Cotton Tree Caravan Park: Everything You Need To Know

Cotton Tree Caravan Park sits right where the Maroochy River meets the Coral Sea, giving you a beach-and-river holiday base in one of the Sunshine Coast's most walkable, family-friendly pockets. If you're weighing it up against other parks in the region, here's everything you need to know before you book, from site types and pricing through to what's on your doorstep once you arrive.

What Is Cotton Tree Caravan Park?

Cotton Tree Caravan Park is a holiday park located in the suburb of Cotton Tree, wedged between the Maroochy River and the Coral Sea, just north of Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast. It's one of the longest-running holiday parks in the region, and its location is really the whole story: you can walk to the river, the beach, and the Cotton Tree shopping strip without ever getting back in the car.

Location and Setting

The park backs right onto the Maroochy River foreshore, with the patrolled Cotton Tree beach and the river mouth only a short stroll away. It's flat, shaded by mature trees, and set up as a walk everywhere base rather than a park you need to drive out of for supplies or a swim.

Who Manages the Park

Cotton Tree Caravan Park is operated as part of the Sunshine Coast Council's network of holiday parks, alongside other council-run sites along the coast. That generally means standardised booking systems, published tariffs, and consistent site presentation, so it pays to check the current operator's website directly for firsthand details before you lock in dates.

Why It's a Popular Choice for Sunshine Coast Holidays

It's the combination of location and lifestyle that keeps people coming back. You get a beach holiday, a calm river for kids and kayaks, and a cafe strip within walking distance, all without needing to drive to Maroochydore or Mooloolaba for the day. For nomads and families alike, that's a rare find this close to a major coastal hub.

Site Types and Accommodation Options

Cotton Tree caters to a mix of travellers, from tents through to larger rigs, though space can be tighter than newer regional parks given its established, in-town footprint.

Powered and Unpowered Caravan/Camping Sites

Expect a range of powered sites suited to caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes, plus unpowered sites for tents and smaller setups. Because the park has been operating for decades in a built-up beachside suburb, site layouts vary more than at purpose-built modern parks, so it's worth asking specifically about your rig's length when you enquire.

Cabins and Villas

Alongside camping and caravan sites, there are typically cabin-style accommodation options for travellers without their own van, which suits visiting family, first-time campers, or anyone wanting a fallback if the weather turns. Availability and configurations change over time, so confirm current cabin stock directly with the park.

Site Sizes and Suitability for Big Rigs

If you're travelling in a large fifth-wheeler or a long motorhome, call ahead. Established riverside parks like Cotton Tree can have narrower internal roads and more compact site dimensions than you'd find at a purpose-built rural park, so it's smart to confirm site length, turning circles and drive-through options before you commit, especially in peak season when you've got less flexibility to move sites on arrival.

Facilities and Amenities

The amenities are geared towards comfortable, practical stays rather than resort-style extras, which suits the park's family and nomad audience well.

Camp Kitchen, BBQ Areas and Laundry

Most stays include access to camp kitchen and BBQ facilities, along with an on-site laundry, which takes the pressure off packing every cooking item or finding a laundromat in town. These shared spaces are also where you'll pick up the best local tips from other travellers, always worth a chat over the BBQ.

Pool, Playground and Recreation Areas

Family-friendly recreation spaces, including play areas for kids, are part of the appeal, alongside the natural playground of the river and beach right next door. Confirm current pool availability with the park directly, as facilities can be updated or closed for maintenance from time to time.

Dump Points, Bathrooms and Accessibility

A dump point and amenities blocks are standard inclusions at a park this size, along with accessible bathroom facilities. If you have specific accessibility needs, it's worth calling ahead to confirm exactly what's available on-site versus a short drive away.

Pet Policy and Pet-Friendly Sites

Pet policies at council-run parks like Cotton Tree can vary by season and by site, and rules around leads, designated pet areas and off-leash times are common. Always check the current pet policy directly with the park before you book if you're travelling with a dog, rather than assuming it'll be the same as your last stay elsewhere.

Prices and Booking Information

Pricing at Cotton Tree, like most coastal holiday parks, moves with the season and site type, so the number you see for a July long weekend won't match a quiet April weekday.

Typical Nightly Rates by Site/Season

Rates differ depending on whether you're in a powered site, unpowered site, or cabin, and whether you're travelling in peak or off-peak periods. Because tariffs are reviewed regularly, the most reliable approach is to get a live quote for your exact dates and site type directly from the park's booking system rather than relying on a figure that may be out of date by the time you travel.

Peak Season vs Off-Peak Pricing

School holidays, long weekends and the warmer months typically carry a premium, with minimum-stay requirements often applied during these peak windows. Travelling in shoulder season (autumn or early spring) generally gives you more availability and a calmer atmosphere, plus often better rates.

How to Book

Bookings can usually be made online through the park or council's booking portal, or by phone if you'd prefer to talk through site options with staff. During peak periods, minimum stay rules (often a set number of nights over long weekends or school holidays) commonly apply, so check this before you plan a quick one-nighter.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cancellation and refund terms vary by season and how far out you cancel, and council-run parks typically publish these terms alongside their booking system. Read the fine print at the time of booking, particularly if you're booking a peak-season stay many months in advance.

Location, Access and Getting There

Cotton Tree's biggest drawcard is how central it is, without feeling like you're in the thick of a tourist strip.

