Maroochydore Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Swim in the surf, fish from the Maroochy River, dive a sunken warship, or just relax with the pelicans at this laid-back beach town.

For a taste of Australia’s original 1950s coastal lifestyle, Maroochydore is the place to visit. Friendly locals, rolling surf, fibro holiday houses, caravan parks by the water and boats with on-board barbecue facilities for hire make Maroochydore the perfect place for a relaxed family holiday. All this is less than 30 minutes’ drive from the stunning rainforests of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, where hiking trails lead to waterfalls and natural pools. Maroochydore is also just under half an hour’s drive from Australia Zoo, the wildlife park established by famous Crocodile Hunter, the late Steve Irwin. 

If you have little ones, head for the protected mouth of the Maroochy River, in the suburb of Cotton Tree. Here, you’ll find calm swimming waters, a playground, the esplanade and plenty of grassy areas for the kids to run around. Learn to surf at the main swimming beach in front of the Maroochy Surf Club, where consistent novice-friendly sets roll in.

Throw in a fishing line from the banks of the Maroochy River, or hire a small boat for the day to venture up and down the river. Even if you’re not into fishing, a river cruise is a must! Pack a picnic lunch or take a boat outfitted with a barbecue up the river to the beautiful Dunethin Rock picnic area at Yandina.

For an underwater adventure, join a dive trip to the sunken guided missile destroyer HMAS Brisbane. Scuttled 5 kilometres (3 miles) off the coast in 2005, the ship has already become a thriving marine habitat and is a great introduction to wreck diving. 

To reach Maroochydore from other parts of Australia, fly into either Brisbane, which is about 100 kilometres (62 miles) south, or the Sunshine Coast. From either airport get a shuttle bus or rent a car to get to Maroochydore. Once there, it’s easy to get around on foot or by bicycle or public bus, but you’ll need private transport if you want to explore the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Maroochydore Hotel Deals

Top Spot Motel
Top Spot Motel
2.5 out of 5
8 Beach Road, Maroochydore, QLD
The price is AU$166 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
AU$166
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this motel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (340 reviews)
Great shopping location
"Above average older style motel in handy location. Clean and well fitted out. Unfortunately, the weekend cost premium was over the top."

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2024

Top Spot Motel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
42 First Avenue and Fairway Drive, Maroochydore, QLD
The price is AU$189 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
AU$189
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (325 reviews)
"Nice place great breakfast"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
Direct Collective - Rhythm on Beach
Direct Collective - Rhythm on Beach
4 out of 5
20 Beach Road, Maroochydore, QLD
The price is AU$489 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
AU$489
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (189 reviews)
"close the food. clean unit and up to date."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Direct Collective - Rhythm on Beach
River Sands Apartments
River Sands Apartments
3.5 out of 5
271 Bradman Avenue, Maroochydore, QLD
The price is AU$190 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
AU$190
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the property condition ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (207 reviews)
"Well appointed apartment right next to the Maroochy River. This is the third time I've stayed here andwill do so again. The staff are soo welcoming."

Reviewed on 20 Mar. 2024

River Sands Apartments
Catalina Resort
Catalina Resort
4 out of 5
47 Sixth Avenue, Maroochydore, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Mooloolaba Esplanade and Mooloolaba ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (467 reviews)
"Location was great. Quick walk to shops and nice dining options. Staff friendly and helpful. Easy check in and out. I would stay at Catalina again."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Catalina Resort
Kalua Holiday Apartments
Kalua Holiday Apartments
3.5 out of 5
5 Parker Street, Maroochydore, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle. Popular attractions Mooloolaba Esplanade and Mooloolaba ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (150 reviews)
"It was very good but they need to have extra pillowcases for the extra pillows"

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2024

Kalua Holiday Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Maroochydore

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Cotton Tree

When in Cotton Tree, you can plan a visit to Maroochydore Beach and Sunshine Plaza, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Cotton Tree
Alexandra Headland which includes a coastal town, landscape views and general coastal views

Alexandra Headland

Travellers to Alexandra Headland praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Alex Beach and Mooloolaba Esplanade.

Alexandra Headland
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Twin Waters

Twin Waters is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Twin Waters Golf Club and Yaroomba Beach while in the area.

Twin Waters
Mooloolaba showing landscape views, views and a beach

Mooloolaba

A noteworthy feature of Mooloolaba is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out The Wharf Mooloolaba and Mooloolaba Esplanade.

Mooloolaba
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Buderim

Buderim is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Buderim Forest Park Nature Refuge and Headland Golf Club.

Buderim
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Marcoola

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Marcoola. A stop by Marcoola Beach or Mount Coolum National Park might round out your trip.

Marcoola


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