Queensland, East Coast of Australia, Australia

Cotton Tree Beach

Cotton Tree Beach is a popular spot on the Sunshine Coast. The beach offers a unique experience as it is located near a river mouth, providing visitors with the option of swimming in either waves or calm water. The beach is patrolled throughout the year, with additional patrols at the river mouth during holiday seasons.

The natural characteristics of the beach are particularly appealing, with clean, clear water that is especially refreshing on warm days. High tide is a favorite time for many visitors. The area is also a popular spot for fishing, with people often seen fishing off the rock wall.

Amenities at Cotton Tree Beach include a block at the front of the road entrance. The beach is also in close proximity to a variety of local businesses, including a chemist, convenience store, bakery, butcher, fashion retailers, and Australia Post. There are also several fish and chip shops and cafes in the area, as well as a lawn bowls club and library.

Parking at Cotton Tree Beach can be busy, particularly on weekends and during the holiday season. The parking area is shared with the boat shed, swimming pool, and caravan park located in the same block.

The beach is a popular spot for a variety of water sports, including stand up paddle boarding, kite surfing, and jet skiing. Small boats and dinghies are also commonly seen in the area.

Explore places to stay near Cotton Tree Beach and enjoy the unique experience of swimming in both waves and calm waters.

Despite its popularity, the beach maintains a peaceful atmosphere, making it a 'happy place' for many visitors.

What to do at Cotton Tree Beach?

Amenities

Cotton Tree Beach amenities include parking.

Restaurants

Best restaurants near Cotton Tree Beach include The Boat Shed & The Boat Shed Takeaway, Namory Eatery, Local Flow Eatery, Burgers With Bite (Cotton Tree), Lucky Tower Chinese Restaurant, The Sands Tavern, Orléans Restaurant and Bar, Market Bistro and Ocean Ended at Platinum.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beach's beautiful setting and the friendly, professional staff. Many visitors appreciate the clean, clear water during high tide and the variety of activities available, such as fishing, paddle boating, and jet skiing. However, some visitors complain about the crowded parking, especially during weekends and holiday seasons.

Where to Stay near Cotton Tree Beach?

If you’re planning a trip to Cotton Tree Beach, consider staying in the nearby town of Maroochydore, which offers a variety of accommodation options. Most visitors enjoy the convenience of being within walking distance to the beach and the vibrant local shops and cafes in the area.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Cotton Tree Beach?

Latitude: -26.6527913 / Longitude: 153.0993499

Cotton Tree Beach is located in Queensland. The following map of Cotton Tree Beach shows the exact location.

Cotton Tree Beach: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
Overall, it's an average beach day at Cotton Tree Beach. The maximum air temperature will be 29 °C, perfect for enjoying the sun when it peeks through the clouds. There's a slight chance of rain showers, so keep an eye on the sky. The sea temperature is a pleasant 26.8 °C, ideal for a swim. The waves are moderate, adding a bit of fun for those who enjoy playing in the water. The wind will be light, but expect some stronger gusts at times. The UV index will reach a high of 7.8, so be sure to apply sunscreen regularly.
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Air

Low / High22.1°C/29°C
Feels Like (High)32.8°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature26.8 °C
Wave Height1.1 m
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Rain

Rain Chance10%
Rainfall1 mm
Rain Duration6 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:15/18:44
Sunshine Hours8.3 hrs
UV Index7.8
Cloud Cover83%
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Wind

Speed10.9 km/h
Gusts31 km/h
DirectionE

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