Point Cartwright is a bushy headland at Buddina on the Sunshine Coast, with an active lighthouse, a lookout over the mouth of the Mooloolah River and a free car park. The reserve covers about 5 hectares, and you can walk from the car park to the lighthouse in a few minutes.
It suits a short stop: a lap of the headland, a picnic on the grass, then a walk down to the sand. It sits on the southern side of Mooloolaba, so it fits easily into a day around Mooloolaba Beach.
The Point Cartwright Lighthouse
The lighthouse stands at the eastern tip of the reserve. It is a pentagonal concrete tower 32.4 metres high, officially opened on 10 September 1979, and it is unmanned. It took over lighting the North West Channel from the Caloundra lighthouse built in 1967, which had become ineffective by the late 1970s.
A path of about 230 metres leads from the car park up to the lighthouse and the open grass around it. From the grass you look out across the ocean to the east and back up the coast towards Mooloolaba.
The water tower mural
The old water tower in the reserve is painted with an underwater scene of whales and turtles. Jugglers Art Space finished the mural in 2016, and it is easy to spot from the path to the lighthouse.
Point Cartwright lookout and the river mouth
The reserve overlooks the mouth of the Mooloolah River, with Mooloolaba across the water. There is a viewing platform at the car park, and the headland’s low coastal bush is shaped by wind and salt. Council lists a scenic viewpoint and a walking trail on the reserve.
You can also walk a circuit of the reserve, which makes a good stretch of the legs if you have an hour.
Is Point Cartwright Beach safe for swimming?
Point Cartwright Beach and the long Buddina Beach to the north are not patrolled, so there are no lifeguards or flags. Swim with care, stay close to shore and keep a close eye on children. Surf Life Saving Queensland advises swimming only at patrolled beaches, between the flags. For a patrolled swim, head to Alexandra Headland or Mooloolaba Beach.
Buddina Beach has beach showers at several access points, and toilets at the reserve.
Is Point Cartwright dog friendly?
Dogs are allowed off leash at all times on the beach between beach access 198 and 201, close to the car park. Dogs are not allowed at Carties Beach (access 196 to 196T), on the rocky foreshore, in the dune areas along Buddina Beach or in parts of the reserve. Entering a prohibited area can bring a $345 fine. The signs on site and council’s dog access map at pets.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au show the current boundaries.
Planning your visit
- How long: 30 minutes for the lighthouse and views, 1 to 2 hours with the walk around the reserve and a swim or picnic.
- Best time: Clear weather shows off the ocean from the headland. It is exposed, so a windy day feels cooler than the beachfront.
- What to bring: Water, sunscreen, a hat and sturdy shoes for the bush track.
- Picnics: There is a shelter, plus picnic tables and seats.
- Toilets: One at the car park and one about 250 metres west of the water tower.
- Weddings: The reserve is a popular spot for ceremonies, so you may share the grass on weekends.
A bit of history
Point Cartwright was long used as a landing place, a picnic spot and a place for rock fishing. About 10 acres were set aside as a recreation and scenic reserve in 1933. The current lighthouse was opened in 1979.
Getting there and parking
Point Cartwright Reserve is on Point Cartwright Drive at Buddina, about 100 km north of the Brisbane CBD, which is about 1 hour 25 minutes by car without traffic. From Mooloolaba it is a short drive across the Mooloolah River.
The reserve has a free car park, with the viewing platform and a toilet beside it. For bus options, use the Translink journey planner or call 13 12 30. Council’s reserve details are on its Point Cartwright Reserve page.
Nearby
- Mooloolaba Beach – patrolled beach with the Esplanade just across the river.
- Alexandra Headland – a patrolled surf beach with a skate park and playground.
- Maroochydore Beach – the next beach up the coast.
- Mudjimba Beach – a quieter beach further north.
- Kings Beach, Caloundra – a family beach to the south.
- More views on the lookouts page, and more days out in the Sunshine Coast guide.
Quick answers
Is there parking at Point Cartwright?
Yes. The reserve has a free car park, and the viewing platform and a toilet are beside it.
How far is the walk to the lighthouse?
About 230 metres from the car park, on a pedestrian path.
Can you go inside Point Cartwright Lighthouse?
The lighthouse is unmanned, and council does not list a way inside, so plan on viewing it from outside.
Can you swim at Point Cartwright?
The beaches here are not patrolled, so there are no lifeguards. For a patrolled swim, head to Mooloolaba Beach or Alexandra Headland.
Are there toilets at Point Cartwright Reserve?
Yes, two public toilets: one at the car park and one about 250 metres west of the water tower.
How far is Point Cartwright from Brisbane?
About 100 km, around 1 hour 25 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD without traffic.
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