Fishing spots at Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and Coolum
11 places to fish around Maroochy, Mooloolaba and Coolum: 5 you can fish from land and 6 public boat ramps. Each has the winds it is sheltered from, its tide place and what is in season in October.
Updated
Species seasons here follow our Sunshine Coast guide, which covers Maroochy and Mooloolah rivers, Mooloolaba, Point Cartwright, Kawana-Coolum beaches and the close reefs (Currimundi, Murphys, Caloundra 3-9 Mile). Positions are a guide only, not for navigation.
See this week's fishing forecast for Mooloolaba: the app rates each day for shore, small-boat and kayak fishing, with the best time of day, wind, tide and what to target.
Spots at a glance
| Spot | Type | Access | Sheltered in | Zone | Tide place |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cotton Tree – Maroochy River mouth | Shore | Land-based and kayak | S, SW, W | Not in a marine park | Maroochy River mouth |
| 2. Mooloolah River entrance walls | Shore · ocean rocks | Land-based | S, SW, W | Not in a marine park | Mooloolaba |
| 3. Point Cartwright | Shore · ocean rocks | Land-based | SW, W, NW | Not in a marine park | Mooloolaba |
| 4. Alexandra Headland | Shore · ocean rocks | Land-based | S, SW, W | Not in a marine park | Mooloolaba |
| 5. Point Arkwright (Coolum) | Shore · ocean rocks | Land-based | W, NW, N | Not in a marine park | Coolum |
| 6. Maroochydore – Bradman Ave ramp (Cod Hole) | Boat ramp | Boat (ramp here) and kayak | – | Not in a marine park | Picnic Point |
| 7. Picnic Point boat ramp (Maroochydore) | Boat ramp | Boat (ramp here) and kayak | – | Not in a marine park | Picnic Point |
| 8. Maroochydore – David Low Way ramp (Maroochy River) | Boat ramp | Boat (ramp here) and kayak | – | Not in a marine park | Picnic Point |
| 9. Bli Bli – Muller Park Rd ramp | Boat ramp | Boat (ramp here) and kayak | – | Not in a marine park | David Low Bridge |
| 10. Mooloolaba – Parkyn Pde ramp (The Spit) | Boat ramp | Boat (ramp here) and kayak | – | Not in a marine park | Mooloolaba |
| 11. Buddina – Harbour Pde ramp (Mooloolah River) | Boat ramp | Boat (ramp here) and kayak | – | Not in a marine park | Parrearra (Mooloolah River) |
1. Cotton Tree – Maroochy River mouth
- Type
- Shore
- Access
- Land-based and kayak
- What's good here
- Peak in October: Dusky flathead, Summer whiting, Mangrove jack and Blue swimmer crab (8 more in season).
- Best tide
- Any tide for mangrove jack and blue swimmer crab; run-out for dusky flathead; early run-in for summer whiting
- Best wind
- Sheltered in S, SW and W winds; exposed to N, NE and E (faces NE)
- Zone
- Not in a marine park (Fisheries rules still apply)
- Note
- Sandy river-mouth foreshore; whiting, flathead, bream and trevally on the run-in. Access: Cotton Tree Park foreshore.
- Map
- -26.65285, 153.10050 · Open in Google Maps
- Tide times here
- Maroochy River mouth (±1 h, from Mooloolaba)
- Forecast
- Open in the forecast
2. Mooloolah River entrance walls
- Type
- Shore · ocean rocks
- Access
- Land-based
- What's good here
- Peak in October: Dusky flathead, Summer whiting, Mangrove jack and Blue swimmer crab (8 more in season).
- Best tide
- Any tide for mangrove jack and blue swimmer crab; run-out for dusky flathead; early run-in for summer whiting
- Best wind
- Sheltered in S, SW and W winds; exposed to N, NE and E (faces NE)
- Zone
- Not in a marine park (Fisheries rules still apply)
- Note
- Rock walls at the river mouth; trevally, tailor, bream and mulloway, squid at night. Access: From Mooloolaba Spit Park. Keep clear of boats using the bar.
