Alexandra Headland, known to locals simply as Alex, is a laid-back surf town on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, sitting on a stretch of golden sand between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore. The rocky headland itself produces one of the best point breaks on the Queensland coast, and the grassy bluffs above it deliver sweeping views toward Mount Coolum and the Maroochy River. Beyond the beach, you're within easy reach of the renowned Eumundi Markets, Australia Zoo, hinterland rainforest walks through the Blackall Ranges, and whale-watching tours departing from nearby Mooloolaba.
Your prime window for visiting Alexandra Headland runs from late March through early July, and again from late July through late November, except for a stretch in mid-November when conditions can dip. The first window covers autumn's warm, drier days and the start of winter's reliable sunshine, while the second captures whale-watching season (June through October from Mooloolaba), spring wildflowers, and the quietest crowds of the year. If you're after beach swimming and peak summer energy, December through February delivers the warmest water and longest days, but also the highest humidity, most rainfall, and steepest accommodation demand. For the best balance of comfortable weather, thin crowds, and outdoor activities, aim for the September-to-October shoulder season: highs sit near 78.7°F (25.9°C), rain is infrequent, and you'll practically have the headland to yourself.
Fall in Alexandra Headland, QLD, Australia
Autumn on the Sunshine Coast feels like summer with the volume turned down. The water stays warm enough for comfortable swimming, and the Noosa Festival of Surfing, typically held in March, draws longboarders and wave riders from around the world to beaches just up the coast. Back in Alex, surfers still chase barrels off the rocky point break while families spread out on the patrolled beach. Highs average 78.5°F (25.8°C), warm enough for full days in the ocean without the intensity of the December-to-February heat.
Mornings cool to 60.8°F (16°C), making the coastal boardwalk between Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba Esplanade pleasant for early walks before a flat white at one of the cafes along Alexandra Parade. Showers are scattered, typically hitting one to three days per month, and March sees them more often than May, when dry stretches become more reliable. Pack a light rain jacket and you'll be fine. The Anzac Day public holiday in late April can nudge visitor numbers up slightly, but this stretch remains far less hectic than summer.
This is the second-busiest season, largely because of the March school holiday period, so booking accommodation a few weeks ahead is smart. Mid-April through May quiets down noticeably, and you'll find better availability and more elbow room on the sand. The annual Horizon Festival, an arts celebration featuring live music, dance, theatre, and food that typically falls in early May, adds a creative highlight to the tail end of autumn. A Saturday trip to the Original Eumundi Markets, where hundreds of local artisans sell handmade goods every Wednesday and Saturday, pairs well with the season's gentle climate.
Winter in Alexandra Headland, QLD, Australia
Winter on the Sunshine Coast is what draws visitors escaping colder climates across southern Australia and New Zealand. Days are reliably sunny with highs averaging 70.8°F (21.5°C), comfortable enough for beach walks and outdoor dining, though the ocean cools enough that all-day swimming loses its appeal for some. The real draw from June onward is whale watching: thousands of humpback whales migrate north along the coast, and tour boats depart from Mooloolaba, just a short walk south of Alex. You can also spot spouts and breaches from the HMAS Brisbane Lookout on the headland itself.
Mornings can feel brisk, with lows dropping to 48.7°F (9.3°C), so pack a warm layer for pre-dawn sunrise walks. The Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival is timed to take advantage of winter running conditions: blue skies, low humidity, and mild temperatures along a flat coastal course. Rain falls only about one to four days each month through this period, and July is one of the driest months of the year at just 17% rain probability. Days are shorter, with the sun setting around 5pm in June, so plan outdoor activities for the morning and afternoon light.
Tourism is fairly slow, meaning accommodation costs drop and you'll find easier bookings at beachfront apartments. The NOOSA alive! arts and cultural festival typically runs in July, adding a vibrant cultural draw to the winter calendar. The Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show, a tradition dating back over a century, typically runs in June and celebrates the region's farming heritage with exhibitions and rides. A day trip to the Blackall Ranges for hinterland rainforest walks, lunch overlooking the Glass House Mountains, and local arts and crafts rounds out a perfect winter week.
