So you’ve got two days up your sleeve and want to experience nature, epic adventures, and incredible food with the beach on your doorstep? Allow us to introduce you to Rainbow Beach.
Nestled between K’gari and Cooloola National Park - a three-hour drive north of Brisbane - this slice of paradise is calling your name.
Gather your mates, load up the car and follow our guide on how to have an incredible 48 hours in Rainbow Beach.
Where To Play In Rainbow Beach
The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive at Rainbow Beach is how pretty it is.
Here towering dunes of coloured sands provide a stunning backdrop to your beach day, and one of the best places to take it all in is from Carlo Sandblow. This unique "moonscape" sand mass covers more than 15 hectares and overlooks the towering rainbow dunes. It’s also the entrance to the Cooloola Great Walk, which spans 102km through lush rainforest, woodlands, beaches and glistening lakes.
In the Great Sandy National Park you’ll also find Seary’s Creek, known for its tannin-stained waters. Pack a picnic, and an inflatable, and float the day away here.
If you prefer your adventures on four wheels, rent a Land Cruiser from Rainbow Beach Adventure Centre 4wd Hire for the day and make tracks for the great sandy highway. Here you can actually drive on the beach, but if you prefer someone else to take the wheel, jump on board a tour with Epic Ocean Adventures.
Great Beach Drive, Rainbow Beach, Gympie Region
Make your way along the sand to Double Island Point, home to Bottlenose dolphins, turtles and passing whales (seasonally). We suggest a surf or a kayak here.
One of the things that makes Rainbow Beach unique is Wolf Rock: the only known gestation site for Grey Nurse Sharks on Australia’s East Coast. Go on an undersea adventure with Wolf Rock Dive Centre to see grey nurse and leopard sharks up close, as well as sea snakes, manta rays, turtles, tropical reef fish and beautiful coral.
And finally, you can’t come to this beautiful beach without taking to the waves for a surf. If you’re a beginner or want to hone your skills, Rainbow Beach Surf School offers group or private lessons. Or for something a little cruisier, give their stand-up paddleboarding sessions a go.
After some local recommendations? Pop into Rainbow Beach Tourist Centre for some insider tips.
Where To Eat In Rainbow Beach
After all that adventuring, it’s time for lunch.
In the village centre you’ll find local favourite, the Rainbow Beach Hotel. This Queenslander-style building is country pub meets coastal cool with wide timber verandahs, plantation-style fans and French doors. Tuck into hearty pub fare made from fresh local produce and enjoy live music on the weekends.
Perched on the edge of the ocean you’ll find the Rainbow Beach Surf Club. Boasting some of the best views in town, enjoy a crisp beer while scoring a front row seat to the coloured sands.
For good vibes and excellent eats, you can’t go wrong with The Deck @ Sea Salt. Sip your way through their epic cocktail menu and tuck into tapas and share-style dishes like bug rolls, pork belly bites, seafood platters and cheese plates. Pro tip: snag a table on the rooftop.
And because every day should involve a caffeine hit, head to Somewhere Over Coffee or Little Parliament for smooth brews and an excellent breakfast.
Where To Stay In Rainbow Beach
Sunrise at Big4 Rainbow Beach Holiday Park
Located just minutes from the town centre, BIG4 Rainbow Beach Holiday Park offers studio cabins to three-bedroom villas that sleep up to eight people.
Recently renovated, the accommodation here boasts modern kitchens, large lounge rooms and big verandahs. They also have pet-friendly rooms for furry friends.
For something a little luxurious, treat yourself to a night or two at Rainbow Beach Ocean Palms Resort.
Perched on the highest point at Rainbow Beach within the Great National Sandy Park, you’ll score sweeping views of the region’s coastline.
Spend your day floating in the forest-fringed infinity pool and chill out in your swanky apartment, with large balconies and modern, open-plan living spaces.