- Map
- -26.67991, 153.13359 · Open in Google Maps
- Tide times here
- Mooloolaba (MSQ predictions)
- Forecast
- Open in the forecast
Wear a lifejacket on ocean rocks; never turn your back on the sea.
3. Point Cartwright
- Type
- Shore · ocean rocks
- Access
- Land-based
- What's good here
- Peak in October: Dusky flathead, Summer whiting, Mangrove jack and Blue swimmer crab (8 more in season).
- Best tide
- Any tide for mangrove jack and blue swimmer crab; run-out for dusky flathead; early run-in for summer whiting
- Best wind
- Sheltered in SW, W and NW winds; exposed to NE, E and SE (faces ENE)
- Zone
- Not in a marine park (Fisheries rules still apply)
- Note
- Rocky headland at Buddina; tailor, bream and drummer off the rocks. Access: Walk from the Point Cartwright lighthouse car park. Rock fishing: wear a lifejacket.
- Map
- -26.67972, 153.13888 · Open in Google Maps
- Tide times here
- Mooloolaba (MSQ predictions)
- Forecast
- Open in the forecast
Wear a lifejacket on ocean rocks; never turn your back on the sea.
4. Alexandra Headland
- Type
- Shore · ocean rocks
- Access
- Land-based
- What's good here
- Peak in October: Dusky flathead, Summer whiting, Mangrove jack and Blue swimmer crab (8 more in season).
- Best tide
- Any tide for mangrove jack and blue swimmer crab; run-out for dusky flathead; early run-in for summer whiting
- Best wind
- Sheltered in S, SW and W winds; exposed to N, NE and E (faces NE)
- Zone
- Not in a marine park (Fisheries rules still apply)
- Note
- Headland rocks between Maroochydore and Mooloolaba; tailor and bream. Access: Rock fishing: wear a lifejacket, check the swell.
- Map
- -26.67389, 153.11361 · Open in Google Maps
- Tide times here
- Mooloolaba (MSQ predictions)
- Forecast
- Open in the forecast
Wear a lifejacket on ocean rocks; never turn your back on the sea.
5. Point Arkwright (Coolum)
- Type
- Shore · ocean rocks
- Access
- Land-based
- What's good here
- Peak in October: Dusky flathead, Summer whiting, Mangrove jack and Blue swimmer crab (8 more in season).
- Best tide
- Any tide for mangrove jack and blue swimmer crab; run-out for dusky flathead; early run-in for summer whiting
- Best wind
- Sheltered in W, NW and N winds; exposed to E, SE and S (faces SE)
- Zone
- Not in a marine park (Fisheries rules still apply)
- Note
- Exposed rocky point south of Coolum; tailor, bream, dart and trevally. Access: Rock fishing: wear a lifejacket, check the swell.
- Map
- -26.54659, 153.10285 · Open in Google Maps
- Tide times here
- Coolum (MSQ local times, from Mooloolaba)
- Forecast
- Open in the forecast
Wear a lifejacket on ocean rocks; never turn your back on the sea.
6. Maroochydore – Bradman Ave ramp (Cod Hole)
- Type
- Boat ramp
- Access
- Boat (ramp here) and kayak
- What's good here
- Peak in October: Dusky flathead, Summer whiting, Mangrove jack and Blue swimmer crab (8 more in season).
- Best tide
- Any tide for mangrove jack and blue swimmer crab; run-out for dusky flathead; early run-in for summer whiting
- Best wind
- No facing direction recorded for this spot
- Zone
- Not in a marine park (Fisheries rules still apply)
- Note
- Maroochy River ramp. Going to sea crosses the Maroochy River bar, a designated bar: check MSQ advice and conditions before crossing.
- Map
- -26.64186, 153.06175 · Open in Google Maps
- Tide times here
- Picnic Point (±1 h, from Mooloolaba)
- Forecast
- Open in the forecast
7. Picnic Point boat ramp (Maroochydore)
- Type
- Boat ramp
- Access
- Boat (ramp here) and kayak
- What's good here
- Peak in October: Dusky flathead, Summer whiting, Mangrove jack and Blue swimmer crab (8 more in season).
