Point Cartwright on the Sunshine Coast

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Along the length of the coastline of the Sunshine Coast, there are a range of places worth visiting. The Point Cartwright Reserve in Buddina on the Sunshine Coast stands out as one of these for its views both north and south, its lighthouse and water tower, open parkland, little beach, paths to explore and much more.



About Point Cartwright Reserve

The 5-hectare reserve has both open space and bushland, with a great vantage point for views north, south and out to sea, and is a popular whale-watching location during whale migration season. To the south is Buddina Beach and to the north is the Mooloolah River.

Water Tower & Lighthouse

The most prominent features of Point Cartwright are the lighthouse and water tower. The lighthouse is in use and you can see it lit up at night. In addition, the water tower, which is less of a tower than just a tank on the high point of Point Cartwright, is covered with a beautiful marine-themed mural.



Views

But you are not going to Point Cartwright to look at a mural and lighthouse, or at least not just to look at the water tower and lighthouse, but for the views from the point. There are views from many parts of the point. You can look to the north over Buddina Beach all the way to the Moffat Headland.



Just in front of the lighthouse is a lookout area with views out to sea and north out over Mooloolaba and Maroochydore and the bay area. You will get views north as well further down from the lookout area, but this is definitely the best vantage point.



It is also a good spot for whale watching during the whale migration season. This is made easier because many whale-watching tours leave from Mooloolaba, so just look for the whale-watching boats and whales should be nearby. The boats use spotters to find the whales, and also because when a boat is nearby, humpback whales, which are curious by nature, will come up to the surface to check out the boats. Other things to look out for are spouts from when whales come to the surface and blow.



Outside of whale migration season, you may also see dolphins in the area. They also run dolphin spotting tours from Mooloolaba outside of whale season, so again, look for tour boats to help spot the dolphins. Closer to shore, you may see sea turtles in the waves close to the cliffs.



Parkland area

There is a wide parkland area at Point Cartwright, which is popular for picnics and also for events, especially weddings. While it is not flat, it is a good spot for people, by that I mean your overactive kids, to run around.



Bush track

There is a 230-metre track through an area of bushland. This makes a pleasant little stroll for anyone, and a great one for young kids, as it is part of the varied landscape of the point that they can explore.



Point Cartwright Beach

Point Cartwright features a little rocky beach. You have a nice sandy beach that leads down to rocks. At low tide, you will usually see families with young kids exploring the rocks here. I don't think that even at high tide it would be a good place to swim.



Rock Wall

The Rock Wall at the Northern end of Point Cartwright marks the entrance to the Mooloolah River. This is a nice spot to walk out onto and is probably good for fishing too. I tend to see more people fishing into the river estuary than from the end of the rock wall, which I would assume means that is where the fish are most likely to be.



Point Cartwright Walkway, Mooloolah River * La Balsa Park

A path runs past the Rockwall past Point Cartwright down to La Balsa Park. This area is pretty popular for people walking or relaxing by the water, and if you are visiting Point Cartwright or doing the Coastal Pathway, then you can continue your walk up along the river here. Beyond that, the path doesn't go anywhere else though unless you want to continue walking down suburban streets. But because the path has followed around the headland, it is a short walk across from La Balsa Park to Buddina Beach.



Overall

Point Cartwright is a great little spot with bushland, parkland, its own little beach, Buddina Beach right next to it, and views north, south and out to sea. I really think it is the place to go on the Sunshine Coast when you want to be by the water but not on the beach.

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