Alexandra Headland Beach, affectionately known as “Alex”, is a classic Sunshine Coast surf spot between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore and is a well-known point/reef setup. With golden sand, rolling waves, and a relaxed coastal village vibe, it’s a favourite for both locals and visitors. The headland’s consistent surf break attracts surfers year-round, while families enjoy the patrolled swimming areas, beachfront parks, and scenic oceanfront path connecting to Cotton Tree and Mooloolaba.
Alexandra Headland’s legendary point break and panoramic coastal views are pure adrenaline — take it to the next level with this epic tandem skydive and beach landing, one of the Sunshine Coast’s most thrilling experiences!
Beach Information
- 🏖️ Best Time to Visit: September to April for swimming, surfing, and outdoor activities.
- 🐠 Marine Stingers: Rare; possible November–May.
- 🚩 Lifeguard Patrol: Patrolled year-round.
- 🐕 Dog Friendly: No — dogs prohibited on the main beach; off-leash areas nearby at Mooloolaba Spit.
- 🛠️ Facilities: Picnic areas, BBQs, cafes, shops, parking, amenities.
- ♿ Accessibility: Excellent wheelchair access to foreshore.
- 🏘️ Closest Town: Mooloolaba — Distance: 0 km
- ✈️ Closest Airport: Sunshine Coast Airport — Distance: 12 km
- 🌦️ Typical Weather: Subtropical; warm, humid summers, mild winters.
🏝️Why Visit Alexandra Headland Beach?
Alexandra Headland Beach, affectionately known as “Alex”, is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most loved surf and swimming spots. Nestled between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore, this golden stretch of sand offers the ideal balance between relaxed coastal charm and vibrant beach activity.
With its consistent surf break, Alex is a favourite for both local surfers and longboarders, while the patrolled swimming zones make it safe for families. The grassy foreshore and oceanfront pathway are perfect for walking, cycling, and sunset picnics, and the nearby cafes and surf club create a friendly village atmosphere. From sunrise surf sessions to laid-back afternoons overlooking the waves, Alexandra Headland Beach captures the true Sunshine Coast lifestyle.
🏖️Things to Do at Alexandra Headland Beach
• Surfing & Bodyboarding: Alexandra Headland is one of the Sunshine Coast’s best-known surf spots, with reliable waves suitable for beginners through to experienced surfers. The beach’s famous “Alex Reef” and consistent beach breaks attract longboarders and shortboarders year-round.
• Swimming: Patrolled year-round, Alexandra Headland offers safe swimming between the flags, with gentle surf conditions ideal for families.
• Beach Walks: Enjoy the scenic coastal pathway connecting Alexandra Headland to Mooloolaba and Maroochydore — perfect for sunrise strolls or sunset views.
• Skate & Play: The beachfront skate park and playground are popular with families and young visitors.
• Picnics & BBQs: Shaded picnic areas, grassy foreshore lawns, and BBQ facilities make it ideal for relaxing days by the sea.
• Cafes & Shops: The nearby Alex Surf Club, cafes, and boutique shops along Alexandra Parade provide plenty of food and drink options.
🏄 Surfing at The Alex
Alexandra Headlands (often called “Alex” or “The Bluff”) is a versatile Sunshine Coast staple — blending a user-friendly beachbreak with a mellow right point/reef that peels over sand and rock. It catches southeast groundswells reliably, delivering A-frames, fun rights, and longer walling sections, especially at mid-to-high tide when the Bluff point comes alive. Popular with locals on longboards and intermediates, it’s less crowded than Noosa but still cruisy — great for stylish carving, with nearby cafes and views over Mooloolaba.
Ideal for:
- Beginners to intermediates on softer beach sections or longboard-friendly peelers
- Longboarders and mid-length riders loving slow, carving rights at The Bluff
- Cruisy, fun sessions with A-frames on east-southeast swells (waist-to-head high ideal)
- Combining surf with urban vibes, coffee spots, and quick access from Maroochydore/Mooloolaba
Always check tides (mid-high best for shape), occasional rips, rocks near the point, sharks, and jellyfish. Not always patrolled everywhere; suitable for most levels but respect locals at the point on better days!
🌊 Example forecast for Alexandra Headlands “Alex”
–iconic point/reef break at Alexandra Headland. Rippable peaks and punchy sections—best on SE swells with SW offshore winds. Intermediate to advanced; fun on smaller days, powerful on bigger ones!
☀️Forecast updates on page refresh—check back for latest!
🔹 Explore more surf breaks | Surfing Queensland ➜
Ready to catch some waves at Alexandra Headland? Book a guided surf lesson or experience nearby and make the most of this classic Sunshine Coast break.
🛍️Facilities & Accessibility
Alexandra Headland Beach has everything needed for a comfortable and enjoyable visit:
- 🚻 Toilets and outdoor showers near the surf club
- 🍖 Free BBQs and shaded picnic tables along the foreshore
- 🛝 Children’s playground and skate park overlooking the ocean
- 🛟 Lifeguard patrols daily, year-round
- ♿ Wheelchair-accessible paths and ramps along the coastal walkway
- ☕ Cafes, restaurants, and surf club within walking distance
🌤️Best Time to Visit Alexandra Headland Beach
- 🌸 September to April: Ideal for swimming, surfing, and warm beach weather.
- 🌊 Surfing Season: Year-round surf, with the best waves from December to May, particularly around Alex Reef and The Bluff — popular with both longboarders and experienced surfers.
