The Maroochy area is at the core of the Sunshine Coast and is the commercial hub of the region. For first-time visitors to Maroochy there is a long list of diverse experiences on offer from boutique shopping to art gallery visits, forest walks, river kayaking and beach side dining.
The tree-lined streets of
Buderim offers a superb selection of boutiques, eateries, hair salons and art galleries that are a destination in themselves. There is a great
rainforest walk in the heart of
Buderim that leads to the
Buderim Falls. In the heat of summer don’t forget to pack your togs for a freshwater plunge.
The Maroochy River trail is a popular activity amongst paddlers, with over 30km of river wanderings where kayakers drift under bridges, pass through mangroves and gaze at wildlife. The mouth of the Maroochy River is a great destination for kite surfers or to hire a boat and putter up the river to cast a line.
The sleepy seaside village of
Cotton Tree
has a thriving shopping precinct, stretches of leafy parks abundant with playgrounds, sprawling cotton trees and top-notch barbecue facilities. There are a handful of restaurants dotted along Duporth Avenue and within
Cotton Tree that are a must-visit for foodies.
Mooloolaba’s north facing stretch of beach is patrolled all year round and is a gentle ocean swimming spot and very popular with visiting families. The
Mooloolaba jetty is home to the biggest trawling fleet in Queensland and throughout the summer months, visitors can see the trawlers hard at work on the horizon. There are some great seafood haunts along
Mooloolaba’s Spit that sell locally, wild-caught seafood direct from the trawler. Walkers, runners and bike riders can track the popular beach boardwalk that begins at the
Mooloolaba Spit, weaving through paper barks and beach parks with the rumble of the ocean never too far away.
Walkers can stroll along Alexandra Headland and into
Cotton Tree. Mooloolaba's esplanade and back streets are filled to the brim with stylish boutiques, relaxed eateries, al fresco restaurants and attractions.
Fondly referred to as Alex amongst locals,
Alexandra Headland is squeezed between
Mooloolaba and Maroochydore. Its rocky headland offers some great surf and its patrolled beaches are a hit amongst swimmers. The headland park has some barbecue shelters and park benches offering sweeping coastal views to Mount Coolum and beyond. There is also a skate bowl located beachside, which is a hit with the skating fraternity.
Marcoola offers a tranquil, relaxed coastal setting, with few crowds to contend with on the beach.
If you have your dive ticket, you can’t go past exploring the ex-HMAS Brisbane that was scuttled in mid-2005 off the coast of
Mooloolaba and is the largest diveable wreck in Queensland.
PATROLLED BEACHES ALL YEAR ROUND
The Spit, Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headland
Check out the local surf conditions
here
SECRETS ONLY A LOCAL WOULD KNOW
- A jaunt to the Maroochy Botanic Gardens is really worthwhile. Head along the crushed pebble path to the bushland sculpture garden that takes you on an art journey into nature’s very own gallery. Walk past varied sculptures from sculptors around the world that leave you pondering, smiling or confused. This open-air gallery offers the sweet smell of wattle, the crack of a whipbird and perfect lawns to enjoy a picnic and reflect on the quotes scattered throughout the natives. Take Tanawha Forest Glen Tourist Drive 25 and follow the signs.
- If you’re looking for skate parks along the Sunshine Coast, you can’t go past the Alexandra Headland skate park. The skate bowl is renowned for its crowds and beachside location and is popular amongst skaters, BMX riders and bladers of all skill levels. It features a wedge ramp, fun box, quarter pipe with banks, coffin box seven-foot half pipe. Other skate parks along the coast are Roberts Road, Beerwah; Sportsman Parade, Bokarina; Eumundi, next door to the public swimming pool and Peregian Beach in the park beside the beach.
- Kitesurfers take note: salt has been told by the experts that the mouth of the Maroochy River satisfies both beginner, intermediate and advanced kite surfer appetites because you can access both sides of the river either via Cotton Tree or Twin Waters.
