coloured sands tour

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• Tours From Noosa Heads

Surf & Sand Safaris

Surf and Sand Safaris acknowledges the ongoing connection to country of the traditional custodians of this beautiful region, the Kabi Kabi people.

Discover the Great Sandy National Park with Surf and Sand Safaris

More than just a drive, this tour is an unforgettable experience of the natural beauty and rich history of this unique coastline, with experienced and passionate guides.

Family-friendly, small group guided tours departing from Rainbow Beach, our half-day tour takes in the famous Coloured Sands, Double Island Point lighthouse, a secluded swimming lagoon, the stunning Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park and the unbelievable natural beauty and wildlife of this amazing coastline.

Take in constantly changing scenery with Surf and Sand Safaris tours in this once in a lifetime experience with views and locations that will take your breath away and have you wondering why you didn’t do it sooner, and when you can do it again!

• Half Day Tour

Departing Rainbow Beach daily, the 4 hour tour travels more than 50km of iconic beaches with our vehicles travelling on the sand.

You will be amazed by what this tour contains with stunning scenery and incredible wildlife, such as dolphins, manta rays, turtles, soldier crabs, birdlife, and whales (whale season is June-October).

Tour Highlights include:

• Rainbow Beach’s world famous Coloured Sands with more than 40 different shades of colour.
• Double Island Point Lighthouse offers breathtaking 360-degree views across the Coral Sea and scenic surrounds of the Great Sandy National Park.
• Honeymoon Bay a saltwater lagoon with some of the most scenic landscapes in Australia.
• Explore the Great Sandy National Park with a beautiful and unique rainforest drive through sand dunes.

Tours depart morning or afternoon from Rainbow Beach, depending upon tides and beach conditions. Pick up is from your Rainbow Beach accommodation, or the Rainbow Surf Club car park.

$99 adults $70 child – under 14 $320 Family – 2 adults & 2 children under 14

Private Tour

Want a little more freedom, and a more personalised experience or want to just take your time exploring this stunning slice of queensland’s coastline.

Surf and Sand Safaris also offer Private charters.

Travelling privately is the perfect option for families, friends travelling together or couples wanting flexibility and privacy.

Set the pace of the tour and decide how long to stay at each of the stops.

More time at the Lighthouse, or rainforest, a longer swim, or time to just sit and soak up the view, all is possible during a Private Tour with Surf & Sand Safaris.

Half Day: $495 (4 hours) for up to 6 passengers

Full Day: $1095 Rainbow to Noosa – Return- 8 hours, picnic lunch included) for up to 6 passengers

Surf and Sand Safaris specialise in small group touring for up to 6 passengers, and is best at 4 Adults and 2 Child passengers.

We do regularly take 6 Adults with the rear most seats most suitable for smaller adults with good mobility or for children.

No level of fitness is required

You may like to bring water, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, something to swim in and a towel

Why choose Surf and Sand Safaris Tours

Surf and Sand Safaris are Advanced Eco Certified and are the only tour operators with direct and extended vehicle access to protected Double Island Point Lighthouse, as well as the only operators who hold interactive coloured sand presentations as part of their tours.

Stopping at Double Island Point Lighthouse for stunning views, Honeymoon Bay for secluded lagoon swims and exploring Rainbow Beach and the spectacular Coloured Sands, our return tour showcases the unbelievable natural beauty of this amazing coastline.

Our half-day tours travel more than 50km of iconic beaches with our vehicles travelling on the sand, so you can soak in the scenery and wildlife. At Surf and Sand Safaris, we believe our guides are the best in the business. They are passionate, funny, informative, and easy-going. Their knowledge of every facet of this tour has been developed over hundreds of hours of experience, and guests are free to ask questions and interact with them as they love sharing their knowledge and stories about this special part of Queensland

• Our Vehicles

Surf and Sand Safaris specialise in small group touring

Our modern fleet of air-conditioned 4WD wagons offer a personalised experience, and where you will spend more time out than inside the vehicles, with freedom to explore, relax and experience the stunning locations

Our tours are suitable for guests with sufficient mobility to climb two or three steps, however will benefit from fittings and fixates to aid balance.

