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Sunshine Coast Council
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Point Cartwright Loop
Point Cartwright Loop
Buddina
Trail type
Skill Level
2.0km
Length
Circuit
Description
A coastal path that takes you round Point Cartwright lighthouse overlooking the Mooloolah River, Mooloolah Spit and the coast.
SUITABILITY
Suitable for walkers and recreational cyclists (mostly).
HIGHLIGHTS
Located near the mouth of the Mooloolah River, Point Cartwright is renowned for its scenic beauty and landmark lighthouse. The current reinforced concrete pentagonal tower, measuring 32.4 metres in height, was opened in 1979, replacing earlier lighthouses that had been guiding ships into Moreton Bay since 1896.
Next to the lighthouse is a reservoir featuring a stunning ocean mural, giving yet another reason to visit this area.
This reserve has long been a popular venue for weddings, picnics, rock fishing and rockpool exploring.
Start either from La Balsa Park down by the river or, as mapped here, the Reserve carpark at the end of Pacific Boulevard.
There are plenty of seats and places to sit and soak it all up, marvelling at the absolutely gorgeous beaches and rock pools. You might be lucky and see a seal resting on the rocks.
Swimming is at your own risk. Be careful descending down the ocean side to the beach.
AFTERWARDS
Point Cartwright is part of the 96 km Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway and the top end of the Caloundra section. For a longer walk you can follow Pacific Boulevard and the beach southwards. There are numerous picnic spots, toilets, viewing sites and beach access points along the way.
For food and refreshments there are lots of option close by including CK Coffee Bar & Wholefoods and the Surf Club at Mooloolaba.
HOW TO GET THERE
To the starting point: Make your way to Nicklin Way Kawana, accessible via the Southern end of the Sunshine Coast Motorway. On the northside of Kawana Shopping World take Point Cartwright Drive. Follow this road for 2 km and then turn left into Pacific Boulevard. Stop at the carpark near the start of the parklands.
To the end point: The end point is the same as the starting point.
Map
Activities and facilities
Glossary
Suitable for wheelchairs- Suitable for walking
Suitable for recreational cycling
Suitable for mountain biking
Suitable for horse riding
Suitable for kayaking
Drinking water available
No drinking water available
Barbeque on site
Picnic table on site
Toilets on site
Fires permitted
Fires prohibited
Camping permitted
Camping prohibited
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Suitable for walking
-
Drinking water available
-
Barbeque on site
-
Picnic table on site
-
Toilets on site
-
Fires prohibited
-
Camping prohibited
Reviews
Review Date: 31/05/2019
This walk is the best of both worlds - doggy paradise where our furry friends get to meet and greet other dogs, have a swim and enjoy a beach walk with us. Our kids love the walk and jump in for a swim as well or explore the rock pools at low tide. Just a magical place at anytime of the day but low tide allows to walk around the point and even finish up on the grassy slopes near the lighthouse to enjoy the sunset in this beautiful place. Something for all ages, human or four legged!
Reviewed By: Sheryl
Review Date: 11/05/2019
Beautiful walk, perfect for kids and pram friendly. Amazing views from the top and great stretch of beach to discover lots of interesting shells. Our kids just love it.
Reviewed By: Michaela
Review Date: 30/11/2018
This is one of the best sunset walks to take on the Sunshine Coast! Time it right to catch the sunset from either the light tower on the groin or from the water tank at the top of the hill (and whilst you're there - check out the beautiful mural). With dogs permitted off-leash along certain segments of this trail (early morning and late afternoon) - it's a haven for four-legged friends.
Reviewed By: Jasmine
Review Date: 28/11/2018
Pleasant suburban walk. The highlight for me were the views along the coastline towards the south. Very busy sight and popular with dog owners. Try another location if you are after a bush walk.
Reviewed By: Wendy
Review Date: 06/11/2018
Beautiful walk around one of our coastal jewels. Easy walking for all ages and great for families with small children in strollers or on trikes. Before 8am dogs are allowed off leash in much of the reserve so it is a very popular informal meeting place for regular dog walkers.
Reviewed By: Julie
Review Date: 02/11/2018
A fairly short walk from the car park to the lighthouse giving you views along the northern and southern coast's. Take a picnic blanket and some snacks and enjoy the scenery, particularly for a morning sunrise or afternoon sunset.
Reviewed By: Adam
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Safety
IN AN EMERGENCY DIAL '000'.
Always Adventure Safely!
- Always follow any local signage, it contains key information and conditions can change at any time.
-
Use the trails with consideration for your abilities, be prepared for the adventure ahead:
- Be aware of the weather conditions, found here: http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/.
- Always wear appropriate clothing, focus on good footwear.
- Always bring more water than you think you will need.
- Be Sun Safe!
- Always let someone know where you are going that isn’t going with you.
- Just getting started try this site for good useful information: https://www.trailhiking.com.au/hike-safety/
- Sunshine Coast Council does it’s best to maintain current information but things can change so always be aware that a trail may not be as listed in this guide, and report and issues via our feedback link.
Maintenance and Enquiries
Sunshine Coast Council
For any issues with this experience please contact:
Sunshine Coast Council via 07 5475 7272 or via e-mail: adventure@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
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