Surfers at Coolum Beach near Maroochydore

Maroochydore (including Pacific Paradise, Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba and Bli Bli)
Popular Sunshine Coast beach resort town.
Maroochydore is a classic Queensland coastal holiday destination with virtually continuous development - high-rise blocks of flats and units interspersed with lower development and housing from the 1950s - stretching down the coast to Caloundra. With a population of around 17,500, it is the geographical and commercial heart of the Sunshine Coast and a perfect holiday destination without the pretension of Noosa or the vulgarity of the Gold Coast. Located 98 km from Brisbane, it has kilometres of golden beaches, fishing, boating and other aquatic possibilities, small shopping centres geared to the tourists (notably the Big Top Shopping Centre in Sunshine Plaza which spans Cornmeal Creek), some small industrial development in the hinterland, and a sense of holidays in the air all year round. Moreover, it sits at the estuary of the Maroochy River , thus juxtaposing quiet waterways and a plenitude of pleasant riverside parks and picnic areas with the more exuberant surf beaches. Located only 98 km north of Brisbane it is a pleasant and easy day trip from the state capital and a good base for exploring the region.

The first European 'holiday maker' to arrive in the Maroochydore area was the Irishman John Graham who was taking a break from his convict duties at Moreton Bay. Graham was sentenced to seven years transportation for stealing six pounds and a quarter of hemp. He arrived in Sydney in April 1825. In October 1826 he was sentenced to another seven years for petty theft and the following January he was shipped to Moreton Bay. In July, labouring under the delusion that he could row to China, Graham escaped from Moreton Bay. He tried to avoid the Aborigines on the coast who had a fierce reputation. However, he eventually walked into a camp near the present site of Maroochydore and was immediately accepted as the ghost of one woman's dead husband. She herself died within a year but Graham continued to live with the Aborigines for another six years. In 1833 he returned to Moreton Bay and gave himself up. Three years later he featured prominently in the rescue of Eliza Fraser from Fraser Island. He was given his ticket of leave the following year and nothing is known of his later life.

Timber-getters were in the area by the early 1850s and a depot handling timber had been established on the river by 1856. The explorer Andrew Petrie passed through in 1862 and named the Maroochy River. Maroochydore was probably named after the local Aboriginal word 'marutchi' meaning 'black swan' or 'marutchi dora' meaning 'water where the black swan lives'.

The township of Maroochydore came into existence in 1900 but it wasn't until the 1960s that the area really developed as a major tourist destination.

Today there is little of historical interest in the area unless you want to experience the incongruity of passing from a lazy Australian beach culture to a medieval castle with dungeons and armour (look under 'Things to See').

Maroochydore is serviced by coach, there is an airport on the other side of the Maroochy River, at Pacific Paradise, and there is a yacht club at Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba.

Maroochydore has two markets each Sunday morning: one at the corner of Fishermans Rd and David Low Way from 6.30 a.m. to midday, and an art and craft market is being trialled from 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. in Ocean St. An arts and crafts market is held every Friday and Saturday at Nostalgia Town, in Pacific Paradise, offering everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to childrens' clothing and arts and crafts. The Cotton Tree Markets are held on Cotton Tree Parade every Sunday from 7.00 a.m. until 1.00 p.m.

The Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival is held at Mooloolaba Beach every year in April.

High rise development along the beaches at Mooloolaba near Maroochydore

Things to see:  

The Endeavour
The 2/3 size replica of Cook's barque, the Endeavour, is located in a little lagoon which branches off Eudlo Creek near its confluence with the Maroochy River, adjacent David Low Way, at the Maroochy River Resort. This excellent reproduction is of a scale which allows visitors to experience what it must have been like to sail, live and work on the ship, how it was controlled, including such details as what was eaten and how it was prepared. Information panels provide insight into the purpose of each section. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday. Admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for children and $2.50 for each member of a group, tel: (07) 5476 8391.