- Best tide
- Any tide for mangrove jack and blue swimmer crab; run-out for dusky flathead; early run-in for summer whiting
- Best wind
- No facing direction recorded for this spot
- Zone
- Not in a marine park (Fisheries rules still apply)
- Note
- Lower Maroochy River ramp close to the mouth. Going to sea crosses the Maroochy River bar, a designated bar: check MSQ advice and conditions before crossing.
- Map
- -26.64355, 153.08433 · Open in Google Maps
- Tide times here
- Picnic Point (±1 h, from Mooloolaba)
- Forecast
- Open in the forecast
8. Maroochydore – David Low Way ramp (Maroochy River)
- Type
- Boat ramp
- Access
- Boat (ramp here) and kayak
- What's good here
- Peak in October: Dusky flathead, Summer whiting, Mangrove jack and Blue swimmer crab (8 more in season).
- Best tide
- Any tide for mangrove jack and blue swimmer crab; run-out for dusky flathead; early run-in for summer whiting
- Best wind
- No facing direction recorded for this spot
- Zone
- Not in a marine park (Fisheries rules still apply)
- Note
- Maroochy River ramp, upstream reaches.
- Map
- -26.64370, 153.05498 · Open in Google Maps
- Tide times here
- Picnic Point (±1 h, from Mooloolaba)
- Forecast
- Open in the forecast
9. Bli Bli – Muller Park Rd ramp
- Type
- Boat ramp
- Access
- Boat (ramp here) and kayak
- What's good here
- Peak in October: Dusky flathead, Summer whiting, Mangrove jack and Blue swimmer crab (8 more in season).
- Best tide
- Any tide for mangrove jack and blue swimmer crab; run-out for dusky flathead; early run-in for summer whiting
- Best wind
- No facing direction recorded for this spot
- Zone
- Not in a marine park (Fisheries rules still apply)
- Note
- Upper Maroochy River ramp; flathead, bream and estuary cod upstream.
- Map
- -26.62443, 153.04618 · Open in Google Maps
- Tide times here
- David Low Bridge (±1 h, from Mooloolaba)
- Forecast
- Open in the forecast
10. Mooloolaba – Parkyn Pde ramp (The Spit)
- Type
- Boat ramp
- Access
- Boat (ramp here) and kayak
- What's good here
- Peak in October: Dusky flathead, Summer whiting, Mangrove jack and Blue swimmer crab (8 more in season).
- Best tide
- Any tide for mangrove jack and blue swimmer crab; run-out for dusky flathead; early run-in for summer whiting
- Best wind
- No facing direction recorded for this spot
- Zone
- Not in a marine park (Fisheries rules still apply)
- Note
- Main Mooloolaba harbour ramp. The Mooloolah River bar is the usual way offshore on the Sunshine Coast (designated bar: check MSQ advice and conditions before crossing).
- Map
- -26.68586, 153.12775 · Open in Google Maps
- Tide times here
- Mooloolaba (MSQ predictions)
- Forecast
- Open in the forecast
11. Buddina – Harbour Pde ramp (Mooloolah River)
- Type
- Boat ramp
- Access
- Boat (ramp here) and kayak
- What's good here
- Peak in October: Dusky flathead, Summer whiting, Mangrove jack and Blue swimmer crab (8 more in season).
- Best tide
- Any tide for mangrove jack and blue swimmer crab; run-out for dusky flathead; early run-in for summer whiting
- Best wind
- No facing direction recorded for this spot
- Zone
- Not in a marine park (Fisheries rules still apply)
- Note
- Ramp on the Point Cartwright side of the Mooloolah River entrance. The Mooloolah River bar is a designated bar: check MSQ advice and conditions before crossing.
