Mooloolaba is a suburb and tourist resort township on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Originally a timber trade center, Mooloolaba had become a premier holiday location by the 1920s. Fishing and boat hire were especially popular among tourists. In fact, they are still so popular that Mooloolaba even hosts an annual boat parade.
The Mooloolaba Christmas Boat Parade was founded in 2002 by the Mooloolaba Yachts Club. Originally targeted primarily for locals, it has since become a major tourist attraction. The parade features different kinds of boats adorned with beautiful Christmas decorations and lights. On the day of the parade, Mooloolaba waterways come alive with a spectacular display of Christmas lights illuminating the water. Boat owners and their crews often dress up in Christmas costume to contribute to the festive atmosphere.
The annual parade is usually held in mid-December. It starts at 6.30 pm in front of The Wharf Mooloolaba, heads out along the main canals of Mooloolaba, Buddina and Kawana, and finishes back where it started. The best place to watch the parade is its hub, The Wharf Mooloolaba.
After the event, awards are presented to the Best Dressed Boat and Best Dressed House. To participate in the competition, each boat or house has to apply in advance and pay an entry fee. These fees are donated to the parade’s nominated local charity of the year. Admission to the boat parade is free.
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