Mooloolaba, Australia Running Route

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Length 7.6 km (4.7 miles), terrain: flat

By Contributing Editor John Griffith, Social videographer and blogger at https://thebriars.wordpress.com/

For more running routes, see Route List

Every runner knows that seafront runs can be a bit monotonous. Straight, flat, windy, crowded, they are not everybody's cup of tea.  However some seafront runs are a joy to behold, quickly lulling the runner into a hypnotic state of bliss, bathed in sunshine with the roar of the ocean in your ears instead of Foo Fighters for a change.  One such seafront run is in Moolalaba, Queensland, Australia.

Only an hour's drive north of Brisbane, Mooloolaba is a fishing port that over the last 20 years has become a hot holiday destination for a very cosmopolitan set.  High-rises are still being built at one end of the bay while the original fishing port thrives at the other.  It's a top surfing spot too, and the beer at the Mooloolaba Surf Club is a welcome refreshment when your run is over.

Mooloolaba beach Esplanade, photo by John Griffith

It doesn't matter where you start, but assuming your staying in the town centre or you've parked there, head for the seafront and strike out right (South east) on the paved walkway towards the Surf Club.  When you get the club, hit the sand and enjoy the powder between your toes as you head towards the estuary and the barrier.  

After about 2k you'll reach the barrier, so head on to the end of it and breathe in that fresh air.  Look straight down the coast and you can see as far as Noosa with some of the finest Sunshine Coast beaches in between.

The beach at Mooloolaba, photo by John Griffith

Turn back, but this time leave the sand and dodge into the trees where there is a very convenient trail that takes you back to the surf club behind the beach. Rejoin the coastal footpath and head past your starting point as far as the HMAS Brisbane lookout.  This warship which enjoyed an illustrious operational career and was scuttled a mile or so out to sea as a diving wreck.  Nearby there's a convenient outdoor public gym where you can do a few pull-ups but beware, there will be some posing surfdudes there popping their muscles so you'd better look good...

Back down to your starting point will complete just shy of a 10k and you'll be ready for a beer or two at Hot Pipi's then a grilled Red Snapper at Fish on Parkyn.