Cotton Tree Caravan Park, Heritage camping site in Sunshine Coast, Australia
Cotton Tree Caravan Park is a coastal holiday facility on the Sunshine Coast that spans eight hectares between Maroochy River and Maroochydore Beach. The grounds offer powered and unpowered caravan sites, deluxe villas, beach houses, barbecue facilities, and laundry amenities for all guests.
The site was established in 1873 as a camping reserve beneath native cotton trees, and gained prominence when the Salvation Army began holding annual Christmas camps there from 1896 onward. This extended association with organized group travel shaped the park's development and purpose over many years.
The park embodies Queensland's tradition of coastal outdoor living, where visitors of all ages have gathered to camp and caravan together over many decades. This repeated gathering of families and travelers has created a strong sense of community that shapes how people experience the space.
Visitors will find the location gives direct access to both river and beach, making it easy to plan water activities throughout the day. The range of accommodation types means guests can choose what suits their needs and travel style.
The park offers access to two contrasting water environments in one location: the calm river side suits fishing and paddling, while the ocean side provides conditions for surfing and windsurfing. This arrangement lets visitors switch between different water activities based on their preference and the day's conditions.
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