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 is scheduled to start in 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.

Funding

This project is 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.

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.

Beach access

Several beach access points are currently closed with signage and barricading in place. The works to reopen BA 166 and BA 168 are being prioritised and should be available mid-March 2026. BA 167 will remain closed while the boardwalk construction is ongoing.

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 on schedule with estimated completion by July 2026 (weather dependant).

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.