Maroochydore, QLD

With its funky cafes, multicultural cuisine and thriving live music scene – Maroochydore is the cultural capital of the Sunshine Coast where you can enjoy an ocean dip during the day and a cocktail at night.

The seaside suburb of Cotton Tree is a popular place for a picnic or barbecue – with several play areas for the kids and lots of shade. There’s a range of holiday accommodation on offer in this area as well as some great coffee shops along the waterfront.

For those who like being out on the water, Maroochy River offers sunset cruises, fishing charters, canoe hire and aquatic activities like wind-sailing and stand-up paddle boarding. To catch a wave or work on your tan, head to open beaches like Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland and Maroochydore.

Retail therapy can be found at Sunshine Plaza – the largest shopping centre in the region with over 220 specialty stores.

Maroochydore is approximately 100 kilometres north of Brisbane.