For families wanting a busy city centre for their Sunshine Coast holiday, Maroochydore is a great choice. Maroochydore is one of the Sunshine Coast’s major city centres and here, you will find massive shopping malls, the Sunshine Coast Airport as well, as some of the quietest and undeveloped beaches on the Coast. Another advantage of a family holiday in Maroochydore is having the option of both calm water and surf. There is heaps to choose from when it comes to Maroochydore family accommodation. From gorgeous Maroochydore resorts to waterfront holiday parks, as well as plenty of self-contained Maroochydore holiday apartments too. As well as a huge choice in the type of holiday accommodation Maroochydore offers– there are also a few different locations to choose from. For this guide, I’m going to cover areas including the calm waters of Cotton Tree and the Maroochydore, Mudjimba and Marcoola surf beaches. If you’re just planning your Maroochydore family holiday, this is definitely the right place to be. In this guide, I’m going to help you choose not only the best location to base yourself for your family getaway, but also in selecting the best holiday accommodation in Maroochydore too. All the Maroochydore accommodation I’ve included in this guide provides excellent value for money, have great onsite family friendly facilities and are in excellent locations so you can easily walk to a range of shops, cafes and playgrounds. So, let’s get started and find you some excellent Maroochydore holiday accommodation.
Talk to other families about their tips on visiting Caloundra and join our Queensland Travel Facebook Group.
This post may contain compensated links. Please refer to my disclaimer here for more information.
Page Contents
- 1 A Quick Overview of the Best Maroochydore Family Accommodation
- 2 Maroochydore Accommodation – Where to Stay?
- 3 Family Accommodation Maroochydore
- 3.1 Northcliffe Apartments
- 3.2 Cotton Tree Holiday Park
- 3.3 Chateau Royale Beach Resort
- 3.4 Sunshine Towers Holiday Apartments
- 3.5 Camargue Beach Front Apartments
- 3.6 Novotel Twin Waters
- 3.7 Santorini Twin Waters
- 3.8 Sand Dunes Resort
- 3.9 Marcoola Beach Resort
- 3.10 Ramada by Wyndham Marcoola Beach
- 3.11 Holiday Inn Express
- 4 Where to Book your Holiday Maroochydore Family Accommodation?
- 5 Other Sunshine Coast Accommodation
A Quick Overview of the Best Maroochydore Family Accommodation
Below is a super quick overview of all the family accommodation Maroochydore offers reviewed in this guide. You can use the below table to quickly determine if any of these places are the right accommodation for your family holiday. For a more comprehensive review, keep reading below.
| Name | Location | Room Amenities | Hotel Amenities | Near | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Northcliffe  | Maroochydore River | Two bedroom apartment with kitchen & laundry | Pool, spa, games room & BBQs | Across the road from the supermarket 600m Sunshine Plaza 1.2km Cotton Tree Beach | Book Now |
Cotton Tree Holiday Park | Cotton Tree | 1 – 2 bedroom cabins with kitchenette | Shared laundry | Directly on Cotton Tree Beach 100m local shops 450m Maroochydore Beach 1.7km Sunshine Plaza | Book Now |
Chateau Royal  | Maroochydore Beach | 2 bedroom apartments with kitchen & laundry | Pool, spa, sauna & BBQs | 200m Maroochydore Beach 140m local shops 450m Cotton Tree Beach | Book Now |
Sunshine Towers  | Maroochydore Beach | 2 bedroom apartment with kitchen & laundry | Pool & BBQs | 200m Maroochydore Beach 450m Cotton Tree Beach 150m local shops | Book Now |
Camargue  | Maroochydore Beach | 2 bedroom apartment with kitchen & laundry | Pool & BBQs | On Maroochydore Beach 190m local shops 800m Cotton Tree Beach | Book Now |
Novotel  | Mudjimba | 1 bedroom with kitchenette | Pool, lagoon, private beach, free watersports | On Mudjimba Beach | Book Now |
Santorini  | Mudjimba | 2 bedroom apartment with 2 bathroom, kitchen & laundry | Pool, BBQs & tennis court | Across the road from Mudjimba Beach Surrounded by shops and cafes | Book Now |
Sand Dunes  | Marcoola | 2 bedroom apartment with 2 bathrooms, kitchen & laundry | Pool & BBQs | Across the road from Marcoola Beach 5 minute walk to shops and cafes | Book Now |
Marcoola Beach Resort | Marcoola | 2 bedroom apartment with 2 bathrooms, kitchen & laundry | Pool, BBQs, tennis court & basketball court | Across the road from Marcoola Beach 5 minute walk to shops and cafes | Book Now |
Ramada  | Marcoola | 2 bedroom apartment with 2 bathrooms, kitchen & laundry | Pool & BBQs | Across the road from Marcoola Beach 5 minute walk to shops and cafes | Book Now |
Maroochydore Accommodation – Where to Stay?
