Connecting Culture To Coast
Saltwater Eco Tours offers authentic, award-winning Mooloolaba cruises on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast, connecting visitors to the culture, history and natural beauty of our waterways. Locally owned and operated, we celebrate First Nations culture, share local stories, support Sunshine Coast musicians and honour our deep connection to Country through meaningful experiences that showcase the unique spirit of our region.
All our cruises take place aboard Spray of the Coral Coast, our beautifully restored, heritage-listed replica of Joshua Slocum’s historic Spray, built in 1908.
Discover our signature Cultural Bushtucker Cruise, featuring First Nations storytelling and native flavours, unwind on a Sunset Cruise with Live Music, complete with local musicians, delicious grazing foods and stunning Mooloolaba sunsets, or host your next celebration, special occasion or corporate event aboard one of our private charters.
Proudly rooted in local hospitality, sustainability and authentic hospitality, Saltwater Eco Tours offers a different way to experience Mooloolaba - where heritage, culture and coast come together.
Saltwater Eco Tours acknowledges the Kabi Kabi people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters on which we live, work and cruise. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present, and recognise their enduring connection to Country, including the land, sea and waterways. We honour the knowledge, stories and traditions passed down through generations and are committed to sharing and respecting First Nations culture as we connect our guests to the rich cultural heritage of the Sunshine Coast.
Choose your Mooloolaba cruise
Discover Mooloolaba from the water with Saltwater Eco Tours, where every cruise offers a different way to experience the Sunshine Coast. From exploring the waterways and learning about local culture and Country to enjoying live music as the sun sets over the coast, there’s an experience for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for unique things to do in Mooloolaba, a memorable day out with family and friends or a special celebration on the water, we invite you to step aboard and experience our beautiful region from a different perspective.
A cruise with a story
Spray of the Coral Coast was built in 1908 to the plans of the original Spray, the yacht Joshua Slocum sailed alone around the world. She came through a Melbourne storm in the 1940s and the 2013 Bundaberg floods. After restoration she was relaunched in Mooloolaba and listed as a heritage vessel by the Australian National Maritime Museum in 2021. Step aboard and it’s timber decks, real rigging and a century of stories under the varnish.
Saltwater Eco Tours was founded by Simon Thornalley, a Torres Strait Islander man born on the Sunshine Coast and raised on timber boats by parents who were sailors and environmentalists. Alongside his partner Jenna, Kabi Kabi Traditional Owner Aunty Bridgette Chilli and a close-knit crew, Simon set out to connect culture to coast. Every Mooloolaba boat cruise celebrates this place through food, music, culture and conversation, and cares for the Country we share.
SAIL BACK IN TIME
Welcome aboard the “Spray of the Coral Coast”, a 118 year old, classic 58ft gaff-rigged Huon-pine ketch with a fascinating history of its own
Saltwater Eco Tours Blog
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Mooloolaba cruise should we pick?
We have an experience for everyone! Our Cultural Bushtucker Cruise is perfect for families, visitors to the Sunshine Coast, food lovers and eco-travellers wanting to learn more about First Nations culture, traditional food sources, native ingredients and sustainable connections to Country. For a relaxed afternoon or a lively evening on the water, our Sunset Cruise with Live Music is ideal for date nights, girls’ outings, catching up with friends or simply unwinding while enjoying local musicians, delicious grazing platters and Mooloolaba’s beautiful sunsets. Our private charters are perfect for birthdays, corporate events, special celebrations and weddings, offering a unique way to bring people together on the water. If you love adventure and getting closer to nature, our Guided Canoe Tours offer an accessible, hands-on way to explore the Sunshine Coast’s waterways. Whatever the occasion, we’ll help you find your perfect Saltwater experience.
Are the cruises suitable for kids and older guests?
Yes. The cruises are relaxed and welcoming for all ages, and the calm waterways of the Mooloolah River mean gentle cruising rather than open-sea sailing. Infants aged 0 to 2 cruise free on the Sunset Cruise. If anyone in your group has mobility considerations, get in touch before booking and we’ll talk you through the best option.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
The sheltered waters of the Mooloolah River mean most conditions are comfortably cruisable. If weather makes a departure unsafe or unpleasant, we’ll be in touch to reschedule or resolve your booking in line with our booking terms.
Can we book the whole boat for a celebration?
Absolutely! You can book *Spray of the Coral Coast* exclusively for your next celebration, wedding, corporate event or special occasion. Our private charters can be tailored to suit your group, with options for catering, drinks, live music and cultural storytelling. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a memorable event on the water, we’ll work with you to create an experience that suits your occasion. Get in touch with our team to discuss your plans, preferred cruise duration and requirements.
Where do the Mooloolaba cruises depart from?
The Wharf Mooloolaba, 123 Parkyn Parade, in the heart of the Sunshine Coast. Head to the marina entrance behind Spero restaurant and follow the jetty to the blue tower. Spray of the Coral Coast is the one with the timber masts. There’s plenty of parking at The Wharf, mostly 4-hour limits, so allow extra time on weekends, and there’s a bus stop directly outside if you’d rather arrive the greener way.
