Rainbow Beach is a cozy township straddling a narrow peninsula in Queensland’s Wide Bay-Burnett region. Framed by a varied coastline with the sheltered waters of Tin Can Bay on one side and the vast Coral Sea on the other, Rainbow Beach is perfectly placed for adventures on the water. Check out the rainbow-striped colors in the dunes that give the town its name and learn about the legend according to the local Kabi Aboriginal people.
Spend some time getting acquainted with the little town and stroll down the main strip that leads to the beachfront promenade. Main Beach directly fronts the town and is patrolled by the Rainbow Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. Stretch out on the golden sand or dive into the Coral Sea waters. Rent a sea kayak and explore some of the coast. Join a tour and ride on horseback along the extensive sandy strip. You can ride into the waves and splash in the water with your horse.
The southern outskirts of Rainbow Beach extend into the Cooloola Recreation Area within the Great Sandy National Park. Explore walking trails and four-wheel-drive trails in this mesmerizing coastal landscape. Carlo Sand Blow is the trailhead for the Cooloola Great Walk and an interesting spot for a daytrip. Admire views of the namesake colored sand toward Double Island Point and Inskip Point. More popular trails include the Kinaba Track and the Cooloola Wilderness Trail.
Travel north to reach the tip of Inskip Point and its magnificent campgrounds amid she-oak trees and high dunes. Go fishing in Tin Can Bay and explore the wild eastern beaches of the Coral Sea. From Inskip Point, you can board the ferry bound for World Heritage-listed Fraser Island (K’gari) and find four-wheel-drive trails and secluded campsites.
Rainbow Beach can be reached from Brisbane within 3 hours’ drive. The town is accessible as a stopover on bus charters traveling between Brisbane and Cairns. It is recommended you rent a four-wheel drive when exploring this coastal town to make the most of its exciting trails and secret beaches. Enjoy a range of accommodations options in town or camp overnight and be ready for another day of exciting adventure in Rainbow Beach.
