Maroochydore Holiday Rentals & Accommodation

Maroochydore is often described as the heart of the Sunshine Coast. With a bustling waterfront shopping centre that lights up at night, a beach fit for experienced surfers, and an impressive range of restaurants and nightlife, a trip to Queensland has never been so rewarding.

Getting to Your Maroochydore Accommodation: By Private Car and Public Transport

One of the Sunshine Coast’s most vibrant resort towns, Maroochydore is located approximately 100km from Brisbane and is easily reached by both private and public transport. If you’re travelling by car from Brisbane, simply head northwards on the Sunshine Motorway and turn right onto Maroochydore Road, which will take you to the heart of town.

Travellers who are using public transport can also reach their accommodation in Maroochydore by taking a train to Landsborough, on the Sunshine Coast line, and transferring to a 615 bus. Alternatively, you can catch the train further north to Nambour, and from there, take a 610 bus to Maroochydore.

The closest airport to Maroochydore is the Sunshine Coast Airport, just 10km north of the town. Visitors arriving there can take advantage of the wide range of hire cars that are available, including Hertz, Europcar, and Thrifty. Taxis and ride-share services are also available to transport you to your holiday rental.

Where to eat on your holiday in Maroochydore

Maroochydore’s Ocean Street is the hottest new strip when it comes to gastronomy on the coast. For those seeking an informal dining experience, head to Junk for an Asian fusion menu that is simple, tasty, and affordable. Junk’s unique take on traditional Japanese, Thai, Korean, and Cantonese flavours has created a buzz amongst the local residents, and with good reason. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and the restaurant comfortably fits small or large parties.

Head two minutes down the road from Ocean Street to the up-and-coming Duporth Avenue. Here you’ll find Corbins, an Asian-inspired restaurant owned by a brother and sister team. Foodies will love the relaxed interior and can delight in the crab tacos, fresh seafood dishes, and blackened broccolini. Corbin’s delicious, home-style breakfast is another big hit here.

Family holidays in Maroochydore

From the little ones to the grandparents, keeping everyone entertained on a family getaway can be tricky. But luckily, Maroochydore has more than enough to bring a smile to everyone's face. The top draw has to be Maroochydore Beach. Patrolled by lifeguards, it's a safe spot to head out into the water with the kids. Experienced surfers, meanwhile, will find some excellent waves to tackle.

Younger children or novice swimmers may prefer the calmer waters of the Maroochy River by Cotton Tree, which is a good setting to get your bearings in the water. Why not try paddleboarding here too? Children will have plenty of green space for running around in, while parents will be pleased with the picnic tables and barbeque pits.

Spend a day browsing hundreds of the trendiest franchises and speciality shops in the Sunshine Coast’s biggest shopping centre and leisure hub, Sunshine Plaza. You'll find shops selling all the necessary equipment for outdoors excursions, such as camping, hiking and waters sports. There's also the wonderful Birch Carroll & Coyle Events cinema which shows the latest blockbusters and plenty of kid-friendly movies. Children will love hiring a paddle boat, while the Riverwalk area is packed with restaurants and is ideal for a relaxing evening stroll.

Craft beer and unique mini golf

Beer connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike should head to the Sunshine Brewery, an independent microbrewery where visitors can take a gander at the brewing process in action and even sample the delicious final product upon completion. Stop by for a hand-crafted beer in an industrial setting, and make sure to pay a visit on the weekends when local food trucks set up shop in the car park. This regular celebration of food and drink keeps Maroochydore residents coming back each week.

Adults can get in touch with their inner child by playing an 18-hole round of mini golf at Holey Moley, the cult-status cocktail bar that excites even the grumpiest guest. In addition to the mini-golf course, you’ll find private karaoke booths, a bowling alley, an escape room, and a CaddyShack themed cocktail bar. Although geared towards adults, Holey Moley welcomes children under the age of 18 before 5:00pm when supervised by a parent or guardian.

What to See and Do in Maroochydore: Wonderful Wildlife and Water-based Fun

Located approximately 34km southwest of Maroochydore, Australia Zoo is an exciting destination for visitors of all ages. Although it houses animals from all around the world, there is a special emphasis on native Australian wildlife. Guided tours of the zoo and animal encounters educate visitors about the animals that reside there, as well as the importance of wildlife conservation.

Whether you're seeking an active holiday or just want to relax, Maroochydore offers plenty of options for water-based fun. Maroochydore Beach is a paradise for swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers, and the sheltered waters of the nearby Maroochy River are ideal for standup paddleboarding and kayaking. The Maroochy River Canoe Trail guides adventurous visitors along some of the river's most scenic stretches, passing native vegetation where endemic birds and animals can often be spotted.

Check out the Sunshine Coast Marathon while visiting Maroochydore

Runners may well be interested in the 7 Sunshine Coast Marathon and Community Running Festival. Taking place along Queensland’s stunning Sunshine Coast just an hour’s drive north of Brisbane, this not-for-profit affair has raised over $1.3 million for charity groups. The low humidity and clear blue skies make this flat course more manageable. Join the marathon, the half marathon, the 10km, 5km or 2km races and follow the coast and its white-sand beaches.

This community-focused event caters to people of all skill levels, including those with special accessibility requirements - everyone is welcome to join. Parents with prams who want to experience the festival atmosphere are welcome to run the 2km race, as well as wheelchair users. Whichever race interests you, just be sure to plan in advance to make sure you can take part in this world-class event that begins in mid August.

Frequently Asked Questions