Aquaduck Safaris Aquaduck Sunshine Coast

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A one-hour Mooloolaba tour on land and water aboard the amphibious Aquaduck, taking in Mooloolaba Beach and the Esplanade by road, then the Mooloolah River, wharf and canals by water.

Days

1 hour

Age

All ages; under 16s with an adult

Group size

Max 29

Start / finish

Mooloolaba / Mooloolaba

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Amphibious Aquaduck, on road and water; make your own way to Mooloolaba

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Aquaduck Safaris Aquaduck Sunshine Coast

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Included experiences

Mooloolaba Beach and the Esplanade — by road
Mooloolah River — wildlife cruise
Mooloolaba harbour — fish market and trawlers
Minyama canals — waterfront mansions
Skipper's seat — kids drive the duck

Aquaduck Safaris Aquaduck Sunshine Coast

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

ALL ABOARD IN MOOLOOLABA

Your hour starts at the Aquaduck in Mooloolaba, where you check in about 15 minutes before departure and the crew show you to your seat. The duck is a bus with a boat's hull, and there are no toilets on board, so go before you check in. Mooloolaba is one of the busiest seaside towns on the Sunshine Coast, the stretch of beaches north of Brisbane that took its modern name in the 1960s. Once everyone is seated, the doors close, the commentary starts and the duck rolls out onto the road.

BY ROAD: MOOLOOLABA BEACH AND THE ESPLANADE

The first part is on land. You cruise along the Esplanade above Mooloolaba Beach, which faces north, unusual on this coast, so its water stays calm when the south-east trade winds blow and it's a favourite for families. From the road you get views out over the Pacific Ocean and along the Sunshine Strip of cafés, surf shops and holiday apartments. Your guide shares the local stories as you go, and points out where the surf lifesavers patrol the sand.

SPLASHDOWN: THE MOOLOOLAH RIVER AND THE HARBOUR

Then the duck heads down the ramp and splashes into the Mooloolah River, and the bus becomes a boat. Near the river mouth stands Point Cartwright, the headland and lighthouse that guard the entrance to the harbour. In Mooloolaba Harbour you cruise past the fish market and the fishing trawlers, which bring prawns and reef fish into the market across the wharf. Keep watch for wildlife along the river; pelicans are regulars around the trawlers, waiting for scraps. Kids are invited up to the skipper's seat to drive the duck, and each one gets an Aquaduck captain's certificate.

THE CANALS OF MINYAMA

Upriver, the cruise turns into the canals around Minyama, a waterfront suburb where mansions line the water, each with its own jetty and boat moored out the back. It's the best way to see them, since most of these homes can only be glimpsed from the street. Your guide fills in the stories of the area as you glide past. Then the duck heads back out of the water and returns you to where you started, about an hour after you set off.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: The Aquaduck, Mooloolaba. Check in 15 minutes before departure; tours leave on time and late arrivals forfeit their ticket with no refund.
Suits: All ages. Anyone under 16 must be with an adult 18 or over. Infants 0-1 ride free on your lap but must be included in your booking.
Please note: There is no storage for prams, strollers, luggage or large bags on board or at the departure point, and they can't be left at SEA LIFE — leave them in your car or accommodation. There are no toilets on board. Seating is allocated by the crew. In school holidays, allow extra time for travel and parking.

What is included

1 hour land and water tour on the Aquaduck
Aquaduck captain's certificate for each child

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.