Point Cartwright

Take in sweeping views over the land and sea, walk along the beach or just relax in the sun on this slice of land between river and sea. 

Point Cartwright is a rocky peninsula set between the Mooloolah River and the Coral Sea on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Jutting out from the suburb of Mooloolaba, it is a scenic spot with a grassy parkland, rocky cliffs and sandy beaches.

Head up the path to the top of the hill on Point Cartwright. It is easy to spot as it has two distinguishing features perched right in the middle. One is the large, round structure of the water tank and the other is the tall, slim structure of the lighthouse. The tank stands 55 feet (17 meters) high and is covered by a beautiful aquatic-themed mural by street artist Joel Fergie. The automated lighthouse was built in 1978 and remains an important point of navigation for boats.

Stand beside the tank and lighthouse to enjoy the views. Kawana Beach stretches away to the south, the Mooloolah River snakes westward, and the open ocean stretches away to the east. The suburbs of the Sunshine Coast dot the landscape and you can make out the rounded shape of Mount Coolum in the distance.

Watch the yachts, boats and ships heading in and out from the river and up the coast from the Port of Brisbane. Look for the wildlife activity that goes on around the point as well. June to November offers great chances to see migrating humpback whales frolicking and breeching in the distance. Pods of dolphins and turtles swim and feed in these waters year-round, so bring your binoculars to spot these animals pop up from the waters below.

Go for a walk through the pleasant parkland of the point or along the beach. Take a rest on the beach, have a picnic and watch the surfers catching the rolling waves. Check out the rocky foreshore when the tide is right to see the small but plentiful sea creatures in the rock pools.

Point Cartwright is always open to the public, has toilet facilities and is free to enter. The site is best reached on foot if you are staying close to the coast in Mooloolaba. You can also drive here. There is a free car park located at the entry point of the headland parkland.