Triathlon Closures: Major Sunshine Motorway and Mooloolaba Road Shutdowns this Sunday

Major Travel Impacts for Mooloolaba Triathlon

Commuters and residents should prepare for significant travel disruptions across the Sunshine Coast this Sunday, March 22, 2026. The 34th annual Mooloolaba Triathlon will necessitate the closure of several major thoroughfares, including a primary stretch of the Sunshine Motorway, to ensure the safety of over 4,400 athletes participating in the standard distance event.

Sunshine Motorway and Main Artery Closures

The most substantial impact on regional traffic will be the total closure of the Sunshine Motorway between Pacific Paradise and the Coolum/Yandina roundabout. This closure is scheduled to take effect from 5:00 am and will remain in place until midday. Additionally, the southbound lanes of the Sunshine Motorway from Pacific Paradise to Mooloolaba Road will be closed during the same window.

Motorists traveling between the northern beaches and Maroochydore are advised to use the Bruce Highway as an alternative route, though increased traffic volume is expected on the highway as a result of the motorway diversions.

Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headland Local Impacts

Local road closures will be extensive around the Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headland precincts. Key closures for Sunday include:

• Mooloolaba Esplanade: Closed between River Esplanade and Buderim Avenue from 4:30 am to 2:45 pm.
• Buderim Avenue: Closed from Mooloolaba Esplanade to Douglas Street until 1:45 pm, and from Douglas Street to the Sunshine Motorway until 12:15 pm.
• Alexandra Parade: Closed between Buderim Avenue and Mayfield Street until 1:45 pm.
• Brisbane Road: Closed between Walan Street and Mooloolaba Esplanade from 4:30 am to 11:00 am.

Parking in these areas will be extremely limited, and residents are encouraged to utilize designated shuttle buses provided by event organizers.

Ongoing Roadworks and Maintenance

Outside of event-related closures, several maintenance projects continue to affect local traffic flow. In Bli Bli, delays are expected on David Low Way due to ongoing lane reductions. Similarly, commuters in Beerwah should allow extra time when traveling along Roys Road, where active works are causing intermittent delays. In Alexandra Headland, road rehabilitation on Janet Street remains ongoing, though major impacts are largely contained to local traffic.

Public Transport and Rail Updates

While the Sunshine Coast rail line is currently operating on a normal Sunday schedule, commuters planning to travel toward Brisbane should be aware of major track closures on the Shorncliffe, Beenleigh, and Gold Coast lines. While these do not directly stop local trains, they will impact connecting services at Northgate and Roma Street. All Translink bus and rail services continue to offer a flat 50-cent fare, providing a cost-effective alternative for those looking to avoid the expected congestion on the roads.