
Alexandra Headland Beach
Beach Information
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 — (see Dog-Friendly Rules below)
- 🛠️ Facilities: Picnic areas, BBQs, cafes, shops, parking, amenities.
- ♿ Accessibility: Excellent wheelchair access to foreshore.
- 🐊 Wildlife Awareness: No crocodiles. Deadly snakes extremely rare.
- 📍 Distance to Brisbane: Approx. 100–110 km (about 1.25–1.5 hours drive).
- 🏘️ Closest Town: Mooloolaba — Distance: 0 km
- ✈️ Closest Airport: Sunshine Coast Airport — Distance: 12 km
- 🌦️ Typical Weather: Subtropical; warm, humid summers, mild winters.
For the latest official beach conditions and safety information, check Beachsafe.
Alexandra Headland Beach (known locally as Alex or Alex Heads) is a classic Sunshine Coast surf and swimming beach sitting between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore. Year-round patrols, consistent waves at The Bluff, golden sand and easy foreshore facilities make it a favourite for families, longboarders and anyone looking for the authentic coastal-village vibe of the Sunshine Strip.
🏝️Why Visit Alexandra Headland Beach?
Alex Heads Beach is one of the Sunshine Coast’s standout spots for Alexandra Headland surfing and Alexandra Headland swimming. Nestled between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore, this golden stretch offers consistent waves at The Bluff for longboarders and intermediates, a year-round patrolled swimming zone for families, and a relaxed foreshore with pathway, parks and the local surf club.
👙Things to Do at Alexandra Headland Beach
🏄 Surfing — Consistent beachbreaks plus the right-hand point at The Bluff, popular with longboarders and intermediates
🏊 Swimming — Year-round patrolled flagged area ideal for families and bodyboarding
🚶 Coastal Pathway Walks — Scenic shared path linking to Mooloolaba and Maroochydore with ocean views
🛹 Alex Skate Park — Beachfront skate facility at Buhk Family Park overlooking the waves
🍖 Picnics & BBQs — Grassy foreshore parks with free barbecues and shaded tables
☕ Cafes & Surf Club — Coffee, meals and ocean views at Alexandra Headland Surf Club and nearby spots
🌅 Sunrise & Sunset Sessions — Golden light over the headland and sweeping beach views



🏄 Surfing at Alexandra Headland “The Alex”
🏄 Wave Type — Consistent beachbreak lefts and rights plus the right-hand point/reef at The Bluff over sand and rock
🌊 Best Conditions — Southeast groundswells, waist-to-head high ideal; SW offshore winds preferred
🧘 Crowd Level — Popular but less crowded than Noosa points; longboard-friendly
🎯 Ideal For — Intermediate surfers, longboarders and malibu riders looking for fun, reliable walls
🛡️ Protection — More sheltered options on smaller days; rips common on size
⚠️ Safety — Always check conditions and swim/surf between the flags when patrolled
🌊 Explore More Surf Breaks
🏄♀️ Surfing Sunshine Coast ➜
🎓 Learn to Surf ➜
🔥 The Superbank ➜
🐶 Dog-Friendly Rules
🚫 Dogs prohibited on the main patrolled beach and Beach Access 156–163 (northern end of skate bowl area)
🦮 On-leash dogs permitted on designated sections north of the Surf Club (Beach Access 164–171) — always check current signage
📋 Dogs must remain under effective control; pick up all waste
📍 Nearest off-leash options are at other Sunshine Coast beaches (check Sunshine Coast Council interactive map before you go)
🛠️ Alexandra Headland facilities
🚽 Toilets and outdoor showers near the Surf Club
🍖 Free BBQs and shaded picnic tables at Wilkes Family Park and Buhk Family Park
🛹 Alex Skate Park overlooking the beach 🛝 Children’s playground
🅿️ Parking along Alexandra Parade and near the Surf Club (can fill on weekends)
♿ Accessible matting available on weekends during volunteer patrol season 🚶 Coastal Pathway linking to Mooloolaba and Maroochydore
🌤️Best Time to Visit Alexandra Headland Beach
☀️ Year-Round — Subtropical climate with mild winters and warm summers
🏊 Swimming Peak — September to April for warmest water and best beach conditions
🏄 Surfing — Consistent year-round; southeast swells and southwest winds preferred
🐋 Whale Season — June to October for offshore humpback sightings from the headland
🗺️ Getting There
🚗 By Car — Between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore; approx 1 hour 20 minutes north of Brisbane via Bruce Highway and Sunshine Motorway
🅿️ Parking — Free street parking and areas near the Surf Club and parks along Alexandra Parade
🚌 Public Transport — Regular Sunbus (TransLink) services between Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and Alexandra Headland with stops on Alexandra Parade
🚶 On Foot / Bike — Easy coastal pathway connections to neighbouring beaches
💡 Info correct at time of writing — check Sunshine Coast Council and Surf Life Saving Queensland for current patrol times and access updates.
💡 Local Tips
🚩 Always Swim Between the Flags — Year-round patrols operate; check Beachsafe for daily conditions
☕ Best Coffee Spots — Alexandra Headland Surf Club, local cafes along Alexandra Parade
🚶 Walk the Headland Track — Easy path over the bluff for panoramic views to Mount Coolum
🐬 Wildlife Watching — Dolphins common in the surf; whales visible offshore June–October
🅿️ Arrive Early on Weekends — Parking fills quickly during peak times
🛡️ Check Conditions — Rips can form on larger days; respect the point break etiquette



