Nine luxury cruise ships are set to drop anchor off Mooloolaba between October 2025 and March 2026, signalling a busy cruise season for the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast Resilient Economy Councillor Joe Natoli said cruise tourism was a growing part of the region’s visitor economy, and Mooloolaba was perfectly positioned to make a lasting impression.
“Cruise ship arrivals align with our Regional Economic Development Strategy and help build the Sunshine Coast’s profile, especially in international markets,” Cr Natoli said.
“Thousands of cruise passengers will disembark at The Wharf Mooloolaba, injecting fresh energy into local tourism and trade, and encouraging valuable national and international repeat visitation.
“These arrivals bring a real buzz to the region, supporting local jobs and showcasing our world-class attractions to international guests.
“I encourage locals and businesses to make a special effort to give these people a warm welcome when the cruise ships land on our shores, and leave a lasting memory of how friendly we are here on the Sunshine Coast.
“Looking ahead, we see cruise tourism growing in volume, with more local businesses participating in cruise experiences and potential infrastructure improvements to support that growth.
“Not being able to dock is a challenge, but it’s one that can be overcome.
“Council isn’t directly involved in the logistics of passenger transfers, that’s managed commercially, but we’re always looking for ways to support tourism operators and enhance the visitor experience.
“Any future infrastructure upgrades to better accommodate cruise ships would need to be led by the State Government. Council would certainly welcome planning and investment similar to what the Gold Coast received for the Spit.”
The season’s schedule includes international ships such as Viking Orion, Viking Sky, Azamara Onward, Ocean Vista and Seven Seas Mariner, offering day excursions and regional exploration.
The first ship of the season, Silver Nova, arrives on October 9, bringing more than 700 passengers from Singapore en route to Melbourne. A second visit follows on October 22, sailing from Brisbane to Darwin. Other highlights include Viking Orion on November 29, stopping over during a 30-day voyage from Benoa (Indonesia) to Auckland.
The Mooloolaba northern parkland and boardwalk will offer prime viewing spots for these impressive vessels, making for spectacular photo opportunities.
More than 7000 visitors are expected to disembark across the season, enjoying curated excursions to iconic attractions such as Australia Zoo, the Ginger Factory, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, and the hinterland.
Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC) will lead the visitor arrival activations, ensuring visitors receive a warm welcome and will showcase the region’s unique offerings.
Local businesses are poised to benefit from increased visitation, with opportunities to engage cruise passengers and promote regional products and experiences.
The Wharf Mooloolaba general manager Karen Hugg said cruise days a bring a lively atmosphere to the precinct.
“As guests tender ashore at The Wharf Mooloolaba, we’ve coordinated with Visit Sunshine Coast and our operators to ensure a smooth arrival and a warm Sunshine Coast welcome that encourages visitors to explore more of Mooloolaba,” Ms Hugg said.
While Mooloolaba undergoes its foreshore transformation, more than 1.3km of beach south of the lifeguard tower will remain open with lifeguards on duty as usual (via Beach Access 180). To help guide visitors through Mooloolaba, eye-catching wayfinding signs have been installed, pointing the way to the patrolled beach area, amenities, The Wharf, and our cafe, restaurant and retail offering along The Esplanade.
