With the winter months well and truly tucked away for another year and the spring sunshine growing warmer by the day, most people’s minds have already started wandering to their next holiday break and how to make the most of this beautiful weather. We wouldn’t live in Brisbane if we didn’t relish these warmer temperatures and what’s not to love about days filled with fun on the sand and in our cooling ocean while the aroma of fresh fish and chips and sunscreen scent the air?
The truth is that living in Brisbane means we are completely spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a place to spend a few lazy days by the beach. Of course, there is the Gold Coast with its long sandy beach and tourist-filled glamour. Then there is the growing desire to head up North and visit one of the many gorgeous and popular beaches like Noosa, Maroochydore, Coolum, Mooloolaba or Alexandra Headland. The options are endless.
And then there are some little-known gems that are less frequented, less touristy, not as glamorous but just as beautiful, if not more so because of their anonymity. Like Mudjimba.
Tucked between Coolum and Maroochydore, and less than 1.5 hours drive north of Brisbane, this mostly residential coastal destination has a stunning beach, friendly locals, a smattering of great eateries, a wonderful beachside playground and plenty of tranquil cycle and walking paths to explore. The wide and generous natural playground of Mudjimba Beach is definitely the main attraction and with fewer crowds to contend with and a beach that is patrolled 365 days of the year kids can run wild with a Frisbee, ball or even try their hand at some colourful kite flying! There is excellent beach fishing in the numerous rip gutters and Point Arkwright is popular for those keen on some rock fishing or surfing. If you have a boat (or strong paddling arms) Mudjimba Island sits 1km off the coast and boasts one of the better surf breaks in the Sunshine Coast region. Bird watchers will also benefit from the short boat trip over. The island protects Wedge-tailed Shearwaters with around 4,000 of them using the island during the breeding season.
Mudjimba Beach Surf Club
Straight off the sand and onto the cooler, tree-lined path that leads away from the beach, you will find the small Mudjimba Surf Club and beside it a fantastic playground for the kids. Well-shaded grassed areas and covered barbeque and picnic tables make this a beautiful spot to set up a picnic lunch. And with numerous paths to explore, it’s a great spot to start off on a peaceful stroll or bike ride afterwards.
Just across the road is the ever-popular Lizard Café Bar, which is well-known for its big breakfasts, great coffee and daily happy hour. Grab a coffee, soak up the sun and do some people-watching on the outdoor terrace. Otherwise, head further north along Mudjimba Esplanade and around to David Low Way for a larger selection of great places to eat out.
If you want to get even closer to nature or feel like a bit of a hike, then be sure to check out the Maroochy River Conservation Park or Mount Coolum National park nearby. Mount Coolum’s impressive dome-shape rises 208m above the Sunshine Coast lowlands and provides spectacular 360 degree views of the coast and hinterland.
Places to Stay at Mudjimba for Families
You will find plenty of rental properties on offer at Mudjimba, as well as three main resorts to choose from, but, if you are chasing a quiet stay by the beach and you love the great outdoors, then consider pitching a tent at the comfortable Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park. Both powered and unpowered sites are on offer for tents and caravans and there are even a few quaint cottages available too. The park has a shaded pool to cool off in during those midday hours and the usual kitchen / shower / barbeque facilities to cover all the creature comforts you may want to hold on to. Most important though, it is just a short stroll to the beach, playground, bakery and cafes.
Mudjimba is definitely a small piece of paradise tucked quietly within the Sunshine Coast’s beautiful surrounds. It offers the best of a beach-side holiday, but without the fuss or crowds, and is absolutely perfect if you are in need of an escape and some quiet time with your family. Whilst there are always plenty of things you can find to keep the whole family entertained, it really is best enjoyed at a slow pace where the main agenda is relaxation and taking in the serenity.
Mudjimba Beach is located south of Marcoola, on the Sunshine Coast.
Queensland, Australia
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