/Distance:
- Esplanade: 200m or 1-minute walk
- Sea Life Centre: 250m or 3-minute walk
- Mooloolaba Beach: Less than 100m
- The Spit Beach: 700m, 9-minute walk
Why We Love it?
The proximity to the main beach is pretty hard to beat and don’t forget that dishwasher!!! Who wants to wash dishes on holiday? Not me!
What’s Not to Love?
There is no shallow kids pool at the resort, but it probably won’t be an issue for most families with the large main pool and the beach so close.
Summary
These self-contained apartments are perfect for families wanting the best places to stay in Mooloolaba. The beach is super close and the resort has all the facilities for a great family holiday.
Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.
La Mer Apartments
If you can swing it, the best place to stay in Mooloolaba is on the beach! This is why we love the beachfront apartments at La Mer, which have direct beach access and everything your family needs for a great trip.
This Mooloolaba beach accommodation has family rooms that sleep up to 4 in one double bed and two singles or three-bedroom apartments for up to 6 with two doubles and bunk beds. The apartments are really spacious with a large living and dining area with flat screen tv, two bathrooms with baths, and showers and laundry facilities.
Each apartment has a really well-stocked kitchen with a dishwasher, oven and everything you will need to cook for yourselves during your stay. This beachfront accommodation Mooloolaba has also features a private balcony, free wifi and air conditioning throughout.
The hotel has a small outdoor pool, a walk-in style, perfect for families with little ones who fancy a change from the beach. There is also free on-site parking for guests.
Location/Distance:
- Sea Life Centre: 220m or 3-minute walk
- Mooloolaba Beach: 0m with direct access on site
- The Spit Beach: 350m, 5 minute walk
Why We Love it?
Hotels in Mooloolaba on the beach are expensive, so having direct beach access at this affordable Mooloolaba beachfront accommodation is really special!
What’s Not to Love?
Honestly, we struggled to think of anything! Of course, the pool is a little on the small side compared to other Mooloolaba beach resorts, but did we mention how close the beach is?!
Summary
You might think that Mooloolaba holiday homes on the beach are out of your price range, but think again! At these Mooloolaba apartments, beachfront location comes with an affordable price tag.
Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.
Newport Mooloolaba Apartments
Comfort and convenience are top of the agenda at these Mooloolaba accommodation apartments. The Newport Mooloolaba Apartments come with everything your family needs for a comfortable stay.
These spacious apartments have two bedrooms, which can sleep up to 4 in a double bed and two singles or three-bedroom options, which sleep up to 6 in one double and four singles. All apartments have two bathrooms, so no need to share with the kids and the living and dining areas have enough space to spread out and relax.
There is also a kitchen that includes an oven and dishwasher and comes fully stocked to prepare your own meals. All the apartments also feature two balconies, laundry facilities, free wifi and air conditioning throughout.
The hotel also offers guests an outdoor heated pool and Jacuzzi, BBQ facilities and free private parking on site.
Location/Distance:
- Esplanade: 400m or 5 minute walk
- Sea Life Centre: 250m or 3-minute walk
- Mooloolaba Beach: 150m or 2-minute walk
- The Spit Beach: 750m, 9-minute walk
Why We Love it?
The apartments are much more spacious than some other holiday rentals Mooloolaba has, and two bathrooms mean adults don’t have to worry about sharing and waiting for kids!
What’s Not to Love?
Again, this hotel has no shallow kids pool, but the pool area is lovely, and the beach is only a few minutes walk away.
Summary
The Newport Mooloolaba Apartments are spacious and modern with everything a family needs to enjoy their holiday.
Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.
84 The Spit Apartments
If you’re looking for Mooloolaba Spit accommodation, the 84 Spit Holiday Apartments are literally just across the road with handy beach access.
Family apartments at 84 The Spit have two bedrooms and can fit a family of 4 in one double bed and two single beds. Each apartment has two bathrooms, so no need to share with the kids, and a fully equipped kitchen that includes a dishwasher and oven. The north facing balconies offer views to the foreshore and esplanade, and the lounge and dining area is spacious enough for everyone.
Every apartment also features laundry facilities, air conditioning throughout and free wifi. The hotel also offers free onsite parking for guests, and there is a small outdoor pool.
Location/Distance:
- Esplanade: 500m or 5 minute walk
- Sea Life Centre: 250m or 3-minute walk
- Mooloolaba Beach: 450m or 5 minute walk
- The Spit Beach: Across the road!
Why We Love it?
The views from the upper-level rooms at this Mooloolaba waterfront accommodation are spectacular.
What’s Not to Love?
Unfortunately, the bathrooms only have a shower and no bath. Again, probably not an issue for most, but some families with young kids may prefer a bath.
Summary
The 84 Spit Holiday Apartments are Mooloolaba Spit beachfront accommodation with great beach access and everything a family needs to cook while still being close enough to the shops and restaurants of the esplanade.
Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.
Cilento Mooloolaba
The Cilento Mooloolaba are modern apartments that are beautifully furnished and offer plenty of space for families. In addition, the apartments are close to the esplanade and supermarket for those who really don’t want to have to go too far.
Family apartments can sleep four people in two bedrooms with one double bed and two single beds. There are also two bathrooms, one of which has a spa bath, which will thrill young kids. The open plan kitchen, living and dining areas offer plenty of space, and the large balconies are great for eating outside. In addition, the kitchen is well equipped for families who wish to prepare their own meals.
All the apartments also feature flat-screen televisions, a DVD player, laundry facilities, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi for guests.
