Maroochydore is at the very centre of the Sunshine Coast, with Caloundra to the south and Noosa to the north. Cotton Tree, an ocean-side suburb on the Maroochy River, is a popular holiday spot, well-serviced by holiday flats and a caravan park. The rivermouth, which leisure craft now ply, was once the site of a large timbermill from where the local lumber was shipped to Brisbane by paddle-steamer. There are river cruises, and great fishing opportunities in this aquatic paradise.

The Maroochy Shire is graced by 25 kilometres of golden sands and inviting ocean that embraces such famous surf beaches as Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland, Coolum and Maroochydore. To balance the call of the sea, the shire boasts 3,722 hectares of municipal reserves and 2,000 hectares of national parkland. The other Sunshine Coast resorts and the scenic jewels of the hinterland are within easy reach.

Distance from Brisbane (State Capital): 98 Kilometres.