Point Cartwright is a rocky headland at the northern end of Kawana Beach on the Sunshine Coast, where the Mooloolah River meets the Pacific Ocean. Snorkelers enter from the sheltered rocky ledges on the southern side of the headland, exploring shallow reefs and rock pools teeming with marine life. The headland's exposed eastern tip, crowned by an active lighthouse, offers dramatic coastal views. This shore-entry spot is best on calm, low-swell days and is known locally for sightings of green turtles and schools of reef fish drifting through the clear inshore waters. The adjacent reserve's grassy slopes and picnic areas make it a favourite local escape.
Point Cartwright
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.5 mSwell Period 6.0 sWind Speed 1.2 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© Craig JewellDANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Point Cartwright has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Strong tidal currents danger
Fast-moving currents around the headland at the Mooloolah River mouth, especially during outgoing tides.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Strong tidal currents
Fast-moving currents around the headland at the Mooloolah River mouth, especially during outgoing tides.
Moderate risk: Rocks and sharp ledges
Entry and exit is over rocky platforms with sharp barnacle-encrusted edges. Slippery when wet.
Moderate risk: Ocean swell surge
Moderate to large southeasterly swells create powerful surge zones along the rocky shoreline, making entry and exit hazardous. Most intense during the swell season.
Moderate risk: No lifeguards
This is an unpatrolled beach. No surf lifesaving services are provided.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
3 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Point Cartwright Reserve is located at 1 Pacific Boulevard, Buddina QLD. From the Sunshine Motorway, take the Mooloolaba/Kawana exit and follow Nicklin Way to Pacific Boulevard. Park at the free reserve car park at beach access point 199, then walk the short path down to the rocky shoreline on the southern side of the headland.
Parking & facilities
Free car park available at Point Cartwright Reserve (beach access point 199) on Pacific Boulevard. No overnight parking (10pm–4am restrictions apply).
toiletsparkingpicnic_tables
Free entry. No fees required.
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Gallery ┬╖ 3 photos
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports