Cotton Tree Beach, located at the mouth of the Maroochy River on the Sunshine Coast, is loved for its calm waters, safe swimming, and riverside parklands. Popular with families, SUP enthusiasts, and locals seeking a laid-back escape, this sandy stretch is surrounded by picnic spots, cafes, and the lively Maroochydore precinct.
Cotton Tree Beach’s calm river-meets-ocean setting and family-friendly foreshore are perfect for a relaxed day — add some underwater magic with a SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast ticket, just minutes away for an unforgettable family experience!
Beach Information
- 🏖️ Best Time to Visit: September to April for warm, calm-water conditions.
- 🐠 Marine Stingers: Rare; possible November–May.
- 🚩 Lifeguard Patrol: Patrolled seasonally.
- 🐕 Dog Friendly: No — dogs prohibited on beach.
- 🛠️ Facilities: Picnic areas, BBQs, cafes, shops, parking, amenities.
- ♿ Accessibility: Excellent wheelchair access to foreshore.
- 🏘️ Closest Town: Maroochydore — Distance: 0 km
- ✈️ Closest Airport: Sunshine Coast Airport — Distance: 10 km
- 🌦️ Typical Weather: Subtropical; warm, humid summers, mild winters.
🏝️Why Visit Cotton Tree Beach?
Cotton Tree Beach offers a unique riverside escape where calm, sheltered waters meet sandy foreshores. Situated at the mouth of the Maroochy River, it’s one of the Sunshine Coast’s safest family beaches, making it ideal for young children and relaxed swimmers. With leafy picnic areas, BBQs, and nearby cafes, Cotton Tree blends natural beauty with convenience, right in the heart of Maroochydore.
🏖️Things to Do at Cotton Tree Beach
- Swimming & SUP: Calm river waters make it safe for families and ideal for stand-up paddleboarding.
- Kayaking: Explore the Maroochy River and nearby estuaries at your own pace.
- Picnics & BBQs: Riverside parklands with shaded areas and facilities.
- Fishing: Cast a line along the river mouth or sandy banks.
- Walking & Relaxing: Stroll along the foreshore or simply enjoy the river views.
- Nearby Cafes & Shops: Maroochydore’s dining and shopping precinct is just steps away.
🛍️Facilities & Accessibility
Cotton Tree Beach provides excellent facilities for visitors:
- 🚻 Toilets and showers
- 🍖 BBQs and shaded picnic areas
- 🛝 Children’s playgrounds nearby
- 🛟 Seasonal lifeguard patrols
- ♿ Wheelchair-accessible pathways to the foreshore
- ☕ Cafes, surf club, and convenience shops within walking distance
🌤️Best Time to Visit Cotton Tree Beach
- 🌞 September to April: Warm weather, perfect for swimming and river activities.
- 🛟 Lifeguard Patrols: Operate seasonally — always swim in designated areas.
- 🪼 Marine Stingers: Rare, though possible between November and May.
- 🌤️ Year-round: Subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers.
🗺️ Getting There
🚗 Driving: Cotton Tree Beach is located in the heart of Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, about 1 hour 20 minutes north of Brisbane via the Bruce Highway (M1) and Sunshine Motorway (State Route 70). The beach fronts both the Maroochy River and the Pacific Ocean, with main access points from The Esplanade and Sixth Avenue.
🚌 Public Transport: Sunbus (TransLink) operates regular services connecting Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, and Cotton Tree, with stops along Sixth Avenue and The Esplanade.
🅿️ Parking: Free and paid parking are available near Cotton Tree Park, Sixth Avenue, and along The Esplanade, with additional spaces behind Cotton Tree Caravan Park.
💡 Info correct at time of writing — check Sunshine Coast Council and Surf Life Saving Queensland for current patrol times and access updates.
💡 Local Tips
🌴 Cotton Tree is a beloved Sunshine Coast gem, offering calm river swimming on one side and gentle surf on the other, making it perfect for families.
🏖️ The beach is patrolled year-round, with safe swimming near the surf club and river mouth, ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking.
☕ Enjoy a coffee or breakfast at The Boat Shed, Harvest Breads Café, or Cotton Tree Espresso, all overlooking the river.
🚶 Stroll the Cotton Tree–Alexandra Headland coastal path, or enjoy a picnic under shady trees in Cotton Tree Park beside the Maroochy River.
🐬 Watch for dolphins cruising through the river mouth at high tide and pelicans gliding over the sandbanks.