- Map
- -26.68763, 153.13209 · Open in Google Maps
- Tide times here
- Parrearra (Mooloolah River) (MSQ local times, from Mooloolaba)
- Forecast
- Open in the forecast
Boat ramps around Maroochy, Mooloolaba and Coolum
6 public boat ramps, all launching into smooth water. Trips from these ramps reach 10 reefs and marks that we list; Mooloolaba – Parkyn Pde ramp (The Spit) and Buddina – Harbour Pde ramp (Mooloolah River) each reach all of them.
| Ramp | Bar crossing | Reach from here |
|---|---|---|
| Maroochydore – Bradman Ave ramp (Cod Hole) | Maroochy Bar | Mudjimba (Old Woman) Island (4 h), Gneering Shoals (4 h), Arkwright Shoal (4 h), Barwon Banks (6 h), FAD 7 Mooloolaba 10 nm (6 h), FAD 8 Mooloolaba east (6 h), FAD 18 Wide Caloundra (6 h), SFAD 4A Mooloolaba shelf (6 h) |
| Picnic Point boat ramp (Maroochydore) | Maroochy Bar | Mudjimba (Old Woman) Island (4 h), Gneering Shoals (4 h), Arkwright Shoal (4 h), Barwon Banks (6 h), FAD 7 Mooloolaba 10 nm (6 h), FAD 8 Mooloolaba east (6 h), FAD 18 Wide Caloundra (6 h), SFAD 4A Mooloolaba shelf (6 h) |
| Maroochydore – David Low Way ramp (Maroochy River) | No trips listed | – |
| Bli Bli – Muller Park Rd ramp | No trips listed | – |
| Mooloolaba – Parkyn Pde ramp (The Spit) | Mooloolah Bar | Mudjimba (Old Woman) Island (4 h), Gneering Shoals (4 h), Arkwright Shoal (4 h), Bray Rock (4 h), Raper Shoal (4 h), Barwon Banks (6 h), FAD 7 Mooloolaba 10 nm (6 h), FAD 8 Mooloolaba east (6 h), FAD 18 Wide Caloundra (6 h), SFAD 4A Mooloolaba shelf (6 h) |
| Buddina – Harbour Pde ramp (Mooloolah River) | Mooloolah Bar | Mudjimba (Old Woman) Island (4 h), Gneering Shoals (4 h), Arkwright Shoal (4 h), Bray Rock (4 h), Raper Shoal (4 h), Barwon Banks (6 h), FAD 7 Mooloolaba 10 nm (6 h), FAD 8 Mooloolaba east (6 h), FAD 18 Wide Caloundra (6 h), SFAD 4A Mooloolaba shelf (6 h) |
"Reach from here" lists the reefs and marks whose usual launch is this ramp, with the trip length out and back that we allow for when checking the bar and the open water. Tide places and marine rescue units for each ramp are on the boat ramps page.
What's biting here in October?
In peak season around Maroochy, Mooloolaba and Coolum in October: dusky flathead, summer whiting, mangrove jack, blue swimmer crab and 1 more. Of the 13 species in our Sunshine Coast guide that these spots reach, 5 peak in October 2026 and 7 more are in season.
Also in season: Javelin / grunter, Yellowfin bream, Tailor, Estuary cod, Mud crab, Trevally, Mulloway and Tarwhine.
Out of season in October: Tiger squid (best May–Aug).
Seen now and then here, so not rated: Luderick.
Every species and its size and bag limits: species guides. Seasons are closure-aware: a species in its closed season is never listed as in season, and its best months leave out any month with a closed day.
Species photos are used under Creative Commons or public-domain terms; see photo credits for each photographer and licence.
Can you fish here? Rules and safety
You don't need a licence to fish Queensland's tidal waters (licence rules), but size and possession limits and closed seasons apply.
Size and bag limits: Queensland tidal size and possession limits (our species guides were checked 8 Oct 2026). Fishing rules for South East Queensland.
