Camping At Double Island Point: 4X4 Guide
Experience an untouched coastline of Queensland.
Camping at Double Island Point is the ultimate 4×4 camping experience for adventurous travellers. If there’s one spot that keeps on blowing us away every time we visit, it’s Double Island. Think clear waters, white sandy beaches and epic camping spots and you’ll understand why Double Island Point is a coastal gem.
The best thing? You’ll need a 4WD to get there. And that’s half the fun. We’ve spent plenty of time exploring DI, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get there, the best places to camp, share helpful tips about beach driving, and unveil a bunch of activities to do.
Not keen on reading? Check out our 10-minute YouTube video for the ultimate guide to Double Island.
Why is it called Double Island point?
First things first. Double Island isn’t actually an island. Double Island is a coastal headland located in Queensland between Noosa and Rainbow Beach. This little piece of paradise falls in the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park. From a distance, it looks like two separate islands, which is why Captain James Cook named it “Double Island” when he was passing there in 1770.
History aside, what you’ll find today is a slice of untouched coastline that feels worlds away from civilisation.
Know before you go!
Do you need a 4WD to get to Double Island Point?
Yes, there’s no way around it. You’ll need a high-clearance 4WD to explore Rainbow Beach, camping at Double Island Point and Teewah Beach. It’s the only way to access the different camping sites and beaches. The tracks, tides and sandy stretches aren’t built for 2WDs. But don’t stress! If you’re new to beach driving, this is the perfect place to learn, as long as you keep an eye on the tides, drop your tyre pressure and take it easy.
Double Island Permits
Before you head out, you’ll need two things:
- Vehicle Access Permit: A 4WD vehicle access permit to enter the Cooloola Recreation Area. You can purchase this before heading out to Double Island. There are both day and multi-day permits available.
- Camping Permit: If you plan to go camping at Double Island Point, you’ll also need a camping permit.
We’ve listed the links here to purchase your Double Island Island Vehicle Access Permit and Camping Permits.
Double Island Point Tides
The tides rule everything on Double Island. Always check the tide times before you go. The beach is only accessible around low tide. Usually about two to three hours either side from Noosa. Access from Rainbow Beach is tricky due to the rocks, if you can avoid driving via the Rainbow Beach side, do it. If you time it wrong, you risk being bogged, or worse, loose your car. The beach isn’t accessible at high tide.
Beach Driving To Double Island
A few quick tips for an enjoyable beach drive:
- Tyre Pressure: Drop your tyre pressure to 15 – 20 psi before hitting the sand.
- Traction Control: Switch traction control off if your 4WD has it. Most modern 4WDs come with this feature these days.
- Recovery Gear: Always carry recovery gear with you to recover yourself or your mates.
- Insurance: Before you go on your adventure, double-check that your policy covers off-road driving. We went with Club 4X4 for the confidence to enjoy beach driving and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations like Double Island.
We learned this the hard way the first time. Rushing when the tide comes in is pretty stressful, and reversing in soft sand to enter the Leisha Track is even worse when there are plenty of cars waiting. Avoid making our rookie mistakes and come well-prepared.
Is Double Island Point Dog Friendly?
Unfortunately, no. Double Island is part of a National Park, so no domestic animals are allowed.
Shops and Petrol
There are no shops or petrol stations on Double Island. You’ll need to bring all your own supplies and stock up before your trip. There are shops at either Noosa or Rainbow Beach.
Phone Service
There’s limited to no phone service on Double Island. Book your permits and download the tide times before you go.
How can you get to Double Island Point?
There are three ways to get to Double Island, all requiring a high-clearance 4WD and beach driving.
Noosa North Shore Ferry
The first way is via Noosa. Head to Tewantin and take the Double Island Point barge to Noosa North Shore. The Double Island Point ferry takes only a few minutes, but it can get busy during weekends and school holidays. The 2026 fare is $18 per vehicle for one-way; they accept both cash and cards. You can find more information about Noosa North Shore Ferries pricing and tickets here.
When you arrive at the North Shore, follow the road to the third cutting to access the beach. From here, it will take about an hour before you reach Double Island. It’s a beautiful, long stretch and an incredible beach to drive on at the Sunshine Coast.
Rainbow Beach to Double Island
Another option is via Rainbow Beach. This scenic drive along the famous coloured cliffs can only be done at a very low tide. This track is only safe to drive at very low tide, and in recent years, it’s been tricky due to sand shifts and debris. If it’s open, it’s one of the most scenic drives we’ve ever done. But check the conditions first. The best way to check is to follow the famous Iceman on Facebook for daily condition updates.
The distance from Rainbow Beach to Double Island is about 11 kilometres and will take you about 40 minutes.
Freshwater Track
If the beach route isn’t an option, you can access Double Island via the inland track named Freshwater Road. You can access this track from Rainbow Beach Road. Freshwater Road is a 15km inland track and the first 3 kilometres can be done with a 2WD, but you’ll need a high-clearance 4WD for the last 12 kilometres. The track takes about half an hour, depending on its condition and traffic, and takes you through a cool rainforest all the way to Teewah Beach.
