MUD SHACK AT MUDJIMBA BEACH GUIDE BOOK
LOCAL OFF-LEAD DOGGY BEACH + RIVER WALK
Rated one of the best off lead dog beaches in Australia, North Shore Beach goes from Beach Access 132 (surf side) to Beach Access 136 (Maroochy River side). Off lead all times. Climb Pincushion Island which is a small rocky outcrop where the river meets the ocean to see the moon rising over the ocean and the sun setting over the river at the same time. Walk through the casuarina trees and mangroves, past hidden sandy beach spots back to the car park. Dog washing facilities and toilets at the car park.
North Shore Road
North Shore RoadRated one of the best off lead dog beaches in Australia, North Shore Beach goes from Beach Access 132 (surf side) to Beach Access 136 (Maroochy River side). Off lead all times. Climb Pincushion Island which is a small rocky outcrop where the river meets the ocean to see the moon rising over the ocean and the sun setting over the river at the same time. Walk through the casuarina trees and mangroves, past hidden sandy beach spots back to the car park. Dog washing facilities and toilets at the car park.
LOCAL RESTAURANTS, TAKEAWAYS, DELIVERIES
Dine in and take away ITALIAN restaurant on Mudjimba Esplanade (approx 600m flat walk directly in front of the Mud Shack. Under Santorini Apartments. Licensed and BYO excellent Italian food, live music and great atmosphere. Outdoor dining is dog-friendly too. Pamela and her team will spoil you. Very popular for dinner so bookings are recommended.
27 locals recommend
Florentina's Trattoria
17 Mudjimba EsplanadeDine in and take away ITALIAN restaurant on Mudjimba Esplanade (approx 600m flat walk directly in front of the Mud Shack. Under Santorini Apartments. Licensed and BYO excellent Italian food, live music and great atmosphere. Outdoor dining is dog-friendly too. Pamela and her team will spoil you. Very popular for dinner so bookings are recommended.
Sensational coffee roasted on the premises. Just a 2 minute drive from the Mud Shack towards Maroochydore Airport. Dine inside or outside (dog-friendly) and takeaway food and coffee. Very friendly staff.
17 locals recommend
CUBA ST. COFFEE ROASTERS CAFE
968 David Low WaySensational coffee roasted on the premises. Just a 2 minute drive from the Mud Shack towards Maroochydore Airport. Dine inside or outside (dog-friendly) and takeaway food and coffee. Very friendly staff.
Approx 5 minutes from the Mud Shack. Located at Twin Waters. Plenty of parking. Fabulous restaurant (indoor and outdoor dining) with a large deck overlooking the pool and canal. Not pet-friendly but we are happy to dog sit while you go and enjoy a cocktail.
13 locals recommend
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
270 Ocean DrApprox 5 minutes from the Mud Shack. Located at Twin Waters. Plenty of parking. Fabulous restaurant (indoor and outdoor dining) with a large deck overlooking the pool and canal. Not pet-friendly but we are happy to dog sit while you go and enjoy a cocktail.
Located at Pacific Paradise Resort on Mudjimba Beach Road (left hand side walking distance from the Mud Shack). Retro vibe casual dining inside and covered courtyard. Great value and atmosphere.
Happy Chappy Restaurant and Bar
151-153 Mudjimba Beach RdLocated at Pacific Paradise Resort on Mudjimba Beach Road (left hand side walking distance from the Mud Shack). Retro vibe casual dining inside and covered courtyard. Great value and atmosphere.
Fabulous TAPAS BAR on Mudjimba Esplanade (approx 600m flat walk directly in front of the Mud Shack. Under Santorini Apartments. Outdoor (dog-friendly) and indoor dining. Wonderful cocktails and delicious tapas. Great vibe.
27 locals recommend
Florentina's Trattoria
17 Mudjimba EsplanadeFabulous TAPAS BAR on Mudjimba Esplanade (approx 600m flat walk directly in front of the Mud Shack. Under Santorini Apartments. Outdoor (dog-friendly) and indoor dining. Wonderful cocktails and delicious tapas. Great vibe.
Under Santorini Apartments on Mudjimba Esplanade. Take away fish and chips, burgers and homemade gelato. Picnic tables and shade in the park directly across the road and three viewing platforms to take in the beach views dine in paradise.
MJ's on the Esplanade Mudjimba
Under Santorini Apartments on Mudjimba Esplanade. Take away fish and chips, burgers and homemade gelato. Picnic tables and shade in the park directly across the road and three viewing platforms to take in the beach views dine in paradise.