As mentioned above, the area of Maroochydore is a busy commercial hub that includes the massive Sunshine Plaza, which is home to a billion shops, restaurants and cinemas. However, not far from this busy city centre is several quiet and laid-back beaches. To help you decide which area is best for your family getaway, I have provided an overview of each of the Maroochydore locations and what each offers for families. Then, in the map below, I’ve marked where all the Maroochydore hotels are covered in this guide. Zoom in and out for a closer view.
Maroochydore Beach
The Maroochydore Beach is a stunning surf beach on the Sunshine Coast. With waves averaging around 1 metre, it is a great beach for both surfing and swimming. Here you will also find the Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club, one of the largest surf life-saving clubs on the Sunshine Coast. The roadside around the beach is relatively undeveloped and is mostly a residential area, with a few holiday apartment buildings scattered here and there. It’s a short walk though to the local shops and cafes in Cotton Tree. There are also a few cafes and restaurants sprinkled around a block back from the beach. From Maroochydore Beach, you can also easily walk around to the calm waters of Cotton Tree Beach if you need a change from the surf. Just between the two beaches is the perfect spot for little ones learning to surf or boogie board. For absolute Maroochydore beachfront accommodation, you can stay at the Maroochydore Caravan Park, which has its own private entrance to the beach.
Cotton Tree
Situated at the mouth of the Maroochydore River, Cotton Tree is an excellent choice for families with young children. Cotton Tree offers calm waters, perfect for swimming or even water activities such as kayaking and SUP. The beach is long and wide and there is plenty of places for building sandcastles or throwing around a frisbee. Plus, you can easily walk around to the Maroochydore surf beach. Between the surf beach and the calm waters, there are also gentle waves that are great for boogie boarding. Along the shores, there is plenty of parklands with playgrounds and bike trails so you can easily ride or walk into the city centre. Nearby there is also a range of local shops and cafes. Cotton Tree is also the closest beach to the popular Sunshine Plaza –the biggest shopping mall on the Sunshine Coast. Here you will find all your major retail brands as well as cinemas, gaming arcades, paddle boats, cafes and restaurants. Cotton Tree is a firm favourite for us when it comes to a great family holiday destination. We’ve stayed regularly at the Cotton Tree Caravan Park there, which offers both camping and cabins.
Mudjimba
Mudjimba is a quiet coastal town in Maroochydore. The Mudjimba Beach is nothing less than an unspoiled haven – the beach is secluded, and you’ll feel like a million miles away from the busy city centre. There is pretty much no development at the southern end of the beach except for the Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park. The Maroochy River Conservation Park is also at this end of the beach. The northern end of the beach is mostly residential except for a few cafes and is where you will find the surf life saving club, playground and BBQ facilities. Just back from the southern end of the Mudjimba Beach is also where you will find the Novotel, one of the best Sunshine Coast family resorts. It is also the only Sunshine Coast accommodation with kids club making it a very popular choice among families.
Marcoola
Marcoola is another quiet coastal area just north of the Maroochy River. Marcoola Beach is a very long stunning beach, but quiet, so you don’t need to be concerned about crowds. Marcoola Beach is mostly recommended for surfing; however there is a patrolled area where you can swim. The beach is surrounded by a reserve which is great for family picnics. Along the roadside, you will find a few resorts, not too many though, so you still get that feeling that you’re a million miles from anywhere. At the southern end of the beach, just a block back from the beach, you will find a few different shops and places to eat, but the options are fairly limited. The northern end is where you will find the Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club. Did you know the name Marcoola is due to its location between MARoochydore and COOlum? Interesting fact, right?
