Maroochydore
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Maroochydore is the geographic centre of the Sunshine Coast. Maroochy Tourism quotes, "If the Sunshine Coast had a beating heart, Maroochydore is it." The town of 17045 residents offers an ideal location, situated at the intersection between river and the ocean. It offers the blend of surf beach and the calm waters of the Maroochy River.
The main surfing beach is popular with surfers. It hosts a number of surfing and surf lifesaving events. It is also home to sheltered beaches popular with families. These are backed by pretty parkland, ideal for picnics or walking.
It is the major commercial centre of the Sunshine Coast, however, it still features a refreshing blend of both business and tourism which makes Maroochydore a refreshing seaside town for visitors and residents to enjoy.
History
Andrew Petrie during his 1842 exploration of the coast gave the name Maroochydore to the area. It was derived from the word "murukutchi-dha" in the language of the Brisbane River Aboriginal people who accompanied Petrie on his exploration. It literally means "the place of the red bills" that is the black swans.
Governor Gipps, stimulated by Petrie's exploration, proposed the Bunya Proclamation of 1842. This prevented settlement or the granting of cattle or timber licenses in the Bunya Country which covered much of the Maroochy district. The Proclamation lapsed, attracting Tom Petrie to explore the coastal area for timber resources in 1862.
Due to the perilous nature of the Maroochy River bar it proved too hazardous for shipping. In 1864, Brisbane sawmill owner, William Pettigrew, established a depot and wharf at Mooloolaba (nee Mooloolah Heads).
Twenty years on, in 1884, Pettigrew transferred his activities to Maroochydore. The area appears to have been mainly used for grazing cattle and has a landing place for timber rafted down the River. That same year, Pettigrew built the first house at Maroochydore. The house was occupied by an employee, Hamilton Muirhead. Pettigrew opened a sawmill on the riverbank in 1891, it was at this time a post office was opened too. Pettigrew continued to run his steamers "Tadorna Radja" and "Tarshaw" in the Maroochy River. The "Gneering" which had also serviced the river had been wrecked on the Maroochy River bar. The steamer was towed to Goat Island and left there as a wreck.
In 1898, Pettigrew closed his mill and went into voluntary liquidation. The mill was reopened and operated by James Campbell & Sons until 1903. The town of Maroochydore still did not exist throughout this time, however, for several years hinterland residents had visited the area for holidays and fishing trips.
Thomas O'Connor, a surveyor, purchased all of Pettigrew's land in the Marrochydore area in 1903. The land was subdivided and portioned into allotments. The first land sale was held in July 1908. This marked the beginning of the development of Maroochydore as a seaside resort.
Maroochydore as we know today began to emerge in 1912. This emergence began with opening of the first Coastal hotel and a regular mail boat service to Yandina. Following this, in 1917, a boat and tram service operated to Nambour. By 1920, the permanent population reached seventy and during the following decade it had grown enough to necessitate schools, churches, business houses, a post office and a bitumen main road.
Climate
Residents and visitors can enjoy a sub-tropical climate tempered by the ocean - therefore, it is never blazingly hot and rarely freezing cold. Tropical lighting storms are common in the summer months. The temperature range from 17°C to 28°C in the height of Summer and 10°C to 23°C in Winter.
Getting There
Maroochydore is just over 1 hours drive (98 km) from Brisbane. The Bruce Highway is nearest highway to the coastal town.
Bus and Coach Services
All major coach lines service the Sunshine Coast. There is a transit centre at Maroochydore with regular daily services operating between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.
Train
There is a regular rail service that provides access between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane
Air
Maroochydore is home to the Sunshine Coast Airport.