We are also suitable for guests who depend on the use of a wheelchair

About Surf & Sand Safaris

Surf & Sand Safaris is a family-owned and run business established in 1973 and is one of the longest operating 4WD tour companies in Queensland.

We are the only Rainbow Beach operator who is Advanced Eco Certified, with direct and extended vehicle access to protected Double Island Point Lighthouse

• Private Tours

Coloured Sands

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Coloured Sands - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

All About Fraser Island

Everything a visitor needs to know

The Fraser Island Pinnacles – The Amazing Coloured Sands of (K’gari) Fraser Island

June 28, 2021 by Ursula Boston

The Pinnacles are sign posted along the beach

You may be thinking what is so special about looking at sand. Let me say that when you see this natural, beautiful phenomenon you will be in awe. It’s well worth the drive along 75 Mile Beach to reach this spot and take a look, or at least a photo.

Not only is the Pinnacle impressive in size but it’s also fascinating to think that the sand colours and layers have taken hundreds of thousands of years to accumulate and change.

Where Are The Pinnacles On Fraser Island?

Where on Fraser Island are The Pinnacles or the Coloured Sands located?

The pinnacles are on the eastern side of Fraser Island along 75 Mile Beach. They are approx. 3km north of the Maheno Shipwreck or 20km south of Indian Head .

It a great spot to get out of the car and stretch your legs and see some amazingly impressive dunes as you head on to your next destination.

As you drive along the beach and look towards the tree lined dunes you will see the brightly coloured pinnacles standing tall and mighty in all their glory.

Satellite map of The Coloured sands on Fraser Island

You can park your car at the bottom and walk the 50 meters into the centre on the boarded track. The area is fenced at the end to protect the sand formations from people trying to climb them.

How Was The Coloured Sands Made?

The Pinnacles on Fraser island – Also known as the coloured sands

Fraser Island is predominantly a sand Island. In fact it is the largest sand island in the world, being 120kilometers long.

The pinnacles are made up of 72 different colours of red, brown and yellow variants. The colours are from the iron compounds that have stained the grains of the silica sand.

This natural phenomenon is what causes the rainbow bands of colour. The white sand all around the pinnacles and on the beach has been leached of all natural nutrients and this is what makes the sand so white.

Welcome to the Pinnacles – Seven Hundred Thousand years in the making

Add to this the wind and the rain that exposes and re-sculpts the dunes for us all to admire at just how amazing nature is. We are lucky to be able to view this from such a spectacular location and so easily accessible.

Can You Go On a Tour To See The Coloured Sands?

Yes you certainly can take a tour to see the Pinnacles, among other fantastic sightseeing spots on Fraser Island. If you don’t have access to a 4WD a day tour may be the way to go.

You can either see it by hopping on a tour bus from Rainbow Beach or if your budget allows you can get on a scenic charter flight.

The bus tours range from a simple day tour as a passenger through to an adventurous 3 night complete camping tour of the island. The choice is yours dependant on your time restraints and budget.

Hoping on a scenic Ariel tour of the island is also a beautiful and unique way too see the island. Most of the small aircraft land on the beach around the major tourist hotspots including the coloured sands.

Or you can hop on a scenic helicopter and get an aerial view as you pass over the dunes, the coloured sands and perched lakes across the island.

See the coloured sand of Fraser island up close

What Else Should I Expect

Aside from the view of the Pinnacles, there is nothing else at the site. There are no toilet facilities or picnic areas, just surrounding bushland and sand. However its very easily accessed from the beach.

No big walk or drive in on a sandy bush track. It is literally on the beach dunes and can even be seen as you drive past in the car.

Take a photograph and add it to the collection of amazing wonders that you have seen.

