Cotton Tree is the riverside end of Maroochydore, where the Maroochy River meets the Coral Sea on the Sunshine Coast. Cotton Tree Park runs along the water with a playground, picnic shelters, barbecues and a sandy river beach, and the surf beach is a short walk away.
It is a free, easy family day: swim or paddle in the shallow river, let the kids loose on the playground, then browse the Sunday markets.
Cotton Tree Park and the playground
Cotton Tree Park is the heart of the area. The park (council also calls it Maroochydore Rotary Park) has two playgrounds, public toilets, a beach shower, barbecues, shelters with large shade sails, picnic tables and seats. In front of the Cotton Tree Aquatic Centre there are two basketball half-courts, a modified netball court and table tennis tables.
The riverfront playground on the Esplanade has coastal-themed equipment, with climbing forts and slides, net swings, monkey bars, an all-abilities carousel and sand play tables. Most of it sits over sand, there is partial shade from trees and sails, and it is not fenced, so keep an eye on little ones near the water.
There are two jetties, both popular for fishing: the First Jetty near the Cotton Tree Aquatic Centre and the Second Jetty, also called Cotton Tree Pier, beside the playground.
Swimming at Cotton Tree
The river beach near the mouth is wide and shallow, with calm water that suits paddling and beginner paddleboarders. It is still a tidal river, and currents get strong when the tide turns, so watch the kids and check conditions before you swim.
Patrols and the surf beach
The Maroochy River Mouth (beach access 140 to 143) has a lifeguard service only during Queensland school holidays in September, at Christmas and at Easter, from 7.30 am to 5 pm. Maroochydore Beach, a short walk away, is patrolled all year, with the Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club at beach access 146. For ocean swimming, swim between the flags.
Cotton Tree Markets on Sundays
The Cotton Tree Markets run every Sunday from 7 am to 12 pm, with live music, designer wares, arts and crafts and fresh local produce. Parking is harder on market mornings, so come early or walk from where you are staying.
Cotton Tree Holiday Park
Cotton Tree Holiday Park, on Cotton Tree Parade, has direct frontage on the Maroochy River. It offers nine cabins, a four-bedroom beach house, and powered and unpowered sites, with 24 powered caravan sites right on the river. Reception is open 8 am to 5 pm and arrivals after 8 pm are not permitted. Check the dog policy with the park before you book. Book through the park’s website. Next door is the Cotton Tree Aquatic Centre, with 50 m and 25 m pools.
Walk or ride the coast
The coastal path runs from Cotton Tree towards Alexandra Headland, with picnic spots along the way. Further along the coast are Mooloolaba Beach and Coolum Beach; the things to do on the Sunshine Coast guide has more ideas.
Planning your visit
- How long: a morning at the playground and river, or a full day with a swim at Maroochydore Beach and lunch nearby.
- Best time: early, especially on Sundays and school holidays, when parking fills.
- What to bring: hat, sunscreen, water shoes for the sand and river edge, and a rug for the picnic tables.
- Accessibility: the park is flat with wide paths; the holiday park has two easy-access cabins and accessible toilets and showers.
- Dogs: if an area is not shown as off leash on council’s dog map, dogs must be on a leash. Dogs are banned in the Maroochy River Environment Reserve. Check the council dog map and signs for the spot you plan to use.
Getting there and parking
Cotton Tree is about 100 km from the Brisbane CBD, about 1 hour 25 minutes by car.
Council provides free on-street and off-street parking in Maroochydore, but many popular bays are signed and time limited, and council patrols high-demand areas. Read the signs, or use the side streets for longer stays. See council’s parking maps.
By bus, Translink route 600 stops on Cotton Tree Parade at Cotton Tree Caravan Park, and runs between Maroochydore and Caloundra via Mooloolaba. Check the route 600 timetable or the journey planner for current times.
Nearby
- Maroochydore Beach – the patrolled surf beach beside Cotton Tree.
- Alexandra Headland – beach, skate park and headland walk along the coastal path.
- Mooloolaba Beach – the Esplanade, cafes and a patrolled beach.
- Marcoola Beach – a beach north of the river mouth.
- More parks across the region on the Parks and Sunshine Coast pages.
Quick answers
What is Cotton Tree?
Cotton Tree is a riverside precinct of Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, at the mouth of the Maroochy River. It has a park, a playground, a holiday park and a Sunday market.
Can you swim at Cotton Tree?
Yes. The river beach is shallow and calm, but tides and currents can be strong. Maroochydore Beach next door is patrolled all year; the river mouth only has a lifeguard on school holiday services.
Is parking free at Cotton Tree?
Council provides free parking in Maroochydore, but many bays are time limited and enforced, so check the signs.
When are the Cotton Tree Markets on?
Every Sunday from 7 am to 12 pm. Arrive early for parking.
How do you get to Cotton Tree by bus?
Translink route 600 stops on Cotton Tree Parade at Cotton Tree Caravan Park.
Are dogs allowed at Cotton Tree?
Dogs must be on a leash unless an area is shown as off leash on council’s dog map. Check the map and signs on the day.
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