Point Cartwright

Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate to Expert
Skill Level
Ocean
Spot Type
Moderate
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Point Cartwright is a low-profile, exposed reef-and-point break at the northern end of the Mooloolaba area, producing a classic right-hand wave that wraps around the rocky headland and a rock/sand point. When the swell is aligned, surfers can get consistent, peeling point waves with moderate power. The spot is generally best with southeast swell (often discussed as working especially well with southeast conditions). Wind-wise, offshore tendencies are reported with South-Westerly to Westerly winds, while heavy Southerlies can be less favorable because the site remains exposed overall—though the headland can offer some shelter in certain southerly angles. Safety is a key consideration: the wave breaks over submerged and exposed rocks, and strong sweeps/rip currents are common around the headland. Hazards reported include sharks and jellyfish (with additional stinging/seasonal hazards also mentioned). The beach is reported as unpatrolled, so you should plan as if there is no immediate rescue support. For ride quality, mid-tide is commonly recommended to avoid the shallowest rock sections, and the wave can become challenging on bigger sets due to heavy sweeps. Skill-wise, the spot is described as primarily intermediate to expert, with experienced surfers best able to manage the rocky entry/exit and current effects.

  • Right-hand point break wrapping around the rocky headland
  • Works best on southeast swells
  • Mid-tide favored to reduce the shallowest rock impacts
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Classic right-hand point/reef break with consistent performance on the right swell
  • Often works best with southeast swells
  • Can offer long rides (around 100–200 meters) on good days
Heads up
  • Exposed reef/point setup with rocks and strong currents/sweeps
  • No lifeguards patrolling
  • Conditions can be tricky depending on tide and rock sections
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SW, W
Offshore directions
S
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Afternoon sea breezes are common in summer; seasonal trade-wind patterns are typical for the region.
Reliability
Moderate reliability for surfing conditions
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Generally light gustiness reported for surfing conditions.
Best Months
April, May, June, July
Shadow Zones
The headland provides some protection from South-Easterly winds.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand — Overall sand composition reported, with rocky reef/headland features affecting access and entry.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Reported as medium; reef and rock shelves can significantly affect how the wave behaves.
Launch
Small — Rocky entry off the headland or paddling from an adjacent beach.
Launch Difficulty
Difficult — Rocky entry and reef effects increase launch and exit difficulty.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
19–27 °C
Water Temperature
12–29 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun, Jul, Aug: 3/2mmJan–Dec: rash vest / 1mm top
Crowds by Season

Can be very crowded on weekends and during good South-East swells.

Storm/Rain Season

Late summer (January–March) can see tropical low pressure systems and higher rainfall.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed right-hand reef and point break wrapping around a rocky headland/rock and sand point, with consistent surf when the swell is right.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
SE, E
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Mid-tide favored to avoid the shallowest rock sections.
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — Semi-sheltered by the headland compared with open water; otherwise generally exposed.
Wind Effect
Offshore in South-Westerly to Westerly winds; sheltered from heavy Southerlies. Best performance is often associated with southeast swells.
Bigger Swell
Can handle larger swells but becomes challenging with heavy sweeps.
Wave Quality
Good — Wave quality described as good to excellent on the right days.
Wave Power
Moderate — Quality right-hand point break with moderate wave power.
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Can produce longer rides when the swell and conditions are right.
Typical Ride Length
100–200 m
Ride Length Details
Good days can offer rides of about 100-200 meters.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Point Cartwright in the full forecast view.

Point Cartwright wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–11 ktsGusts 21 kts
Direction
NE47°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2511 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.6–1.6 m6s period
Temperature
20–30 °C

Over the next 7 days, Point Cartwright is forecast for daytime winds of 3–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.6–1.6 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • rocks
  • submerged rocks
  • strong sweep
  • rip currents
  • sharks
  • jellyfish
  • bluebottles
Ability Level: Intermediate to Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguard patrolling reported for this beach.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — Spot-level reports no rescue availability for the immediate area.
Emergency Info
Sunshine Coast University Hospital is the nearest major medical facility; emergency services: 000.
Localism / Vibe
None — No specific localism friction reported at the spot level.

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup.

Local Tips
  • Watch the rock entry and exit carefully.
  • Best surfed on a mid-tide to avoid the shallowest rock sections.
  • Works best with southeast swells.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Mooloolaba
Nearest Town
Buddina
Parking
Surf lookout car park at Point Cartwright on Pacific Boulevard; La Balsa park car park on corner of Harbour Parade and Gulai Street
Access
Access via the Point Cartwright Walkway or through the reserve from the Pacific Boulevard car park; drive to surf lookout car park past apartments on Pacific Boulevard and walk toward the lighthouse, then down the hill to the groyne
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Picnic area
Accommodation
Nearby town — Holiday rentals and apartments in Buddina and Mooloolaba.
Food & Drink
Cafes and restaurants located nearby in Buddina and Mooloolaba Wharf.
Equipment Rental:
Surf shops available in nearby Mooloolaba.
Gear Repair
Local surf shops in the Sunshine Coast area.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Coastal headland scenery and nearby attractions make it easy to combine surf days with sightseeing around Mooloolaba.

Best time to visit: Spring (September–November) offers the best balance of warm weather, consistent wind, and lower rainfall.
Sea Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium0.5km from Mooloolaba

A major marine park featuring shark tunnels and seal presentations.

Point Cartwright Light1.0km from Mooloolaba

An active lighthouse and landmark providing panoramic views of the coastline.

Maroochy River Jet Skiing2.0km from Maroochydore

Self-drive jet ski hire and guided tours through the river system.

The Wharf Mooloolaba0.5km from Mooloolaba

A waterfront precinct with numerous dining and bar options.

Cotton Tree Park0.1km from Maroochydore

Large riverside park with playgrounds, BBQ facilities, and calm swimming areas.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Point Cartwright?

The best overall months at Point Cartwright are April, May, June, July.

Which wind directions work at Point Cartwright?

Point Cartwright works with S, SW, W winds. Offshore directions are S.

What skill level is Point Cartwright suitable for?

Point Cartwright suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.