Nostalgia Town
Located at 596 David Low Way, Pacific Paradise, the award-winning Nostalgia Town operates according to the motif: "A Laugh at the Past". A scaled reproduction of an 1863 steam train takes visitors on a ride through a range of settings (such as the dinosaur swamp and the Enchanted Tunnel), props and technologies which depict nostalgiac and humorous aspects of the past through a narrative adventure involving three convicts. There are also remote-controlled boats, silent movies, mini cars and mini golf. Within the grounds are a restaurant, a cafe, barbecue facilities, shaded areas, a playground and shops. An arts and crafts market is held every Friday and Saturday at Nostalgia Town, offering everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to childrens' clothing and arts and crafts.

Nostalgia Town is open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. every day except Saturday when it does not close until 8.30 p.m., tel: (07) 5448 7155 or email nostalgiatown@ozemail.com.au

Skyhigh Freefall Skydive
At the Sunshine Coast Airport, Pacific Paradise (off David Low Way), Skyhigh Freefall Skydive operate daily. Bookings are essential, tel: (07) 5443 5523. Noosa and Maroochy Flying Service offer acharter service of scenic flights and overnight tours around the region, tel: (07) 5450 0516.

The Sunshine Castle at Bli Bli
This recreated Norman-style castle comes complete with drawbridge and moat, dungeon, torture chamber, dioramas depicting medieval life and fairy stories, period settings, medieval armour and a very large doll museum (including animated dancing dolls and those in national costume). It is located near the Maroochy River at 292-296 David Low Way, Bli Bli, just west of Pacific Paradise and Maroochydore, and is open from 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. The cost of entry, at October 1, 2002, was $10 for adults and $5 for those aged 16 and under, with a $5 charge for each member of a group, tel: (07) 5448 4477, Email: info@sunshinecastle.com.

Ski and Skurf Cable Water Ski Park
This water-ski park is located on the other side of the Maroochy River to Bli Bli Castle, but also adjacent David Low Way. It is open daily with hours extending well into the evening from Thursday to Saturday, tel: (07) 5448 7555.

The River
The extension of small peninsulas over the mouth of the Maroochy River ensure calm waters for boating, waterskiing and boat fishing. A boat ramp is located on the southern riverbank, just west of the Sunshine Motorway (adjacent David Low Way), and another is nearby, on Eudlo Creek, in Lions Park (access off Fishermans Rd). A tird is situated on the northern bank of the Maroochy River, at the end of Nojoor Rd and a fourth is further north by David Low Bridge, in Muller Park (off David Low Way).

Alexandra Headland and Olympia Theme Park
Located just south of Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland (population 4000) is part of an ongoing strip of development with a beach that is continuous with Maroochydore Beach to the north.Located just back from the beach, at the meeting of Okinja Rd and Wirraway St, Olympia Theme Park features five waterslides, a laser battle game, mini-golf, barbecue areas and a games room. It is open until 5.00 p.m. daily, with hours extended to 9.00 p.m. from Friday to Sunday, tel: (07) 5443 7222.

Mooloolaba
With a population of 7200, Mooloolaba is located at the mouth of the Mooloolah River,

just south of Alexandra Headland. The inlet to the river is very narrow, pinched in by Mooloolaba Beach and Point Cartwright. Amid the calm waters of the inlet is a major harbour which is home to the Auckland to Mooloolaba and the Sydney to Mooloolaba Yacht Races.

Leapfrog Studios are located at Shop 2 Sandcastles, 3 River Esplanade, Mooloolaba. They principally display the works of local artists, tel: (07) 5455 3300 or visit them at www.leapfrog-studio.com.

The Wharf
Behind Mooloolaba Beach, by the mouth of the Mooloolah River and adjacent Parkyn Parade, is the Mooloolaba Wharf Complex. With its jetty and marina, it is the home base for a trawling fleet, a pilot station for the Moreton Bay River and the home of a yacht club. The complex is used as a base for those interested in coastal, game and deep-sea fishing and it sports a number of waterfront craft, gift and specialty shops, an ice-creamery, cafes and restaurants.