Distance from Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and the Airport

The park sits just across the Maroochy River from Maroochydore's CBD and shopping precinct, with Mooloolaba a short drive further south, and the Sunshine Coast Airport also a reasonably quick drive away. This makes it a genuinely convenient base whether you're flying in, driving up from Brisbane, or touring the coast as part of a longer trip.

Parking and Check-In/Check-Out Times

Standard check-in and check-out times apply at most council-run parks, and it's worth confirming these at booking, along with where to park if you arrive before check-in opens. Arriving with a plan for your first hour, rather than winging it, makes settling into your site far less stressful, especially with a full rig in tow.

Public Transport and Driving Directions

Cotton Tree is close enough to Maroochydore that local bus routes and an easy drive connect you to the wider Sunshine Coast, and the walk into Cotton Tree's own cafe strip means you may not need the car much at all during your stay.

What's Nearby: Attractions and Activities

This is where Cotton Tree really earns its reputation. You're not just parked near the coast, you're parked in it.

Beaches, the Maroochy River and Esplanade

The patrolled Cotton Tree beach is an easy walk from the park, and the Maroochy River foreshore is ideal for a calmer swim, a paddle, or launching a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. The esplanade connects through to Maroochydore's beachfront, giving you a long, scenic walking or cycling route right from your site.

Cafes, Restaurants and Shopping

The Cotton Tree village strip has cafes, casual dining and small shops within walking distance, and Maroochydore's larger shopping precinct is just over the river if you need a bigger supermarket run or a wider choice of restaurants. It is extremely close to the popular Boat Shed, a great spot for beachfront dining, as well as fish and chip style takeaway.

Family-Friendly Activities and Day Trips

Between the beach, the river, playgrounds and nearby parklands, there's enough to keep kids busy without leaving the immediate area. For day trips, the wider Sunshine Coast hinterland and coastal towns are all within comfortable driving distance if you want to explore further afield during a longer stay. There is also a local market down the street every Sunday with a range of stalls.

Tips for Staying at Cotton Tree Caravan Park

A little planning goes a long way at a popular, centrally located park like this one.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Shoulder seasons tend to offer the best balance of good weather, decent availability and calmer surrounds, while summer school holidays and long weekends bring the biggest crowds and the tightest site availability.

Booking in Advance for School Holidays

Given the park's popularity and its prime beachside location, school holiday periods and long weekends can book out well ahead of time. If you're set on specific dates during peak periods, get your booking in as early as the park's system allows.

What to Pack and Site Etiquette

Pack for shared facilities (your own tea towels, dish soap and laundry supplies), and bring shade and insect protection for the warmer months. If you're not sure what else to bring, a general caravan packing checklist is a handy way to make sure nothing gets left behind. And whatever else you pack, don't skimp on your bedding, a long stay on a factory-thin mattress will wear you down faster than any weather. A proper caravan mattress topper makes a noticeable difference to how you sleep and feel after a day of beach walks and river paddles.

Pros and Cons: Is Cotton Tree Caravan Park Right for You?

No park suits everyone, so here's a straightforward read on who gets the most out of Cotton Tree.

Best For

• Families wanting beach, river and playground access without daily driving
• Retirees and grey nomads after a comfortable, walkable base for a longer coastal stay
• Couples looking for a relaxed, scenic spot close to cafes and dining
• Pet owners, provided you've confirmed the current pet policy suits your dog

Potential Downsides to Consider

• Site sizes may be tighter than newer, purpose-built parks, which matters if you're in a large rig
• Peak season pricing and minimum-stay rules can catch out last-minute planners
• Popularity means school holidays and long weekends book out early
• As an established, in-town park, it won't have the resort-style facilities of some newer coastal parks

If you're still comparing your options, it's worth looking at how Cotton Tree stacks up against other Sunshine Coast caravan parks compared, so you can weigh location against facilities and price for your specific trip.

Final Verdict and Next Steps

Cotton Tree Caravan Park earns its popularity through location alone: beach on one side, river on the other, and a walkable village in between. It suits families, couples and grey nomads who want a relaxed, low-fuss coastal base without constant driving, though travellers with bigger rigs or a need for resort-style extras should confirm site dimensions and facilities before booking.

Once your site's locked in, the best thing you can do for your trip is sort your sleep setup early. A custom-fit mattress topper turns a factory-firm caravan bed into something you'll actually look forward to at the end of a big beach day, and it's a much smaller job to organise now than once you're three days into a two-week stay and your back's already complaining.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the costs for two people to stay at Cotton Tree Caravan Park?

Nightly rates depend on your site type (powered, unpowered or cabin) and the season, with peak periods like school holidays priced higher than off-peak stays. For an accurate quote for two people, check current rates for your exact dates directly through the park's booking system.

What to do at Cotton Tree?

You can swim at the patrolled Cotton Tree beach, paddle or kayak on the calm Maroochy River, walk the esplanade through to Maroochydore, and enjoy the cafes and shops in the Cotton Tree village strip, all within walking distance of the park.

Is Cotton Tree close to the beach?

Yes, Cotton Tree Caravan Park is within easy walking distance of the patrolled Cotton Tree beach as well as the Maroochy River foreshore, making it one of the more beach-central parks on the Sunshine Coast.

Can you have dogs at Cotton Tree Caravan Park?

Pet policies can vary by site and season at council-run parks like Cotton Tree, so it's best to confirm current rules around leads, designated areas and any restrictions directly with the park before booking.