📍Nearby Attractions
- 🏖️ Maroochydore Beach (1 km): Surfing and patrolled ocean swimming.
- 🌳 Cotton Tree Park: Shaded riverside parklands with facilities and playgrounds.
- 🛍️ Sunshine Plaza (2 km): The region’s largest shopping and dining hub.
- 🐬 Mooloolaba (5 km): Famous beach, Esplanade dining, and Sea Life Aquarium.
📅 Events & Markets Nearby
Cotton Tree sits beside Maroochydore and hosts some of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular weekly markets and events.
- 🛍️ Cotton Tree Markets (Sundays): Handmade goods, clothing, jewellery, art, plants, gifts, and gourmet products.
- 🌴 Mooloolaba Sunset Markets (Saturdays – Seasonal): Food vans, live musicians, handmade items, and beachside stalls.
- 🍉 Caloundra Street Fair (Sundays): Fresh produce, crafts, fashion, homewares, and gourmet foods.
- 🎶 Ocean Street World Festival – Maroochydore (Annual): Music, multicultural stalls, street food, and entertainment.
- 🎄 Sunshine Coast Christmas Markets (December): Holiday stalls, gifts, food trucks, and festive entertainment.
For a full list of what’s on in the region, visit the
👉 Sunshine Coast Attractions | Best Things to Do Near Sunshine Coast Beaches
After enjoying Cotton Tree’s shaded parks and gentle waves, why not explore the bay’s beauty? Book this incredible snorkel tour at Mudjimba Island to swim with turtles and discover vibrant reefs — the ideal way to complete your Sunshine Coast day!
🏕️Accommodation Near Cotton Tree Beach
- 🏨 Cotton Tree Holiday Park — beachfront cabins and caravan sites.
- 🏡 Holiday apartments overlooking the river and ocean.
- ⛺ Nearby caravan and camping options within Maroochydore.
📖 Read Accommodation Reviews
📸 Submit Your Accommodation Review
💡 Please note: Full names and emails are kept private — only your chosen Display Name will appear publicly with your review.
🍴 Places to Eat & Drink
Cotton Tree offers a relaxed coastal dining scene with riverside cafés, casual restaurants, and the popular surf club all within walking distance of the sand. Enjoy coffee after a morning swim, fresh seafood overlooking the Maroochy River, or sunset drinks with ocean breezes — then share your favourite food and drink experiences below!
📖 Read Food & Drinks Reviews
📸 Submit Your Food & Drinks Review
💡 Please note: Full names and emails are kept private — only your chosen Display Name will appear publicly with your review.
🧭Plan Your Trip to Cotton Tree Beach
For families and visitors seeking a safe, calm-water destination, Cotton Tree Beach is the perfect Sunshine Coast choice. With riverside parklands, seasonal lifeguards, excellent facilities, and proximity to Maroochydore’s dining and shopping, it combines relaxation and convenience. Whether you’re enjoying a paddleboard session, a picnic by the water, or a quiet swim, Cotton Tree Beach offers an idyllic coastal escape.
💬 Share Your Cotton Tree Beach Photos & Reviews
📸 We’d love to see your favourite moments from the Sunshine Coast! Upload your photos, share your experiences, and leave a review to help other visitors discover the region’s best beaches and hidden coastal gems.
📖 Read Beach Reviews
📸 Submit Your Beach Review
💡 Please note: Full names and emails are kept private — only your chosen Display Name will appear publicly.
💙 Explore More Beaches Nearby
Discover more of the Sunshine Coast:
Maroochydore Beach ➜ | Alexandra Headland ➜ | Mooloolaba Beach ➜ | Coolum Beach ➜
🌊 Explore More Surf Breaks
➤ Surfing Queensland ➜
🏄♂️ Surfing Gold Coast ➜
🏄♀️ Surfing Sunshine Coast ➜
🌴 Agnes Water Surfing ➜
🌊 Beginner Surfing ➜
🎓 Learn to Surf ➜
🔥 The Superbank ➜
🌊 About This Beach Directory
🌴 Note: This directory doesn’t include every beach in Queensland — there are simply too many! We’ve selected the most significant and unique beaches based on a range of factors including natural beauty, accessibility, and local popularity.
If you think we’ve missed one that deserves to be featured, we’d love to hear from you!
📧 Email us at Admin@QldBeach.com with your photos and tell us why your favourite beach should be added.
☀️ Happy surfing and sunning from the Queensland Beach Guide team!
“Powered by GetYourGuide. Affiliate links – we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.”