- 🛟 Lifeguard Patrols: Active daily all year — always swim between the red and yellow flags.
- 🪼 Marine Stingers: Rare; possible between November and May — check beach signage.
- 🌤️ Year-round: Subtropical climate ensures warm summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunshine for beach walks and ocean swims.
🗺️ Getting There
🚗 Driving: Alexandra Headland, known locally as “Alex,” sits between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, about 1 hour 20 minutes north of Brisbane via the Bruce Highway (M1) and Sunshine Motorway (State Route 70). The main beach access points are along Alex Parade near the surf club and Buhk Park.
🚌 Public Transport: Regular Sunbus (TransLink) routes run between Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, and Alexandra Headland, with stops along Alex Parade.
🅿️ Parking: Free parking is available near the Alex Surf Club, Pandanus Lookout, and along Alexandra Parade, though it can be busy on weekends.
💡 Info correct at time of writing — check Sunshine Coast Council and Surf Life Saving Queensland for current patrol times and access updates.
💡 Local Tips
🌴 Alexandra Headland is a classic Sunshine Coast surf spot, known for its rolling beach breaks, smooth golden sand, and laid-back coastal village feel.
🏖️ The beach is patrolled year-round, ideal for swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding, with consistent waves and safe flagged areas.
☕ Grab breakfast or coffee from The Alex Surf Club, Milk & Beans Coffeehouse, or Black Bunny Café, all overlooking the ocean.
🚶 Take a scenic walk along the coastal pathway linking Mooloolaba Beach to Maroochydore Beach, perfect for sunrise jogs or sunset strolls.
🐬 You’ll often see dolphins playing in the surf, and from June to October, humpback whales can be spotted offshore from the headland lookout.
📍Nearby Attractions
• 🏖️ Mooloolaba Beach (2 km): Calm, patrolled beach with shops, restaurants, and a family-friendly vibe.
• 🌴 Maroochydore Beach (2 km): Great for surfing, shopping, and riverfront dining.
• 🛥️ Mooloolaba Wharf: Explore boutique stores, cafes, and the SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium.
• 🚶 Coastal Pathway: Walk or cycle the scenic trail connecting the Sunshine Coast’s major beaches.
📅 Events & Markets Nearby
Alexandra Headland Beach sits between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore, giving you quick access to popular coastal markets and Sunshine Coast community events.
- 🛍️ Cotton Tree Markets (Sundays): Handmade crafts, clothing, jewellery, plants, art, gifts, and gourmet food stalls.
- 🌴 Mooloolaba Sunset Markets (Saturdays – Seasonal): Beachfront markets with food vans, live music, handmade goods, and local artisans.
- 🍉 Caloundra Street Fair (Sundays): A large open-air market with fresh produce, clothing, homewares, handmade gifts, and street food.
- 🎶 Ocean Street World Festival – Maroochydore (Annual): Music, food, entertainment, multicultural stalls, and lively performances.
- 🎄 Sunshine Coast Christmas Markets (December): Festive stalls, handmade gifts, food vendors, and holiday entertainment.
For a full list of what’s on in the region, visit the
👉 Sunshine Coast Attractions | Best Things to Do Near Sunshine Coast Beaches
Loved the surf and sun at Alexandra Headland? Add some underwater fun! Grab a SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast ticket for an unforgettable family adventure with marine life — just a short drive away and ideal after a beach day.
🏕️Accommodation Near Alexandra Headland Beach
• 🏨 Beachfront resorts and holiday apartments with ocean views
• 🏡 Boutique stays and self-contained units near the surf club
• ⛺ Caravan and holiday parks nearby in Maroochydore and Mooloolaba
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🍴 Places to Eat & Drink
Alexandra Headland has a relaxed coastal dining scene with plenty of cafés, surf-club restaurants, and casual eateries lining the beachfront. Enjoy breakfast with ocean views, fresh seafood, or sunset drinks after a surf — then share your favourite food and drink experiences below!
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🧭Plan Your Trip to Alexandra Headland Beach
Alexandra Headland Beach — or “Alex” to the locals — is the heart of the Sunshine Coast surf scene. With year-round patrols, reliable waves, and relaxed coastal charm, it’s perfect for families, surfers, and anyone chasing that laid-back Sunshine Coast lifestyle. Whether you’re catching a wave at the reef break, enjoying a picnic by the foreshore, or grabbing a coffee after a morning swim, Alexandra Headland offers the ideal blend of fun, safety, and natural beauty.
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💙 Explore More Beaches Nearby
Discover more of the Sunshine Coast:
Mooloolaba Beach ➜ | Maroochydore Beach ➜ | Cotton Tree ➜ | Coolum Beach ➜
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🏄♀️ Surfing Sunshine Coast ➜
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🌊 Beginner Surfing ➜
🎓 Learn to Surf ➜
🔥 The Superbank ➜
🌊 About This Beach Directory
🌴 Note: This directory doesn’t include every beach in Queensland — there are simply too many! We’ve selected the most significant and unique beaches based on a range of factors including natural beauty, accessibility, and local popularity.
If you think we’ve missed one that deserves to be featured, we’d love to hear from you!
📧 Email us at Admin@QldBeach.com with your photos and tell us why your favourite beach should be added.
☀️ Happy surfing and sunning from the Queensland Beach Guide team!
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