Maroochydore

Maroochydore is a vibrant coastal town located on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. Known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and idyllic climate, Maroochydore attracts visitors from all over the world. The town offers a range of activities, including swimming, surfing, and fishing. The nearby Maroochy River provides opportunities for boating and kayaking. Maroochydore is also home to shopping precincts, cafes, and restaurants, catering to both locals and tourists. With a relaxed atmosphere and a strong sense of community, Maroochydore is a popular destination for families and individuals looking to enjoy the beauty of the Sunshine Coast and the laid-back Australian lifestyle.

Maroochydore Accommodation

Maroochydore offers an array of holiday rentals for visitors seeking accommodation. These rentals provide the flexibility and convenience of a home away from home. From spacious beachfront apartments to cozy cottages nestled in serene locations, holiday rentals cater to various group sizes and preferences. Many of these accommodations feature fully equipped kitchens, comfortable living areas, and private outdoor spaces, allowing guests to relax and enjoy their stay. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly rental or a romantic retreat, Maroochydore’s holiday rentals provide a comfortable and personalized experience, ensuring a memorable stay on the Sunshine Coast.

Mooloolaba Beach

Maroochydore is fortunate to be surrounded by several beautiful beaches, making it challenging to determine the “best” one. However, one highly regarded beach in Maroochydore is Mooloolaba Beach. Known for its pristine golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and a lively atmosphere, Mooloolaba Beach is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. The beach offers fantastic swimming and surfing conditions, with patrolled areas ensuring safety. Mooloolaba Esplanade, located alongside the beach, features a range of dining options, boutique shops, and entertainment, adding to its allure. With its stunning scenery and a vibrant atmosphere, Mooloolaba Beach is definitely worth a visit when in Maroochydore.

What is there to do at Maroochydore?

Maroochydore offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some popular things to do in Maroochydore:

Beaches: Maroochydore is renowned for its beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Mooloolaba Beach, Alex Beach, and Maroochy Beach are all worth exploring.
Water Sports: Engage in a range of water activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, jet-skiing, or taking a scenic boat tour along the Maroochy River.
Sunshine Plaza: Visit Sunshine Plaza, a large shopping center featuring a wide range of retail stores, dining options, and a cinema.
Cotton Tree: Explore Cotton Tree, a picturesque riverside suburb with a lovely park, picnic areas, and a vibrant Sunday market offering local produce and crafts.
Maroochy River: Enjoy fishing, boating, or take a leisurely cruise along the Maroochy River, which is teeming with wildlife.

Mount Coolum National Park
The Mount Coolum National Park is dominated by an impressive dome-shaped mountain that rises 208 meters above the Sunshine Coast Lowlands. Mount Coolum has been dated at 26 million years old and was created when a dome-shaped bulge of magma cooled below the Earth’s surface. Aboriginal Dreamtime also has its own story on the origins of the mountain. In Dreamtime, the mountain was formed from the lifeless body of Coolum, a young warrior whose union with an Aboriginal girl Maroochy was approved by the elders. Maroochy was abducted by Ninderry, a rival from a fierce warlike tribe and even though Coolum succeeded in rescuing Maroochy, Ninderry exacted his revenge by throwing a club at Coolum, knocking off his head which later became Mudjimba Island. Mt Coolum National Park is rich in geological history and is also home to a rare and threatened plant species – the montane heath, which is only known to grow in two locations in the whole of the Sunshine Coast. Hikers, botanists and view-seekers alike will find the short trek up Mount Coolum a rewarding experience that you can easily do from your Mount Coolum holiday rentals.

