Coastal Pathway: Maroochydore to Alex Surf Club
A great section of the coastal pathway with an option to return on the beach, starting in the heart of Maroochydore you pass thru Cotton Tree with a range of cafe's and finish in heart of Alex.
Suitability
This is a pathway suitable for walkers, recreational cyclists, even folks in wheelchairs. This is a great family ride option where the kids can be motivated by a reward at the end of the journey no mater which way you ride it. It's a busy pathway so always be aware of other users.
Highlights
Start anywhere in Cotton Tree and grab a coffee to go and as you start your walk you will be looking over the Maroochy River and can chose now to leave the path behind and do this walk as a beach walk in one direction and return on the path, just duck onto the beach behind the swimming pool to start your beach experience. If riding is your thing then just follow the path as it heads to the beach and it will lead to Alex surf club and beyond. The main highlight of this section are the many dinning options to chose from as there are surf clubs and cafes all along this section! Thus making this the best kid motivation intro ride out there as there are ice cream stops at almost every stopping point along the path. The length of the experience can be changed to match the abilities of all our younger riders out there.
Afterwards
There are lots of option to do afterwards: have a swim; continue along path to Mooloolabah; grab lunch or dinner; or even watch a movie at the plaza you can really make this a day!
The Coastal Pathway is part of the 96 km Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway that stretches from Pelican Waters Bell’s Creek in the south to Tewantin in the north so this experience can be expanded which ever way you ride/walk.
How to get there
To the starting point: It is recommended you start in or near Cotton Tree as there is a lot of parking and supporting facilities, so find a spot anywhere along or near The Esplanade.
To the end point: The end point is the same as the starting point.
Accessibility guide
Fully concrete, smooth and even for the length of the trail, suiting walkers and manual and electric wheelchair users alike. Seating areas, lookout points and rest spots are spaced along the way for anyone who needs to break the journey.
The trail from Maroochydore to Alex Surf Club is suitable for people of all abilities, including enthusiastic walkers and individuals who use mobility devices such as manual and electric wheelchairs. The fully concrete path provides a smooth and accessible surface for everyone to enjoy.
For keen walkers, the trail offers a scenic route along the coast, allowing you to fully embrace the beauty of the beach and river surroundings. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk, you can relish the fresh air and coastal views.
Individuals using mobility devices like manual or electric wheelchairs will find the concrete surface ideal for easy navigation and a comfortable ride. The smooth and even path eliminates the need to navigate rough or uneven terrain, ensuring a hassle-free experience for wheelchair users.
Throughout the trail, you'll come across amenities such as seating areas, lookout points, and spots to rest and admire the coastal scenery. These features can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may need to take breaks during their journey.
Start your adventure from Alex Surf Club, although parking is limited, there are a couple of accessible parking bays available. Alternatively, it's recommended to begin from the Maroochydore end, where you'll find several accessible parking bays. Make Alex Surf Club your destination for a delightful lunch.
There are coffee shops opposite the park or at the shopping centre on the other side of Maroochy River. Along the path, you'll pass by the mouth of Maroochy River, where you can find picnic areas, BBQ facilities, and accessible toilets.
The path also goes past the local swimming pool, Cotton Tree Aquatic Centre if you feel like taking a swim. Continue through Cotton Tree, where you'll discover more coffee shops and cafes, perfect for a refreshing morning tea and a rest.
Get back on the trail, which winds through green spaces along the beach until you reach Alex Surf Club and its park. Here, you can sit, rest, and enjoy panoramic views of the beach and the ocean.
- Accessible parking
- Accessible paths
- Accessible play area
From the Sunshine Motorway take the exit towards Alexandra Headlands. Turn right at the lights and follow the road. Turn left at the lights that overlook the Alexandra Headlands onto Maroochydore Road and then park at the Alex Surf Club or nearby at Wilkes Family Carpark.
Treat yourself to lunch at Alex Surf Club while enjoying the breathtaking ocean views. If you have a mobility device suitable for traveling along the beach, take the beach route back 4.7km to Maroochydore. Go between Alexandra Headland Beach to Cotton Tree Beach and Cross over the bridge to the shopping centre on Plaza Parade and perhaps catch a movie at the cinema to wrap up your day.