Spring in Alexandra Headland, QLD, Australia
Spring is when Alexandra Headland hits its stride. Whale-watching season continues through October, so you can still catch humpbacks on their southward return with calves in tow from Mooloolaba. The beaches warm up quickly, and highs climb to 78.7°F (25.9°C), making this one of the most comfortable stretches of the year for surfing, swimming, and exploring the coastal paths. The Sunshine Coast's creative energy is on full display during this season, with local galleries, markets, and outdoor events taking advantage of the mild weather and long days.
October is the quietest month for tourism all year, which means you can enjoy the headland's sweeping views toward Mount Coolum without competing for space. Accommodation is priced affordably, and the cafes and restaurants along Alexandra Parade feel relaxed rather than rushed. Lows sit around 58.5°F (14.7°C), perfect for sleeping with the windows open to the sound of the surf. Rain is infrequent, with roughly 15-16% of days seeing showers in September through November.
The Queensland Labour Day holiday in early October can create a brief uptick in local visitors, but it barely registers compared to summer crowds. With daylight stretching past 6pm by October and sunrise coming before 5:30am by November, you get long, bright days for exploring SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast in Mooloolaba, catching a surf lesson off the point, or kayaking the Maroochy River. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rashie; the spring UV on this coast is fierce even when the breeze feels cool.
Summer in Alexandra Headland, QLD, Australia
Summer is when Alex fully transforms into a holiday destination. Australian school holidays run from mid-December through late January, bringing families from Brisbane (just over an hour's drive) and beyond. December is the busiest month of the year, and the energy shows: the beachfront skate park is packed after dark under its lights, the surf club is full every evening, and the coastal boardwalk hums with runners, cyclists, and strollers. The Woodford Folk Festival, held over the late December-to-New Year's period in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, adds a major cultural draw with live performances, workshops, and community events.
Highs average 84°F (28.9°C) and lows stay warm at 68.6°F (20.3°C), keeping nights balmy. The sub-tropical humidity is noticeable, and afternoon thunderstorms are common, particularly in February, which is the wettest month of the year at 37% rain probability. These storms tend to be intense but short, clearing to dramatic sunsets. The ocean is at its warmest, and long days (the sun doesn't set until nearly 6:45pm in January) mean you can squeeze every hour out of the beach. Summer breezes off the Pacific keep conditions from becoming oppressive, though you'll want to drink plenty of water.
Accommodation is at peak demand, especially between Christmas and Australia Day in late January, so book well in advance. Crowds thin noticeably by February, making it the quieter end of summer if you can tolerate the higher humidity. Pack light, breathable clothing, a quality hat, and strong sunscreen, as the UV index regularly hits extreme levels during this season.
At a Glance
Monthly weather, visitor crowds, air quality, holidays, and daylight hours to help you plan your trip.
Travel Tips & Safety for Alexandra Headland, QLD, Australia
Alexandra Headland is about 100 kilometers north of Brisbane, roughly a 90-minute drive via the Bruce Highway. Sunshine Coast Airport in Marcoola sits just 15 minutes north for domestic flights. You don't strictly need a car if you're staying beachside (the coastal boardwalk connects Alex to Mooloolaba and Maroochydore on foot), but a vehicle opens up hinterland day trips to the Eumundi Markets, Blackall Ranges, and Australia Zoo.
Swim between the red and yellow flags on the patrolled beach; rip currents can be strong off the headland, especially after storms. Marine stingers (bluebottles) occasionally wash in on northeasterly winds during summer, so check conditions at the surf club before heading in. The UV index on Queensland's coast is extreme from September through April: wear SPF 50+ sunscreen, reapply after swimming, and cover up during the middle of the day.