Take the scenic route – on the sand!
Rainbow Beach is one of the few places in the world where you can legally drive right along the coastline. With golden sands stretching for miles and the sparkling Pacific Ocean as your backdrop, beach driving here is more than just a mode of transport – it’s an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re heading to Double Island Point, exploring the Coloured Sands, or taking the barge over to K’gari (Fraser Island), the journey is just as spectacular as the destination.
A valid vehicle permit is required.
Tide times are essential to plan around.
4WD Beach Driving Tips
Driving on the sand at Rainbow Beach is a unique adventure – but it comes with a few important safety reminders. Before you head out, keep these tips in mind:
And we have a smorgasbord to choose from!
Located just two kilometres south of Rainbow Beach is the Coloured Sands, a complex array of 72 sandy tones, the result of iron oxide and leached vegetable dyes from the last ice age. This living cross section of time towers more than 200 feet into the sky and is best seen at low tide.
Slightly north is Double Island Point aptly named by Captain James Cook in 1770 and located within the Great Sandy Marine Park. Only accessible by 4WD drive, Double Island Point is a magnet for marine life. It’s the perfect place to totally unwind on an unspoiled beach or, with the longest left hand surf break in Australia, catch some waves with your mates. We do!
And, if you’ve ever wondered what a moon scape looks like, head straight for Carlo Sand Blow. So. What’s a sandblow? – it’s a sea of sand created by thousands of years of wind.
This is a photographers dream. Overlooking the coastline from Double Island Point to Inskip Point this is the perfect spot for those spectacular sunset shots or stargazing in the dark night sky.
Rainbow Beach is the perfect playground for ocean lovers, offering a wide range of water sports, tours, and equipment hire to make the most of its sparkling coastal setting. Whether you’re keen to paddleboard across calm turquoise waters, kayak alongside playful dolphins, or try your hand at surfing gentle beach breaks, there’s something for every skill level. Local operators offer guided tours to Double Island Point, fishing charters, and so much more! With plenty of hire options available right in town — it’s easy to dive into the action and explore the beauty of Rainbow Beach from the water.
Rainbow Beach offers a variety of family-friendly parks and scenic lookouts that invite visitors to relax, explore, and take in the natural beauty of the area. Phil Rogers Park, perched above the coastline, is complete with shaded picnic areas, BBQs, and a breezy playground that overlooks the ocean, making it the perfect spot for a family lunch or sunset picnic. Just a short stroll away, Lawrie Hanson Park sits right near the main beach access and the famous “Rainbow Beach Stairs”. This park features modern play equipment, grassy areas for lounging. Whether you’re watching the sunrise, letting the kids burn off some energy, or enjoying a seaside lunch under the trees, Rainbow Beach has plenty of peaceful, picturesque spots to unwind and connect with nature.
Seary’s Creek, nestled just a short 7-minute drive south of Rainbow Beach within the Cooloola Recreation Area, is a serene freshwater haven perfect for a relaxing stopover. Fed by a spring and shaded by cypress pines and she-oaks, the creek’s gently flowing amber-tinged waters—stained by tannins—are brilliantly clear, inviting visitors to wade, float, or take a refreshing dip. A timber boardwalk leads down from the carpark to two popular swimming spots, complete with a deck ideal for easing into the cool creek or lounging in the shade with a picnic.
Wildlife lovers will enjoy spotting rainbowfish, catfish, and even the occasional eel darting beneath the surface, while birdlife like kookaburras and friarbirds add a light-hearted soundtrack. The area features picnic tables, drop toilets, and easy 2WD access, making it a perfect, family-friendly stop en route to your Rainbow Beach adventure. Whether you’re seeking a moment of peaceful nature, a scenic lunch stop, or a cooling respite from coastal exploration, Seary’s Creek is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Begin your adventure at the tip of Inskip Point, just a 15-minute drive north of Rainbow Beach township. At Inskip Point, you’ll queue for the Manta Ray Barge, which operates daily from 6am to around 5pm, with departures approximately every 30 minutes.
The crossing to Hook Point on K’gari takes about 10 minutes.
You’ll need a 4WD vehicle (tyre pressure should be lowered before you drive onto the sand) and a Queensland Vehicle Access Permit for the island, which you can purchase at the Rainbow Beach permit office or online.
A valid vehicle permit is required.
Jump aboard a group tour experience. Or hire your own 4WD to explore the island at your leisure. Check out the options, conviently starting right here in Rainbow Beach!
Inskip Point is a stunning spot located at the northern tip of the Rainbow Beach, known for its clear waters, sandy beaches, and proximity to K’Gari (Fraser Island). It’s a favorite destination for camping, offering a variety of campsites that range from basic beachside spots to more sheltered areas under the shade of coastal trees. The area is perfect for fishing, 4WD adventures, and water sports, with easy access to nearby islands and the Great Sandy Strait. Whether you’re looking to camp under the stars with the sound of the ocean in the background or explore the surrounding bushland, Inskip Point offers a peaceful and scenic escape. It’s a popular spot for families, nature lovers, and those looking to enjoy a laid-back outdoor experience. Just be sure to book early, as it can fill up during peak times!
Carlo Point is a peaceful inlet perfect for launching into adventure.
With a convenient public boat ramp, it’s an easy starting point for boating, fishing, and exploring the calm waters of Tin Can Inlet. The sheltered conditions make it ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and slow cruises along the mangroves, where dolphins and rays are often spotted. Whether you’re casting a line at sunrise, paddling out on glassy water, or simply soaking up the serenity, Carlo Point offers a relaxed, nature-rich escape just minutes from town.
Just a short 25-minute drive from Rainbow Beach, is Tin Can Bay – a charming coastal town renowned for its fresh seafood, offering a variety of local catches like prawns and fish. The vibrant markets showcase local produce and unique arts and crafts, while the foreshore provides picturesque views and peaceful picnic spots. Visitors can enjoy feeding wild dolphins at Barnalces Dolphin Centre, take a leisurely walk along the foreshore, or explore the surrounding nature reserves and walking trails. It’s a relaxed destination perfect for those seeking nature, fresh food, and a slice of local culture.
NATURE WALKS & TRAILS
Explore kilometres of bushland reserves, along the foreshore sealed pathways. And vast sandflats at low tide.
BIRD WATCHING
Grab the binoculars and enjoy the Tin Can Bay Foreshore Bird Walk. There is over 140 species to look for.
BOATING & FISHING
Easy water access with excellent boat ramps. Or throw a line in from the shore, or even join a pro charter.
