Point Cartwright Reserve is a dramatic rocky headland at the mouth of the Mooloolah River near Mooloolaba, home to an iconic lighthouse, panoramic lookouts and quality right-hand surf. Easy walking tracks, grassy picnic areas and designated dog zones make it a favourite Sunshine Coast coastal escape with seamless links to nearby Mooloolaba Beach, Kawana and the Coastal Pathway.

🏝️Why Visit Point Cartwright Reserve?

Point Cartwright Reserve is a dramatic rocky headland at the mouth of the Mooloolah River near Mooloolaba, featuring an iconic white lighthouse, panoramic cliff-top lookouts and quality right-hand surf. Easy walking tracks wind through coastal bushland to grassy picnic areas, while the headland offers excellent whale and dolphin watching in season. With free parking, toilets and designated dog zones, it is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most rewarding short coastal escapes.

👙Things to Do at Point Cartwright

🚶 Point Cartwright Loop — Easy 2 km coastal circuit to the Point Cartwright lighthouse with ocean and river views
👀 Point Cartwright Lookout & Views — Cliff-top platforms for panoramic sweeps of Mooloolaba, Kawana and the Pacific
🏄 Surfing — Quality right-hand point break over reef and sand for intermediate to experienced surfers
🐋 Whale Watching — Excellent land-based spotting of humpbacks from June to November
🌅 Sunsets & Photography — Popular headland for golden-hour light and the painted water-tower mural
🧺 Picnics — Grassy open areas ideal for rugs and casual gatherings
🪨 Rock Pools — Explore at low tide around the base of the headland
🎣 Rock Fishing — From the ledges and river-mouth walls (check local regulations)

🐋 Wildlife & Whale Watching at Point Cartwright

🐋 Wildlife & Whale Watching at Point Cartwright
🐋 Humpback Whales — Regularly seen from the lighthouse lookout and clifftop tracks between June and November
🐬 Dolphins — Frequently play just offshore year-round
🐢 Turtles — Occasionally spotted in clearer water near the point
🦅 Coastal Birds — Sea eagles and other seabirds often soar along the headland
🔭 Best Viewing — Early morning and late afternoon from the elevated lookouts (bring binoculars)

🏄 Point Cartwright Surfing

🏄 Wave Type — Challenging right-hand point break over reef and sand with hollow sections
🌊 Best Conditions — Northeast to southeast swells, southwest offshore winds preferred
🧘 Crowd Level — Can get busy on weekends and good days
🎯 Ideal For — Intermediate to experienced surfers seeking powerful, hollow walls
🛡️ Protection — Headland offers some shelter depending on wind direction
⚠️ Safety — Unpatrolled, rocks, strong currents and boat traffic near the river mouth

🌊 Explore More Surf Breaks

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🐶Dog Friendly Rules

🐕 Dogs allowed off-leash at all times between Beach Access 198 and 201 (eastern beach known as The Pocket)
🐕 On-leash only in open-spaced areas of the Reserve, Half Moon Bay, Buddina Beach and La Balsa Park
🚫 Dogs prohibited on the rocky foreshore, Carties Beach (Access 196–196T), dune areas and parts of the Reserve
📋 Always check current Sunshine Coast Council signage and maps before visiting

🛍️Facilities & Accessibility

🚻 Toilets — Two public amenities near the main car park and further west of the water tower
🅿️ Free Parking — Limited spaces at the end of Pacific Boulevard and at La Balsa Park (fills quickly)
🧺 Picnic Areas — Grassy slopes and open space (bring your own chairs or rug — limited fixed furniture in the Reserve)
🚶 Paths — Formed walking and cycling tracks suitable for most fitness levels and prams on main sections
♿ Access — Reasonable wheelchair and mobility access on main paths and viewing areas
🚿 Outdoor Showers — Available nearby at La Balsa Park for rinsing off after beach time
💧 Drinking Water — Available on site

🌤️Best Time to Visit Point Cartwright

🌅 Early Morning or Late Afternoon — Fewer crowds, softer light and better parking availability
🐋 June to November — Peak humpback whale migration season with excellent land-based viewing
🌊 Low Tide — Best for exploring rock pools and the base of the headland
☀️ Year-Round — Reliable for walks, lookouts and surfing whenever conditions suit
🛡️ Avoid Peak Weekends if Possible — Headland and car parks can become busy on fine weather days

🗺️ Getting There

📍 Address — End of Pacific Boulevard, Buddina (via Point Cartwright Drive off Nicklin Way)
🅿️ Main Car Park — Limited free parking at the Reserve entrance; overflows quickly on weekends
🅿️ Alternative Parking — La Balsa Park on Harbour Parade (short walk along the river path)
🚶 On Foot or Bike — Directly linked to the Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway
🚗 From Mooloolaba — Approximately 5–7 minutes drive south

💡 Info correct at time of writing — check Sunshine Coast Council and Surf Life Saving Queensland for current patrol times and access updates.