- There is something magical about cruising along the majestic Maroochy River in a kayak with only the noise of water birds and gentle ebb and flow of the canoe to disturb your thoughts. Paddle through this stunning natural environment bathed in local history. The Maroochy River Trail is about 30km long with the upper reaches of the trail starting at Lake Dunethin. From the trail head, paddlers have the option to paddle north to George Best Park or south to Coolum Creek, the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary and Mangrove Islands into the lower reaches of the Maroochy River. If you need to hire a kayak or canoe contact Suncoast Kayaking Tours on 0431 706 983 or Swan Boat hire on 5443 7225. For more information on the trail visit www.maroochyrivertrail.com.au
- For the keen snorkeller, Old Woman Island is a great fish gawking location, a kilometre off the mainland. You will need a boat or jet ski to access the reefs surrounding the island. No facilities exist on the island except for an old run-down fishing hut. When you duck dive under the crystal clear water expect to see a menagerie of sea creatures including coral fish, clown fish, turtles, wobbegongs and moray eels. Oh, and salt takes no responsibility for shark encounters.
- Treat the kids to some playtime at the Cotton Tree Esplanade playground or visit the impressive new adventure water park at the Aquatic Centre next door in Cotton Tree Park.
- Visit the touching National Serviceman’s Memorial at the Cotton Tree Esplanade to honour the 287,000 men called up for service in the navy, army and air force between 1951 and 1972.
- Find a signature cotton tree by the river’s edge and settle in its shade for a picnic.
- Sign up for a lazy afternoon game of lawn bowls at the old-school Maroochydore Bowls Club in the heart of Cotton Tree.
- Parents tired of chasing their kids the length of the beach will be able to breathe a sigh of relief when they discover the great kids’ park located at the back of Alexandra Headland, just off Katoa Street.
- The Maroochy River is a great place to set crab pots. Go for nights around the full moon when the weather is fairly warm. The channel around Chambers Island is said to be a great spot too.
- The parkland on Cotton Tree Esplanade has a little of something for everyone. A short walk from the surf, there are barbecue facilities, a good children’s playground and a view to die for.
- There's another North Shore on the coast and shhh, it’s nowhere near Noosa. Located on the north side of the Maroochy River mouth is a little known spot perfect for families or water sport enthusiasts. With beach on one side and river on the other, surfing, paddle boarding, swimming, kayaking and fishing are possible all from the one point. Furry four-legged friends won’t miss out either – the beach has an off-leash area. Access is via North Shore Road, Twin Waters.
- Love a good walk? Then salt has just the pathway for you. Begin your walking journey by parking at Harbour Parade at Buddina. From here you’ll walk alongside the Mooloolah River where you’ll see trawlers motor in and out of harbour. The 3.5km circuit will take you around Point Cartwright where you’ll discover hidden beaches, palm tree groves, a lighthouse and plenty of park benches to take a rest. It is one of the most scenic walks on the Sunshine Coast. To complete the circuit you’ll walk around the point, past Buddina Beach and then adjacent to beach access number 7, cross over the road to Illawong Street, which will return you to Harbour Parade.
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Dogs parks are a great way for you and your dog to enjoy open spaces without the hindrance of pedestrians, cars or the fear of your dog scampering off. The fenced dog parks at Chancellor Park and Buderim are great areas for you to play with your dog or sit back and read a book while they amuse themselves. The Buderim park has high, secure fences along with gazebos with tables and chairs. The park has a separate area for small dogs who don’t want to play with the larger dogs. Corner of Mooloolaba Road and Syd Lingard Drive, Buderim and Lakehead Drive, Sippy Downs.
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Mooloolaba sparkles at night with its well-lit parks and beach. At twilight The Esplanade and its beachside parks come to life abuzz with families cooking dinner on the barbecues and active souls playing touch football.
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If you love to hit the pavement, whether it's walk, run or cycle, jump on the pathway that hugs the coastline offering sweeping ocean views. If you're starting in Mooloolaba you can head north which will take you up to Alexandra Headlands and on to Cotton Tree. Or if you prefer the downhill slope head south towards the Spit where you'll walk parallel to Mooloolaba's beach ending at the Mooloolah River.
TO MARKET TO MARKET
Cotton Tree Street Markets – held every Sunday - King Street, Cotton Tree
Mooloolaba Markets – held every Sunday – Venning Street, Mooloolaba