The short version: the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival is on 13 and 14 March 2027. The sprint (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run) is on Saturday 13 March, and the standard distance race (1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run) is on Sunday 14 March. It is one of the most popular triathlons in Australia, and Mooloolaba gets very busy that weekend.
If you want to race fresh, it helps to sleep somewhere quieter. Caloundra is about 25 minutes' drive south of Mooloolaba, with easy parking, flat water for a shake-out swim and cafés that open early.
The race weekend at a glance
- Saturday 13 March 2027: sprint distance, plus the usual festival atmosphere along the Mooloolaba Esplanade.
- Sunday 14 March 2027: standard distance, the main event.
- Course: a sea swim off Mooloolaba Beach, a bike leg on the coast's main roads and a run along the Esplanade. Confirm transition times, racking and road closures with the organiser closer to the date.
Why Caloundra works as a triathlon base
A quiet night before the race. The Mooloolaba Esplanade is lively all weekend. Caloundra is calm by 9pm, which is exactly what you want the night before an early start.
Bike-friendly parking. Secure underground parking with lift access means your bike can come upstairs with you instead of sitting on a car rack overnight.
A shake-out swim on calm water. Bulcock Beach sits on Pumicestone Passage, so the water is flat and shallow near the sand. Kings Beach has a patrolled surf beach and a free ocean pool for an easy swim the day before.
Recovery after the finish. Back at Caloundra Escape, the Level 12 rooftop has a heated pool, spa and sauna, which is a good way to spend Sunday afternoon.
Race morning logistics
Allow 25 to 30 minutes to drive from Caloundra to Mooloolaba, plus time to park and walk to transition. On race morning, aim to leave Caloundra well before transition opens so you are not stuck in road-closure traffic. If a supporter is driving, they can drop you near transition and park further out.
The night before, keep it simple: an early dinner on Bulcock Street, gear laid out, alarm set. Our best restaurants in Caloundra list has a few options that suit a pre-race meal.
Make it a long weekend
March is still summer on the Sunshine Coast. Water temperatures are usually in the mid 20s and the beaches are quieter than in January. If you can stay an extra night, Monday is a good day for the Caloundra coastal walk or a slow lunch by the water.
Racing IRONMAN 70.3 in September too? Our IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast guide covers that weekend.
Where to stay
Caloundra Escape Apartment is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment at 111 Bulcock Street, Caloundra, sleeping four. It works for two athletes and two supporters, or a racing couple who want space to spread out. Check dates on our availability calendar. Every direct request goes straight to the owner.
Quick answers
When is the Mooloolaba Triathlon 2027?
The Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival is on 13 and 14 March 2027. The sprint (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run) is on Saturday 13 March and the standard distance (1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run) is on Sunday 14 March. Confirm final times with the organiser.
Is Caloundra a good base for the Mooloolaba Triathlon?
Yes, if you want a quieter night before the race. Caloundra is about 25 minutes' drive south of Mooloolaba, with easy parking, beaches for a shake-out swim and plenty of cafés for an early breakfast.
Can I store a bike at Caloundra Escape Apartment?
The apartment has secure underground parking with lift access, so bikes can come up with you rather than staying on a car rack overnight.
