Meet the site
Point Arkwright is one of four rocky headlands that Scuba World lists as the Sunshine Coast's shore snorkelling sites, together with Point Cartwright, Kings Beach and Noosa National Park. Scuba World is frank about the limitations: sandy beaches dominate the coast, so marine life along the shore is limited, and the headland sites are dangerous when there is swell or wind. Water is warm but less clear from November to May, and cooler (20-22°C) but clearer from June to October.
The headland is a rocky point between Yaroomba and Coolum Beach, better known as a lookout and surf spot than a dive site. Its rocks extend into the water, forming the kind of hard substrate that supports algae, sponges and small corals, reef fish, crabs and nudibranchs on this coast. No detailed dive description, depth or entry point has been published, and the site does not feature on any operator's dive list.
In practice it is a site for local snorkellers and experienced shore divers who can judge conditions on the day and are comfortable with rock entries. Visitors will find more reliable shore diving at La Balsa Park in the Mooloolah River, and better reef at Mudjimba Island by boat.
If you do go, pick a still winter morning, check the swell from the lookout before carrying gear down, and have an exit point planned before entering the water. Bring a buddy or a spotter on the rocks, as the headland is quiet on weekdays and there is no lifeguard service on this stretch.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Point Arkwright is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Sunshine Coast. The listed access is shore. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Point Arkwright suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Point Arkwright through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Reef fish, crabs, nudibranchs, algae, sponges, small corals (not documented in detail)
Location
Rocky headland between Yaroomba and Coolum Beach on the northern Sunshine Coast, listed by Scuba World as a shore snorkelling site in calm conditions.
Facilities nearby
Roadside parking and lookout; shops and cafes at Coolum Beach
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
scubaworld.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.