Where Can You Go Spearfishing on the Sunshine Coast Without a Boat?
No boat? No worries. Discover the best shore-entry spearfishing spots on the Sunshine Coast - perfect for beginners and local adventurers.
If you’ve got your gear ready but don’t have access to a boat- good news: the Sunshine Coast has some amazing shore-entry spearfishing spots where you can swim straight out from the beach or rocks and still find great reef, structure, and fish life.
1. Point Arkright (Coolum)
Point Arkwright is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most underrated shore dives. Access is from the southern end of Coolum Beach, where rocky ledges and reef patches extend up to 12 metres deep. The area is known for coral growth, reef fish, and the occasional pelagic cruising past.
💡Dive Tip: Ideal in light winds and small swell. Go early morning for the best visibility. Always use a float and flag - it’s a popular area for surfers and swimmers.
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2. Point Cartwright
A local favourite. Just south of Mooloolaba, Point Cartwright offers easy entry from the rocks or beach with access to reef patches in 4–10 metres of water. You could find small tuskfish, flathead, and the occasional sweetlip.
💡 Dive Tip: Best dived on a low swell and incoming tide. Bring a dive float and flag — there’s regular boat traffic nearby.
3. Mudjimba Island (Old Woman Island)
For experienced shore swimmers(kayak preferred), you can reach Mudjimba Island from the beach (around a 600–700m surface swim). You could see bream, crayfish, coral trout, kingfish and mackerel in season.
💡Dive Tip: Only attempt this in calm conditions with a dive buddy and a float with a high-vis flag. The swim is long but worth it.
3. Noosa National Park (Tea Tree Bay & Granite Bay)
If you’re after clear water and scenic surroundings, Tea Tree Bay and Granite Bay are hard to beat. You’ll find rocky reef edges dropping to around 8–12m, home to trevally, drummer, and the odd queen fish.
💡Dive Tip: Go early morning for the best visibility, and check swell- easterly winds can make entry tricky.
4. Mooloolaba River Mouth
Perfect for beginners looking to practice breath-hold diving and speargun safety. The outer walls near the river mouth and beach edge hold smaller reef species and flathead.
💡Dive Tip: Stick to incoming tide for better visibility and avoid the main channel — boat traffic can be heavy.
5. Stumers Creek
Entry from Stumers Creek gives you access to shallow reef sitting just offshore in 3–8m. You’ll spot snapper and parrotfish, and visibility can surprise you on calm winter days.
💡 Dive Tip: Swim straight out from the creek mouth about 300m; visibility is best after two days of light winds.
Local Conditions & Safety
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Always check wind, swell, and tide before diving (Seabreeze or BOM Marine).
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Use a dive float and flag — it’s required by law in QLD.
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Never dive alone.
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Respect marine life, size limits, and protected zones (check QLD Fisheries maps).
Recommended Gear for Shore Spearfishing
When shore diving, you’ll want lightweight, efficient gear for easier entry and longer dives:
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Wetsuit: 3–5mm freediving suit for warmth and comfort.
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Long fins: Better efficiency for surface swimming.
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Float & Flag: For safety and visibility.
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Compact speargun or small roller gun: Ideal for shallower reef hunting.
Explore our full range of freediving and spearfishing gear at Dive Cave — everything you need to dive safely and confidently from shore.
Dive Cave Tip
Some of the best dives start from the beach. The key is local knowledge, patience, and reading the conditions. Start small, dive often, and enjoy the process- the Sunshine Coast coastline is full of hidden gems waiting to be explored.