INDIAN & SRI LANKAN Restaurant. Dine in and take away and they also deliver to the Mud Shack. Large white building on the left of the roundabout to Coles at Pacific Paradise.
8 locals recommend
Taj Curry Palace
26 Timari StINDIAN & SRI LANKAN Restaurant. Dine in and take away and they also deliver to the Mud Shack. Large white building on the left of the roundabout to Coles at Pacific Paradise.
Turn left at the roundabout to Coles, Pacific Paradise. Heaps of parking. Dine inside and outside (not pet-friendly). Local tavern streams UFC and many other sports on the big screen in the Sports Bar and there's also a Gaming Room and Cheers Liquor House. Great value food.
23 locals recommend
North Shore Tavern
698-706 David Low WayTurn left at the roundabout to Coles, Pacific Paradise. Heaps of parking. Dine inside and outside (not pet-friendly). Local tavern streams UFC and many other sports on the big screen in the Sports Bar and there's also a Gaming Room and Cheers Liquor House. Great value food.
At the beach end of Mudjimba Beach Road (Cnr Mudjimba Esplanade). Excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner. Popular bar scene. Live Music. Great people watching. Friendly and popular so recommend booking for weekend lunch and dinner. Dog-friendly outdoor dining.
46 locals recommend
High Tide Bar, Grill & Cafe
21-23 Mudjimba EsplanadeAt the beach end of Mudjimba Beach Road (Cnr Mudjimba Esplanade). Excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner. Popular bar scene. Live Music. Great people watching. Friendly and popular so recommend booking for weekend lunch and dinner. Dog-friendly outdoor dining.
On David Low Way (turn left at roundabout to Coles, Pacific Paradise and left into David Low Way). Known on the Sunny Coast as one of the best seafood takeaways and we agree. Pineapple rings, chiko rolls, fish burgers, fresh seafood to bring back to cook and everything you would expect from a great local seafood shop. Dining outside available and pet-friendly.
North Shore Seafoods
708 David Low WayOn David Low Way (turn left at roundabout to Coles, Pacific Paradise and left into David Low Way). Known on the Sunny Coast as one of the best seafood takeaways and we agree. Pineapple rings, chiko rolls, fish burgers, fresh seafood to bring back to cook and everything you would expect from a great local seafood shop. Dining outside available and pet-friendly.
5 minute drive to this FINE DINING experience at Twin Waters. Bookings recommended. Great cocktails and delicious food. Very relaxing dining on the shaded wooden deck next to a large pond or inside dining (not pet-friendly). Highly recommend for special occasions. Very popular with locals and tourists alike.
43 locals recommend
The Loose Goose
175 Ocean Dr5 minute drive to this FINE DINING experience at Twin Waters. Bookings recommended. Great cocktails and delicious food. Very relaxing dining on the shaded wooden deck next to a large pond or inside dining (not pet-friendly). Highly recommend for special occasions. Very popular with locals and tourists alike.
On Mudjimba Esplanade, directly in front of the Mud Shack, is the best bakery around. Great service. Excellent old-school bakery items. Healthy juices, smoothies, coffee and more YUMMO!
6 locals recommend
Sunrise Mudjimba
21 Mudjimba EsplanadeOn Mudjimba Esplanade, directly in front of the Mud Shack, is the best bakery around. Great service. Excellent old-school bakery items. Healthy juices, smoothies, coffee and more YUMMO!
Open from 6am for sensational coffee and breaky items. The best Portuguese tarts outside of Portugal (hurry they sell out early). Friendly staff. Cool merchandise and souvenirs for sale. Dog-friendly outdoor seating and lots of indoor seating. Not open for dinner.
26 locals recommend
The Island Surf & Espresso
15 Mudjimba EsplanadeOpen from 6am for sensational coffee and breaky items. The best Portuguese tarts outside of Portugal (hurry they sell out early). Friendly staff. Cool merchandise and souvenirs for sale. Dog-friendly outdoor seating and lots of indoor seating. Not open for dinner.
Dine in and takeaway authentic CHINESE (with popular Tepanyaki Bar) that is consistently great. The driveway to the car park is on the left just just before the lights at the top of Mudjimba Beach Road towards Coles.
7 locals recommend
Simon King Chinese Restaurant
673 David Low WayDine in and takeaway authentic CHINESE (with popular Tepanyaki Bar) that is consistently great. The driveway to the car park is on the left just just before the lights at the top of Mudjimba Beach Road towards Coles.