Bars and open water
Trips to sea from here cross the Maroochy Bar or the Mooloolah Bar. MSQ: only experienced skippers with local knowledge should cross. Lifejackets must be worn crossing a designated bar in an open boat, or in an open area of any boat (the law since 1 Dec 2024, enforced from 1 Jul 2025; MSQ, checked 9 Oct 2026). We never call a crossing safe: check the conditions yourself.
Ocean rocks here (Mooloolah River entrance walls, Point Cartwright, Alexandra Headland and Point Arkwright (Coolum)): wear a lifejacket on ocean rocks; never turn your back on the sea.
Marine rescue
Log on and off with MRQ Mooloolaba (ask the unit for log-on details). Emergency: 000 (112 from mobiles) · VHF 16 for distress (checked 8 Oct 2026).
Weather
Read the official forecast and warnings in the Bureau of Meteorology's own words: Sunshine Coast Waters forecast and Current warnings.
Other rules in parts of South East Queensland
Each rule's text says where it applies.
- White spot disease movement area (Caloundra to the NSW border, 100 m off Bribie, Moreton and Stradbroke, inland to Ipswich): prawns, saltwater yabbies, marine worms and other crustaceans must not leave it unless cooked; decontaminate gear and boats when leaving. Exempt: spanner, three-spotted, blue swimmer and mud crabs, bugs, lobsters, red claw. Never use raw supermarket prawns as bait. Official page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
- Prawn-farm channels: Biosecurity Area 2 near Logan-area prawn farms (e.g. Jacobs Well, Pimpama, Steiglitz, Woongoolba, Southern Moreton Bay Islands): no line fishing in farm intake/drainage channels or within 100 m of them; crab pots, cast nets and yabby pumps are allowed. Follow the signs. Official page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
- Bivalves: pipis only: Bivalves and gastropods are no take in Moreton Bay and all tidal waters flowing into it, except pipis (30). Official page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
- Coombabah Lake and Creek: Coombabah Lake and the tidal waters of Coombabah Creek upstream of the lake (Gold Coast): all fishing prohibited. Official page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
- Spearfishing: No spearfishing within 100 m of any public jetty from the Noosa River south; also banned in Lake Weyba/lower Noosa River, the lower Maroochy (incl. the Cod Hole), the Mooloolah below Nicklin Way, parts of Pumicestone Passage, Jumpinpin and the Southport Broadwater/Seaway (south of 27°42′S), Tallebudgera Creek and the artificial reef off Cowan Cowan. Official page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
- Lota–Wynnum worm digging: No worm digging on the Wynnum foreshore (Lota Creek to the Wynnum North Esplanade groyne); hand pumps only in Fish Habitat Areas. Official page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
- NSW waters: South of Point Danger (Tweed, Kingscliff, Cook Island) is NSW: NSW rules apply and a NSW recreational fishing licence is required (not covered here). Official page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
Nearby fishing areas
- Caloundra and Pumicestone Passage (about 19 km south)
- Mooloolaba and Caloundra offshore (about 23 km east)
- Noosa River and Noosa Heads (about 29 km north)
- Laguna Bay and Noosa offshore (about 36 km north)
Distances are between the middle of each area's spots.
Sources and checked dates
- Place names and positions: Queensland place names gazetteer, © State of Queensland (Department of Resources), CC BY 4.0
- Spot positions: Queensland topographic data (QTopo), © State of Queensland (Department of Resources), CC BY 4.0
- Boat ramps: Sunshine Coast Council open data, CC BY 3.0 AU
- Marine park zones: Moreton Bay Marine Park zoning, © State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Science) 2021, CC BY 4.0, simplified; guide only, not for navigation (zones checked 8 Oct 2026).
- Spot data checked 8 Oct 2026; area details checked 8 Oct 2026; bars checked 8 Oct 2026; marine rescue units checked 8 Oct 2026.
- Species seasons: our South East Queensland guide (Sunshine Coast), rules checked 8 Oct 2026. Tide places name the Maritime Safety Queensland predictions each spot uses (CC BY 4.0).
- Every source and licence: Sources and disclaimers.