BIG4 Maroochy River

BIG4 Maroochy River is a riverside holiday park at 1 Diura Street, Maroochydore, right in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, and it takes dogs on powered sites outside school holidays. If you are travelling with a van, motorhome or tent and want a base within reach of the river, the beach and Sunshine Plaza, this is one of the few well-run parks in the area that will take the dog at all.

Dogs at BIG4 Maroochy River

The policy is specific, so read it before you plan. Dogs stay on designated pet-friendly powered sites only and are not permitted in any cabins or villas. Limits are firm: one dog per site, under 25kg, registered with your local council and up to date on vaccinations, with a flat $10 per pet per stay fee. Pet stays cannot be booked online, so call the park directly to confirm a pet site, and note that pets are completely banned during school holiday periods. Unvouched pets found on site risk eviction without refund.

Inside the park, dogs stay on a lead at all times and are kept out of common areas including the camp kitchen, pool and reception. Doggy bags are available at reception. The park itself is well kept and family oriented, with a swimming pool, jumping pillow and putt-putt golf, and the Maroochy River foreshore pathways start right alongside, which is where the dog walks happen.

Max: Lead on everywhere inside the park, which stung a bit. But the foreshore path out the back gate made up for it.

Getting there and parking

The park sits just off the Sunshine Motorway near Sunshine Plaza, a few minutes from central Maroochydore and the Cotton Tree riverside precinct. Access is flat and easy for caravans and motorhomes, with drive-through and backing sites among the options. Brisbane is about 90 minutes south via the Bruce Highway.

Make a day of it

For a proper off-lead run, the Unfenced Dog Leash Free Park on Bradman Avenue sits along the river a short drive up, best for dogs with good recall. Coffee is easy: Ocean Folk Espresso in Cotton Tree is a morning-walk institution, and SIP Maroochydore on Duporth Avenue keeps outdoor tables where a dog can settle beside you. More options are in our Queensland dog friendly stays guide and the Maroochydore destination page.