Named for its multi-coloured sand dunes, Rainbow Beach is an idyllic subtropical town on the Great Beach Drive. It’s an aquatic paradise great for swimming, fishing and surfing and is the gateway to Fraser Island and Cooloola National Park.
Things to do in Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach boasts one of the longest surf breaks in Australia at Double Island Point, as well as a variety of beaches ideal for swimming. Dolphins, dugongs and turtles can often be spotted frolicking in the waters, with the lookout at Double Island Point Lighthouse offering stunning water views.
Visit Carlo Sand Blow, a natural wonder reached along a short, wooded track. There are magnificent views from the top of Double Island Point, Tin Can Bay and the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach, with the panorama particularly impressive at sunrise and sunset.
Follow one of the scenic walking trails that wind through Cooloola National Park, such as the Cooloola Great Walk or the Cooloola Wilderness Trail. Witness the tea-coloured waters of Lake Poona and Seary’s Creek, where you can stop for a swim or picnic.
Rainbow Beach is a short drive from Inskip Point, which serves as the gateway to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. Spend a day touring its stunning lakes, beaches and rainforests, where you’ll find a fascinating shipwreck and unique flora and fauna.
Getting around Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach is one hour’s drive east of Gympie and just under three hours from Brisbane Airport. The town is easy to explore on foot, but hiring a 4WD or joining a tour is necessary to explore Fraser Island.