Family Accommodation Maroochydore
Below I have reviewed 10 great low cost family friendly options for the best Sunshine Coast Maroochydore accommodation.
Northcliffe Apartments
The Northcliffe Apartments are set on the banks of the Maroochy River and offer stunning views from most apartments and the pool area. Each fully self-contained apartment at this Maroochydore River resort has two bedrooms and can sleep a maximum of four guests in one large double bed and two single beds.
All apartments feature an open plan lounge/dining room, two bathrooms, a fully stocked kitchen with a dishwasher, laundry facilities and a private balcony with further seating.
This budget accommodation Maroochydore offers includes one free secure undercover car park space per apartment. Guests can make use of the heated pool and spa with amazing views over the river, and there is also a BBQ area, a games room, sauna and even a private jetty if you have a boat.
Location/Distance:
- Supermarket: 140m
- Sunshine Plaza: 600m
- Cotton Tree Beach: 1.2km
- Maroochydore Beach: 1.4km
Why We Love it?
If you’re looking for the best hotels in Maroochydore with amazing views, you’ll love the river views from these apartments. The views over the river are breathtaking and really make these apartments special.
What’s Not to Love?
There is no bathtub, which could put off some families with particularly young children.
Summary
If you’re looking for accommodation at Maroochydore Qld and want something a little special, the views at Northcliffe apartments will blow you away and all for a reasonable price in comfortable self-contained accommodation.
Click here to check current pricing and availability
Cotton Tree Holiday Park
The Cotton Tree Caravan Park, Maroochydore, offers families the chance to stay in beachfront Maroochydore accommodation on a budget. Cotton Tree caravan park cabins come with either 2 or 3 bedrooms, and all are compact but have everything a family needs to enjoy their break.
Two-bedroom villas sleep up to 4 guests in one queen bed and one set of single bunks. Three bedroom Cotton Tree cabins sleep up to 6 guests in one queen bed, one double bed and one double sofa bed. Every cabin has air conditioning, a small kitchenette with a fridge, microwave and hot plate, and a deck with extra seating.
Although there aren’t as many facilities on offer at this Cotton Tree holiday accommodation as there are in some Sunshine coast holiday parks, Cotton Tree holiday park is set directly on Cotton Tree Beach – which is where you’ll no doubt spend all your time anyway.
In addition, the aquatic centre is also just next door with two great pools and a mini splash area. The park itself does have BBQs for guests to use and shared laundry facilities.
Location/Distance:
- Cotton Tree Beach: Right on site!!
- Local shops and cafes: 80m
- Maroochydore Beach: 450m
- Sunshine Plaza: 1.7km
Why We Love it?
This Maroochydore beach holiday park is right on the beach, making it a real bonus if you have kids who love to play in the water. Plus, you have the advantage of the calm water, as well as the surf just around the corner.
What’s Not to Love?
It’s a shame this Maroochydore holiday park doesn’t have a pool on site, but the beach more than makes up for it.
Summary
Cotton Tree accommodation doesn’t come much closer to the beach than these Cotton Tree camping ground cabins. Perfect for any family looking for a beachside getaway on a budget.
Click here to check current pricing and availability
Chateau Royale Beach Resort
If you’re looking for Maroochydore accommodation on the beach, Chateau Royale is a good choice. From this resort, the beautiful Maroochydore Beach is just a few minutes walk away. This self contained accommodation Maroochydore has, offers family apartments with two bedrooms and can accommodate four guests in one double bed and two singles.
Every apartment has a balcony, a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. All apartments have air conditioning throughout, an open plan living/dining area with a flat-screen TV, a sofa and a dining table. Guests can use the BBQs and have access to a swimming pool, covered spa and sauna.
Location/Distance:
- Maroochydore Beach: 100m
- Local shops and cafes: 140m
- Cotton Tree Beach: 450m
- Sunshine Plaza: 1.9km
Why We Love it?