Mt Coolum Climb
The Mount Coolum Climb is a must-do when staying in Mount Coolum accommodation. Climbing Mount Coolum is not excessively strenuous but should only be attempted by reasonably fit walkers. Off-road parking is available nearby and the Mt Coolum climb starts with a pleasant stroll through bushland and forest, however, towards the top, the trail becomes quite steep and should not be attempted if it has recently rained, is raining or if rain is expected during your climb as the chance of slipping drastically increases. On average, the Mt Coolum climb time takes a reasonably fit hiker about a 1 ½ hours for a return trip. Expect 45 minutes to reach the summit and a 30-minute return trip to hike Mt Coolum. At the top of Mt Coolum sits the Mount Coolum Lookout. You will be greeted with some amazing 360-degree views of the Sunshine Coast including Coolum Beach, Double Island Point, Caloundra, and the Sunshine Coast Hinterlands. If you’re lucky you’ll catch a glimpse of a pair of nesting Peregrine falcons, one of only 25-35 known pairs in south-east Queensland. After the climb head back to one of our Mount Coolum holiday rentals for a revitalising bite to eat before ending the day with a quick dip at Coolum Beach.

Mount Coolum Waterfall
A relaxing stay at one of our Mount Coolum Holiday Rentals situates you within driving distance to two of the Sunshine Coasts’ most famous waterfalls. Kondalilla Falls is a short 40-minute drive away from Mount Coolum and is nestled away in the scenic Blackall Range. Kondalilla is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘rushing waters’ which describes the waterfall during the summer wet season. With several well-maintained walking trails available, this Mount Coolum waterfall is perfect for walking, trekking, camping, and wildlife viewing. With over 107 species of birds and 70 species of reptiles, the avid wildlife photographer will have no shortage of things to do Kondalilla Falls. A little further afield Gardners Falls sits 50 kilometers south of Mount Coolum and is Aussie bushwalking at its finest. Park the vehicle at Obi Obi Creek and enjoy a short walk to Gardner falls, one of the Sunshine Coasts hidden gems. The kids can pack their swimsuits and splash around in some of the shallow rock pools on the way to the waterfall, while the adults can swim in the deepest pool under the waterfall. Take a break from Mount Coolum accommodation and have a splash under some of the Sunshine Coast’s best waterfalls.

The Boardwalk Mount Coolum
Famous among locals and travelers alike, the Boardwalk Mount Coolum connects Beach Road to Point Perry to Point Arkwright as it meanders above the ocean. A stroll suitable for walkers of all fitness levels, the Boardwalk Mount Coolum was created through a community effort that focused on incorporating the environment into this scenic stroll. The fresh sea breeze and spectacular views of Coolum and its surrounds will have you waking up from your Mount Coolum accommodation in the early hours of the morning to catch the sunrise. If you’re not an early riser, the Boardwalk Mount Coolum is well lit at night, perfect for that late afternoon swim in the ocean.

Coolum Aqua Park
Located 12 minutes away from Mt. Coolum at 60 Junction Drive Coolum, BLAST Aqua Park also known as the Coolum Aqua Park is the world’s largest water park covering a huge area of roughly 100 meters by 70 meters. Best suited for ages 6 and up, the Coolum water park boasts slides, blast bags, swings, balance beams, wobble pads and chill out areas perfect for a hot summer’s day. If swimming is not your strong suit, have a BBQ and relax in one of the many free shaded areas with the little ones not old enough to partake in the water fun. The Coolum Aqua Park is a must-do when staying at one of our Mount Coolum Holiday Rentals.

Where to Eat in Maroochydore

The Boat Shed:

Located along the Maroochy River, The Boat Shed offers stunning waterfront views and a menu featuring fresh seafood, burgers, and delicious cocktails.

Ebb Waterfront Dining:

Situated on the Esplanade overlooking the beach, Ebb Waterfront Dining offers a contemporary Australian menu with a focus on local produce, accompanied by an extensive wine list.

Rice Boi:

This vibrant Asian street food-inspired eatery in The Wharf Mooloolaba serves up delicious dishes such as dumplings, bao buns, and flavorful noodles, along with a selection of craft beers and cocktails.

The Good Bar:

A popular spot for relaxed dining, The Good Bar serves up tasty share plates, wood-fired pizzas, and an impressive selection of craft beers and cocktails.

Solbar:

Known for its live music and entertainment, Solbar also offers a great dining experience with a menu featuring modern Australian cuisine, wood-fired pizzas, and delicious desserts.

Raw + Rice:

For healthy and fresh options, Raw + Rice specializes in poke bowls, sushi rolls, and nourishing salads made with high-quality ingredients.