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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- Exposed reef/point setup with rocks and strong currents/sweeps
- No lifeguards patrolling
- Conditions can be tricky depending on tide and rock sections
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
Can be very crowded on weekends and during good South-East swells.
Late summer (January–March) can see tropical low pressure systems and higher rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed right-hand reef and point break wrapping around a rocky headland/rock and sand point, with consistent surf when the swell is right.
- 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.
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.
Other spots in the area
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
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.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Coastal headland scenery and nearby attractions make it easy to combine surf days with sightseeing around Mooloolaba.
A major marine park featuring shark tunnels and seal presentations.
An active lighthouse and landmark providing panoramic views of the coastline.
Self-drive jet ski hire and guided tours through the river system.
A waterfront precinct with numerous dining and bar options.
Large riverside park with playgrounds, BBQ facilities, and calm swimming areas.
From riders who've been here
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.