The covered/indoor spa means you can enjoy a touch of relaxation, even on rainy days. Plus, from here you can easily walk to Cotton Tree and all the local cafes and shops.
What’s Not to Love?
The pool is on the small side, and there is no shallow area for younger kids.
Summary
The Chateau Royale offers lovely modern apartments right next to Maroochydore Beach. These Maroochydore holiday rentals are comfortable and well stocked for families to ensure they have a fabulous break.
Click here to check current pricing and availability
Sunshine Towers Holiday Apartments
The Sunshine Towers Holiday Apartments are spacious and come with everything families need to cater for themselves. In addition, they are just a 2-minute walk from the beach. This accommodation Maroochydore beach has, offer two bedroom apartments that can fit 4 guests on one double bed and two singles.
All apartments feature air conditioning and free Wi-Fi throughout. There is an open plan living/dining area with a flat screen tv, a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities and a private balcony with extra seating.
The hotel offers guests a swimming pool and BBQs with an extra dining area to cook and enjoy dinner outside. Free parking is also available for guests onsite. 
Location/Distance:
- Maroochydore Beach & Surf Club: 250m
- Local shops and cafes: 150m
- Sunshine Plaza: 1.9km
- Cotton Tree Beach: 450m
Why We Love it?
Proximity to Maroochydore Beach and the local cafes and shops is the biggest selling point for these apartments.
What’s Not to Love?
Unlike some Maroochydore beach resorts, the pool area at the Sunshine Towers Maroochydore is very basic and lacking a little character.
Summary
The Sunshine Towers offer no fuss Maroochydore apartments, close to the beach and have everything you could need on your Sunshine Coast holiday.
Click here to check current pricing and availability
Camargue Beach Front Apartments
If it’s cheap accommodation Maroochydore has you’re after, then Camargue Beach Front Apartments could be the best cheap accommodation Maroochydore offers, thanks to its handy beachfront location. At Camargue, you will find two bedroom apartments, which can fit up to 4 guests in one double bed and two single beds. Every apartment features air conditioning, laundry facilities, a well-stocked kitchen, open plan living/dining areas and a private balcony.
This Maroochydore Beach accommodation has a large heated swimming pool as well as a spa and sauna. There are electric BBQs provided under a covered patio, set in tropical gardens, sun loungers, tables, and chairs. Free parking is also available onsite.
Location/Distance:
- Maroochydore Beach: On the beach!
- Local cafes: 190m
- Cotton Tree Beach: 800m
- Sunshine Plaza: 1.7km
Why We Love it?
This Maroochydore holiday accommodation is are situated right on the beach, so you don’t have to go far to entertain the kids.
What’s Not to Love?
Apartments are a little dated but, with a great location, it’s a small compromise.
Summary
The Camargue Beach Front Apartments are perfect for families after the cheap hotels Maroochydore has. However, despite being cheap, these apartments are in a prime location, right on Maroochydore Beach, with shops and cafes within easy walking distance.
Click here to check current pricing and availability
Novotel Twin Waters
Looking for Sunshine Coast hotels with kids club? Well, there is only one, and it’s the Novotel Twin Waters. This is the perfect place to come if you’re looking for something a little bit special and want the best accommodation Maroochydore that has it all with a beachfront location and plenty to do.
This Maroochydore hotel accommodation offers family rooms which are a one-bedroom suite with a double bed in the bedroom and pull out sofa bed in the living area. All suites come with a small lounge/dining area and a basic kitchenette with a full size fridge and microwave. The bathroom has a bathtub, which is a nice touch for younger kids, and every suite has its own private balcony with further seating.
When it comes to Maroochydore accommodation resorts, the facilities at the Novotel are hard to beat. If you love the water, you’ll be spoilt for choice with a heated swimming pool, a central private lagoon with sandy beach or Mudjimba Beach is just a few minutes stroll away.
All guests can enjoy complimentary water sports on the lagoon, and younger guests can enjoy the Kidz Cove kids club. The resort offers a range of dining options, ranging from buffet breakfasts to takeaway meal options and treatments are available in the over-water Day Spa.
