We in Brisbane are lucky enough to live only a couple of hours from the north and south coasts and each of us have a favourite beach we like to visit as often as possible. My favourite is Cotton Tree or rather on the border of Cotton Tree and Mooloolaba.
Whether you prefer a high-rise apartment block not far from the beach or a renowned and most popular caravan park, this area gives the tourist plenty of variety to choose.
Cotton Tree Holiday Park is so popular that you almost have to book months in advance and the Christmas Holiday period is virtually booked out from year to year with the regulars. The regular campers also provide a fantastic display of Christmas lights, as good as any home competition. It's an outing in itself to wander through the camping grounds during the Christmas period to take in the atmosphere and beauty these campers have put into their creations.
The park provides power and unpowered sites along with well-presented villas to meet the needs of all. It is a great spot for the fisherman and in walking distance from the Cotton Tree Swimming Pool Complex.
However if you are like me and prefer a self-contained apartment there are numerous properties to choose from and you just may see a celebrity in the lift with you next time you are on your way to reception. I stayed at Chateau Royale, which is in Memorial Drive and has views that extend both ways along the coastline. Nothing is nicer than sharing a bottle of your favourite wine on the balcony and watching the sun go down across the ocean.
One aspect that makes this area special to me is that it is in walking distance from The Maroochy Surf Club and if you can secure a table against the large windows, you can watch families playing ball on the beach until sun goes down. Such a relaxing way to wait for your dinner.
Markets are on each Sunday from 7am to 12 Noon in King Street. Many a fine bargain is purchased as tourists and locals mingle through the market stores, local shops and coffee houses. I don't want to slave over a stove too many times when I'm on leave and many must feel exactly the same way, if you take into account the amount of people having breakfast each Sunday morning in Cotton Tree.
If your favourite hot beverage is tea, you just can't go past the "Silva Spoon". Too many blends to choose in just a short weekend holiday but you can always purchase different varieties for that great cuppa when you get home. Think of a friend and slip a variety or two into their Christmas box. Numerous teapots of different shapes are on the shelves for purchase as well.
I always come away from Cotton Tree with a feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation, it certainly has an atmosphere that soothes my soul or maybe it's just that salty beach air that gives me an excellent night sleep the night I return home to Brisbane.
