Best Beaches near Maroochydore
About the Suburb
Find 5 beaches near Maroochydore, the Sunshine Coast's commercial heart. The Maroochy River mouth creates a unique surf break, while Cotton Tree foreshore offers calm river swimming, picnic areas, and a holiday park steps from the sand.
What Makes It Special
- •Cotton Tree foreshore - camp literally 50 metres from the sand and river
- •Sunshine Plaza mega-mall for rainy day shopping and dining
- •The new Maroochydore CBD development transforming the town centre
Getting There
Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) is 15 minutes north. 95 minutes from Brisbane. Paid parking at Cotton Tree and along Alexandra Parade. Bus interchange in town centre.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round at Cotton Tree for calm river swimming. North-east swells in autumn create the best waves at the river mouth. Avoid Cotton Tree on public holidays when every campsite and carpark fills.
Along the Coast
What's On
Horizon Festival
Annual · Next: Friday 1 May 2026
A major arts and culture festival held across Maroochydore, exploring the intersections of art, people, and place, with programming at beachfront, waterfront, and esplanade locations.
www.eloueratower.com.auEVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival
Saturday 1 — Sunday 2 August 2026
A multi-distance running festival featuring full marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km, and 2km fun runs along the Alexandra Headland coastline.
www.runningcalendar.com.au