Maroochydore Beach

aroochydore beach (1545A) is patrolled by the Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club; one of the oldest in Queensland, being founded on New Years Day in 1916. The club is located at the end of the main street and there is a large car park adjacent to the club house (Fig. 4.123), with a fenced foredune backing the beach. Rips are common along the beach, so stay in the patrolled area.

The entire beach faces east-north-east and receives waves averaging 1 m at Maroochydore, decreasing slightly toward Alexandra Headland. These produce a single bar along the beach that is cut by rips every 200 m (Fig. 4.123). During and following big seas the bar may detach from the beach, forming a continuous trough that feeds the rips.

Swimming

While waves are usually 1 m or less, care need be taken on these beaches owing to the common presence of rips and the rocks on the headland beach. The northern end of Maroochydore Beach also contains deep tidal channels and shifting bars and is particularly hazardous. Likewise, there is a strong permanent rip against the rocks at the southern end of Alexandra Headland Beach.

Surfing

The best surfing spot is the break off Alexandra Headland. It works in a moderate to high swell and can provide some good right-handers. There are also beach breaks all the way up to the river mouth.

Fishing

The river mouth and the headland are the most popular locations, together with beach fishing into the rip holes, when present.

General

A well established, popular beach offering all facilities for tourists and the added safety of two surf lifesaving clubs.

All major Sunshine Coast beaches are patrolled by lifeguards from 7.30am until 4.30 pm. Take care and follow any warning signs and follow any directions given by Lifeguards. Remember for your safety always swim only between the RED & YELLOW flags. Ensure you swim when Lifeguards and Lifesavers are on duty and don’t swim after hours. NO FLAGS = NO SWIM.