Leisha Track
Whichever way you come, you’ll likely to tackle the short but sandy Leisha track to reach the northern lagoon side of DI. This track will only take a few minutes, but the entrance can be challenging, especially in summer due to soft sand. Momentum and lowered tyre pressure are key.
Double Island Point Camping
Camping right on the point isn’t allowed, but you have two great options nearby. The two closest campgrounds to go camping at Double Island Point are Teewah Beach Camping Zone 1 and Freshwater Campground. You can choose between beach camping at Teewah Beach Camping or bush camping at Freshwater Campground.
Make sure you check the weather before camping. Set up camp at Teewah Beach when it’s not windy, and at Freshwater Campground when strong winds are forecasted.
Teewah Beach Camping
If you’re chasing that true beach camping vibe, Teewah is the spot. It’s our favourite spot to go camping at Double Island Point. Teewah Beach Camping zone is accessible for off-road caravans and camper trailers. You can set up camp first and start exploring from there. There are seven camping zones at Teewah Beach, with zone 1 being closest to Double Island. This open area behind the dunes offers incredible beach views. Remember, there are no amenities here, so bring your own portable toilet an take all your rubbish with you or drop it at the skip bins between the camping zones. Read our full Teewah Beach Camping Guide here before heading there.
Here you’ll wake up, watch the sunrise over the ocean, and in the season (June to October) you might spot some humpback whales breaching.
Freshwater Campground
If you want to go camping at Double Island Point with a few extra comforts, Freshwater Campground is the way to go. Tucked just behind the beach, Freshwater campground is a popular bush camping area that offers toilets and showers (bring $2 coins for hot showers). It’s more sheltered than Teewah Beach, and you’ll most likely wake up to the sound of laughing kookaburras, surrounded by beautiful bushland, protected from the wind.
Close to the campground, you’ll find Freshwater Day Use Area. Here you’ll find BBQ facilities, toilets, and a dump point to empty your portable toilet.
What to do at Double Island Point?
This is where Double Island really shines. When you go camping at Double Island Point, you can easily fill a weekend without getting bored. Double Island has two sides: the north side (The Point) and the south side (The Pocket).
North Side – Double Island Point
To reach the North Side, you’ll need to cross the Leisha Track unless you’re coming from the Rainbow side. You can enter or leave the point two hours before and after low tide. The lagoon will fill up with the tide, and it will be impossible to leave or enter this place on high tide.
Surfing
The point break on the North side is the perfect spot for surfing, especially for longboarders.
Snorkelling, kayaking or SUP
Around the headland you’ll often spot turtles and rays. Bring a snorkel or head out with your kayak or SUP.
Swimming & floating
The calm, clear water of the lagoon is perfect for relaxing on a floatie. Remember that DI beach is not patrolled, so be mindful when you go for a swim.
Kitesurfing & Jet skiing
When the wind is up, the lagoon transforms into a playground for kitesurfers.
Lighthouse Walk
A one-hour return hike to the Double Island Point Lighthouse rewards you with some of the best coastal views in Queensland. On clear days, you can see south all the way to Noosa, north to Rainbow Beach, and you can even see K’gari (Fraser Island). The lighthouse is also the perfect lookout for spotting dolphins, turtles or humpback whales (June to October).
The Pocket – Double Island South Side
The south side is accessible from Teewah Beach and Freshwater Road.
Surfing
This side is the ideal spot for shortboarders. And even if you’re not a surfer, it’s just incredible to sit on the beach and watch.
Snorkelling
The headland goes all the way to the north side (Double Island Point). You can either start your snorkelling on the north side or this side.
Lighthouse walk
The track to the lighthouse from this side (the Pocket) is our favourite one. You’ll have breathtaking views over the ocean the entire time. The walk takes about an hour return. Make sure you bring plenty of water.
fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, especially along Teewah Beach. Bream, tailor and whiting are common. And when the tide is right, you can find some pipis in the sand!
Camping
Double Island is a popular day trip from Noosa, but if you can go camping at Double Island Point, do it! It’s one of the best places to camp in Queensland.
When’s the best time to visit?
Winter and spring are ideal times to go camping at Double Island Point. Cooler temperatures, calmer weather, and of course, whale season! Summer can be fun too, but the sand gets softer, there are more crowds, and storms can roll in quickly.
Why should you go camping at Double Island Point?
Double Island Point is one of those places that will leave you speechless. It does take a bit of planning… Organising permits, checking tides, 4WD prep, etc., but once you’re there, you’ll see why it’s a favourite for the locals, and it’s all worthwhile.
If you have any questions about camping at Double Island Point, let us know in the comments! Enjoy your adventure at this slice of paradise. Happy Camping!
The content on Bush and Bay is based on our personal experiences and opinions. While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date information, travel conditions and recommendations may change over time. We do not take responsibility for any decisions or actions made based on our content. Always conduct your own research and consult with professionals where necessary. Bush and Bay may earn a small commission from affiliate links, but this does not influence our reviews or recommendations. We only endorse products and places we have personally tested and believe in.
