Day Trip to Double Island Point

Hidden away in the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park and the Great Sandy Biosphere, Double Island Point is not actually an island; it’s a long sand spit with a pair of large sand dunes which, from a distance, appear to be separated by the sea.

The illusion of two islands prompted Captain Cook to name the sand spit Double Island Point when he passed by in 1770.

With its pristine clear blue seas, resident dolphins and historic lighthouse Double Island Point is still a remote, picturesque place to visit today. There’s no accommodation and camping is not allowed, but the scenery and options for water sports make it an excellent day trip for the whole family.

Getting to Double Island Point from Rainbow Beach or Noosa

Self-drive or hire a 4WD vehicle

Double Island Point can be reached two to three hours either side of low tide from either Rainbow Beach or Noosa along the Great Beach Drive. You’ll need to buy a beach driving permit online from Queensland Parks before you leave and check the tide times carefully because the beach isn't accessible at high tide. There are no facilities at Double Island Point so you’ll pack your own food and drinks.

Double Island Point

Take a tour from Rainbow Beach or Noosa

Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours operate daily tours for groups or private charter from Noosa and Rainbow Beach. The full day tour from Noosa includes stops at Red Canyon, Freshwater Rest Area, Double Island Point lighthouse, the coloured sands and Rainbow Beach. The half day Rainbow Beach tour takes you to the coloured sands and Double Island Point lighthouse

Epic Ocean Adventures have been running tours to Double Island Point and also offer day trips from Noosa too. The tours are focused on water-based activities such as kayaking with dolphins, kite surfing or learning to surf.

Even if you don’t think you’re fit or adventurous enough to participate, the kayaking trips are suitable for people of all ages including retirees and young children, who can share a kayak with mum or dad.

Hike

You can hike to Double Island Point as part of the Cooloola Great Walk (102km one way, allow five days) from Noosa or as a day trip from Rainbow Beach. From Rainbow Beach it’s a 30km return hike so allow plenty of time and carry all the water and food you’ll need.

Things to See and Do

Hike

You can walk up to the lighthouse in 15-20 minutes from either the north or south side of Double Island Point. The lighthouse was built in 1884 and is now operated on solar power. On a clear day the views are incredible looking south to Noosa, north to Rainbow Beach and K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) and out to sea where you might be able to spot Wolf Island, dolphins bobbing up and down or whales breaching during the whale migration season from June to October.

Double Island Point

Learn to surf
The north side of the point is fantastic for beginner surfers with a long, gentle break.

Kayak with dolphins
No matter where the wind is coming from, one side of Double Island Point will probably be good for kayaking and most days there are dolphins to be seen since the point is home to several different pods of bottle-nosed dolphins. Look out for turtles too which like to feed on the sea grass around the rocks.

Kite-surf
On a windy day the inshore lagoon is a popular spot for kite-surfers to practice and show off their skills.

Fish
You can cast a line from the sand or the rocks into the lagoon or the open sea.

Sunbake
If you’re a beach lover, this is the perfect place for you to spend a day relaxing on the sand. Take shade and plenty of sunscreen as the sun can be unforgiving in the summer months.

Family fun
The beach is perfect for a family game of cricket, soccer or Frisbee as well as kite-flying.

Swim
The north side of the point is generally quite protected and relatively safe for swimming. As always you should avoid swimming in unpatrolled waters so head to the south side of Double Island which is patrolled by lifeguards for your safety during the peak season.

Find out more

Tours and water sports
If you’d like to try kayaking, surfing or kite-surfing at Double Island Point get in touch with Epic Ocean Adventures who can organise everything for you including transport, board or kayaks and lessons.

Beach driving permits
Vehicle access permits can be booked online from the Queensland National Parks Booking Service or from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service office in Rainbow Beach.

Tide times and driving conditions
The National Parks website updates its Cooloola conditions report, including tide times, weekly.