Point Cartwright Reserve, near Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast, is a breathtaking coastal headland celebrated for its iconic lighthouse, dramatic clifftop views, and pristine beach below. This picturesque reserve offers scenic walking trails, grassy picnic areas, and panoramic lookout points ideal for sunrise photography and whale watching. Visitors can enjoy peaceful strolls along the coastal pathways while soaking in sweeping ocean vistas and the relaxed seaside charm that defines this part of Queensland.
Beyond its tranquil beauty, Point Cartwright also draws surfers to its reliable right-hand point break, making it a favourite for both locals and visitors looking to catch a few waves in a spectacular setting. The nearby dog-friendly zones and calm parklands make it equally perfect for families and photographers seeking an easygoing coastal escape where nature and recreation blend effortlessly.
Discover epic Sunshine Coast adventures from Point Cartwright – snag tickets to these top nearby experiences and turn your lookout day into something unforgettable! Wildlife thrills, scenic river cruises, and sweet tastings await just a short drive or boat away.
Beach Information
- 🏖️ Best Time to Visit: September to April for warm, sunny conditions.
- 🐠 Marine Stingers: Rare; possible November–May.
- 🚩 Lifeguard Patrol: Not patrolled.
- 🐕 Dog Friendly: Yes — off-leash areas nearby.
- 🛠️ Facilities: Picnic spots, walking tracks, lookout, parking.
- ♿ Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access.
- 🏘️ Closest Town: Mooloolaba — Distance: 3 km
- ✈️ Closest Airport: Sunshine Coast Airport — Distance: 17 km
- 🌦️ Typical Weather: Subtropical; warm, humid summers, mild winters.
🏝️Why Visit Point Cartwright Reserve?
Point Cartwright Reserve is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most picturesque destinations, blending natural beauty with outdoor adventure. The iconic white lighthouse stands proudly on the headland, offering sweeping views across Mooloolaba, Kawana Beach, and the vast Pacific Ocean. Visitors can explore scenic walking tracks that wind through coastal bushland, enjoy shaded picnic areas with sea breezes, and capture unforgettable sunrise or sunset photos from the clifftop vantage points.
Below the lookout, the peaceful surf beach attracts a mix of locals and travellers seeking calm waters for swimming and gentle rolling waves ideal for relaxed surfing sessions. During whale-watching season, Point Cartwright becomes a favourite spot for spotting migrating humpbacks and playful dolphins offshore. With its combination of dramatic scenery, oceanfront paths, and family-friendly spaces, it’s the perfect place to experience the Sunshine Coast’s coastal charm.
🏖️Things to Do at Point Cartwright
- Walking & Lookouts: Scenic clifftop tracks lead to sweeping ocean and coastline views.
- Surfing: The beach below the headland offers consistent surf breaks.
- Photography: Capture the lighthouse, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping ocean vistas.
- Wildlife Spotting: Look for dolphins year-round and migrating whales between June and October.
- Picnics: Shaded spots with grassy areas are perfect for family picnics.
- Dog-Friendly Fun: Off-leash dog zones are located nearby.
🏄 Surfing at Point Cartwright Reserve
Point Cartwright (locally “Carties”) is a heavy-hitting Sunshine Coast right point/reef — a challenging, wave-lashed headland delivering thick, barreling sections and long, grinding rides over rock and sand. It handles solid east-southeast swells consistently (even when others are flat), firing up with tubes, ledges, and powerful faces — from the main point to sucky “Platform” further out. A proving ground for Queensland’s top surfers, it’s raw and rewarding but demands respect in this exposed, rocky setup.
Ideal for:
- Advanced surfers chasing thick, barreling rights and powerful ledge waves
- Experienced shortboarders and tube enthusiasts on medium-to-large east swells (overhead+)
- Hollow, high-performance sessions with long rides and adrenaline punch
- Combining surf with scenic headland walks, lighthouse views, and nearby Mooloolaba access
Always check rocks, strong rips, sharks (frequent area), jellyfish, and shallow sections — works all tides but low exposes hazards more. Not beginner-safe or heavily patrolled; experts only due to power, rocks, and marine life!
🌊 Example forecast for Point Cartwright
– popular local surf spot on the Sunshine Coast; consistent right-hand point/reef break best for intermediate to advanced surfers—check conditions as it can get powerful with rocks and crowds!
☀️Forecast updates on page refresh—check back for latest!
