Want to see as much of the coastline as possible from the one location? In that case I've got just the place for you. Point Cartwright offers some of the most stunning views you could ask for. Look north, south, east and west and you're guaranteed a spectacular sight.
Sit, relax and enjoy that beautiful view that extends all the way down to Caloundra
The headland reserve is just around the corner from
La Balsa Park and right above
Buddina Beach). The base of the headland is probably the best place to start your Point Cartwright experience. Follow the path along the Mooloolah River. This is a popular spot for fishing and even swimming - you'll find a set of stairs leading you into the water if you're keen for a dip.
Through the trees and out to the ocean
If you keep following the river, you'll eventually come to the wide, open parkland that leads you up the headland. There's so much space here, it's a great place for a picnic, a casual game of ball and the family dog. Stanford, the half dalmatian/half kelpie, loved running around here. Check the signs in the area for exactly where you
can and cannot have a dog off the leash.
Start at the Mooloolah River and walk up the headland
Point Cartwright is also popular with those looking to keep fit. The run up the headland (about 100 metres) offers a great challenge to anyone looking to test their fitness. Run up and down a couple of times with some push-ups and sit-ups in between to really get your heart thumping.
From this side of the headland you can see Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland, Maroochydore, the Maroochy River mouth at Cotton Tree and Mount Coolum - you can't ask for more
From the top of the headland, under that impressive lighthouse, you'll get those views you were after. Looking in a north-west direction, you'll catch sight of
Mooloolaba,
Mount Coolum,
Alexandra Headland,
Maroochydore Beach and the beginnings of
Cotton Tree. Best part is, this is just the beginning.
A great off-leash dog area here - Stanford loved it
Walk around the top of the headland to the other side for a straight shot right down the coastline. You'll manage to spot Caloundra with ease. There are a couple of benches around here if you've got the time to really sit and take in the view and plenty of grass to lie down on if you want to stare up at the clouds as the ocean breeze cools you. Looking out towards the ocean you may spot a couple of passing ships or if you're even luckier, some migrating humpback whales - depending on what time of year it is.
Test your fitness by running from the base of the headland up to the lighthouse
If you're into your history then you'll probably find the lighthouse itself is quite interesting. From 1896 to 1979, the Caloundra Lighthouse flashed its welcome signal to mariners approaching the Port of Brisbane. But as the town around it gradually developed a new lighthouse was needed. That's when the Commonwealth Government established the Point Cartwright lighthouse in 1979. You can find plenty on the subject
here.
You'll be kicking yourself if you forget the camera
Point Cartwright has to be one of the most peaceful and scenic spots on the Sunshine Coast. Bring some friends, bring the family or just treat yourself to a day or even just a couple of hours hanging around this beautiful part of the world.
