Cotton Tree Caravan Park

The Cotton Tree Caravan Park takes its name from the native cotton trees (Hibiscus tilliaceus) that campers have sheltered under since the reserve was established in 1873. From about 1896, the Salvation Army held a Christmas camp here. By the 1910s tents were available for hire, a kiosk operated and meals offered in a dining tent. During 1912-13 the camp ground had new wells, a jetty and bathing sheds and two more private kiosks. The original reserve was 215 acres and in 1908, the government decided to survey the town of Maroochy within much of this reserve. Despite public opposition, the land sales proceeded in 1915, reducing the reserve to 17 acres by 1916. Improved facilities were provided in the mid-1920s by Maroochy Shire Council. Camping fees to finance these improvements were introduced in 1940. By this time the first stage of the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Landsborough had been completed and road traffic to Maroochydore increased dramatically. By the 1950s camping and caravanning had grown in popularity, peaking in the 1970s. Today the park has adapted to holiday makers’ needs by providing on-site cabins rather than caravans, but the essence of a relaxing seaside holiday remains.