Maroochydore QLD 4558

Maroochydore is the commercial and lifestyle heart of the Sunshine Coast, offering a dynamic mix of coastal living, urban convenience, and investment potential. Located on the Sunshine Coast’s central coastline, Maroochydore has evolved into a thriving business, retail, and recreational hub, while still retaining access to beautiful beaches and riverside areas.  Being the CBD of the region, Maroochydore’s town centre is bustling with shops of all kinds, from boutique shopfronts to large retailers. The local foodie scene is overflowing with fresh, from-the-trawler seafood, and after dining, locals enjoy the long walking tracks that connect Maroochydore with Alexandra Headlands and Mooloolaba.

The suburb is ideal for families, professionals, retirees, and investors, as it combines residential amenity with major infrastructure, shopping precincts, and cultural attractions. With the Sunshine Plaza shopping centre, thriving dining scene, and easy access to Maroochy River, Maroochydore offers a well-rounded lifestyle that appeals to locals and newcomers alike.

Property in Maroochydore is diverse, ranging from modern apartments and townhouses to family homes and waterfront residences, making it suitable for a wide range of buyers. The suburb is experiencing ongoing development and revitalisation, particularly in the Maroochydore CBD and riverside precincts, which enhances long-term capital growth and rental demand.  Visit Maroochydore

Maroochydore has an estimated population of around 20,629 residents, reflecting its urban yet coastal character. The demographic profile includes:

• Families: Attracted to schools, parks, and coastal lifestyle
• Young professionals and couples: Drawn to apartments, proximity to the CBD, and employment hubs
• Retirees and downsizers: Enjoying the coastal lifestyle, amenity, and access to healthcare

The median age is 46, which is slightly below the Sunshine Coast average, reflecting the suburb’s appeal to young families and professionals, while still retaining a strong retired population. Housing tenure is mixed, with a combination of owner-occupied homes and investment properties, particularly apartments in the riverside and coastal precincts.

Housing in Maroochydore includes:

• Modern apartments and townhouses near the CBD and waterfront
• Family homes on suburban lots
• Lifestyle properties along the Maroochy River and canals

This mix makes Maroochydore a versatile suburb for lifestyle, investment, and long-term living.

Maroochydore is well-serviced with healthcare and educational facilities, supporting its diverse population:

Healthcare

• Local medical centres, pharmacies, and allied health providers cover everyday needs
• Sunshine Coast University Hospital – a 10–15 minute drive away in Birtinya, offering comprehensive public healthcare including emergency, specialist, and outpatient services. Buderim Private Hospital  is within 10 mins drive.
• Other nearby hospitals, including Nambour Hospital, cater to additional health requirements.

Education

Maroochydore offers a range of schooling options:

• Primary Schools – Maroochydore State School, Kuluin State School, Mountain Creek State School and Maroochydore State School
• Secondary Education – Maroochydore State High School, Mooloolaba State School, Chancellor State School, Mountain Creek High State School and Kuluin State School. Australian Industry of Trade College delivers an education model for Year 10-12 students to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship whilst at school.
• Private / Independent / Catholic Schools – includes Stella Maris Primary School, Immanuel Lutheran College, Matthew Flinders Anglican College, Sunshine Coast Grammar School  and Siena Catholica College are within driving distance.
• Early Learning Centres – childcare, preschool, and kindergarten facilities are widely available in Alexandra Headlands and surrounding suburbs.
• Tertiary Education – TAFE Queensland campuses are nearby as well as the University of the Sunshine Coast in Sippy Downs.

These services ensure that Maroochydore is family-friendly while remaining convenient for all age groups.

Maroochydore has a thriving café and dining scene, appealing to a diverse population:

• Boutique cafés offering breakfast, brunch, and specialty coffee
• Modern Australian, Asian, and European cuisine including local favourite Giddy Geisha, Soka and Market Bistro .
• Riverside dining along the Maroochy River include popular restaurant The Boat Shed
• Farmers’ markets, food festivals, and fresh produce outlets. Fisherman’s Road Market is community based and volunteer operated every Sunday morning with stalls ranging from fruit and veg to preloved clothes. Cotton Tree Markets is also operating every Sunday
• Ocean Street is a precinct known not just for its food scene but also for it’s creative culture and buzzing nightlife.  Hello Harry, Mr Drifter and Solbar are just three of many thriving cafés and restaurants that locals frequently visit.

