Alex Heads: Stunning Beaches and Surfing Heaven
Alexandra headland, named for Queen Alexandra in 1903, was originally known as Pott’s Point. The area was first settled in the 1920’s this was the site of the Alexandra hostel, the first fully integrated resort complex on the Maroochy coast.
Alex Heads is home to stunningly breathtaking beaches and the area is well known among surfers who frequent Alex Heads for potential barrels in hopes of catching a wave. The beaches also attract swimmers and other water adventurers to the area. The ever vigilant watch of the life guards from the surf lifesaving club keeps swimmers safe, the ‘Kiosk’ offers great food and fresh juices, and you can sit on one of the outdoor tables soaking in the sounds of the waves crashing against the shore and the lovely sea breezes, watching the surfers and swimmers. Alex Surf Club’s ‘Bluff Bar’ plays live music regularly with lovely tapas/share plates whilst the clubs bar and restaurant upstairs offers amazing ocean views.
Luxury resorts and cafes line the beach catering to holiday-goers seeking the laid-back lifestyle of Alex Heads.
The skate park is very popular among teens looking to practice their kick-flip. The local skate park also hosts several skate tournaments and free rock and punk music shows throughout the year.
The annual surf championships – See Sunshine Coast
Triathlon – See Mooloolaba
Iron Man – See Sunshine Coast
Cotton Tree: A Coastal Slice of Heaven
This quiet little slice of heaven takes its name from the coastal cotton trees which are native to the area and can be found around the local caravan park and Old Creek.
Cotton Tree was first used as a timber depot in the 1850’s, and Maroochydore was subdivided from the Cotton Tree reserve in 1903. This small suburb is home to the Cotton Tree Markets where you’ll find local fashion, jewelry, original artworks, sculptures, skincare, pottery, shells, plants, baking, homewares, kids toys and more every Sunday.
Cotton Tree is located on the mouth of the Maroochy River where you are spoilt for choice to swim in the calmer river(however be aware there is a very strong current) or the rolling surf.
The local cafes, restaurants and organic fruit/vegie shops offer a tasty array of wholesome, high quality goodness and the boutiques offer an array of fashion and styles.
The Boast Shed Restaurant and Bar offers amazing food, you can order fresh fish and chips from the Fish and Chip Shop to the side and lay a blanket on the ground BYO and enjoy a picnic, or enjoy tapas and cocktails under the Banyon Tree, or stroll into the restaurant which has crisp white table linen and tasty food set in a stunning location all with amazing views on the Maroochy River close to the river mouth.
Situated on the Maroochy River next to the caravan park, the heated pools at Cotton Tree Aquatic Centre are the perfect place for relaxing, increasing your fitness levels or just having fun with the family. The amazing Water Park is suitable for all ages and is the perfect place for the kids to splash and have fun.
You will also find the Maroochydore Library and Maroochydore surf lifesaving club, which has amazing ocean views and great food. If you’re looking for a relaxing and peaceful little area to settle down with small local cafes and tasty fresh food, this is the place.
Sunshine Coast Skyshow
The fireworks extravaganza, which is usually held on Australia Day each year will treat the community to rides, market stalls, live music, RAAF fly over and live music. The fireworks show at usually held at 8pm(but please confirm) has been one of the biggest Australia Day displays north of the Brisbane River.
While shows such as Riverfire on the banks of the Brisbane River were limited to smaller fireworks varieties because of safety restrictions, but still spectacular, the Sunshine Coast Skyshow fireworks have more options because they will be ignited from pontoons. “We’re one of he few places in Queensland that can actually do this,” he said.
This is a fireworks spectacular that should not be missed, setup by the river with your blankets, picnic and chairs and enjoy and enjoy this fireworks extravaganza.
Resources & photo credit: https://www.visitsunshinecoast.com/Operators/Alexandra-Headland
