Alexandra Headland, known locally as Alex, is a beach suburb on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, positioned between Mooloolaba to the south and Maroochydore to the north. The coastline through this stretch is continuous sandy beach from Mooloolaba to Coolum, broken only by the Maroochy River mouth at Maroochydore. Here are the six beaches closest to Alexandra Headland, with real data on ratings, facilities, and what to expect.
Alexandra Headland Beach
The beach directly in front of the suburb. Alexandra Headland Beach rates 4.8 stars across 101 reviews on BeachCheck, patrolled by the Alexandra Headlands Surf Life Saving Club. The beach is exposed to south and southeast swell, which means conditions vary considerably. On calm days it is a straightforward beach for families. When there is swell, the shore break can be powerful and the current along the beach picks up.
The surf club is active and the patrol area well-marked. The headland at the southern end provides a reference point for rip identification, which is worth understanding before swimming. Rips are common along this stretch, particularly after rain or in bigger surf.
Parking is available along the Esplanade and in a council lot near the surf club. It fills on summer weekends and public holidays by about 9am. Cafes and food options are within walking distance along the strip.
View Alexandra Headland Beach on BeachCheck
Mooloolaba Beach
Mooloolaba Beach sits about 2km south of Alex and rates 4.7 stars across 1,469 reviews on BeachCheck, making it the most reviewed beach in this part of the Sunshine Coast. The beach is wide and sheltered on its northern end near the Spit, where the headland and river mouth provide some protection from swell. The southern section is more exposed.
The difference from Alex is noticeable. Mooloolaba's northern section has calmer water that suits young children and swimmers who want more predictable conditions. The southern stretch gets similar surf to Alexandra Headland. If you want the softest option on this stretch of coast, the area near the Mooloolaba Spit is the most reliable choice.
The Esplanade runs the length of the beach with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Parking is metered and plentiful by comparison to other Sunshine Coast beaches, though it fills in peak summer periods. Surf patrols operate on weekends and holidays.
View Mooloolaba Beach on BeachCheck
Maroochydore Beach
Maroochydore Beach is 2.5km north of Alex, rated 4.6 stars across 192 reviews on BeachCheck. It runs between the Maroochydore River mouth and the start of Mudjimba Beach, facing directly east. The beach is wide and the sand is a slightly darker colour than the beaches to the south because of sediment from the river.
The river mouth at the northern end creates a dynamic that affects conditions along the whole beach. Current, water clarity, and swell shape all change depending on recent rainfall and river flow. In dry periods the beach is straightforward; after heavy rain, the water clarity drops noticeably and currents are stronger near the mouth.
Surf patrols operate here. Parking is available at Cotton Tree, which is actually a better access point than the Maroochydore end for most visitors. The Cotton Tree area has a park along the river, a more sheltered swimming area for children, and more parking than the beachfront.
View Maroochydore Beach on BeachCheck
Cotton Tree Beach
Cotton Tree is the area just south of the Maroochydore River mouth, rated 4.7 stars across 284 reviews on BeachCheck. It is less well-known than Mooloolaba or Maroochydore but worth considering because the river-side bank provides a sheltered swimming area that is genuinely calm in most conditions. Families with young children who want predictable water regularly use the Cotton Tree park and river frontage rather than the ocean beach.
The ocean beach at Cotton Tree is continuous with Maroochydore Beach, just with a different character because of its position near the river. The park has BBQ facilities and significant green space, which is less common on this stretch of coast. It is a better pick for a family day out than the ocean-facing Maroochydore section if calm water is the priority.
View Cotton Tree Beach on BeachCheck
Mudjimba Beach
Mudjimba Beach is about 8km north of Alex, rated 4.8 stars across 208 reviews on BeachCheck. It is a quieter beach than Mooloolaba or Maroochydore, backed by a low-key residential suburb rather than a commercial strip. Mudjimba Island sits about 1km offshore and gives the beach some visual character.
The beach is exposed and gets similar surf to the rest of this coast. Patrols operate during the season. The key difference is the lack of commercial activity: there are no Esplanade restaurants or surf shops immediately adjacent. That makes it better for people who want a less busy environment without driving far from Alexandra Headland.
Dog Beach, Mudjimba is a separate nearby area designated for off-leash dogs, rated 4.7 stars across 477 reviews on BeachCheck. If you are travelling with dogs, Mudjimba is the most practical base from this area.
View Mudjimba Beach on BeachCheck
First Bay Coolum
First Bay Coolum is 12km north of Alex, at the southern end of Coolum Beach. Rated 4.7 stars across 383 reviews on BeachCheck, it is one of the better-regarded beaches on the Sunshine Coast outside Noosa. Coolum Beach has a surf club, consistent ocean swell, and enough local support that it maintains higher review numbers than most beaches in this region.
The beach faces east-northeast, which gives it good morning sun and afternoon shade earlier than the south-facing beaches. The headland at Coolum provides some north-swell protection but the beach is otherwise open. Surfing is the primary draw: there are consistent beach breaks along the length of Coolum Beach and a stronger surf culture than at Alex or Maroochydore.
Parking is available in Coolum Beach town, about 400m from First Bay. The town is small and quiet compared to Mooloolaba or Maroochydore, which is either a drawback or the point depending on what you are looking for.
View First Bay Coolum on BeachCheck
Practical Notes
Quick guide to beaches near Alexandra Headland by purpose:
- Lifeguard patrols: Alexandra Headland Beach, Mooloolaba Beach, Maroochydore Beach, First Bay Coolum
- Calmer water for young children: Cotton Tree (river side), northern Mooloolaba Beach near the Spit
- Dogs on leash: Mudjimba Beach, Cotton Tree
- Dogs off leash: Dog Beach, Mudjimba (specifically designated area)
- Surfing: First Bay Coolum, Alexandra Headland Beach, Mooloolaba Beach
- Fewest crowds: Mudjimba Beach, Cotton Tree
The drive from Alexandra Headland to Coolum Beach along David Low Way takes about 20 minutes without traffic. All of these beaches are accessible without a highway detour, making them practical half-day trips from Alex or Mooloolaba without needing to go as far north as Noosa.