Alexandra Headland Beach
If you are thinking of going on a Queensland Beach Holiday this year, the Sunshine Coast has many lovely beaches to visit.
But while the likes of Mooloolaba, Caloundra, Maroochydore and Mooloolaba Beach tend to hog the highlights, Alexandra Headland Beach should not be ignored.
Known as ‘Alex’ by the locals, this fabulous beach resort area is located within the suburb of Maroochydore. Indeed, Alexandra Headlands and Maroochydore Beach seamlessly merge into one glorious expanse.
By far the main attraction in this quiet laidback coastal town of around 4000 residents, Alexandra Headlands Beach features a wonderful coastal sweep of golden flat sand, which extends to the north, and an endless procession of intoxicating rolling surf.
This is best seen from the very southern end of the beach. On top of this wall is the bluff.
Back in the 1920s seaside cottages were built here as holiday homes for residents of Woombye and Palmwoods. But today the area is used as a place to take in the wonderful full-length views of the entire beach. Especially whilst indulging in a coffee, wine or picnic.
And what a view it is!
Framed by the Maroochydore skyline, the scenery from here also features Mt Coolum and Mudjimba Island. The latter of which was once the secret Sunshine Coast holiday spot for Sean Connery.
One of the main features of Alexandra Headland Beach, besides it being an area of immense natural beauty, is how clean it is.
About Alexandra Headland Beach
Located between beach Access points 154 – 168, Alexandra Headlands Beach is a trendy travel destination for both locals and tourists who prefer to avoid the crowds that can form at Mooloolaba.
The best thing to do when you visit Alexandra Headlands is to relax. It’s a great location to lay down a towel and sunbathe with a good book or your Spotify playlist.
A patrolled beach, it is home to the Alexandra Headlands Surf Life Saving Club. Which has been safeguarding swimmers, surfers and beachgoers since 1924.
The ocean waves at this Sunshine Coast vacation spot are usually about a metre or less and thus generally considered safe. However, caution still needs to be exercised.
There are plenty of strong permanent rips about against the rocks at the southern end of the beach. At the northern end of Maroochydore Beach, there are also deep tidal channels and shifting bars which makes it particularly hazardous.
So always swim between the flags.
Nonetheless, the beach is a fun playground for people of all ages.
Lots of people walk and jog along the shoreline. Others play frisbee and ball sports like cricket and football. Kite flying, wake boarding, fishing and yoga is amongst many other activities you can do.
Surfing is also very popular here. Especially in south west to south east winds, at the southern end where, malibu and longboarding are very much the go.
Alexandra Headlands Beach Facilities
As it is just 98km north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast, Alex Headlands is one of the more convenient Queensland holiday escapes to get to.
Whilst there, the beach offers a wide range of facilities for visitors to enjoy. These include:
Toilets and showers: There are public toilets and showers located at the beach, allowing visitors to freshen up after a swim or other beach activities.
Lifeguards: The beach is patrolled by trained lifeguards who are on duty to ensure the safety of swimmers and beachgoers.
Picnic areas and BBQs: There are several picnic areas and BBQ facilities located throughout the park, making it an ideal spot for a family outing or a relaxed day at the beach.
Parking: There is ample parking available at Alexandra Headlands Beach, including both paid and free options.
Surfing and bodyboarding: Alexandra Headlands is a popular spot for surfers and bodyboarders, with several surf schools and rental shops offering equipment and lessons.
Playground and park: There is a large playground and park area located near the beach, making it an ideal spot for families with children.
Walkways and bike paths: There are several walkways and bike paths that run along the beach and through the park, providing visitors with scenic views and a convenient way to explore the area.
Food and drinks: There are several cafes, restaurants, and shops located near the beach, offering a range of food and drink options for visitors.
Things to do at Alexandra Headlands Beach
For those wanting a Queensland Holiday Break, the beach offers several activities and attractions to enjoy whilst there. Here are some of the most popular things to do at Alexandra Headlands Beach:
Swimming: With its clear waters and sandy shores, Alexandra Headlands Beach is a great place to swim. (The area is lifeguarded).
Surfing and bodyboarding: The area is a popular spot for surfers and bodyboarders, with several surf schools and rental shops offering equipment and lessons.
Sunbathing: Its golden sands provide an ideal spot for sunbathing and soaking up the Queensland sunshine.
Picnicking: Along the beach there are several picnic areas and BBQ facilities, making it an ideal spot for a family outing or a relaxed day at the beach.
Walking and cycling: There are several walkways and bike paths that run along Alexandra Headlands beach and through the park, providing visitors with scenic views and a convenient way to explore the area.
Fishing: Alexandra Headlands Beach is a popular spot for fishing, with various fishing charters and tours available for visitors.
Dining and shopping: There are several cafes, restaurants, and shops located near the beach, offering a range of food and drink options, as well as souvenirs and gifts to take home.
Surrounding attractions: The beach is close to several other popular Sunshine Coast tourist attractions, including the Sunshine Coast Botanic Gardens, the Noosa Everglades and the Australia Zoo.
Overall, Alexandra Headlands Beach provides plenty of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy, making it a great Sunshine Coast holiday destination for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.
Shops
For those who want to go shopping whilst on their Alexandra Headlands Beach holiday there are several shops and stores located near the beach. Here is what you can expect to find:
Surf shops: Alexandra Headlands is a popular spot for surfers, so there are several surf shops in the area offering surfboards, wetsuits, and other surf gear for sale or rent.
Souvenir and gift shops: You’ll find a number of souvenir and gift shops in the area, offering items like postcards, t-shirts, and other beach-themed gifts.
Convenience stores: There are a handful of convenience stores in the area including Night Owl and Foodworks that are stocked with groceries, snacks, and other essentials.
