THE UNITS guidebook
Lunch/Dinner recommended by THE UNITS
Juan Fifty
150 Alexandra ParadeModern Mexican with $15 Mexican bowls every Thursday!
Always a good feed at the surf club with the best views in town! The Bluff Bar is downstairs (beachside of the building) and is a great spot to have an arvo drink + listen to the band.
66 locals recommend
Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club
167 Alexandra ParadeAlways a good feed at the surf club with the best views in town! The Bluff Bar is downstairs (beachside of the building) and is a great spot to have an arvo drink + listen to the band.
Suitable for lazy long lunches and sunset snacking. It's where all of the trendy locals go - wear your nice clothes!
36 locals recommend
Pier 33
33/45 Parkyn ParadeSuitable for lazy long lunches and sunset snacking. It's where all of the trendy locals go - wear your nice clothes!
This place is a MUST. You can't make a booking so be prepared to line up for a table. It's worth it!!
136 locals recommend
Rice Boi
Parkyn ParadeThis place is a MUST. You can't make a booking so be prepared to line up for a table. It's worth it!!
These guys are passionate about beer – that’s why they have 52 beer taps across three bars (the most on the Sunshine Coast)
40 locals recommend
The Dock Mooloolaba
123 Parkyn ParadeThese guys are passionate about beer – that’s why they have 52 beer taps across three bars (the most on the Sunshine Coast)
The best takeaway Indian food in town. Call through your order then walk up and grab it once it's ready: 5 minute walk north. Ask for "the locals special" (2 curries of your choice, 2 x rice, raita, pappadums, naan for $38) Yummmmm!
22 locals recommend
Hathi Indian Restaurant
140 Alexandra ParadeThe best takeaway Indian food in town. Call through your order then walk up and grab it once it's ready: 5 minute walk north. Ask for "the locals special" (2 curries of your choice, 2 x rice, raita, pappadums, naan for $38) Yummmmm!
Walk down and grab takeaway or dine in and grab one of their icy cold beers with your pizza. You won't be sorry!
10 locals recommend
24/7 Pizza
180 Alexandra ParadeWalk down and grab takeaway or dine in and grab one of their icy cold beers with your pizza. You won't be sorry!
The best ramen on the Sunny Coast! and it's BYO wine (or you can buy a yummy Japanese beer while you're there)
6 locals recommend
Umami Ramen
54-56 Aerodrome RdThe best ramen on the Sunny Coast! and it's BYO wine (or you can buy a yummy Japanese beer while you're there)
If you’re heading up to Noosa for the day, this is our fave restaurant. Be sure to give them a call and make a reservation because it’s a very popular place to eat. Try and snag a beach front table, you won’t be sorry!!
240 locals recommend
Bistro C
49 Hastings StIf you’re heading up to Noosa for the day, this is our fave restaurant. Be sure to give them a call and make a reservation because it’s a very popular place to eat. Try and snag a beach front table, you won’t be sorry!!
OMG yum! But you'll need to book and it's about 40 mins up the coast (Noosa).
241 locals recommend
sum yung guys
205 Weyba RoadOMG yum! But you'll need to book and it's about 40 mins up the coast (Noosa).
Take advantage of the fabulous view and grab a table outside. Friendly staff, cold beer, yummy food, beautiful location.
The Savvy Squire
123 Parkyn ParadeTake advantage of the fabulous view and grab a table outside. Friendly staff, cold beer, yummy food, beautiful location.
Ideal coastal dining about 5 mins drive from The Units (or a flat 20 min walk). Quality service and a focus on local produce with magnificent views over the Maroochy River. Renowned by locals! It's one of our faves.
118 locals recommend
The Boat Shed
Ideal coastal dining about 5 mins drive from The Units (or a flat 20 min walk). Quality service and a focus on local produce with magnificent views over the Maroochy River. Renowned by locals! It's one of our faves.