Iconic Marcoola landmark, Surfair offers bistro dining, 2 bars, live comedy and TAB facilities in a modern sea view pub. Phone 5457 2555 for their courtesy bus to pick you up from The Mud Shack.
22 locals recommend
Surfair Beach Hotel
923 David Low WayIconic Marcoola landmark, Surfair offers bistro dining, 2 bars, live comedy and TAB facilities in a modern sea view pub. Phone 5457 2555 for their courtesy bus to pick you up from The Mud Shack.
Formerly Picnic - NOW FLAWSOME. On Mudjimba Esplanade under Santorini Apartments. FLAWSOME offers breaky and lunch items with a Vietnamese flavour. Indoor and outdoor (dog-friendly) dining.
Picnic @ Mudjimba
15 Mudjimba EsplanadeFormerly Picnic - NOW FLAWSOME. On Mudjimba Esplanade under Santorini Apartments. FLAWSOME offers breaky and lunch items with a Vietnamese flavour. Indoor and outdoor (dog-friendly) dining.
Dine in and take away. The best Thai food around! On Mudjimba Beach Road before the lights at David Low Way (on the right side when driving up from the Shack towards Coles).
Baan Mai
Dine in and take away. The best Thai food around! On Mudjimba Beach Road before the lights at David Low Way (on the right side when driving up from the Shack towards Coles).
Cock and Hen
175 Ocean DrCasual dining - breakfast, lunch and dinner. Very yummy food!
Chilled Rolled Icecream
930 David Low WayFabulous rolled ice cream at Marcoola.
LOCAL CONVENIENCE STORE
On Mudjimba Esplanade, 600m walk. Next to Sunrise Bakery. Lovely owners selling everything a convenience store stocks as well as great souvenirs, Mudjimba themed clothing, coffee, yummy waffles and much more. Dog-friendly seating outside.
6 locals recommend
The Mudjimba Store
23 Mudjimba EsplanadeOn Mudjimba Esplanade, 600m walk. Next to Sunrise Bakery. Lovely owners selling everything a convenience store stocks as well as great souvenirs, Mudjimba themed clothing, coffee, yummy waffles and much more. Dog-friendly seating outside.
VET CLINICS
Pacific Paradise Veterinary Surgery
712 David Low WayLocal Vets (600m) near Coles.
Marcoola Veterinary Surgery
1111 David Low WayLocal Vets at Marcoola (5 minute drive).
LANDMARKS
You can't visit Mudjimba without taking a photo of our very own island - Mudjimba Island, also known as Old Woman Island. The sunrises are spectacular and are worth getting up early for!
Have you heard the Aboriginal legend behind our beloved Mudjimba Island?
“Well, legend has it that a young Aboriginal warrior called Coolum was in love with Maroochy, a beautiful girl from his tribe. All was well as the tribal elders had approved their union. However, one day, a warrior called Ninderry from another tribe kidnapped Maroochy while Coolum was out hunting.
The two warriors engaged in an epic battle for Maroochy, and while fighting, Ninderry struck Coolum with a club, knocking his head right off. Coolum’s headless body turned to stone, forming what is now known as Mount Coolum, and his head rolled into the sea and became Mudjimba Island.
The spirit gods were so incensed by Ninderry’s behaviour (his interference in the approved union of Coolum and Maroochy and killing of Coolum) that they turned Ninderry to stone and he became Mount Ninderry.
On learning of what had happened to her beloved Coolum, Maroochy fled inland to the Blackall Ranges, where she wept so much her tears flooded down the mountain range to the sea, forming the Maroochy River.
Maroochy resolved to locate Coolum’s spirit, and so she transformed herself into a swan so she could travel up and down the river to search for her lover’s spirit.”
Content credit to www.theworldswaiting.com
7 locals recommend
Mudjimba Island
You can't visit Mudjimba without taking a photo of our very own island - Mudjimba Island, also known as Old Woman Island. The sunrises are spectacular and are worth getting up early for!
Have you heard the Aboriginal legend behind our beloved Mudjimba Island?
“Well, legend has it that a young Aboriginal warrior called Coolum was in love with Maroochy, a beautiful girl from his tribe. All was well as the tribal elders had approved their union. However, one day, a warrior called Ninderry from another tribe kidnapped Maroochy while Coolum was out hunting.
The two warriors engaged in an epic battle for Maroochy, and while fighting, Ninderry struck Coolum with a club, knocking his head right off. Coolum’s headless body turned to stone, forming what is now known as Mount Coolum, and his head rolled into the sea and became Mudjimba Island.
