60 km north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast. Mooloolaba, by the Mooloolah River which almost gave it its name, is a lively resort with a fine beach and an esplanade of cafés and restaurants. Nearby is the smart wharf area, with more restaurants overlooking the river – where you can eat seafood and drink enough wine to enable you to pronounce the name of the town and the river consecutively (or just sound as if that’s what you’re doing).
     

The only other sight of interest is Underwater World Sea Life Mooloolaba (open daily 9 am to 5 pm except Christmas day; entry fee; www.underwaterworld.com.au), the largest aquarium in Australia, where you can wave to the crocodiles, walk through the shark tank (in a tunnel), and ponder the living versions of fish you have so far only seen on your plate. It’s a good day out for the family especially if you’re making your way up the coast.