Maroochydore, Cotton Tree and along the Maroochy River in the 1970s

Take a journey back to the 70s. How many remember this streetscape of Cotton Tree and Butts Shopping Centre. In the early 70's Cliff Butt, together with two other Maroochydore businessmen – Harry Atkin and Carl Radke – constructed the first stage of a drive-in supermarket and shopping complex which included variety and specialty shops and profession offices extending from Duporth Avenue to Alexandra Parade. The first on the Coast.
The Cotton Tree Caravan Park has been a landmark on the coast since the first camp held there in the 1880's.

The Salvation Camp use to come up from Brisbane, but there was no road then, only a dirt track and they would go to Woombye and catch a tram down or a ferry because there were no roads heading into Maroochydore.

In the 1910's tents were available for hire and erected for a small fee. Meals were offered in the dining tent and a large marquee was used for gatherings, while a kiosk operated by the Salvation Army sold bread, soft drinks, lollies and fruit.

By the 1970's, caravanning holiday makers were a common sight returning to Cotton Tree year after year becoming an annual ritual.
Who can remember the awe as the first high-rise apartments, the Maroochy Sands, was built.

Memories of the thrills and spills of water-skiing, boating, canoeing and fishing on the Maroochy River have endured throughout every decade. Enjoy a visit back to the 1970's courtesy of Patrick O’Callaghan and the Heritage Library.