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.

Point Arkwright is on David Low Way between Yaroomba and Coolum Beach, about 20 minutes' drive north of Mooloolaba. There is roadside parking and a lookout on the headland, with tracks down to the rocks and small beaches either side. The rocks are steep and slippery, so carry gear carefully and wear booties.

Entries should be made only on flat days from a sheltered side; there are no facilities on the point itself.

Point Arkwright faces the open ocean and takes the full south-east swell; Scuba World warns that the Sunshine Coast's rocky headlands are dangerous in swell or wind. Go only on flat days (swell under about 0.5-1 m) with light westerly winds, typically winter mornings, and avoid days after heavy rain. The adjacent beaches are unpatrolled and have rips.

On a flat day, enter from the sheltered side of the headland, snorkel or fin along the rocky edge at 2-6 m, and exit at the same point. Stay out of the surf zone and away from rips.

No operator – independent snorkel/shore dive.