💡 Local Tips

🅿️ Arrive early — Pacific Boulevard car park fills fast, especially on weekends and good surf days
🐕 Strict dog zones — Off-leash only between Beach Access 198–201 (The Pocket); rocky foreshore and many Reserve areas are prohibited
🌅 Stay for sunset — One of the best elevated sunset viewpoints on the central Sunshine Coast
🎨 Check the mural — The water tower next to the lighthouse features a large underwater-themed artwork
📱 Download the current dog access map — Rules changed under the 2026 Sunshine Coast updates; signage can be complex
🥾 Combine with La Balsa Park — Easy short walk for playgrounds, extra picnic facilities and river views

📍Nearby Attractions

🏖️ Mooloolaba Beach & Spit — 5–7 minutes north for patrolled swimming, esplanade and dining
🐠 SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast — Major aquarium and oceanarium at The Wharf Mooloolaba with sharks, penguins, seals and ocean tunnel
🏞️ La Balsa Park — Adjacent riverfront park with playgrounds, BBQs, boat ramp and extra facilities
🏖️ Kawana Beach / Buddina Beach — Long open stretch immediately south of the headland
🛤️ Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway — Seamless connection for longer walks or rides north or south
🛥️ Mooloolaba Harbour — Short drive for marina, fishing charters and waterfront cafes

📅 Events & Markets Nearby

🛍️ Kawana Night Markets — 4th Friday of each month at Kevin Asmus Park, Buddina (street food, live music, artisan stalls)
🛍️ Mooloolaba Beach Market — 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month at Mooloolaba State School
🛍️ Kawana Waters Artisans & Farmers Markets — Every Saturday at Kawana Waters State College
🛍️ Fisherman’s Road Markets — Every Sunday (Lions Club of Mooloolaba) with produce, food and community stalls

For a full list of what’s on in the region, visit the
👉 Sunshine Coast Attractions | Best Things to Do Near Sunshine Coast Beaches

🏕️Accommodation Near Point Cartwright

• 🏨 Beachfront resorts in Mooloolaba.
• 🏡 Holiday apartments and rentals near Kawana and Buddina.
• ⛺ Caravan parks and family-friendly stays within short driving distance.
• 🏕️ No camping available within Point Cartwright Reserve

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🍴 Places to Eat & Drink

Point Cartwright Reserve is close to a range of coastal cafés, surf clubs, and relaxed eateries in nearby Mooloolaba and Buddina. Enjoy a coffee after a headland walk, fish and chips by the water, or sunset drinks overlooking the lighthouse and ocean — then share your favourite food and drink experiences below!

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🧭Plan Your Trip to Point Cartwright Reserve

Whether you’re drawn by the iconic lighthouse, panoramic ocean views, or peaceful surf below, Point Cartwright is a must-see Sunshine Coast location. Ideal for photographers, walkers, dog owners, and those seeking a quieter coastal experience, it perfectly blends natural beauty with recreational enjoyment.

💬 Share Your Point Cartwright Reserve Beach Photos & Reviews

📸 We’d love to see your favourite moments from the Sunshine Coast! Upload your photos, share your experiences, and leave a review to help other visitors discover the region’s best beaches and hidden coastal gems.

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💙 Explore More Beaches Nearby

Discover more of the Sunshine Coast:
Mooloolaba Beach ➜ | Bulcock Beach ➜ | Golden Beach ➜ | Maroochydore Beach ➜

🌊 About This Beach Directory

🌴 Note: This directory doesn’t include every beach in Queensland — there are simply too many! We’ve selected the most significant and unique beaches based on a range of factors including natural beauty, accessibility, and local popularity.

💌 If you think we’ve missed one that deserves to be featured, we’d love to hear from you!

📧 Email us at Admin@QldBeach.com with your photos and tell us why your favourite beach should be added.

☀️ Happy surfing, swimming and sunning from the Queensland Beach Guide team!

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_{Last updated: June 2026}

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