Its name comes from the Yuggera language word Muru-kutchi, meaning red-bill and referring to the black swan, which is commonly seen in the area.

Maroochydore is a major commercial area of the Sunshine Coast with most shopping precincts located in the central business district.

Maroochydore is also a venue of major surf sport carnivals, and is a popular holiday point from which to travel the rest of Queensland.

The canal's main reach, which extends for more than one km, was the training ground for 1992 Olympic K–1 1000 m gold medalist Clint Robinson.

[4] Our Lady Star of the Sea (Stella Maris) Catholic Church was officially opened by Archbishop James Duhig on Sunday 15 October 1950.

[1] The 2016 and 2021 statistics include the following suburbs from north to south: coastal strip of Coolum Beach, Point Arkwright, Yaroomba, coastal part of Mount Coolum, Marcoola, Mudjimba (including Mudjima Island), the eastern part of Bli Bli, Pacific Paradise, Twin Waters, Maroochydore (suburb), Kuluin, Alexandra Headland, and Mooloolaba.

[9][1][10] Cotton Tree has a number of heritage-listed sites, including: Maroochydore's suburbs are served by Kinetic Group, who operate from outside the Sunshine Plaza in the CBD.

Various bus routes connect Maroochydore to Buderim, Coolum, Kawana Waters, Caloundra, Nambour and Noosa.

The proposed line would connect Caloundra, Kawana Waters and Maroochydore with Brisbane and would terminate at the Sunshine Coast Airport.

A light rail system has also been proposed, which would leave from the Maroochydore CBD and connect the local regional hubs before terminating at Caloundra.

Sunshine Coast Regional Council operates a public library at 44 Sixth Avenue, Cotton Tree.