Cotton Tree - Maroochydore

Maroochydore is the geographic and commercial heart of the Sunshine Coast. Few other holiday destinations offer their visitors the luxuries of CBD life combined with the ambience of a relaxed beachside town. And in true Maroochy style, Maroochydore offers this unique blend on a silver platter with a smile. Maroochydore's unique buffet of sensational shopping, first-class accommodation, exquisite dining and inspirational natural beauty make it a place to visit again and again.

Wrapped around the Pacific Ocean and the Maroochy River, Maroochydore is home to some of the most spectacular waterside havens on the coast. Stretching to Noosa National Park, the lon g and open Maroochydore Beach is the perfect choice for swimmers, splashers and surfers alike. There are glorious views south to Point Cartwright and north to Mudjimba Island (once owned by Sean Connery). Along the river you'll find idyllic picnic and still-water swimming destinations. Journey to the mouth of the river to marvel at Pincushion Island, a tall sand and rock formation famed for its fishing and mystery as it appears to change position in the river.

Inspirational natural beauty complete for one day, make the most of the metropolitan lifestyle with some retail therapy or a round at the golf course. Wind down the day by watching the tides come in and out from one of the exquisite waterfront restaurants, work off dinner on the dance floor at a nightspot and then stroll home to your choice of accommodation -- from budget to absolute luxury.

That's the beauty of Maroochydore. You can hit the beach, cruise the river, clean out the shops and devour the restaurants all in the one day.