The spirit gods were so incensed by Ninderry’s behaviour (his interference in the approved union of Coolum and Maroochy and killing of Coolum) that they turned Ninderry to stone and he became Mount Ninderry.
On learning of what had happened to her beloved Coolum, Maroochy fled inland to the Blackall Ranges, where she wept so much her tears flooded down the mountain range to the sea, forming the Maroochy River.
Maroochy resolved to locate Coolum’s spirit, and so she transformed herself into a swan so she could travel up and down the river to search for her lover’s spirit.”
Content credit to www.theworldswaiting.com
Where Mudjimba Beach meets the Maroochy River (half-way point along North Shore Dog Beach) is PINCUSHION ISLAND. Easy walk to the top to take in 360 degree views of Mount Coolum, Mudjimba Island and Mount Ninderry. Watch the sunrise over the beach and the sunset over the river from this beautiful vantage point. Have a picnic under the pandanus while taking in the best natural views on the Sunny Coast.
Pincushion Island
Where Mudjimba Beach meets the Maroochy River (half-way point along North Shore Dog Beach) is PINCUSHION ISLAND. Easy walk to the top to take in 360 degree views of Mount Coolum, Mudjimba Island and Mount Ninderry. Watch the sunrise over the beach and the sunset over the river from this beautiful vantage point. Have a picnic under the pandanus while taking in the best natural views on the Sunny Coast.
Breathtaking views of the Sunshine Coast. Stone steps and paths are not very wide and have steep drop off areas but not too scary!
66 locals recommend
Mt Coolum Climb
Breathtaking views of the Sunshine Coast. Stone steps and paths are not very wide and have steep drop off areas but not too scary!
MARKETS
A great way to spend a morning wandering around these well-known markets, which are dog-friendly too.
700 locals recommend
Eumundi Markets
80 Memorial DrA great way to spend a morning wandering around these well-known markets, which are dog-friendly too.
Great atmosphere and variety of market food on a Friday night and Saturday morning markets great for organic and local supplies.
41 locals recommend
Marcoola Twilight Market
Great atmosphere and variety of market food on a Friday night and Saturday morning markets great for organic and local supplies.
Fabulous weekend markets close to Peregian Beach and Shops. Check for dates as not open every weekend.
Peregian Beach Market
Fabulous weekend markets close to Peregian Beach and Shops. Check for dates as not open every weekend.
SUPERMARKET AND LOCAL SHOPS
At the top of Mudjimba Beach Road is our local shopping centre with Coles, Post Office, Chemist, Dine in and Takeaway restaurants, health food shop, clothing shop, souvenir shop, local art shop/gallery and much more. Heaps of free parking.
39 locals recommend
Coles North Shore
At the top of Mudjimba Beach Road is our local shopping centre with Coles, Post Office, Chemist, Dine in and Takeaway restaurants, health food shop, clothing shop, souvenir shop, local art shop/gallery and much more. Heaps of free parking.
Local fruit and veggies shop with health food items and grocery items. Excellent quality. Local seafood seller is at same location. About 15 mins drive from the Mud Shack.
15 locals recommend
Erbacher’s
131-141 David Low WayLocal fruit and veggies shop with health food items and grocery items. Excellent quality. Local seafood seller is at same location. About 15 mins drive from the Mud Shack.
Frozen and fresh seafood to take-away. Best scallop and seafood pies and a huge variety. Very clean, large shop in industrial estate behind Coolum Beach.
Shore to Shore Seafoods
9 Link CresFrozen and fresh seafood to take-away. Best scallop and seafood pies and a huge variety. Very clean, large shop in industrial estate behind Coolum Beach.
Large IGA with great deli range and items you won't find in other supermarkets. Butcher next door. 10 mins from the Mud Shack. Petrol station opposite this shopping centre always has cheaper fuel.
10 locals recommend
IGA SUPA Bli Bli
320 David Low WayLarge IGA with great deli range and items you won't find in other supermarkets. Butcher next door. 10 mins from the Mud Shack. Petrol station opposite this shopping centre always has cheaper fuel.
Organic fruit and vegetables, frozen organic meals, supplements and everything you would expect to find in a very well stocked store of this kind. Lovely owners.
7 locals recommend
Grub Organics
20c Timari StOrganic fruit and vegetables, frozen organic meals, supplements and everything you would expect to find in a very well stocked store of this kind. Lovely owners.
Closest chemist - in Coles complex at end of Mudjimba Beach Road.
Direct Chemist Outlet Pacific Paradise
722 - 728 David Low WayClosest chemist - in Coles complex at end of Mudjimba Beach Road.