Location/Distance:
- Mudjimba Beach: On the beach!
- Sunshine Coast Airport: 4.6km
- Supermarket: 4km
- Sunshine Plaza: 9.4km
Why We Love it?
There is so much to love, but a private lagoon and free watersports is pretty special! Plus, the only kids club Sunshine Coast hotels offer – winning!!!
What’s Not to Love?
This Maroochydore resort accommodation is pretty isolated from the rest of Maroochydore – but seriously, you will never want to leave!
Summary
The Novotel Twin Waters is undoubtedly the most expensive accommodation in this guide, but we just couldn’t leave it off! The resort offers a touch of luxury for families who want a great resort with first-class facilities all at a great price.
Click here to check current pricing and availability
Santorini Twin Waters
Accommodation at Santorini is in a quiet location opposite Mudjimba Beach, with a few cafes just minutes away. Family apartments here have two bedrooms and fit 4 guests in one double bed and two singles. Every apartment is surprisingly spacious, air-conditioned throughout and features two bathrooms, with a spa bath in the en-suite bathroom. There is a private balcony, full kitchen and laundry facilities and a living room with a flat-screen TV and a DVD player.
This holiday accommodation Maroochydore offers is located right opposite Mudjimba Beach, and there is a tennis court and a heated pool on site. Guests can also enjoy the use of the BBQs and outdoor dining area.
Location/Distance:
- Mudjimba Beach: Across the road!
- Cafes: Just metres away.
- Supermarket: 1.9km
Why We Love it?
The size of the apartments is really good, there is plenty of space for the whole family and the balcony adds a lot of extra space.
What’s Not to Love?
This is certainly a quiet spot – but that’s why you come here, right? If you want to be in the thick of it all – choose one of the other resorts from this guide.
Summary
Santorini provides spacious apartments across the road from a beautiful beach and with shops and cafes within easy walking distance – what more could your family need to enjoy their holiday?
Click here to check current pricing and availability
Sand Dunes Resort
The Sand Dunes Resort is the perfect Marcoola accommodation for families, with the beach right on your doorstep and a really impressive pool to keep the kids entertained all day long. These two bedroom apartments are modern and sleep 4 guests in one double bed and two singles, although an extra bed can be added at an extra cost.
All apartments are air conditioned and come with a fully equipped kitchen (with dishwasher and oven), private balcony, open plan lounge/dining area, laundry facilities and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. There are even two bathrooms, one of which has a bathtub making it perfect for little ones.
This Marcoola holiday accommodation is across the road from Marcoola Beach and offers guests access to a spa and a fitness centre. The extra large, resort style swimming pool is really impressive and can’t be missed and even has a shallow area at one end for younger kids.
Location/Distance:
- Supermarket: 2km
- Shops & Cafes: 600m
- Marcoola Beach: 150m
- Sunshine Plaza: 10km
Why We Love it?
The swimming pool is absolutely huge and really impressive, sure to entertain the kids for hours!
What’s Not to Love?
This Marcoola beach accommodation is quite far from the other Maroochydore beaches, but Marcoola beach is really lovely.
Summary
The Sand Dunes Resort provides really comfortable accommodation with everything families need and an incredibly impressive pool for those days when you fancy a change from the beach.
Click here to check current pricing and availability
Marcoola Beach Resort
Marcoola Beach Resort offers comfortable accommodation with the beach just across the sand dunes and plenty of conveniences nearby. The two bedroom apartments are well laid out and fit 4 guests in one double bed and two singles. These fully self-contained apartments have open-plan living areas and fully equipped kitchens that even feature dishwashers and ovens.
In addition, each air-conditioned apartment offers two bathrooms, private laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi and a large private balcony with outdoor furniture. This beachfront accommodation Maroochydore offers also includes a lagoon-style swimming pool, heated spa full-size tennis court, half size basketball court, an air-conditioned fitness room and sauna. There are also two outdoor entertaining areas with BBQs and guests get free parking on site.
Location/Distance:
- Marcoola Beach: Across the dunes
- Shops & Cafes: 250m
- Supermarket: 2.3km
Why We Love it?