Ice cream and sweets shops: If you have a sweet tooth you will love the fact that plenty of ice cream and sweets shops are in the area, providing a range of treats and desserts for visitors to enjoy.
Clothing and fashion stores: A sprinkling of clothing and fashion stores are in the area. Also, the Sunshine Plaza is a major shopping centre about a 5-minute drive away that has over 300 different outlets.
Art and craft shops: Those into arts and crafts will be able to peruse several stores that offer jewellery, pottery, and other unique gifts.
Best Time to visit Alexandra Headlands Beach
The best time to visit Alexandra Headlands Beach on a Queensland Australia holiday is during the summer months, from December to February, when the weather is warm and sunny.
During this time, you can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and picnicking. However, it’s worth noting that Alexandra Headlands Beach is a popular tourist destination, so it can get quite crowded during the summer months, especially on weekends. (Although not as busy as Mooloolaba or Noosa).
If you prefer a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during the week or in the off-season, when the beach is less busy.
Additionally, keep in mind that the beach is a popular destination for families, so it can be particularly busy during school holidays.
How to get to Alexandra Headlands Beach
There are several ways to get to Alexandra Headlands Beach on a QLD family holiday. Here are some of the most common options:
Driving: Alexandra Headlands Beach is located along the Sunshine Coast Highway and is easy to get to from the Bruce Highway. It will take you about 90 minutes to get there from Brisbane and about 3 hours from Bagara.
Public transportation: The Sunshine Coast has a reliable public transportation system, including buses and trains, that can take you to Alexandra Headlands Beach. You can take the bus from nearby towns and cities, and there are several bus stops located near the beach. The nearest train station is Nambour Station, and from there you can take a connecting bus to Alexandra Headlands.
Taxi or ride-hailing services: If you prefer not to drive or take public transportation, you can take a taxi or use a ride-hailing service, such as Uber or Lyft, to get to Alexandra Headlands Beach. These services are readily available on the Sunshine Coast, and the ride from nearby towns and cities should take about 30 minutes to an hour.
Walking or cycling: If you are staying in the nearby area, you may also be able to walk or cycle to Alexandra Headlands Beach. The beach is located along a bike path, and there are plenty of bike racks available near the beach for you to park your bike.
Alexandra Headlands Beach Accommodation
There are Queensland holiday accommodation options in and around the Alexandra Headlands on the Sunshine Coast. Here are a few options to consider:
Holiday apartments: There are several holiday apartments available for rent in the area, many of which are located just a few minutes walk from Alexandra Headlands Beach. These apartments offer a range of amenities, including kitchens, living areas, and balconies, and are a great option for families or groups of friends.
Holiday houses: If you’re looking for more space, you may consider renting a holiday house in the area. There are several holiday houses available for rent in Alexandra Headlands and the surrounding suburbs, and many of these houses offer spacious living areas, multiple bedrooms, and outdoor spaces.
Holiday resorts: For a more luxurious holiday experience, you may consider staying at a holiday resort in the area. There are several holiday resorts located near Alexandra Headlands Beach, many of which offer a range of amenities, including pools, spas, and on-site dining options.
Holiday parks: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you may consider staying at a holiday park in the area. There are several holiday parks located near Alexandra Headlands Beach, and many of these parks offer a range of accommodation options, including caravan sites, cabins, and tents.
Coffee
Alexandra Headland has some very good restaurants in its local area that offer a variety of cuisines, including:
Alex Bar & Grill – Offers great views and superb American-style comfort food like ribs, wings and other grill-type food.
Juan Fifty Kitchen & Bar – Trendy Mexican restaurant presenting a modern take on tacos and other traditional dishes.
Blue Bar – Stylish venue that offers a range of delicious dishes for lunch and dinner. They have a focus on seasonal and local ingredients, as well as a good drinks list.
Alex Surf Club – One of the best surf clubs on the entire Sunshine Coast. Their menu of affordable food covers many genres and dietary requirements at a brilliant location directly overlooking the beach.
Sang’s East Asian Cuisine – Casual dining restaurant that serves a variety of Asian-inspired dishes that are bursting with flavour.
These are just a few of the many restaurants that you can find in Alexandra Headland. Regardless of it you are looking for a quick bite or a more formal dining experience, you are sure to find something to suit your taste and budget.
Coffee
Alexandra Headland is a popular destination for coffee lovers, as there are many cafes and coffee shops in the area that serve high-quality coffee and other beverages. Some of the most popular coffee spots in Alexandra Headland include:
Milk and Beans Coffee House – This is a small cafe that is known for its speciality coffee and friendly service. They use high-quality beans to make their coffee, and they have a range of espresso-based drinks and teas to choose from.
Attic Cafe & Take Away – A cosy cafe that is located in the heart of Alexandra Headland. They have a focus on locally sourced and sustainable products, and they serve a range of coffee drinks and pastries.
Francis Bean – This is a popular cafe that is located right near the beach. They serve a range of breakfast items, sandwiches, and baked goods, as well as a variety of coffee drinks made with locally roasted beans.
Black Bunny Cafe and Bar – A lovely cafe that is located over the road from the beach. The venue offers excellent coffee and smoothies, as well as other beverages and a selection of breakfast items and light bites.
Elliott’s Bistro – This is a cafe that is known for its relaxed atmosphere and outdoor seating area. They serve a range of coffee drinks, as well as breakfast items and light bites.
These are just a few of the many cafes and coffee shops in Alexandra Headland that you can visit for a great cup of coffee. Whether you are looking for a quick pick-me-up or a place to sit and enjoy a leisurely coffee, you are sure to find something to suit your taste and budget.
