ultimate guide to Rainbow Beach Queensland: 10 things to see & Must-do Adventures
Rainbow Beach Queensland is a charming coastal town, famous for its beautiful, coloured cliffs and the gateway to the third largest sand island in the world: K’Gari (Fraser Island). With lots of fun activities to do for all ages, breathtaking landscapes and a range of accommodations, Rainbow Beach Queensland is a must-visit destination when you’re exploring Australia’s East Coast.
In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Rainbow Beach Queensland.
Where is Rainbow Beach, Queensland, located?
Rainbow Beach is located North of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. This beach town is surrounded by two incredible National Parks worth visiting: the Great Sandy National Park and K’Gari.
Rainbow Beach Queensland Things To Do
Rainbow Beach has it all. This coastal town offers a mix of relaxation, adventure and mind-blowing nature. I’ve been exploring this area for several years, and if you don’t know what to do at Rainbow Beach Queensland, here are my top recommendations:
Rainbow Stairs
Head over to the iconic Rainbow Stairs for the mandatory photo. Located near the surf club, these colourful stairs lead down to the beach and are a favourite spot for capturing the town’s vibrant vibe.
Swimming & surfing
You can swim at Rainbow Beach Queensland! The patrolled beach at Rainbow Beach is safe for swimming and a great activity for families and solo travellers. If you’re into surfing, you’ll find some great waves near the surf club.
Beach driving
You can take your 4WD on the beach! The access point is near the surf club and you can drive along the beautiful coloured cliffs to the Great Sandy National Park. Just remember to check the Rainbow Beach tide times before heading out. The beach is inaccessible on high tide, and sometimes even on low tide, you can’t get through due to the rocks. Check the conditions before heading out.
Also, when you enter the Great Sandy National Park, a vehicle access permit is required. You can purchase your permit online at the Queensland Parks and Wildlife website.
Carlo Sandblow
This massive sand dune is perfect for sandboarding, paragliding, or enjoying a stunning sunset or sunrise. From the car park, it’s about 15 minutes to get to the Carlo Sand Blow, and the view is worth every step.
Seary’s Creek
On a hot day, cool off in the crystal-clear waters of Seary’s Creek. This freshwater spot is surrounded by lush greenery and is easily accessible via a picturesque boardwalk. It’s a great spot to relax and take a dip.
Double Island Point
Explore the Great Sandy National Park, especially the Cooloola Recreation Area. Double Island Point is a true paradise! Read our full 4×4 guide about Double Island Point here.
Besides Noosa, the Great Sandy National Park and the mind-blowing Double Island Point can also be reached via Rainbow Beach Queensland. This slice of Paradise is only accessible by 4WD and can be reached by either beach driving from Rainbow Beach (if accessible), or by taking the 4WD track: Freshwater Road. Read the full blog about Double Island Point here.
This secluded spot is perfect for surfing, snorkelling, camping or just relaxing at the lagoon.
4WD Freshwater Track
This 12-kilometre track will bring you through lush rainforest and big gum trees. It’s and adventure itself, with the landscape changing as you drive deeper into the park.
Poona Lake
A 30-minute hike from the Bymien Day Use Area will take you to Poona Lake. It’s a great spot for swimming and relaxing while being surrounded by a natural rainforest. It’s a great place for a picnic, a swim and to cool off after an intense hike.
Dolphin Feeding Tin Can Bay
Just 30 minutes west of Rainbow Beach Queensland, Tin Can Bay offers the unique experience of feeding wild dolphins. Every day, volunteers share fun stories about these incredible creatures and you can join them in the water and give the dolphins a treat. It’s a heartwarming activity that’s fun for all ages.
Rainbow Beach Queensland Camping
Rainbow Beach Queensland offers some of the most incredible campsites you’ll find on the east coast of Australia. If you’re into camping, then staying here overnight in your van, tent or 4WD is highly recommended.
There are plenty of campgrounds around Rainbow Beach. You can camp at the Inskip Peninsula (Inskip Point) or the Cooloola Recration Area. Read the full Rainbow Beach Camping Guide here.
Where to eat at Rainbow Beach Queensland
Rainbow Beach has some fantastic dining options. It’s a small town, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go out for a lovely brekkie or dinner.
Little Parliament
Kickstart your day with coffee and breakfast at Little Parliament. Their menu features a mix of sweet and savoury options. There’s something for everyone.
Rainbow Beach Hotel
For a laid-back evening, head to the Rainbow Beach Hotel. Known for its hearty meals and friendly atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a classic chicken parmi and a cold drink. Don’t miss their ‘wall of shame’, featuring photos of bogged and flooded cars.
Arcobaleno on the Beach
Craving Italian? Arcobaleno serves up delicious wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta dishes. It’s a great choice for a family dinner or a casual night out.
Fish & Chips
No trip to a beach town is complete without fish and chips. Grab a takeaway from one of the local shops and enjoy it by the water.
Surf club
With stunning ocean views, the surf club is a great spot for a post-swim or surf meal.
Planning your trip to Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach, Queensland, is a must-visit destination that’s fun for all ages. From its iconic coloured cliffs to its adventurous 4WD tracks and mind-blowing nature. Whether you’re travelling through to K’Gari, or heading to Rainbow Beach for the weekend, you will find plenty of things to keep you busy. I’m sure you’ll want to return to this gem over and over again. Happy travels!
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.
