Coming from the south, getting to Rainbow Beach is half the fun! The Great Beach Drive is the quintessential Australian road trip, integrating deserted beaches with stunning rainforest.
The idyllic getaway is waiting at the end of the sandy road for those who love to surf, fish, hike, explore, 4WD or just relax and soak up the Queensland sun and lifestyle.
Here are our top things to do:
1. Take a dip at the Beach
You can’t come to Rainbow Beach and not enjoy the beach can you?! You can find it right at the end of the main street and swimming here is super safe with a year-round patrol.
2. Visit the Carlo Sand Blow
The Carlo Sand Blow is 15 hectares of sandy land that has been compared to a moonscape.
A short stroll from the car park (less than 10 minutes) will take you to the top of the dune. From there, you can go right to have a great view of Tin Can Bay – a perfect spot for sunset.
Carlo Sand Blow Rainbow Beach
3. See the Coloured Sands
These huge striped dunes extend along the beach from the cliffs down to the ocean below, starting about 2km from the Rainbow Beach Surf Club.
They are formed by layers of sediment in the sand becoming exposed due to coastal winds. The colours are even better after a windy or rainy period.
Coloured sands at Rainbow Beach
4. Go horse riding on the beach
Swap four wheels for a horse and gallop along the sand with Rainbow Beach Horse Riding. All riding experience levels can be catered to and you can choose between a beach ride, country ride – even a full moon ride.
Rainbow Beach Horse Rides
5. Try 4WD-ing
Low tide is the easiest time if you want to try some driving on the beach and also the best to thoroughly enjoy the coloured sand scenery. If you’re driving at high tide, you can still reach the beach campsites, but you’ll have to consider the inland track instead.
Four-wheel drive on Rainbow Beach
6. Visit Double Island Point
Double Island Point is about 30km south of the town of Rainbow Beach.
On the cliff where the lighthouse stands, you can get one of the best views ever of the ocean. From there, if you are patient enough, you will spot pods of dolphins, turtles, and maybe dugongs, sharks, or whales depending on the season!
Kayak with Epic Ocean Adventures
7. Throw a line
You can bring your own gear or hire from a local shop and see who catches the most fish! Try your hand at beach fishing or book a chartered tour where experienced fisherman will take you out and show you around their vessel, where to catch the very best fish and what types are in season, along with showing you all around the area.
Beach fishing. Credit: Kieran Tunbridge
