Alexandra Headland Travel Guide

Sunshine Coast

Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Alexandra Headland which includes 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


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 ₹8,197 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
₹8,197
₹8,197 total
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star holiday park in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"The cabin suited our overnight requirements and was fresh and clean. The staff were lovely and provided a quick check in and check out service. The location is walking distance to the beach and food options. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 19 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,162 reviews)
"The pools were amazing so nice to have a lot to choose from. Well maintained. The doors being so heavy would relly slam if you let them. Not a hotel issue but maybe a reminder on the doors to consider others who may be sleeping and close the door quietly not let it slam."

Reviewed on 4 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 ₹12,893 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹12,893
₹12,893 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,907 reviews)
"Right across from beach. Plenty of restaurants and surf clubs within walking distance. Plenty of parking. Grocery store at entrance. Well maintained and clean property. Lovely room and comfy bed."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Oaks Sunshine Coast Seaforth Resort
Mandolin Beachfront Resort

Mandolin Beachfront Resort

3.5 out of 5
174 Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly apartment in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a sauna. Popular attractions Mooloolaba Esplanade and Mooloolaba ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (178 reviews)
"Great place and hosts. Very clean and tidy. Highly recommended"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Mandolin Beachfront Resort
Grand Palais Boolarong Beachside Resort

Grand Palais Boolarong Beachside Resort

4 out of 5
188 Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland, QLD
The price is ₹49,761 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹49,761
₹49,761 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (491 reviews)
"We had a great 4 night stay. Very comfortable beds and we loved sitting on the balcony taking in the beautiful views. Great position with walking paths and right across from the beach. The Booley Cage underneath is wonderful. Delicious coffee and breakfasts."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Grand Palais Boolarong Beachside Resort
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 ₹8,701 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹8,701
₹9,571 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (742 reviews)
"Quick check in and comfy bed. Bar service was extremely slow with only one member on at the time. Ordered dinner and was missing accompaniment when it came out. When asked, the staff member said there's only one. So she knew we ordered it but seemed like she hoped we didn't notice that it was missing. ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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 Travel Guide