Residents enjoy the urban convenience of dining, shopping, and entertainment while still being close to beaches and recreational areas. 

Maroochydore provides a range of recreational and outdoor activities:

• Maroochy River: Kayaking, paddleboarding, jet ski hire and scenic riverside walks. It is also great for fishing.
• Cotton Tree : Has a calm river inlet ideal for swimming and Supping.
• Maroochydore Beach : Patrolled beach, great for families outings, swimmers and surfers. It has excellent facilities with showers, toilets, picnic areas and ample parking.  Maroochy Surf School provides lessons for all groups and ages.
• Sports Complexes include the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex, which is a first class facility to four ovals and 20 netball courts available for hire. The Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex has hosted several AFL pre-season training camps, soccer and netball events.
• Coastal Walking and Cycling Trails is perfect for jogs, bike rides and sunset strolls. It connects Maroochydore to Alexandra Headlands and Mooloolaba and surrounding suburbs.  The Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway is 73km long and stretches from Bells Creek in the south to Coolum in the north. It takes advantage of the spectacular coastline that is hugely enjoyed by residents and visitors. 
• Shopping – Newly renovated Sunshine Plaza is the largest shopping centre on the Sunshine Coast and has 315 specialty stores, restaurants and Cinema and is home to Next Level Park. A high ropes course with views across the Maroochy River.  The Big Top Shopping Centre hosts many local retail and convenient stores as well as an entertainment precinct  which includes mini golf and bowling.
• Access to hinterland trails and nearby national parks provides bushwalking and nature experiences. Buderim Forest Park hosts Serenity Falls and offers child friendly scenic strolls.  Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens you can enjoy a picnic and walk around an 82 hectare garden filled with local plants and animals.
• Aqua Fun Park, Chambers Island, Amaze World and Sunshine Castle are fun activities and outings for the whole family.  Sunshine Coast is also home to The Australia Zoo, which is a 30 minute drive from Maroochydore

This combination of urban and outdoor amenities ensures residents enjoy a balanced lifestyle focused on health, wellness, and recreation.

Maroochydore is highly connected, making it one of the Sunshine Coast’s most accessible suburbs. Sunshine Coast Motorway ensures the commute to Brisbane takes approximately 1 ½ hours by car.

• Bus services link the suburb to surrounding coastal towns and hinterland communities.
• Major arterial roads connect Maroochydore to the Bruce Highway and coastal highways
• Pedestrian and cycling paths support active transport within the suburb
• Sunshine Coast Airport is approximately 10 minutes’ drive, providing flights to major Australian cities

The suburb’s transport network supports commuting, tourism, and lifestyle convenience, making Maroochydore a practical and connected location.

Maroochydore is bordered by a range of coastal and hinterland suburbs, offering lifestyle, property, and recreational options:

• Mooloolaba: Beachside suburb with vibrant dining, marina, and coastal lifestyle
• Alexandra Headland: A premium coastal suburb on the Sunshine Coast, positioned just north of Mooloolaba and south of Maroochydore.
• Buderim: Hinterland suburb with schools, shopping, and elevated views
• Bli Bli: Riverside suburb with recreational facilities and family-friendly environment
• Diddillibah: Hinterland area with larger lots and semi-rural living
• Kuluin: Family-friendly suburb with schools and parks
• Caloundra: Coastal city with beaches, shopping, and amenities

These surrounding suburbs complement Maroochydore’s central, connected, and lifestyle-rich appeal.

• Cotton Tree Twilight Markets Held on the first Friday of every month at the Cotton Tree Park (Maroochydore Rotary Park), the Cotton Tree Twilight Markets combine coastal vibes with a family-fun market atmosphere. Best of all, these markets support their charity partner, Bloomhill Cancer Care. 
• Maroochydore Wetlands Sanctuary is a hidden gem where you can explore mangroves ecosystems and find mud crabs in the flats.  The boardwalk span approximately 1km and is considered an easy and leisurely stroll. There are site markers listed all along the boardwalk which will point to the sites at each location.
• Sunshine Coast Brewery is a haven for craft beer enthusiasts seeking an authentic and locally inspired drinking experience. This family friendly microbrewery allows you to see, smell and witness the complete brewing process and taste the finished product.