Panoramic ocean vistas? Check. Powdery beaches? Check. A perched lighthouse? Check too (although the adjacent water reservoir partly blocks it). Point Cartwright Reserve showcases everything splendid about the coast in just five hectares.
How to experience Point Cartwright
Locate and trace Point Cartwright Walkway along the idyllic Mooloolah River all the way to the tip of the rock wall that shoots out into the Pacific Ocean. With salty air blowing through your hair, be entertained by passing boats entering and exiting the river mouth, with Mooloolaba Beach in the background.
Then, continue on the path that hugs the 400-m Point Cartwright Beach. This strip of sand is at its prime during low tide, when rock pools reveal an array of small fish, crabs, shells and other exciting marine wonders. Explore thoroughly, but pause to photograph the lighthouse atop the headland — you won’t get a better opportunity.
Find your way back to the trail and climb the headland’s summit for elevated views and close-ups of Point Cartwright Lighthouse. Built in 1978, the pentagonal tower soars 32 m into the air. Still, the surprisingly close water tank, painted in blues to reflect the diverse underwater world, steals some of the attention.
Finally, some 2 km after setting off, descend the path along the eastern side of the headland to return to your starting point. Watching the ocean battering the powdery Buddina Beach is a worthy end to your perfected loop around Point Cartwright.
Where you should begin
The parking halfway up the headland at the end of Pacific Boulevard fills up quickly. An appropriate option is the car park by the river at Point Cartwright’s base, beside La Balsa Park. It connects nicely with Point Cartwright Walkway (just follow the river) and adds under 10 minutes to the excursion.
Our tips for visiting
The grassy areas and sweeping views make Point Cartwright a hard-to-beat location for a romantic picnic. However, we also recommend taking advantage of La Balsa Park, which provides riverfront barbecues, tables and a playground.
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