Point Cartwright Loop
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.
Accessibility guide
Suitable for people of all abilities. Travel the loop clockwise, and near the lighthouse take the higher path rather than the lower one, which declines noticeably and is harder going with a mobility device.
The Point Cartwright Loop trail is suitable for people of all abilities.
Clockwise direction: It is recommended to tackle the trail in a clockwise direction. This means starting from a specific point and following the loop accordingly. By doing so, you can approach the short section on the southern side of the Lighthouse, which may pose some challenges for individuals using mobility devices, in a more manageable manner.
Path choice: As you near the Lighthouse, you'll encounter a higher path and a lower path. The lower path has a noticeable decline that might be challenging for some individuals. Opting for the higher path offers a more level route and can be a better choice.
By considering these suggestions, individuals using mobility devices or those who prefer a less strenuous route can still fully enjoy the Point Cartwright Loop. The trail promises stunning views, a serene atmosphere, and a chance to appreciate the coastal beauty and embrace the natural surroundings.
- Views of the ocean
- Parklands
- Scrub Turkeys
- Accessible parking
- Accessible toilet facilities
- Accessible viewing deck
From the Nicklyn way, accessible via the southern end of the Sunshine Motorway. On the northern side of Kawana shopping World, take Point Cartwright Drive. Follow this road for 2km and then turn left into Pacific Boulevard and stop at the carpark near the parklands.
Start your adventure at the carpark, located about 100 metres below the Lighthouse. This area offers accessible parking and is an excellent starting point. Adjacent to the carpark, you'll find a covered lookout where you can relax and witness the grandeur of the big ships sailing in or simply enjoy the soothing sound of the surf.
From there, head towards the lighthouse for approximately 50 meters, then take a left turn. This will guide you in a clockwise direction, leading you down the steepest section of the trail. Once at the bottom, make a left turn and follow the shady pathway lined with sub-tropical trees until you reach the banks of the Mooloolah River. Take a right turn here to continue along the ocean side of the loop, where the trail is relatively flat and wide.
When you reach the endpoint, marvel at the skill of the boats manoeuvring in and out of the ocean. Then, make your way up to the top of the loop, where the lighthouse awaits. Trust us, the climb is worth it! Take a seat on one of the wheelchair-friendly benches and enjoy the breathtaking 180-degree views of the ocean.
Enjoy a swim at the beach, or a picnic in the parklands or stop in at the Kawana Beach Surf Club
Suitability
The Point Cartwright Loop trail is suitable for people of all abilities.
Clockwise direction: It is recommended to tackle the trail in a clockwise direction. This means starting from a specific point and following the loop accordingly. By doing so, you can approach the short section on the southern side of the Lighthouse, which may pose some challenges for individuals using mobility devices, in a more manageable manner.
Path choice: As you near the Lighthouse, you'll encounter a higher path and a lower path. The lower path has a noticeable decline that might be challenging for some individuals. Opting for the higher path offers a more level route and can be a better choice.
By considering these suggestions, individuals using mobility devices or those who prefer a less strenuous route can still fully enjoy the Point Cartwright Loop. The trail promises stunning views, a serene atmosphere, and a chance to appreciate the coastal beauty and embrace the natural surroundings.
Highlights
- Views of the ocean
- Parklands
- Scrub Turkeys
Facilities and activities
- Accessible parking
- Accessible toilet facilities
- Accessible viewing deck
Getting there
From the Nicklyn way, accessible via the southern end of the Sunshine Motorway. On the northern side of Kawana shopping World, take Point Cartwright Drive. Follow this road for 2km and then turn left into Pacific Boulevard and stop at the carpark near the parklands.
Start your adventure at the carpark, located about 100 metres below the Lighthouse. This area offers accessible parking and is an excellent starting point. Adjacent to the carpark, you'll find a covered lookout where you can relax and witness the grandeur of the big ships sailing in or simply enjoy the soothing sound of the surf.
From there, head towards the lighthouse for approximately 50 meters, then take a left turn. This will guide you in a clockwise direction, leading you down the steepest section of the trail. Once at the bottom, make a left turn and follow the shady pathway lined with sub-tropical trees until you reach the banks of the Mooloolah River. Take a right turn here to continue along the ocean side of the loop, where the trail is relatively flat and wide.
When you reach the endpoint, marvel at the skill of the boats manoeuvring in and out of the ocean. Then, make your way up to the top of the loop, where the lighthouse awaits. Trust us, the climb is worth it! Take a seat on one of the wheelchair-friendly benches and enjoy the breathtaking 180-degree views of the ocean.
Afterwards
Enjoy a swim at the beach, or a picnic in the parklands or stop in at the Kawana Beach Surf Club
Disclaimer:
This trail accessibility review has been undertaken by Spinal Life Australia. Please note that the trails reviewed are not compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Instead, these reviews are intended to provide additional information to assist trail users and carers in assessing the usability of each trail, including details about accessible parking, trail surfaces, and amenity facilities.
About this place
- Suitable for walking
- Drinking water available
- Barbeque on site
- Picnic table on site
- Toilets on site
- Playground on site
- Walking track grade
- Grade 3
- A formed track with some obstacles, up to 20km. Expect short steep sections and plenty of steps. Some walking experience helps.
Graded on the Queensland Parks walking track scale. Walk with care(opens in a new tab)
- Managed by
- Sunshine Coast Council
To report damage, a hazard or another problem with the trail:
Safety
Hazards on this trail
Descending down the ocean side to the beach
In an emergency, call 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: Bureau of Meteorology — Queensland(opens in a new tab)
- 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: Trail Hiking Australia — hike safety(opens in a new tab)
- Sunshine Coast Council does its best to keep this information current, but things change, so be aware that a trail may not be as listed here.
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!
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.
Nearby trails
- Walking
- Cycling
Coastal Pathway: Kawana Beach to Pt Cartwright
Buddina
Easy2.7 kmCircuit
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Printed from Adventure Sunshine Coast · https://adventure.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/trails/28830/point-cartwright-loop
Always check current conditions and closures before you set out.