Daily shows feature maritime figures such as sailors, convicts and pirates in historically-based reenactments (some around the Moreton Bay penal settlement) which present the more sensational aspects of that history - the firing of cannons, and the usage of muskets, floggings and hangings - as entertainment.

The main attractions on the wharf are Games Zone, the Submarine Complex, the virtual dolphin ride, Underwater World and Scuba World. It is also possibe to arrange fishing expeditions, yachting, parasailing and canal cruises at The Wharf.

Underwater World
Underwater World boasts a moving walkway beneath a 2.2 million litre oceanarium full of sharks, rays, sea jellies, beautiful corals, moray eels, turtles, sea horses, octopi, colourful reef fish and larger ocean fish such as gropers. There are educational displays, billabongs containing crocodiles, lungfish and giant barramundi, as well as a touch tank for a hands-on experience of starfish, sea urchins and hermit crabs. For an extra (and quite substantial) fee visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour and enjoy a 15-minute swim with the seals.

Special shows are held in Underwater World and on The Wharf throughout the day. Once admission to Underwater World is paid, patrons can exit to the Wharf and return to Underwater World as often as they like in the course of a day, so as to catch all shows. In Underwater World, there are presentations and talks relating to seals, freshwater crocodiles, sharks, rays (which can be hand-fed) and otters. There are also films on marine life running through the day and a virtual dolphin ride is included in the admission price which is $22 for adults, $16 for students with ID, $15 for senior citizens, $13 for children (aged 3 to 15), and $59 for families (two adults and up to two children). Underwater World is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., tel: (07) 5444 8488, email shark@underwaterworld.com.au or go to www.underwaterworld.com.au

Scuba World
Nearby, also on the Wharf complex, is Scuba World, which caters to both certified drivers and novices, tel: (07) 5444 8595 or www.scubaworld.com.au or info@scubaworld.com.au

Topshots Adventure Park
Topshots Adventure Park is a theme park with an emphasis on mini-golf. They also have a video arcade, indoor rock-climbing and a cafe. Topshots is located at the corner of Allora Drive and Maroochydore Road, tel: (07) 5452 7007 or email: fun@topshotsmaroochydore.com

Point Cartwright
At the mouth of the Mooloolah River are Point Cartwright and Beacon lighthouse Reserve (access via Pacific Boulevard). This recreation and scenic reserve offers excellent views over the coast and the boat harbour. Dolphins and turtles can sometimes be seen offshore.

Mount Coolum National Park
A steep and rocky walking track departs Tanah St, within the suburb of Mount Coolum, which is located a little to the north of Maroochydore. It leads to the top of Mt Coolum, offering outstanding views over the Sunshine Coast. The walk takes about thirty minutes.

Mooloolah River National Park
Located just south-west of Mooloolaba, at Sippy Downs, this 676-ha undeveloped National Park preserves a portion of the local landscape, its wallum vegetation and plenty of birdlife. It is bounded to the west by Claymore Rd, to the north by Military Rd and to the east by the Mooloolah River, which is really the main access point.

Tours and Charters
Cruise Maroochy Eco-Tours offer guided excursions along the river on board the M.V. Kilkie II and into rainforest environs. Departures are from The Cod Hole Jetty, 270 Bradman Ave, tel: (07) 5476 5745.

The Aussie Sea Kayak Companyis located at Shop 9, The Wharf, Mooloolaba, tel: (07) 5477 5335.

Mooloolaba Reef and Game Charters can be contacted at Stewarts Kawana Waters Hotel, tel: (07) 5444 3735.

Saltwater Charters offer full and half-day game fishing with first-class gear and professional gear catering to all ages and levels of experience. They depart from Mooloolaba, tel: (0408) 151 484.