The apartments are on top of a shopping centre, and there is a restaurant onsite. The hotel also offers a heated outdoor pool and spa, BBQ facilities, gym and free onsite parking.
Location/Distance:
- Esplanade: 280m or 3-minute walk
- Sea Life Centre: 650m or 8-minute walk
- Mooloolaba Beach: 400m or 5 minute walk
- The Spit Beach: 1km, 14-minute walk
- Supermarket: 500m or 6-minute walk
Why We Love it?
The proximity to a supermarket for those who want to cook and the esplanade for those who want to eat out means these apartments are a great location no matter your preference.
What’s Not to Love?
There is no shallow kids pool for families with younger children.
Summary
The Cilento Mooloola are modern apartments in a prime location, with everything a family need close by for an enjoyable holiday.
Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.
Pacific Beach Resort
The Pacific Beach Resort is a Mooloolaba beachfront resort that offers modern apartments across the road from the main beach and on the esplanade with plenty of dining options and shops.
This Mooloolaba esplanade accommodation offers two-bedroom family apartments which sleep four guests in one double bed and two single beds. There is an open plan living and dining area with a well-stocked kitchen, including an oven and dishwasher. Apartments on the ground floor also have a large courtyard area, which is great for families with extra space for energetic kids! Every apartment also features laundry facilities and air conditioning throughout.
The resort has a heated swimming pool, a sauna and a tennis court. There is also a fully equipped barbecue area and games room, where kids can enjoy playing video games, table tennis, or billiards. Guests also have use of secure on-site parking free of charge.
Location/Distance:
- Esplanade: On the esplanade
- Sea Life Centre: 800m or 10-minute walk
- Mooloolaba Beach: 300m or 3-minute walk
- The Spit Beach: 1.3km, 16-minute walk
- Supermarket: 350m or 4 minute walk
Why We Love it?
The location right on the beach and so close to the esplanade with its shops and restaurants really make these apartments extra special.
What’s Not to Love?
Some bathrooms don’t contain a bath and only have a shower, so be sure to mention this on booking if it’s a deal-breaker for your family.
Summary
The Pacific Beach Resort is a Mooloolaba esplanade holiday accommodation with modern, spacious apartments and comfortable living for families who want a holiday right in the heart of Mooloolaba.
Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.
Landmark Resort
The Landmark Resort offers compact but really well-furnished apartments right on the Mooloolaba esplanade.
These comfortable two-bed apartments can fit families of four in one double bed and two single beds. There is a fully stocked kitchen with an oven and dishwasher, a lounge area with flat-screen television and a balcony with extra seating and dining area. Every apartment also comes with a washing machine, free wifi and air conditioning throughout.
The resort features an outdoor heated swimming pool with a spa and a gym. There is also a great outdoor area with a BBQ, spa and outdoor seating area, which has amazing ocean views. There is also free parking available on site.
Location/Distance:
- Esplanade: On the esplanade
- Sea Life Centre: 400m or 5 minute walk
- Mooloolaba Beach: 100m or 1-minute walk
- The Spit Beach: 850m, 11-minute walk
Why We Love it?
Even those without an ocean view room can enjoy one at the rooftop BBQ and spa area.
What’s Not to Love?
It’s definitely not as spacious as some of our other places to stay in Mooloolaba, but if you plan to spend all day at the beach, it’s not really an issue.
Summary
The Landmark Resort apartments might be compact, but they are conveniently located and have everything a family needs to enjoy a fun-filled holiday in Mooloolaba.
Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.
Seamark on First
The Seamark on First holiday apartments are just one street back from the esplanade and offer a chance to stay close to the convenience of the esplanade but in a quieter street.
Family accommodation at Seamark on First consists of two-bedroom apartments with one double bed and two singles. Every apartment has a well-stocked kitchen with a dishwasher, oven and everything you need to prepare meals. The open plan living and dining area give you somewhere to relax, and the bathroom has both a shower and bath as well as laundry facilities. Apartments also feature air conditioning throughout and free wifi.
The hotel has an outdoor heated pool and BBQ area with sun loungers and other seating. Guests also have use of the gym on-site, and there is free private parking available as well.
Location/Distance:
- Esplanade: 300m or 3-minute walk
- Sea Life Centre: 750m or 9-minute walk
- Mooloolaba Beach: 500m or 6-minute walk
- The Spit Beach: 1.3km, 16-minute walk
- Supermarket: 400m or 4 minute walk
Why We Love it?
Super close to the supermarket and restaurants, but one street back from the esplanade makes it a nice quiet location for families.
What’s Not to Love?
The swimming pool is a little on the small side, and there is no shallow area or a separate pool for young kids.
Summary
The Seamark on First offers quiet accommodation that’s still close to the action. The complex has everything families need to enjoy their holiday, whether cooking for themselves or dining out.
Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.
Where to Book your Holiday Accommodation in Mooloolaba?
So where is the best place to book your Mooloolaba holiday apartments and resorts?
Personally, I prefer to use Booking.com for my accommodation in Mooloolaba, as I find they not only offer a great range of Mooloolaba hotel accommodation options but in most cases, you don’t need to pay anything upfront AND you can cancel if you change your mind or find a better deal elsewhere. Plus, if you open an account and use them regularly, many of the hotels and resorts on booking.com offer a “genius” discount where you really can make some great savings. I have provided links to Booking.com for the above Mooloolaba accommodation, or you can click here.
Other Sunshine Coast Accommodation
Looking for accommodation for a different area of the Sunshine Coast? We have accommodation guides on all of the popular Sunshine Coast holiday destinations, including:
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