The Maroochy River winds through wetlands and mangroves before reaching the coast at Maroochydore, and the stretch above the town is excellent for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The calm water and low boat traffic on the upper sections make it manageable for beginners, while the longer estuary run toward the coast offers more variety.
Fishing is popular along the river banks and from the bridge at Cotton Tree, with bream, flathead, and whiting common catches. Several local operators rent kayaks and paddleboards by the hour or offer guided tours of the river and its wetland fringes.