Coastal Pathway: Kawana Beach to Pt Cartwright
A family friendly walk along the beach esplanade, including Pt Cartwright views.
Suitability
This walk is accessible and suitable for families and all ages.
Highlights
The Kawana Beach Sufr Club is the perfect spot to begin featuring, toilet facilities, playground, basketball hoop and wide green spaces – perfect for a family lunch or meeting spot.
The coastal pathway takes walkers along the beach esplanade, with plenty of beach access points and vantage spots with benches for those needing a rest along the way.
The path leading to the base of Pt Cartwright is a typical coastal boardwalk complete with several timber benches and walkways to the beach. The final climb is approximately 230 metres with walkers rewarded with sweeping views back along the Mooloolabah coastline and along the Kawana beach line. The point also features a 7 storey tall light tower and reservoir featuring a magnificent mural painting – definitely photo worthy subjects!
Afterwards
There are a number of cafes a street back from the esplanade and those looking to rest further at the Pt Cartwright turnaround area and take a detour via the beautiful Mooloolah River adjacent to the esplanade.
How to get there
To Start: Via Nicklin Way, turn onto Koorin Drive, then left onto Lowanna Drive. Take Pacific Blvd on the right and the Kawana Surf Club is on your right.
To End: The end point is the start point
Accessibility guide
Mostly flat, with a moderate hill near the lighthouse. Take the higher path there - it is the easier climb, while the lower path is steep and better suited to electric wheelchairs or manual chairs with power-assist attachments. Starting from Kawana Surf Club gives you two accessible parking bays; there are none at the Stan Price Lookout.
Most of the trail is flat, but there is a moderate hill near the Lighthouse. If you want to go up to the Lighthouse, take the higher path. It's easier to climb. The lower path is steep, so it's better for people using electric wheelchairs or those with special devices attached to their manual wheelchairs.
It's recommended to start from Kawana Surf Club where there are two Disability Accessible Parking Bays. There is parking at the Stan Price Lookout though no Disability Accessible Parking Bays here. Grab a coffee, then head north towards Point Cartwright. It is an easy and enjoyable trail to experience.
At the beginning of the trail, you'll see a memorial for the brave soldiers who fought in the wars. It's a good spot for a photo or to take a moment to think about their courage. The trail is shaded by trees, and there is a cool breeze from the sea, making it a pleasant walk.
As you get closer to the Lighthouse, you'll find accessible toilets and parking. There is also a covered lookout where you can sit and enjoy the view of the ocean. You can watch big ships passing by on their way to the Port of Brisbane or watching the paragliders floating in the breeze. The Lighthouse is tall and has a unique shape. Don't forget to check out the big mural on the side of the water reservoir.
- There is a park that is accessible for everyone
- BBQ's and Playground
- Accessible toilets are available
To Start: Via Nicklin Way, turn onto Koorin Drive, then left onto Lowanna Drive. Take Pacific Blvd on the right and the Kawana Surf Club is on your right. To End: The end point is the start point.
After finishing the trail, you can choose to do the Pt Cartwright Loop Trail or go back down the hill. If you're hungry, you can get some tasty fish and chips and eat them at one of the rest stops with an ocean view. Another option is to have a nice lunch at the Kawana Surf Club.
Suitability
Most of the trail is flat, but there is a moderate hill near the Lighthouse. If you want to go up to the Lighthouse, take the higher path. It's easier to climb. The lower path is steep, so it's better for people using electric wheelchairs or those with special devices attached to their manual wheelchairs.
It's recommended to start from Kawana Surf Club where there are two Disability Accessible Parking Bays. There is parking at the Stan Price Lookout though no Disability Accessible Parking Bays here. Grab a coffee, then head north towards Point Cartwright. It is an easy and enjoyable trail to experience.
Highlights
At the beginning of the trail, you'll see a memorial for the brave soldiers who fought in the wars. It's a good spot for a photo or to take a moment to think about their courage. The trail is shaded by trees, and there is a cool breeze from the sea, making it a pleasant walk.
As you get closer to the Lighthouse, you'll find accessible toilets and parking. There is also a covered lookout where you can sit and enjoy the view of the ocean. You can watch big ships passing by on their way to the Port of Brisbane or watching the paragliders floating in the breeze. The Lighthouse is tall and has a unique shape. Don't forget to check out the big mural on the side of the water reservoir.
Facilities and activities
- There is a park that is accessible for everyone
- BBQ's and Playground
- Accessible toilets are available
Getting there
To Start: Via Nicklin Way, turn onto Koorin Drive, then left onto Lowanna Drive. Take Pacific Blvd on the right and the Kawana Surf Club is on your right. To End: The end point is the start point.
Afterwards
After finishing the trail, you can choose to do the Pt Cartwright Loop Trail or go back down the hill. If you're hungry, you can get some tasty fish and chips and eat them at one of the rest stops with an ocean view. Another option is to have a nice lunch at the Kawana 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
- Suitable for recreational cycling
- Drinking water available
- Barbeque on site
- Picnic table on site
- Toilets on site
- Walking track grade
- Grade 1
- Flat and well formed with no steps, and no longer than 5km. Signposted the whole way, and suitable for a wheelchair with someone to help.
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
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.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience of this trail.
Nearby trails

- Walking
Point Cartwright Loop
Buddina
Intermediate1.8 kmCircuit
4.4Your Adventure Starts Here
Save favourites, plan trips, earn badges and share your trail photos with the community — free, in seconds.
Always free · Sign up in seconds
Printed from Adventure Sunshine Coast · https://adventure.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/trails/64967/coastal-pathway-kawana-beach-to-pt-cartwright
Always check current conditions and closures before you set out.




