This city is one of the most central and laidback parts on the sunshine coast, in Queensland.

Maroochydore, affectionately known as Maroochy by the locals, has everything you would expect of a beachside holiday township - a superb surf beach, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, endless shopping, clubs and a relaxed home-away-from-home atmosphere.

The beach is also perfect for swimming, canoeing, jet skiing, or sailing. If you're feeling energetic, just take a walk along the beachside paths between Maroochydore and Mooloolaba, listen to the waves rolling against the shore and absorb the endless ocean views.

The cosmopolitan lifestyle means that the Sunshine Coast has embraced the best of international cuisines, blending them into a unique style that is light, fresh and innovative. The climate is perfect for al fresco dining, day or night. one has here a truly international choice of cuisines and culinary delights. Accommodation ranges from superior luxury resorts to affordable family motels, apartments and caravan parks.

Among the many exciting things to do are golf, bowling, fishing, flying, paraflying, horse riding, and tennis or alternatively, relaxing with a good book on the beach. The city’s numerous attractions include the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary, Suncity Bowl, Bli Bli Castle, Ski and Surf offering cable water skiing and Nostalgia Town. Also, a replica of the Endeavour is a unique way of learning about Australia's past.

Bli Bli Castle is a replica of a Norman Castle complete with a drawbridge over a moat. This towering castle is located between the beautiful beachside spots of Noosa and Maroochydore. The Castle captures the spirit and romance of the medieval age in its informative displays and attractions. This is fun for the whole family.

Nostalgia Town takes you on a unique trip back into Australia's lively past. With the theme, "A Laugh at the Past", this award-winning tourist attraction boasts humorous and comical displays as well as unique rides which gives patrons a light-hearted glimpse of times gone by as well as nostalgic memories. It offers fun entertainment for the whole family, including a great interactive family fun game like Graveyard Putt. This is an 18 whole mini golf course where you can be four or eighty-four and still enjoy it.

Built to a scale of two thirds of original size, Bill's reproduction of the ship, which Captain James Cook made immortal, is probably the biggest model ship in the world. The reduced size of the Endeavour Replica makes it a paradise for children, whose excitement knows no bounds as they explore the interior, cabins, store rooms, mess decks - they are all in their right places.

If you want a bit of green with your gold, it is definitely worth hopping on a free Hinterland Tour. On the drive keep an eye out for one of the well-known tourist attraction - the Big Pineapple. This is a working plantation where visitors can see how pineapples and macadamia nuts are grown and harvested. Ride the fascinating Plantation Train through tropical fruit orchards and pineapple fields and don't miss the monster parfaits at The Big Pineapple.

The Maroochy River today reflects the mysteries of the land and mountains surrounding it.  The Catchment Mountains are easily seen from the reaches of the River – Buderim Mountain to the south, Blackall Range to the west, Mount Ninderry and Mount Coolum to the north, all distinctive and beautiful features, providing approximately 440 square kilometres of catchment to the Maroochy River alone.

Holidays are the perfect time to really enjoy your shopping, visit the amazing Sunshine Plaza shopping centre in Maroochydore.

You can potter around the famous Eumundi Markets on the Sunshine Coast in search of the strange and unique. Eumundi Markets is situated in the centre of town with its interesting shops and eateries. Over two hundred exciting stalls of various handcrafts and produce selected to make your visit a memorable one. You will find something tempting around every corner.

The spirit of Queensland’s Indigenous people comes alive in their celebrations and festivals. For more than 40,000 years Aborigines have portrayed their spiritual and traditional beliefs in their dances and ceremonies. These ceremonies chronicle the tales of their ancestors whose exploits created the natural wonders of our world.

Today, visitors can still experience the unique colour and vibrant sounds of these ancient festivals and celebrations. Be entertained at the many festivals, theatres and galleries that showcase traditional Aboriginal art and culture.