Point Cartwright Tours and Activities

Mooloolaba showing landscape views and a sandy beach
Mooloolaba showing a garden, signage and hiking or walking
Point Cartwright featuring a garden
Mooloolaba featuring general coastal views
Point Cartwright which includes a lighthouse


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.

Plan a trip to see Point Cartwright

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Pumicestone Blue
Sunbird Suite by Stay Noosa
Rivershores - Unit 2

Popular places to visit


Top Point Cartwright Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach

4.5 out of 5
Cnr Mooloolaba Esplanade & Venning St, Mooloolaba, QLD
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Landmark Resort

Landmark Resort

4 out of 5
11 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba, QLD
Landmark Resort
Beachfront Beauty in Buddina

Beachfront Beauty in Buddina

Mooloolaba Region
Beachfront Beauty in Buddina
Nautilus Mooloolaba

Nautilus Mooloolaba

3.5 out of 5
30-32 River Esplanade, Mooloolaba, QLD
Nautilus Mooloolaba
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG

4 out of 5
42 First Avenue and Fairway Drive, Maroochydore, QLD
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
Caribbean Resort

Caribbean Resort

3.5 out of 5
17-19 Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba, QLD
Caribbean Resort
Coastal 3BR Beachside Haven, Pet-Friendly!

Coastal 3BR Beachside Haven, Pet-Friendly!

Buddina
Coastal 3BR Beachside Haven, Pet-Friendly!
Lowanna Beach Resort by Direct Collective

Lowanna Beach Resort by Direct Collective

2 out of 5
42 Lowanna Dr, Buddina, QLD
Lowanna Beach Resort by Direct Collective
Newport Mooloolaba

Newport Mooloolaba

4 out of 5
135 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba, QLD
Newport Mooloolaba
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Point Cartwright

At Point Cartwright, you can indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments like Swedish massages, surf the waves, and explore local shopping options. Don’t miss the picturesque scenic spots that offer stunning views of the coastline, perfect for relaxation and photography. Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Sunshine Plaza, located 6.4km from Point Cartwright, offering a vibrant mix of business and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out Sunshine Beach Village Shops, 30.6km away, featuring a charming atmosphere with family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

Sunshine Coast Stadium, located 6.4km from Point Cartwright, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere for active visitors. Headland Golf Club, 4.8km away, boasts stunning outdoor views for a refreshing round of golf. For ultimate relaxation, Ripple Sunshine Coast Massage Day Spa, 3.2km away, provides rejuvenating body treatments.

Adventure

At Suncity Tenpin, enjoy a fun-filled day of bowling with friends and family, located 3.2km from Point Cartwright. For water fun, head to Aqua Park Bli Bli, a thrilling waterpark 11.3km away, perfect for adventure seekers. Experience the thrill of freefall with Sunshine Coast Skydivers, 12.9km away.

Nightlife

At Point Cartwright, you can enjoy a cosmic experience at the Wappa Falls Astronomical Observatory, just 24.1km away, perfect for family fun. For a bit of adventure, head to Sunshine Coast Laser Tag, 19.3km away, offering thrilling arcade action. For a taste of culture, the Majestic Theatre, 45.1km away, blends entertainment and romance.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Point Cartwright

Point Cartwright offers a delightful mix of attractions for beach lovers and adventure seekers. You can explore the stunning beach, unwind at the Point Cartwright Reserve, or stroll along the esplanade. This picturesque area is perfect for those looking for outdoor experiences amidst beautiful coastal scenery, making it an ideal destination for your Sunshine Coast getaway.

  • Mooloolaba Esplanade: Stroll along this picturesque esplanade, just 1.6km from Point Cartwright, where you can enjoy romantic views and vibrant outdoor dining. It’s perfect for families looking to soak in the coastal atmosphere.
  • Mooloolaba Beach: Only 966m away, Mooloolaba Beach offers a stunning stretch of golden sand and sparkling waters. It’s an ideal spot for sunbathing or a refreshing swim, immersing yourself in classic beach vibes.
  • Aussie World: Located 11.3km from Point Cartwright, this amusement park promises a day full of family fun and adventure. With thrilling rides and attractions, it’s perfect for those seeking excitement in an outdoor setting.

Best time to go to Point Cartwright

The best time to visit Point Cartwright can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Point Cartwright falls in January, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Point Cartwright falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January76.1°F (24.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March74.5°F (23.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July61.0°F (16.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August62.4°F (16.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September66.0°F (18.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December74.5°F (23.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Point Cartwright

To save money on your trip to Point Cartwright, consider visiting in February, May, or August when accommodation prices are lower. Book your stay about a month in advance for the best deals, or check Expedia's last-minute offers for potential savings. Wednesday is the least expensive day to stay, while Saturday tends to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and preferences, and explore package deals that combine accommodation with flights and activities. Don't forget to look for eco-friendly options and free cancellation policies for added flexibility.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Point Cartwright are February, May and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Point Cartwright is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Point Cartwright is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Point Cartwright is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to customise your preferences such as budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation options currently available. To uncover the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your Point Cartwright hotel accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.