Relaxed Coastal Hotspot a Stone’s Throw from the Maroochydore CBD
While nearby Maroochydore, Alexandra Headlands and Mooloolaba Beaches tend to attract most of the tourists, many Sunshine Coast locals, and in-the-know campers, head to Cotton Tree Beach when they want to relax on the sand.
Named after the Hibiscus tiliaceus plant, aka the Cottonwood or Coastal Cotton tree, the area is surrounded by the shimmering waters of the Maroochy River to the north and the Coral Sea to the west.
Undoubtedly, one of the most picturesque places to visit in the region, this coastal hotspot offers something for all the family.
While you might only intend to stay here for a couple of hours, don’t be surprised if you extend that to all day.
Where is Cotton Tree Beach?
Cotton Tree Beach is located on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. It is roughly an hour and 20 minutes drive north from Brisbane on the Bruce Highway and about an hour south of Gympie.
The beach is situated adjacent to Maroochydore Beach and about a five minute drive from the Sunshine Plaza.
You’ll find plenty of parking along Cotton Tree Esplanade and the surrounding streets, some of which are free spots and others of which are between 2 and 4 hours.
Things To Do
The great thing about visiting Cotton Tree Beach is that it offers you so many different ways to occupy your time.
As the water is generally calm here, you will be able to enjoy safe swimming, paddleboarding, or windsurfing in the sandy area out the back of the caravan park or where Cotton Tree Park is. If you want to go surfing, head around the corner to the patrolled Maroochydore Beach which offers reasonable surfing.
If you or your kids would like to swim in a 25 metre or 50 metre pool, then you can always head to the Cotton Tree Aquatic Centre, while the park has an expansive green space for relaxing and picnics, and a nice selection of shaded playground equipment.
For those who fancy stretching their legs you should be able to head on over to Pincushion Island at low tide, which is an excellent spot for fishing. Just make sure you return to the shore before high tide.
Alternatively, you can make your way along the coastal walkway that takes you to Alexandra Headlands Beach and Mooloolaba Beach.
Should you choose to do this you will be able to take in sweeping views of the Coral Sea and the stunning Instaworthy coastline. However, you will have to negotiate a gently rising slope as you make your way up Alex hill.
Other things you can do if you visit Cotton Tree Beach is play a game or enjoy a meal at the Maroochydore Beach Bowls Club, visit the Maroochy RSL or Maroochy Surf Club for drinks, food or a go on the pokies, or browse the over 300 retails stores at the Sunshine Plaza. All of these destinations are within a five minute drive from the beach.
There is also a nice selection of eateries within walking distance of the beach, including Cafe 37, Prickly Pinata, Paradise Arcade, and the Cotton Tree Beach Bar and Grill, and plenty of barbecues areas in the park.
Where To Stay in Cotton Tree
While there are plenty of resorts and holiday rentals in Maroochydore, Alex Headlands and Mooloolaba, if you specifically want to stay near Cotton Tree Beach then your best best is the Cotton Tree Holiday Park.
This popular caravan park is usually very busy, so I recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment. If you can secure a spot, you’ll be able to choose from powered caravan sites, many of which are directly on absolute waterfront, and numerous unpowered tent sites – again many of which are on the waterfront.
Additionally, you can book into any one of the 9 deluxe villas they have available and or the fabulous four bedroom beach house that is onsite.
Amenities at the holiday park include three laundry facilities that have washing machines and driers and four amenity buildings with showers, toilets and cooking areas.
If you would prefer to stay in a resort, The Dunes and Majorca Isles are great options. Both offer good sized apartments with balconies, and have nice swimming pools.
FAQs
Here are some answers to questions people regularly ask about Cotton Tree Beach.
Where is Cotton Tree Beach?
Cotton Tree Beach is situated on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. It is sandwiched in between the suburbs of Maroochydore and Alexandra Headland.
How Far Is Cotton Tree Beach from Brisbane?
Cotton Tree Beach is a coastal area that lies roughly 113 km north of Brisbane. It takes about an hour and 20 minutes to drive there from the CBD.
When can I stay near Cotton Tree Beach?
The Cotton Tree Caravan Park is an excellent place to stay as it provides direct access to Cotton Tree Beach. In addition, there are several holiday apartments and resorts in the surrounding area including Aqua Vista Resort, Elouera Tower, M1 Resort and Chateau Royale.
