Mooloolaba is the place to be this weekend (March 15-17) and locals will have the chance to enjoy the great food, coffee and views this world-class destination offers while witnessing elite athletes competing for the 2019 Mooloolaba Triathlon title.
Cafés and retailers are pulling out all stops to ensure locals and visitors are well catered for while easy access into Mooloolaba is top priority for event organisers.
Divisional councillor John Connolly said a significant amount of planning had been done by Sunshine Coast Council, Ironman event organisers and stakeholders to ensure Mooloolaba remained easy to access.
Free shuttle buses will run regularly to and from Mountain Creek State High School) and River Esplanade bus stop on Saturday (8am-4.30pm) and Sunday (4.30am-5.30pm).
Alternatively, people can park at Incana Street and walk a short distance to the Neerim Drive bus stop on Brisbane Rd and hail the free shuttle bus.
Public parking will remain open, along Parkyn Parade down to The Spit, and car parks behind The Surf Club, and at The Wharf Mooloolaba. Usual hour limits will apply.
Paid parking will also be available at Mooloolaba State School (entrance via Venning Street) with all proceeds going to the school’s P&C.
“Regular customers are encouraged to experience the extra buzz the triathlon will bring this weekend,” Cr Connolly said.
“The crew has done a great job planning for parking so I encourage our residents to come down and enjoy their regular coffee, visit the beach and do a spot of shopping.”
Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce President Graeme Juniper said the business traders welcomed the athletes and their supporters to Mooloolaba with its fabulous shopping precinct and beach, recently named in the top four best beaches in Australia by TripAdvisor.
“There is plenty of parking available during the event with parking under the resort buildings for those locals wanting to shop, dine and enjoy the fun and excitement of the event,” Mr Juniper said.
“The Mooloolaba businesses want their message to be heard loud and clear. We want you to come on down and have some fun. Shop and play on the day and don’t forget to bring Mum.”
FAST FACTS: YOUR MOOLOOLABA PARKING GUIDE
Wednesday March 13
Key car parks open including: Brisbane Road car park and surrounding street parking including upper Mooloolaba Esplanade (retail side); street parking along Parkyn Parade down to The Spit, behind The Surf Club and at The Wharf Mooloolaba.
Thursday March 14
As for Wednesday, with 90% of the Brisbane Road car park open until Friday night.
Friday March 15
The event transition area will be set up in Brisbane Road car park. It will be closed to host the event from 10pm Friday until 7pm Sunday.
The northern Beach Terrace car park will be closed 6-8pm Friday night during the Twilight Run.
Saturday March 16
The northern Beach Terrace car park will be open until noon for beach early birds and those heading out to breakfast or brunch on Saturday. It will then re-open at 5pm in time for dinner with family and friends.
Sunday March 17
The northern Beach Terrace car park will be closed for the main event from 5am and will be accessible again from 1pm in time for locals to enjoy a Sunday afternoon surf, swim and shop.
FREE parking is available. Check local parking signage (usual hour limits apply):
• The Wharf Mooloolaba and street parking along Parkyn Parade down to The Spit
• Incana Court car park next to the BP station (approx. 1.5km walk to beach). Nearest bus stop is Brisbane Road at Neerim Drive.
• Special event parking is available at Mountain Creek State High School.
FREE event shuttle buses will be running regularly to and from Mountain Creek State High School and River Esplanade bus stop on 16 – 17 March:
Saturday 8am – 4.30pm
Sunday 4.30am – 5.30pm
Tip: Park the car at Incana Street near the BP Service Station, walk a short distance to the Neerim Drive bus stop on Brisbane Rd and hail the free event shuttle bus operating on Saturday and Sunday.
PAID parking is available at Mooloolaba State School for $10 – entry via Venning Street. All proceeds will go to the Mooloolaba State School P&C.
Road access
• Parkyn Parade will be accessible at all times throughout the event.
• Sunshine Motorway will be open to north bound traffic up to David Low Way at Pacific Paradise. South bound lanes for this section of the motorway are closed Sunday, 5am – 11.15am.
• The Sunshine Motorway from Pacific Paradise to Coolum/Yandina roundabout will be closed both directions on Sunday, 5am – 11.15am
• Access to the Sunshine Coast Airport should be via David Low Way, expect delays.
A number of local roads will also be affected – refer to maps and times for the full list of changed traffic conditions.
Visit www.mooloolabatri.com or call the Tri hotline 1300 761 384 for any event enquiries.
