Cotton Tree Beach sits at the mouth of the Maroochy River in Maroochydore and is one of the Sunshine Coast’s best calm-water spots for Cotton Tree swimming and family days. With soft sand, extensive parkland, picnic areas and easy access to cafes and shops, it is a classic Cotton Tree family beach and picnic destination.

🏝️Why Visit Cotton Tree Beach?

Cotton Tree Beach Maroochydore sits at the mouth of the Maroochy River and is one of the best calm-water spots for family swimming and picnics right in the heart of Maroochydore. With soft sand, sheltered water, leafy picnic areas and easy access to cafes, it is a classic Cotton Tree family beach and picnic destination right in the heart of Maroochydore.

👙Things to Do at Cotton Tree Beach

🏊 Calm Swimming — Protected river-mouth waters ideal for families and young children
🧺 Cotton Tree Picnic — Extensive shaded parkland with free BBQs and tables ideal for family picnics
🛝 Playgrounds — Multiple play areas right on the foreshore
🎣 Jetty Fishing — Popular spots along the Maroochy River for casual fishing
🚶 Riverside Walks — Flat pathways along the river and coastal parkland
☕ Cafes & Dining — Short walk to Cotton Tree and Maroochydore cafes and restaurants

🐶Dog Friendly Rules

🚫 Dogs are prohibited on the main Cotton Tree Beach swimming and bathing areas
🦮 On-leash walking is generally allowed on the surrounding park pathways and riverside areas (stay clear of playgrounds and BBQs)
📍 Closest off-leash dog beach: Maroochy North Shore (Mudjimba side) — short drive north across the river mouth
📋 Always check the latest Sunshine Coast Council signage and interactive map before you visit

🛍️Facilities & Accessibility

🚽 Toilets & Showers — Located throughout the foreshore park areas
🍖 Free BBQs & Picnic Shelters — Shaded tables and barbecues across Cotton Tree Park
🅿️ Parking — Available along Cotton Tree Parade and the Esplanade
♿ Accessible Pathways — Flat, pram-friendly paths through the parkland
🛝 Playgrounds — Well-equipped play areas for different ages
🚶 Coastal & River Pathways — Easy connections to neighbouring beaches and parks

🌤️Best Time to Visit Cotton Tree Beach

☀️ Year-Round — Calm protected water makes it enjoyable in all seasons
🏊 Best Swimming — September to April for warmer water and peak family use
🧺 Picnic Season — Ideal any time of year with plenty of shade and open space
🐋 Whale Season — June to October for possible offshore sightings

🗺️ Getting There

🚗 By Car — Located in Cotton Tree / Maroochydore; approximately 1 hour 20 minutes north of Brisbane via the Bruce Highway
🅿️ Parking — Street parking and designated areas along Cotton Tree Parade and the Esplanade
🚌 Public Transport — Regular TransLink bus services stop near Cotton Tree and Maroochydore CBD
🚶 On Foot — Easy walk from Maroochydore shops, cafes and the surrounding parklands

💡 Info correct at time of writing — check Sunshine Coast Council and Surf Life Saving Queensland for current patrol times and access updates.

💡 Local Tips

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for Young Children — Shallow, calm water and soft sand make this one of the safest family swimming spots
🧺 Claim a Picnic Spot Early — The parkland is popular on weekends and school holidays
☕ Best Cafes Nearby — Several options along Cotton Tree Parade and the Esplanade with river views
🚶 Combine with a Walk — Continue along the pathway toward Maroochydore Beach or Alexandra Headland
🅿️ Arrive Early on Weekends — Parking fills quickly during peak times

📍Nearby Attractions

🏖️ Maroochydore Beach — Immediate ocean beach with patrolled swimming areas
🏞️ Alexandra Headland — Short distance south with surf, parks and the coastal pathway
🛍️ Maroochydore CBD & Sunshine Plaza — Shops, dining and services only minutes away
🏊 Cotton Tree Aquatic Centre — Heated pools right next to the parkland
🛤️ Coastal Pathway — Scenic shared path linking Cotton Tree to surrounding beaches

📅 Events & Markets Nearby

🛍️ Cotton Tree Markets — Regular local markets with produce, crafts and food stalls
🛍️ Maroochydore & Cotton Tree Community Events — Seasonal gatherings, live music and family activities
🎉 Sunshine Coast Markets — Nearby larger weekend markets in the region
🎄 Seasonal Festive Events — Christmas and holiday activities held in Cotton Tree Park and surrounds

For a full list of what’s on in the region, visit the
👉 Sunshine Coast Attractions | Best Things to Do Near Sunshine Coast Beaches

🏕️Accommodation Near Cotton Tree Beach

• 🏡 Holiday apartments overlooking the river and ocean.
• ⛺ Nearby caravan and camping options within Maroochydore.
• 🏡 Cotton Tree Holiday Park is right on the riverfront and beach (no free camping on the sand)

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💡 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!

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💡 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.

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💙 Explore More Beaches Nearby

Discover more of the Sunshine Coast:
Maroochydore Beach ➜ | Alexandra Headland ➜ | Mooloolaba Beach ➜ | Coolum Beach ➜

🌊 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, swimming and sunning from the Queensland Beach Guide team!

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_{Last updated: June 2026}

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