There are some great outdoor dining areas and landscaped gardens for kids to run around and burn off some energy.
What’s Not to Love?
The resort is right next to the airport, which is very convenient but could be too noisy for some.
Summary
The Marcoola Beach Resort is conveniently located and well equipped with everything families need to enjoy a great holiday. You’ve got the beach just across the dunes and lovely landscaped gardens for the kids to play.
Click here to check current pricing and availability
Ramada by Wyndham Marcoola Beach
Ramada by Wyndham offers self contained accommodation in a prime location right on Marcoola Beach with great pool facilities for kids. Accommodation at the Ramada Maroochydore is in self-contained apartments with two bedrooms that contain one double bed and two single beds. Apartments are air conditioned and offer a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, a private balcony, a spacious living and dining area and 2 bathrooms, one of which has a bathtub.
There is also free Wi-Fi throughout. The resort has direct beach access, which is really convenient, but there is also a 60 m lagoon-style swimming pool and a great little children’s pool for young kids. There is also a fitness centre and a bar and restaurant on site, which serves breakfast at an extra cost, and guests get free parking on site.
Location/Distance:
- Marcoola Beach: On the beach!
- Shops & Cafes: 140m
- Supermarket: 2.6km
Why We Love it?
Having a separate children’s pool is great for families with young kids. Plus, if you’re after the Maroochydore beach hotels – this is it!
What’s Not to Love?
The kitchen is a little on the small side but manages to fit in everything you will need.
Summary
For families after Marcoola holiday rentals, the Ramada by Wyndham is a great choice. It’s a lovely resort for families at a reasonable price when you consider there is direct beach access and some good facilities on site like an extra children’s pool.
Click here to check current pricing and availability
Holiday Inn Express
The Holiday Inn Express offers comfortable and affordable accommodation in a central location. While further from the beach than the accommodation listed above; the Holiday Inn is still within a short walk to the beaches but even closer to the Maroochydore dining and shopping precinct.
Located just a 10 minute walk from the popular Sunshine Plaza or Ocean Street from the Holiday Inn, you’re never far from the shops, restaurants and cafes. There are also plenty of other dining options within a few minutes walk. Cotton Tree and Maroochydore Beaches are a little further with a 15 minute walk or a short drive away.
In terms of facilities at the Holiday Inn Express, the heated rooftop swimming pool is a highlight, as is the free breakfast each morning. Guests can choose between a grab and go style breakfast or a more leisurely buffet style breakfast. There is also an on site gym and guest laundry.
Rooms are simple yet modern at the Holiday Inn Express, with quality bedding, flat-screen TVs, workspaces, en-suite bathrooms and tea and coffee making facilities. All rooms can accommodate up to two guests, with connecting rooms available for families.
Location/Distance:
- Supermarket: 750m
- Sunshine Plaza: 750m
- Cotton Tree Beach: 1.2km
- Maroochydore Beach: 1.4km
Why We Love it?
Great price and in a central location to most things in Maroochydore.
What’s Not to Love?
Families will need two rooms, which is not ideal for young children, but perhaps a godsend for those with teenagers.
Summary
While the Holiday Inn offers simple accommodation with limited on site facilities, it is an excellent option for those after cheap accommodation in Maroochydore in a central location.
Click here to check current pricing and availability.
Read our full review on the Holiday Inn Express Sunshine Coast here.
Where to Book your Holiday Maroochydore Family Accommodation?
So where is the best place to book your accommodation in Maroochydore? Personally, I prefer to use Booking.com to booking my accommodation in Maroochydore as I find they not only offer a great range of accommodation options but in most cases, you don’t need to pay anything upfront AND you can cancel if you change your mind or find a better deal elsewhere. Therefore, I have provided links to Booking.com for the above Maroochydore accommodation, or you can click here.
Other Sunshine Coast Accommodation
Looking for accommodation for a different area of the Sunshine Coast? We have accommodation guides on all of the popular Sunshine Coast holiday destinations, including:
Want to keep this handy for later?
Click on one of the images below and save it to Pinterest.