Market Bistro is pretty flash! They offer a classic “bistro style” menu featuring house made pasta, a great selection of dry aged meats and a bunch of export quality local seafood. The wine is awesome and the restaurant fitout would have to be the fanciest on the Coast. Be sure to wear your Sunday best; this place oozes style.
23 locals recommend
Market Bistro
8 Market LaneMarket Bistro is pretty flash! They offer a classic “bistro style” menu featuring house made pasta, a great selection of dry aged meats and a bunch of export quality local seafood. The wine is awesome and the restaurant fitout would have to be the fanciest on the Coast. Be sure to wear your Sunday best; this place oozes style.
Step through the archway, take a seat and enjoy the sweeping views of Mooloolaba beach where every day feels like a European summer. We love the lamb pizza and rocket + pear salad.
10 locals recommend
Pavilion Mooloolaba
121 Mooloolaba EsplanadeStep through the archway, take a seat and enjoy the sweeping views of Mooloolaba beach where every day feels like a European summer. We love the lamb pizza and rocket + pear salad.
We head here for most of our special occasions. The food is incredible and so is the service.
35 locals recommend
Fish on Parkyn
25 Parkyn ParadeWe head here for most of our special occasions. The food is incredible and so is the service.
The newest Italian on the coast has everyone talking! It's a 5 min drive from The Units but totally worth it.
11 locals recommend
Bocca Italian
Longboard ParadeThe newest Italian on the coast has everyone talking! It's a 5 min drive from The Units but totally worth it.
Chris and I eat lunch here at least twice a week. The location is nothing to rave about (it's on a busy main road) but it's a hot spot for the locals. BFresh is a fruit + veg shop/gourmet deli with homemade meals and yummy coffee. If you're after a super casual lunch spot, this is your place! (10 min drive from The Units)
41 locals recommend
B Fresh.
239 Nicklin WayChris and I eat lunch here at least twice a week. The location is nothing to rave about (it's on a busy main road) but it's a hot spot for the locals. BFresh is a fruit + veg shop/gourmet deli with homemade meals and yummy coffee. If you're after a super casual lunch spot, this is your place! (10 min drive from The Units)
Another one of our faves - Soka is casual fine dining. It's a blend of Japanese and charcoal-prepared cuisine and is AMAZING! Do what we do and order one of everything from the starters menu - you won't be disappointed!
SOKA
Another one of our faves - Soka is casual fine dining. It's a blend of Japanese and charcoal-prepared cuisine and is AMAZING! Do what we do and order one of everything from the starters menu - you won't be disappointed!
New to the Noosa hinterland, we describe this place as a boutique pub and plant-lovers paradise! It's a 40 min drive and you'll need to book. It reminds us a little of The Farm in Byron Bay - loads to do for the little ones (chickens to feed, a playground and trampolines).
The Doonan
New to the Noosa hinterland, we describe this place as a boutique pub and plant-lovers paradise! It's a 40 min drive and you'll need to book. It reminds us a little of The Farm in Byron Bay - loads to do for the little ones (chickens to feed, a playground and trampolines).
Open for dinner Wednesday-Saturday, it's our go-to Vietnamese joint. Super fresh and affordable, we eat here a lot. Grab a serving of salt + pepper calamari to share while you ponder the menu. Oh and don't forget to save room for the deep fried ice-cream with caramel sauce! Chris tries something new off the menu every time but I love the vermicelli noodle salad with grilled chicken.
Nguyen Brothers Kontiki Center
Open for dinner Wednesday-Saturday, it's our go-to Vietnamese joint. Super fresh and affordable, we eat here a lot. Grab a serving of salt + pepper calamari to share while you ponder the menu. Oh and don't forget to save room for the deep fried ice-cream with caramel sauce! Chris tries something new off the menu every time but I love the vermicelli noodle salad with grilled chicken.
Grab your fresh seafood and sit in the park or head upstairs to The Deck (fully licensed cafe/restaurant where patrons can enjoy a plated meal with an alcoholic beverage). Takeaway fish + Chips is another option. When it comes to fresh seafood, there's a few option down at The Spit but this place is our favourite.
