Meet the site
Point Cartwright is the headland on the southern side of the Mooloolah River mouth, crowned by the Point Cartwright lighthouse and a landmark water tower. Its rock platform is one of the few shore-diving spots on a coastline dominated by sandy beaches. The Sea Slug Forum calls it 'a rock platform well worth a visit', noting that nudibranchs, cowries and allied cowries are regularly found, and that diving is possible offshore. Scuba World lists it among the Sunshine Coast's snorkelling headlands, and Scuba Diver Life and PADI include it with Kings Beach and La Balsa Park as the region's shore dives.
Underwater, the rocks are covered in algae, small corals, sponges and ascidians, and the crevices and platform edges hide nudibranchs, cowries, crabs and small reef fish. Because of its position beside the river mouth, the site sees both ocean water and river influence, which helps explain the richness of its invertebrate life – La Balsa Park, the famous nudibranch muck dive, is just around the corner inside the river.
The headland's exposure is the limiting factor. It faces the open ocean and takes the full swell, so most days it is not diveable; on the rare flat days, particularly in winter, it offers a rewarding snorkel or shallow shore dive. Boat traffic in the river mouth is heavy, so stay clear of the channel.
Point Cartwright suits confident snorkellers and shore divers comfortable with rock entries, and macro enthusiasts who want an alternative to La Balsa. On days with any swell, head to La Balsa instead.
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 Cartwright 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- 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 Cartwright 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 Cartwright 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
Nudibranchs, cowries and allied cowries, crabs, small reef fish, algae, sponges, small corals
Location
Rocky headland with a lighthouse at Buddina on the southern side of the Mooloolah River mouth, opposite Mooloolaba; a rock platform snorkel/shore dive known for nudibranchs and cowries.
Facilities nearby
Point Cartwright Reserve car parks, lookout; toilets nearby; La Balsa Park facilities a few minutes away; dive shops in Mooloolaba
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
seaslugforum.netscubaworld.com.auscubadiverlife.comblog.padi.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.