Alexandra Headland

Sunshine Coast

Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Alexandra Headland featuring street scenes and signage
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland

Hike along scenic headland, eat fresh seafood as you look out over the ocean and ride some of the best waves on the Sunshine Coast at this laid-back beach community.

Alexandra Headland is known for its excellent surf breaks and family-friendly beach. Known simply as “Alex” to locals, the small oceanfront community lies on a stretch of coast between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore. Enjoy your morning coffee in one of the cafés looking out over the water before a day on the sand. In the afternoons, take a stroll along the rocky headland and watch the sun go down over this relaxed seaside town.

Surfers flock to Alex for the waves that break off its headland. The area is known as one of the best surf spots on the Sunshine Coast. Arrive early in the morning and find a seat on the rocks to watch the pros ride the waves. Hire a board from one of the shops along Alexandra Parade, the main street in town. If you’re new to the sport you can sign up for lessons with one of the local surf schools.

Families will enjoy the picturesque swimming beach, which is patrolled by lifeguards year-round. Bring a shade umbrella, hats and sunscreen, as there is very little shade along the white-sand beach. The water is usually calm but always swim between the flags that mark the patrolled areas. Each day, lifeguards put out signs that give an indication of the conditions.

Oceanfront restaurants, cafés and ice cream shops line Alexandra Parade. Choose from a range of cuisine, including modern Australian, Thai and Italian. Try fresh seafood that comes straight off the trawlers each morning. Fishing enthusiasts can buy a line and bait and try to catch their own dinner from the beach or off the headland. Cook up your catch on one of the public barbecues in the parks located along the headland.

Alexandra Headland lies along a 1.8-kilometre (1.1-mile) stretch of coast 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of Brisbane. Fly into Brisbane Airport or the Sunshine Coast Airport and hire a car. The Bruce Highway connects Alex with the rest of South East Queensland. There’s free parking along most streets. If you’re not driving, get around using the Sunbus, which will pick you up and drop you off anywhere along its route.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Alexandra Headland

Alex Beach Cabins
Alex Beach Cabins
4 out of 5
21-23 Okinja Road, Alexandra Headland, QLD
The price is S$140 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$140
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star holiday park in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Easy check in, wonderful unit - will stay again."

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

Alex Beach Cabins
BreakFree Alexandra Beach
BreakFree Alexandra Beach
3.5 out of 5
Cnr. Alexandra Parade & Pacific Terrace, Alexandra Headland, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, 3 outdoor pools, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,158 reviews)
"Room was a little dated. Some lamps would have been nice. Good location though with a short drive or walk to either Mooloolaba or Maroochydore."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

BreakFree Alexandra Beach
Oaks Sunshine Coast Seaforth Resort
Oaks Sunshine Coast Seaforth Resort
4.5 out of 5
98-110 Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland, QLD
The price is S$216 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$216
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,905 reviews)
"Loved our time there. Beautiful room and outlook but a few things need to be upgraded. The spa bath didn’t work. We were told someone would look at it but it didn’t happen. Dishwasher door was broken. Would still highly recommend as we would definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

Oaks Sunshine Coast Seaforth Resort
Grand Palais Boolarong Beachside Resort
Grand Palais Boolarong Beachside Resort
4 out of 5
188 Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (489 reviews)
Couple
"Our holiday stay was both restful and refreshing. a few days away from the usual routine, surrounded by beautiful scenery, good company, and delicious food. Whether it was long walks by the beach, quiet mornings with a coffee in hand, or late nights filled with laughter, the time away reminded me ..."

Reviewed on 19 Jun, 2025

Grand Palais Boolarong Beachside Resort
Alexandra on the Pacific
Alexandra on the Pacific
4.5 out of 5
4-8 Buderim Avenue, Alexandra Headland, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Mooloolaba Esplanade and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (455 reviews)
"Handy to shop and restaurants, great spot , lovely pool."

Reviewed on 1 Jun, 2025

Alexandra on the Pacific
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
4 out of 5
42 First Avenue and Fairway Drive, Maroochydore, QLD
The price is S$154 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$154
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (726 reviews)
"Clean, fresh and new building made for an excellent experience. The buffet breakfast was also wonderful. I highly recommend this property."

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Alexandra Headland

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Cotton Tree

When in Cotton Tree, you can plan a visit to Maroochydore Beach and Sunshine Plaza, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Cotton Tree
Mooloolaba showing landscape views, views and a beach

Mooloolaba

A noteworthy feature of Mooloolaba is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out The Wharf Mooloolaba and Mooloolaba Esplanade.

Mooloolaba
Maroochydore showing landscape views, a sandy beach and tropical scenes

Maroochydore

Maroochydore is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Maroochydore Beach and Sunshine Plaza while you're in town.

Maroochydore
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Buderim

Buderim is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Buderim Forest Park Nature Refuge and Foote Sanctuary of Buderim.

Buderim
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Twin Waters

Twin Waters is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Twin Waters Golf Club and Yaroomba Beach while in the area.

Twin Waters
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Marcoola

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Marcoola. A stop by Marcoola Beach or Mount Coolum National Park might round out your trip.

Marcoola

Alexandra Headland