49 locals recommend
Mooloolaba Fish Market
201 Parkyn ParadeGrab your fresh seafood and sit in the park or head upstairs to The Deck (fully licensed cafe/restaurant where patrons can enjoy a plated meal with an alcoholic beverage). Takeaway fish + Chips is another option. When it comes to fresh seafood, there's a few option down at The Spit but this place is our favourite.
Things to do near THE UNITS
Situated right at The Wharf in Mooloolaba, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is home to thousands of marine and freshwater animals – including sharks, seals, penguins, stingrays, tropical fish and more. A great day out no matter the weather!
327 locals recommend
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium
Parkyn ParadeSituated right at The Wharf in Mooloolaba, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is home to thousands of marine and freshwater animals – including sharks, seals, penguins, stingrays, tropical fish and more. A great day out no matter the weather!
An awesome local market in Coolum and they occasionally come to Alex - right near the skate park across the road.
17 locals recommend
Sunshine Coast Collective Markets
Barns LaneAn awesome local market in Coolum and they occasionally come to Alex - right near the skate park across the road.
World famous markets open Wednesday + Saturday. About 30 mins north (towards Noosa)
700 locals recommend
Eumundi Markets
80 Memorial DrWorld famous markets open Wednesday + Saturday. About 30 mins north (towards Noosa)
If you have a spare day, head here. The kids (and adults) will love it!
867 locals recommend
Australia Zoo
If you have a spare day, head here. The kids (and adults) will love it!
The Pottery Studio
20 Brookes StGet your hands dirty and make something to take home!
Mooloolaba Bowls Club
Kapala StreetBarefoot bowls + cheap drinks!!
A trendy, new bowling centre with a bar, music and yummy food!
20 locals recommend
Strike Bowling Sunshine Coast
20 Ocean StA trendy, new bowling centre with a bar, music and yummy food!
Gold Class all the way! Located at Kawana shopping centre, these are our newest (and best) cinemas. The older ones are at Sunshine Plaza.
49 locals recommend
Event Cinemas Kawana
119 Point Cartwright DrGold Class all the way! Located at Kawana shopping centre, these are our newest (and best) cinemas. The older ones are at Sunshine Plaza.
Great fun for the kids, our girls love it! And it's only 20 mins down the road. Pack food/drinks to take with you or pop next door for a Beefy's meat pie for lunch. If you're an RACQ member jump online and buy your discount tickets.
266 locals recommend
Aussie World
73 Downunder DriveGreat fun for the kids, our girls love it! And it's only 20 mins down the road. Pack food/drinks to take with you or pop next door for a Beefy's meat pie for lunch. If you're an RACQ member jump online and buy your discount tickets.
Get ready to push your fears to the limit and get your adrenaline racing at the Big Pineapple. The adventure park is suspended amongst 10acres of stunning coastal rainforest where they take you sky-high (over 30m!!) to experience stunning views from the tree canopy. We did this as a family and had the BEST time! Book online; limited spots available.
59 locals recommend
TreeTop Challenge Big Pineapple
76 Nambour Connection RdGet ready to push your fears to the limit and get your adrenaline racing at the Big Pineapple. The adventure park is suspended amongst 10acres of stunning coastal rainforest where they take you sky-high (over 30m!!) to experience stunning views from the tree canopy. We did this as a family and had the BEST time! Book online; limited spots available.
The perfect Mooloolaba Cruise to view the Sunshine Coast from the water.
34 locals recommend
Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba
123 Parkyn ParadeThe perfect Mooloolaba Cruise to view the Sunshine Coast from the water.
Choose a fresh seafood lunch or a stunning sunset and enjoy Mooloolaba. It's a must!