	Tourist Information
	Maroochy Tourist Information Centre Cnr Melrose Pde & 6th Ave Cotton Tree Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5479 1566 or 1800 882 032
	Maroochy Tourist Information Centre Sunshine Coast Airport Friendship Dve Cotton Tree Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5448 9088 or 1800 882 032
	Mooloolaba Visitor Information Centre Cnr First Ave & Brisbane Rd Mooloolaba Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5478 2233 or 1800 882 032
	Motels
	Beach Motor Inn 61 Sixth Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 7044 Rating: ***
	Blue Waters Motel 64 Sixth Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 6700 Rating: ***
	Coachman's Court Motor Inn 94 Sixth Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 4099 Rating: ****
	Heritage Motor Inn 69 Sixth Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 7355
	Maroochy River Motel 361 Bradman Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 3142 Rating: ***
	Maroochydore Motel Duporth Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 1999 Rating: **
	Pacific Paradise 612 David Low Way Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5448 7181 Rating: ***
	Waterfront Resort David Low Way Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5448 4488 Rating: ***
	Wun Palm Motel Cnr Duporth Ave & Philip St Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 4677 Rating: ***
	Resorts
	Catalina Resort 47 Sixth Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 8666 Facsimile: (07) 5443 7942 Email: info@catalinaresort.com.au Web site: http://www.catalinaresort.com.au Rating: ****
	Trafalgar Towers 120 Duporth Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 3288 Facsimile: (07) 5443 9962 Email: reception@trafalgartowers.com.au Rating: ***1/2
	Chateau Royale Beach Resort Cnr Sixth & Memorial Aves Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 0300, 1800 330 300 Facsimile: (07) 5443 0371 Rating: ****
	Apartments
	Beachfront Towers Alexandra Pde Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 3443 Rating: ****
	Burlington Holiday Apartments 75 Sixth Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 7088 Rating: ****
	Coral Sea Apartments 35 Sixth Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5479 2999 Rating: ****
	Elouera Tower 81 Sixth Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 5988 Rating: ****
	Langley Park Holiday Apartments 12 Parker St Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 6057 Rating: ****
	Sundeck Gardens 70-78 Alexandra Pde Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5409 7555 Facsimile: (07) 5409 7599 Email: holiday@sundeck.com.au Rating: ****
	Trafalgar Towers 120 Duporth Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 3288 Facsimile: (07) 5443 9962 Email: reception@trafalgartowers.com.au Rating: ***1/2
	Banyandah Towers 150 Duporth Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 6911 Facsimile: (07) 5443 5841 Rating: ****
	Holiday Homes & Units
	Camargue 52 Alexandra Pde Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 6656 Rating: ****
	Majorca Isle Sixth Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 9437 Rating: ***
	Paradis Pacifique Sixth Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5479 3400 Rating: ****
	The Beach Houses Cnr Sixth Ave & Beach Pde Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 3049 Rating: ****
	Caravan Parks
	Alexandra Gardens Caravan Park Okinja Rd Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 2356 Rating: ****
	Cotton Tree Caravan Park The Esplanade Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 1253 Rating: ****
	Maroochy Palms Holiday Village 319 Bradman Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 8611 Rating: *****
	Maroochy River Caravan Park Diura St Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 3033 Rating: ****
	Pincushion Caravan Park Cnr Cotton Tree & Alexandra Pdes Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 7917 Rating: ***
	Seabreeze Caravan Park Cnr Melrose Pde & Sixth Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 1167 Rating: ***
	Restaurants
	Alfie's 91 Aerodrome Rd Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 1683
	Bulockies Steak and Seafood 80 Sixth Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 6665
	Cascades Restaurant 55 The Esplanade Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 1579
	Happy Dragon Chinese Restaurant Aerodrome Rd Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 3767
	Hathi Indian Restaurant 37 Aerodrome Rd Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 5411
	Hoi Ting Inn Cnr Aerodrome Rd & Sixth Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 1322
	Matsuri Japanese Restaurant 84 Sixth Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5479 2900
	Pelican's Restaurant David Low Way Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5448 4488
	Rusty's Mexican Restaurant Cnr Kingsford-Smith Pde & Sixth Ave Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 1795
	Scoozi's Sunshine Plaza Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5479 3077
	Sizzler Steak Seafood Salad Cnr Fifth Ave & Aerodrome Rd Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5443 4377
	Sun See Chinese Restaurant 26 Brisbane Rd Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5444 1006
	Waterfront Resort Hotel David Low Way Maroochydore QLD 4558 Telephone: (07) 5492 8411