Maroochydore Beach

Maroochydore Beach sits where the Maroochy River meets the ocean, and that river mouth shapes everything here. Currents can run hard after rain. The outgoing tide creates strong rips near the channel that catch people off guard. Respect the flags if it's been wet.

The Cotton Tree section, just south of the river mouth, is where most families set up. Cotton Tree Park runs right along the beach with shady trees, BBQs, playgrounds, and a caravan park that's been there for decades. You can rotate between the surf, the park, and the river all day.

The surf is consistent. Several named breaks line the beach, and banks shift with sand pumping and river flow, so local knowledge pays off. After heavy rain the river pushes sand around and banks can change overnight. What worked last week might be a close-out.

Ocean Street and the new Maroochydore City Centre development are adding cafes, shops, and apartments. Maroochydore is the commercial hub of the Sunshine Coast, so there's more going on behind this beach than anywhere else on the Coast.