📍Nearby Attractions
🏖️ Mooloolaba Beach & Spit — Short walk or ride south with calm swimming and dining
🌊 Maroochydore Beach & Cotton Tree — Immediate north with river mouth and parks
🐠 SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium — Short drive in Mooloolaba
🛹 Alex Skate Park & Foreshore Parks — Right on the beachfront
🚶 Alex Bluff Foreshore Park — Headland walk with lookouts, memorials and picnic areas
🛤️ Coastal Pathway — Continuous scenic route linking the Sunshine Strip beaches
📅 Events & Markets Nearby
🛍️ Sunshine Coast Collective Markets — Pop-up artisan markets at Buhk Family Park / Alex Skate Park during school holidays
🛍️ Cotton Tree Markets & Twilight Markets — Regular nearby markets with local produce, stalls and food |
🏃 Sunshine Coast Marathon — Scenic coastal event starting and finishing in Alexandra Headland (August)
🎸 Alex By The Sea & Bluff Fest — Outdoor music events at Buhk Family Park supporting the Surf Club
🏍️ Rickter SCX / Jetski Events — Occasional action sports events held directly on the beach
🏄 Surf Club Events — Regular live music, Sunday sessions and community days at Alexandra Headland SLSC
For a full list of what’s on in the region, visit the
👉 Sunshine Coast Attractions | Best Things to Do Near Sunshine Coast Beaches
🏕️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
🚫 No free or beach camping at Alexandra Headland
📖 Read Accommodation Reviews
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💡 Please note: Full names and emails are kept private — only your chosen Display Name will appear publicly with your review.
🍴 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!
📖 Read Food & Drinks Reviews
📸 Submit Your Food & Drinks Review
💡 Please note: Full names and emails are kept private — only your chosen Display Name will appear publicly with your review.
🧭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.






💬 Share Your Alexandra Headlands Beach Photos & Reviews
📸 We’d love to see your favourite moments from the Sunshine Coast! Upload your photos, share your experiences, and leave a review to help other visitors discover the region’s best beaches and hidden coastal gems.
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💙 Explore More Beaches Nearby
Discover more of the Sunshine Coast:
Mooloolaba Beach ➜ | Maroochydore Beach ➜ | Cotton Tree ➜ | Coolum Beach ➜
🌊 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, swimming and sunning from the Queensland Beach Guide team!
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Last updated: June 2026
Alex Heads Beach FAQs
Is Alexandra Headland Beach patrolled?
Yes. Alexandra Headland Beach is patrolled year-round by the Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club. Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
Is Alexandra Headland Beach good for surfing?
Yes. Alexandra Headland (often called “Alex” or “The Bluff”) is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most consistent and popular surf breaks. It offers a user-friendly beachbreak plus a mellow right point/reef that works well for longboarders and intermediates, especially on southeast swells at mid-to-high tide.
Can you swim at Alexandra Headland Beach?
Yes. The beach has safe, patrolled swimming areas between the flags that are suitable for families and all ability levels. Conditions are generally moderate and ideal for swimming when the flags are up.
Can I take my do to Alexandra Headland Beach?
No. Dogs are not allowed on the main Alexandra Headland Beach. The nearest off-leash areas are at Mooloolaba Spit.
How do I get to Alexandra Headland Beach from Brisbane?
Alexandra Headland Beach is approximately 100–110 km (about 1 hour 20 minutes) north of Brisbane via the Bruce Highway (M1) and Sunshine Motorway. Take the exits toward Maroochydore/Mooloolaba and follow Alexandra Parade. Free parking is available near the surf club and along the foreshore.
What facilities are at Alexandra Headland Beach?
Facilities include toilets, outdoor showers, free BBQs, shaded picnic tables, a children’s playground, skate park, wheelchair-accessible paths, and cafes/restaurants within walking distance of the Alex Surf Club.