22 locals recommend
Mooloolaba Yatch Club
45 Parkyn ParadeChoose a fresh seafood lunch or a stunning sunset and enjoy Mooloolaba. It's a must!
Live like a local - near THE UNITS
If you have little kids, this place is a must! As parents ourselves we know how exciting the sound of a FULLY FENCED playground is to parents of little ones. And it's walking distance from us. Head out our driveway, past the surf shop, hang a left at the Mexican restaurant (down Mari Street), grab a takeaway coffee from Francis Bean then cross the road. You'll see a footpath which leads you past the duck pond and the playground is behind that.
Nelson Park
If you have little kids, this place is a must! As parents ourselves we know how exciting the sound of a FULLY FENCED playground is to parents of little ones. And it's walking distance from us. Head out our driveway, past the surf shop, hang a left at the Mexican restaurant (down Mari Street), grab a takeaway coffee from Francis Bean then cross the road. You'll see a footpath which leads you past the duck pond and the playground is behind that.
Breakfast recommended by THE UNITS
My new favourite place for brekky. Coffee is great, service is great, crepes are INCREDIBLE! Flo's opened their first store in Noosa and it was a huge success. So they opened in Mooloolaba which we are all so happy about.
Flo's Crêperie Mooloolaba
My new favourite place for brekky. Coffee is great, service is great, crepes are INCREDIBLE! Flo's opened their first store in Noosa and it was a huge success. So they opened in Mooloolaba which we are all so happy about.
Find these guys about 20 steps from our driveway! Great coffee, yummy brekky and sweet treats.
10 locals recommend
Milk and Beans Coffee House
156-158 Alexandra ParadeFind these guys about 20 steps from our driveway! Great coffee, yummy brekky and sweet treats.
Yummy Campos coffee and snacks. They close at 2pm so don't rock up too late!
9 locals recommend
Francis Bean
3 Mari StYummy Campos coffee and snacks. They close at 2pm so don't rock up too late!
The BEST brekky on the Sunshine Coast. If you go on Saturday/Sunday be prepared to wait for a table. We suggest the 'Crushed Avo with Bacon' OMG!
27 locals recommend
Elliott's Bistro
98-110 Alexandra ParadeThe BEST brekky on the Sunshine Coast. If you go on Saturday/Sunday be prepared to wait for a table. We suggest the 'Crushed Avo with Bacon' OMG!
About a 10 min walk north of The Units you'll find a cute little cafe with a white fence and a pink push-bike out the front. Super friendly staff, yummy coffee and a super cheap brekky.
Little Blackbird Cafe
10 Aerodrome RdAbout a 10 min walk north of The Units you'll find a cute little cafe with a white fence and a pink push-bike out the front. Super friendly staff, yummy coffee and a super cheap brekky.
A fave with the locals, it's set in a residential pocket of Mooloolaba. If you love locally sourced food with quirky interiors, you'll go nuts for this joint!
73 locals recommend
The Velo Project
19 Careela StA fave with the locals, it's set in a residential pocket of Mooloolaba. If you love locally sourced food with quirky interiors, you'll go nuts for this joint!
Amazing and authentic French patisserie! One of the best pastries you will ever eat. Don't be frightened by the line up out the door; it moves pretty quickly.
15 locals recommend
La Petite Souris
98-110 Alexandra ParadeAmazing and authentic French patisserie! One of the best pastries you will ever eat. Don't be frightened by the line up out the door; it moves pretty quickly.
These guys specialises in artisan Donuts, Pastries & Coffee. The Bakery has an open kitchen which gives a glimpse of how these delights are created. This place is a must-do!
Kenilworth Coastal Bakery
These guys specialises in artisan Donuts, Pastries & Coffee. The Bakery has an open kitchen which gives a glimpse of how these delights are created. This place is a must-do!
Alex Headland's newest cafe. Gorgeous fitout and super friendly staff. I always order the avo toast with poached egg. Don't let the peas turn you off - it's a great combo!
The Booley
Alex Headland's newest cafe. Gorgeous fitout and super friendly staff. I always order the avo toast with poached egg. Don't let the peas turn you off - it's a great combo!