Stunning walk with amazing lookouts and natural bushland.
Starting from Point Arkwright carpark, head east out onto the point to admire views south from Mt. Coolum around to Point Cartwright.
On a clear day Moreton Island can be seen east of Point Cartwright. Head north from Point Arkwright along the track following the cliff top.
Stop at the first lookout to look for surfacing turtles, dolphins, feeding ospreys and brahminy kites and in winter and early spring, passing whales.
This look out is ideally situated view the landscape northwards past Coolum and Peregian to Noosa Heads, and has been designed with a boardwalk suitable for wheelchairs and prams. Be careful to limit your viewing to the viewing platform, and remain inside fence lines near cliffs at all times.
Walk along the boardwalk towards the road from this point, turning right just past the picnic shelter. Continue north to the second lookout, staying on the track furthest from the cliffs. About 100m north of the second lookout, the track forks. Take the left fork, which winds through a mixed forest of banksia, bloodwoods and brush and swamp box. Look too, for seasonal wildflowers such as wedding bush and rice flowers, which start the cliff top. Many small birds, particularly honeyeaters, frequent this area, making it interesting to walk through.
The track comes out on to the bike path near Third Bay carpark. The stately remains of the 'scribbly' gums from Mt. Coolum remind us of the build environment continually displacing fauna and flora. Continue north on the bike path to the carpark above Second Bay. From here, take the steps at the front of the carpark that lead down into Second Bay. Head south through Second Bay and over the rocks into Third Bay - this is a good area in which to find cowrie shells. Once in Third Bay, continue to the southern end, keeping an eye out for the track back up on to the headland.
Return walk approx: 3km. 1.5 hours, easy if you stay on the path. Not suitable for wheelchairs or prams beyond the lookout
Special Features: Birds, sea life, coastal forest, swimming
Toilet facilities at Pt Arkwright carpark
by Stan Ryan - another local legend
Compiled by Coolum Area Parks Society