Suitability
The trail from Maroochydore to Alex Surf Club is suitable for people of all abilities, including enthusiastic walkers and individuals who use mobility devices such as manual and electric wheelchairs. The fully concrete path provides a smooth and accessible surface for everyone to enjoy.
For keen walkers, the trail offers a scenic route along the coast, allowing you to fully embrace the beauty of the beach and river surroundings. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk, you can relish the fresh air and coastal views.
Individuals using mobility devices like manual or electric wheelchairs will find the concrete surface ideal for easy navigation and a comfortable ride. The smooth and even path eliminates the need to navigate rough or uneven terrain, ensuring a hassle-free experience for wheelchair users.
Throughout the trail, you'll come across amenities such as seating areas, lookout points, and spots to rest and admire the coastal scenery. These features can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may need to take breaks during their journey.
Highlights
Start your adventure from Alex Surf Club, although parking is limited, there are a couple of accessible parking bays available. Alternatively, it's recommended to begin from the Maroochydore end, where you'll find several accessible parking bays. Make Alex Surf Club your destination for a delightful lunch.
There are coffee shops opposite the park or at the shopping centre on the other side of Maroochy River. Along the path, you'll pass by the mouth of Maroochy River, where you can find picnic areas, BBQ facilities, and accessible toilets.
The path also goes past the local swimming pool, Cotton Tree Aquatic Centre if you feel like taking a swim. Continue through Cotton Tree, where you'll discover more coffee shops and cafes, perfect for a refreshing morning tea and a rest.
Get back on the trail, which winds through green spaces along the beach until you reach Alex Surf Club and its park. Here, you can sit, rest, and enjoy panoramic views of the beach and the ocean.
Facilities and activities
- Accessible parking
- Accessible paths
- Accessible play area
Getting there
From the Sunshine Motorway take the exit towards Alexandra Headlands. Turn right at the lights and follow the road. Turn left at the lights that overlook the Alexandra Headlands onto Maroochydore Road and then park at the Alex Surf Club or nearby at Wilkes Family Carpark.
Afterwards
Treat yourself to lunch at Alex Surf Club while enjoying the breathtaking ocean views. If you have a mobility device suitable for traveling along the beach, take the beach route back 4.7km to Maroochydore. Go between Alexandra Headland Beach to Cotton Tree Beach and Cross over the bridge to the shopping centre on Plaza Parade and perhaps catch a movie at the cinema to wrap up your day.
Disclaimer:
This trail accessibility review has been undertaken by Spinal Life Australia. Please note that the trails reviewed are not compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Instead, these reviews are intended to provide additional information to assist trail users and carers in assessing the usability of each trail, including details about accessible parking, trail surfaces, and amenity facilities.
About this place
- Suitable for walking
- Suitable for recreational cycling
- Drinking water available
- Barbeque on site
- Picnic table on site
- Toilets on site
- Playground on site
- Walking track grade
- Grade 2
- A formed track with gentle hills and the occasional step. Clearly signposted, and no walking experience needed.
Graded on the Queensland Parks walking track scale. Walk with care(opens in a new tab)
- Managed by
- Sunshine Coast Council
To report damage, a hazard or another problem with the trail:
Safety
In an emergency, call 000. Always adventure safely!
- Always follow any local signage, it contains key information and conditions can change at any time.
- Use the trails with consideration for your abilities, be prepared for the adventure ahead:
- Be aware of the weather conditions, found here: Bureau of Meteorology — Queensland(opens in a new tab)
- Always wear appropriate clothing, focus on good footwear.
- Always bring more water than you think you will need.
- Be Sun Safe!
- Always let someone know where you are going that isn't going with you.
- Just getting started try this site for good useful information: Trail Hiking Australia — hike safety(opens in a new tab)
- Sunshine Coast Council does its best to keep this information current, but things change, so be aware that a trail may not be as listed here.
An absolute must! Such a beautiful walk - plenty for the kids to see and do. Playgrounds along the way; jetties to spot fish, crabs and watch the pelicans and seagulls take flight; and a beautiful ANZAC memorial. We never tire of visiting cotton tree and doing this walk.
Really love this walk as great for the family to do on a late afternoon on a weekend - lovely scenery and an easy walk (or bike ride) for the family.
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Printed from Adventure Sunshine Coast · https://adventures.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/trails/54514/coastal-pathway-maroochydore-to-alex-surf-club
Always check current conditions and closures before you set out.