Alexandra Headland Coastal Path Upgrade

This upgrade forms part of the Sunshine Coast’s 73-kilometre-long Coastal Pathway, stretching from Bells Creek in the south to Coolum in the north. Located at Alexandra Headland, this section will be upgraded to better meet community expectations and current design standards.

The existing 1.8-metre-wide path will be renewed and widened to a 3.5-metre shared pathway, providing a safer and more enjoyable experience for all users – including walkers, riders, runners and families.

Project information

Construction started early 2026 and will be delivered in stages to minimise disruption. It’s anticipated to be completed by July 2026.

This project will provide a wheelchair accessible missing link in the Coastal Pathway network between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore.

View or download the interactive poster for more details.

[5.32 MB]

Key Features

Features of this upgrade include:

a 3.5-metre-wide shared pathway to improve safety and accessibility
a new elevated boardwalk through the forest, designed to be wheelchair accessible
a viewing platform
regular seating and shade trees (balanced with open view corridors)
landscaping to enhance the natural environment
wildlife-friendly lighting for safety
design that reflects the relaxed, coastal character of Alex Bluff Foreshore Park.

Construction update

Council has appointed a head contractor SGQ Pty Ltd to undertake the works. Construction started in February with site fencing and works well underway.

Currently the Coastal Path is closed with pedestrian detours to the adjacent path in place. This detour still allows pedestrians to walk on the beach side of Alexandra Parade, between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore.

Works are progressing in stages, including the boardwalk section and the Mooloolaba-facing section. Beach Access 166 and the Bluff Viewing Area are open for access.

Remaining works include completion of the shared pathway, installation of the elevated boardwalk, viewing platforms, landscaping and final finishes.

We are working to ‘shrink’ the construction site as works progress. Some sections of construction fencing have started to be removed where it is safe to do so. Please be mindful some landscape areas need some establishment time before full access is available.

Council is aware this is a long process and thanks the community for their patience while works remain ongoing.

Beach access

Beach Access (BA) 165 is currently closed, however access is available via BA164 in close proximity.

Beach Access (BA) 167 is currently closed to allow construction of the boardwalk. BA 167 will remain closed while the boardwalk construction is ongoing.

Please refer to location of works and BA points on the map below.

Landscaping

To enhance the upgraded pathway, there will be new turf, gardens, tree removals, transplants and new trees at select locations along the path to improve comfort and usability. These locations have been carefully selected to balance shade outcomes with safety, open space character and views. Council also has an offset policy to replant trees if removals are required.

Council has been careful to incorporate existing and new trees into the design, while preserving view lines and open space so residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the scenic outlook. The aim of this project is to ensure the new pathway and improvements complement the parks existing character and what our community already loves about this space.

Timeframe

Works are currently behind schedule due to persistent inclement weather impacting planned works. The project team is working to recover delays and currently has an estimated completion for the majority of Coastal Pathway by the end of July 2026 (weather dependant).

Council is currently working with the Contractor to mitigate delays associated with the Boardwalk component of this project. A detour along the shared path on Alexandra Parade will remain in place while the boardwalk is under construction.

map of works completed and to be finished.

New seating at 'The Corner'

New custom furniture will be replacing the aluminium bench seats in a better location to maximise views of the coastline and surf breaks. The new seating has been developed to reflect the unique character of Alexandra Headland and its strong connection to local surfing culture.

Council has worked with local surf legends and design specialists to ensure the furniture reflects the heritage and spirit of "The Corner". The seating design draws inspiration from longboard surf culture, with subtle references to surfboard fins incorporated into the furniture.

The unique smaller stone block seat is being retained and restored as part of the project.

The project seeks to declutter the foreshore by removing ageing and visually dominant infrastructure and create more lawn space for picnics.

There will be some delay before the new custom furniture is ready to be installed. The project team will look at how the site is functioning and if temporary seats are required to cover the gap.

Location of new seating and design

aerial shot of new seating locations

New seat sesign inspired by surf culture

Project notifications

Construction Notification: May 2026
Construction Notification: Night works - March 2026
Construction Notification: Coastal path upgrade - January 2026

Community engagement

The project is part of Council’s implementation of the Coastal Pathway Linear Open Space Master Plan (2017). These plans were shaped by broad regional and targeted local community engagement.

In 2023, Council sought feedback on key elements of the project via the Have Your Say platform, including improvements to the “Alex Corner” and the forest boardwalk. Feedback was generally positive and has helped shape the final design.

The pathway design has been developed in collaboration with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) under the Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program, which sets technical requirements for shared pathways. This means some design elements, such as alignment and width, are fixed to meet safety and accessibility standards.

Funding

The $4.2 million Alexandra Headland coastal pathway upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council as part of the South East Queensland City Deal. The South East Queensland City Deal is a partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ) that will deliver long-lasting benefits to the region.