🔹 Explore more surf breaks | Surfing Queensland ➜
🛍️Facilities & Accessibility
Point Cartwright is lightly developed, with facilities designed to preserve its natural beauty:
- 🚻 Toilets available at nearby parks
- 🍖 Picnic spots with shaded seating
- 🛝 Open green spaces for kids to play
- 🐕 Off-leash dog areas nearby
- ♿ Limited wheelchair access (steeper paths and natural terrain)
- ☕ Cafes and shops located in nearby Mooloolaba and Kawana
🌤️Best Time to Visit Point Cartwright
- 🌤️ September to April: Warm, sunny days create ideal conditions for walking, picnicking, photography, and enjoying the beach. These months also bring the most consistent surf, with gentle to moderate waves perfect for relaxed sessions at Point Cartwright Beach and nearby Kawana Beach.
- 🏄 Surfing: The best surf tends to appear from November to March, with clean right-hand point breaks around Point Cartwright and more powerful beach breaks extending south toward Buddina and Kawana. Mornings often offer the best conditions before winds pick up.
- 🩱 Lifeguards: The adjacent beach is not patrolled, so swimmers and beginner surfers should exercise caution and avoid rough surf days.
- 🪸 Marine Stingers: Rare in this area but possible between November and May—wear protective swimwear during this period.
- 🌞 Year-round: The subtropical climate means mild winters and warm summers, making Point Cartwright enjoyable at any time of year for sightseeing, walking, and coastal relaxation.
🗺️ Getting There
🚗 Driving: Point Cartwright Reserve is located at the southern end of Mooloolaba, about 1 hour 20 minutes north of Brisbane via the Bruce Highway (M1) and Nicklin Way. Main access points are along Pacific Boulevard and Cartwright Street, near the Point Cartwright Lighthouse and La Balsa Park.
🚌 Public Transport: Sunbus (TransLink) services connect Mooloolaba, Kawana, and Maroochydore, with regular stops along Pacific Boulevard and La Balsa Park.
🅿️ Parking: Free parking is available at La Balsa Park, Pacific Boulevard, and near the lighthouse lookout area.
💡 Info correct at time of writing — check Sunshine Coast Council and Surf Life Saving Queensland for current patrol times and access updates.
💡 Local Tips
🌴 Point Cartwright Reserve is a picturesque headland and lookout area offering panoramic ocean views, walking trails, and great picnic spots.
📸 It’s one of the best sunset and sunrise photography locations on the Sunshine Coast, with sweeping views over Mooloolaba, Kawana Beach, and the Coral Sea.
🐬 Spot dolphins, turtles, and whales during migration season (June–October) from the lighthouse lookout.
☕ Enjoy a coffee or breakfast at nearby One on La Balsa Café or The Groove Train, both within a short stroll.
🚶♀️ Take the coastal walking path from La Balsa Park around the headland for scenic views and shaded rest spots along the way.
📍Nearby Attractions
- 🏖️ Mooloolaba Beach (3 km): Vibrant family-friendly beach with cafes and shops.
- 🌊 Kawana Beach (2 km): Long, quieter surf beach stretching south.
- 🐬 SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast (4 km): Family aquarium at the Mooloolaba Wharf.
- 🌳 La Balsa Park (1 km): Riverside park with BBQs, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
📅 Events & Markets Nearby
Point Cartwright Reserve offers scenic headland views and close access to Mooloolaba and Kawana markets and community events.
- 🛍️ Mooloolaba Sunset Markets (Saturdays – Seasonal): Handmade goods, food vans, live music, and gifts.
- 🍉 Cotton Tree Markets (Sundays): Clothing, jewellery, art, plants, gifts, and handmade items.
- 🌴 Kawana Waters Markets (Saturday mornings): Fresh produce, crafts, homewares, food stalls, and plants.
- 🎶 Sunshine Coast Foreshore Events (Seasonal): Concerts, food trucks, outdoor movies, and community celebrations.
- 🎄 Sunshine Coast Christmas Markets (December): Festive stalls, gifts, food vendors, and entertainment.
For a full list of what’s on in the region, visit the
👉 Sunshine Coast Attractions | Best Things to Do Near Sunshine Coast Beaches
Elevate your Point Cartwright views with these relaxing water escapes – book now for serene river cruises, wildlife spotting, and coastal magic! From gliding through everglades to sunset sails nearby, perfect chill add-ons after clifftop walks and lighthouse pics.
🏕️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.
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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.
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📸 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 ➜
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🏄♂️ Surfing Gold Coast ➜
🏄♀️ Surfing Sunshine Coast ➜
🌴 Agnes Water Surfing ➜
🌊 Beginner Surfing ➜
🎓 Learn to Surf ➜
🔥 The Superbank ➜
🌊 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 and sunning from the Queensland Beach Guide team!
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