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.

From Mooloolaba cross the Mooloolah River on the bridge and follow Point Cartwright Drive to the end at Buddina (about 10 minutes). Park in the Point Cartwright Reserve car parks near the lighthouse and water tower. Short paths lead down to the rocks and beaches either side of the headland.

The rock platform is uneven and slippery – wear booties – and entries should only be attempted on flat days. La Balsa Park, inside the river mouth, is a few minutes away.

Point Cartwright is an exposed headland facing east into the swell. Scuba World warns that the rocky headland sites are dangerous in swell or windy conditions; go only on genuinely flat days (swell under about 0.5-1 m) with light westerly winds, typically winter mornings. The river mouth next door produces strong tidal flow and boat traffic, and the outgoing tide carries river water along the shore – dive on the incoming tide around high water.

Visibility drops after rain.

On a flat day, enter from the rocks on the more sheltered side, snorkel or dive along the platform edge at 2-6 m searching the rock and algae for nudibranchs and cowries, and exit at the same place. Stay well clear of the river-mouth channel.

No operator – independent snorkel/shore dive. Scuba World lists it among Sunshine Coast snorkelling headlands.