Point Arkwright Trail

The Point Arkwright Trail is a coastal cliff-top walking track on the Sunshine Coast between Coolum Beach and Yaroomba, and it is one of the better dog-on-lead walks on this stretch of coast. The defining feature is a chain of elevated ocean lookouts with reliable vantage over the water, which is why walkers come away talking about dolphins, turtles, osprey and, in season, whales more than the track itself.

The walk

The trail links a series of maintained viewing platforms along the headland and connects into the broader Coolum to Point Arkwright foreshore route. It is not a loop: you walk out and return the same way, or extend toward Coolum Beach. The track stays on higher ground with several exit points down to road or beach access tracks. Count on roughly 3 to 5 kilometres return depending on where you start. The surface needs attention, with narrow, sandy and uneven sections and exposed tree roots, plus a few short climbs and stairs.

Leash status

Dogs must be on a leash on all paths at all times, and this strip now carries some of the strictest rules on the Sunshine Coast. Council dog rules that started on 3 July 2026 protect the wildlife and coastal vegetation here, with fines of up to $863 for non-compliance. Dogs are prohibited from the sandy foreshore, the dunes and the designated environmental protection zones along this section, including the rocky foreshore between some beach accesses. This is a walk for a dog that settles at heel, not one that wants to explore every side track.

Water and hazards

Bring your own water; there is nothing reliable on the track itself. Cliff edges, unstable sandy edges and the root-riddled surface are the main hazards, so keep the lead short on the narrow sections. The good news for cleanup is that dog waste bins sit near the park access points, but carry spares because the bins are spread out rather than at every lookout. Occasional benches and picnic tables give you a spot to stop and watch the water.

Getting there and parking

Street parking sits near the Point Arkwright Viewpoint off Jubilee Esplanade, but it is limited, so arrive early on weekends or start from the Coolum Beach end and walk in. TransLink buses run along David Low Way with stops near the scenic area if you would rather leave the car at home.

When to go

Early mornings and late afternoons are cooler, quieter and best for wildlife, while weekend mornings draw the biggest crowds. The cliff-top track works at any tide, though the beach access points below change character with the water, so check the tide chart if you plan to finish on the sand. Whale season roughly June to October is the standout window for the lookouts.

While you're out there

For a proper off-lead run afterwards, the Coolum Beach Off leash dog beach and Stumers Creek Dog Offleash Area are a short drive north. Post-walk coffee is easy with Rock Hop Espresso and Ma Boulange Cafe in Coolum Beach, and the Coolum to Point Arkwright via Foreshore Trail extends the walk if the legs are willing.

More routes are on the Queensland dog trails guide and the Point Arkwright destination page.