Maroochydore is the Sunshine Coast's central business district, with a range of business and retail sectors that cannot escape the coastal holiday image of the area. Aside from professional services associated with any thriving business centre, Maroochydore is home to some of the Sunshine Coast's biggest shopping venues with Sunshine Plaza and Big Top being major shopping destinations. Maroochydore is ideally located at the junction of the Maroochy River and the ocean, encompassing a range of excellent holiday areas and accommodation options. Cotton Tree is a charming part of Maroochydore that continues where Alexandra Headland finishes, with golden beaches and surf that makes this area a popular destination for families and surfers alike. Cotton Tree also includes a range of excellent accommodation options that include family apartments, motels and seaside caravan parks. Cotton Tree Esplanade faces the Maroochy River and provides access to surf free beaches that are safe for small children. Local parks are popular places for festivals or family picnics, while a growing number of restaurants and eateries are ideally located either close to, or right in, the river. Excellent riverside accommodation is available through to Bradman Avenue, where river based activities include fishing, boating and a special Jet Ski area. As the major commercial area of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore has still retained the charm of the seaside town at the heart of the beautiful Sunshine Coast. Cotton Tree Esplanade faces the Maroochy River and provides access to surf free beaches that are safe for small children. Local parks are popular places for festivals or family picnics, while a growing number of restaurants and eateries are ideally located either close to, or right in, the river. Excellent riverside accommodation is available through to Bradman Avenue, where river based activities include fishing, boating and a special Jet Ski area.