Point Cartwright lies at the mouth of the Mooloolah River and plays host to some of the most stunning views of the Sunshine Coast and it’s pristine waters. With it’s beautiful beaches, tranquil walking paths, great point break and dedicated off-lead areas for the pooch the Point is one of the best places to go for a day off with the family, or just a few friends.

Starting at the base of the headland at the mouth of the Mooloolah River you can begin your appreciation for the Points beauty. As you follow the edge of the river you will come across an open parkland that will lead you up to the headland. There’s plenty of space and shade here for anyone looking for a great picnic spot for the family or even just letting the dog off the lead for some fetch. There is a time restriction for where and when dogs are permitted off lead here, but there’s plenty of signage to let you know and about any further guidelines for behaviour, and for everyone’s sake; bring a plastic baggie or two for the number twos.

As you draw closer to the headland and its outer most point the full spectrum of this spectacular vantage point will start to come into sight. Appreciate the views of Mooloolaba, Mount Coolum, Alexandra Headland and Maroochydore Beach as well as the beginnings of Cotton Tree. From the base of the Lighthouse you can see just as far in either direction including the full stretch of Kawana Beach to the south. This is where you’ll want to dust off the camera and take a few well-framed shots of the breath taking views around you. The Lighthouse itself has stood watch at the point since 1979, after the New Caloundra Lighthouse was made redundant by rising building heights around it. 35 years of this view doesn’t sound too bad.

As well as being a reserve in order to preserve the still operating lighthouse, the area is also a nature preserve. The endangered species of butterfly, the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly used to populate from as far south as Grafton in new south whales to as far north as Maryborough in Queensland. Its habitat has since been retrenched to roughly one third of its former size. In an effort to rectify this, the Caloundra City Council has started a Habitat Restoration project in the area. By planting a specific species of vine, the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly Vine, it is hoped the butterfly will again begin to populate the area and bring itself back from the brink. I did feel twinge of guilt as I listened to the sounds of my happily yipping four legged pal in the background, as he pounced and chased butterflies nearby.

We quickly moved along before my little friend brought around the end of an endangered species and made our way down onto the bright sandy beach and admired the pristine waters as the sunlight danced and sparkled across its clear blue surface. It was entirely too inviting on such a warm day so we both quickly jumped in for a quick splash around to cool off. After our floundering through the waves, and a few unsuccessful attempts at snapping up a curious fish or two we shook ourselves dry and started the trek back to the car. We both went home smiling the whole ride, with some good memories and plenty of hopes for a return trip in the future.