Get up close and personal with the pinnacles and the amazing coloured sands

More (K’gari) Island Attractions

• Lake Mckenzie Fraser Island
• Platypus Bay Fraser Island
• Champaign Pools Fraser Island
• Eli Creek Fraser Island
• Central Station Rainforest
• The Pinnacles – Coloured Sands
• The Maheno Wreck Fraser Island
• Indian Head Fraser Island
• The Sandy Cape Lighthouse

Find the complete list of Fraser Island Attractions here.

The Pinnacles on K'gari (Fraser Island)

The Pinnacles, also called the "Coloured Sands", are one of the most visually unique places on K'gari (Fraser Island) . This amazing phenomenon gives its visitors a chance to see the natural history of K'gari through sand formations that have been in the making for hundreds of thousands of years. Let's give a brief rundown of the Pinnacles, what they are, how to find them, and what makes them special. 

What Are The Pinnacles?

The Pinnacles are a collection of sand dunes that stick up in strange spires and towers. You can see multi-colored sand layers within the dunes themselves, which are formed as a result of wind, rain, and the fusion of sand and clay over many years. There are supposedly 72 different colors, most of them varying shades of yellow, red, orange, and brown. Iron compounds help create these unique colors, with varying hues proving different levels of iron in each layer of silica sand. 

History of the Pinnacles

The Pinnacles on K'gari (Fraser Island) are thought to be at least 700,000 years old. As the largest sand island in the world, K'gari's surface is composed of rippling sand dunes that have existed since ancient times. Coastal erosion has created some unique sand formations on the island, such as the Hammerstone Sand Blow and Lake Wabby . The Pinnacles are another example of nature creating art over time. 

The indigenous Butchella people who inhabited K'gari before colonization also had their own story about how the Pinnacles formed. Legend says that the sands were formed when the Rainbow Serpent of the Butchulla people died for its lover, protecting her from her jealous husband. Upon his death, he fell to the earth and shattered into many coloured pieces, creating the Pinnacles. So this natural attraction represents the spiritual, cultural, and physical history of K'gari .

Where Are The Pinnacles? 

The Pinnacles are conveniently located on the east coast of K'gari. More specifically, they are 20km south of Indian Head Lookout and 3km north of the Maheno Shipwreck . When driving along 75 Mile Beach , you'll see the sign for the Pinnacles. Just park your car and follow the short, easy, walking track to the dunes. There are some informational signs next to the Pinnacles, but there are no other amenities or things to do there. 

Not many people would put the Pinnacles on the list of the best things to do on K'gari , but they are definitely worth checking out if you're passing by. You can admire the unique and colourful sand dunes and snap some photos, but then there isn't anything else to do. So if you're driving up 75 Mile Beach after checking out Eli Creek or the famous shipwreck, it's worth seeing the Pinnacles! 

What Tours Visit The Pinnacles?

There are some incredible guided tours on K'gari!  Though some day trips may not make it up to the Pinnacles, here are a few of the top-rated tours that will take you to the Pinnacles! Note that all itineraries on the island are subject to change based on weather conditions and tides. But these tours will most likely include the Pinnacles!

• Fraser Adventure Nature Day Tour
• K'gari Day Tour From Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay
• Fraser Experience From Hervey Bay

2 Day 1 Night Tours:

• K'gari Tour From Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach
• Fraser Dingo Tag Along
• Sunrover Camping Expedition

3 Day 2 Night Tours:

• Pippies Tag Along Camping Safari
• K'gari Adventures Tag Along Safari
• Sunrover Guided Camping Tour

Book one of these tours to see the Pinnacles on K'gari!

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A Family Day out to visit Carlo Sandblow & see the Rainbow Beach Coloured Sands

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Home » A Family Day out to visit Carlo Sandblow & see the Rainbow Beach Coloured Sands

There is a fascinating story that lies behind the massive, majestic coloured sand hills that makes the Rainbow beach so unique, the legend and myth is Aboriginal in nature and goes like this…

Way back in Dream-Time, there was a beautiful black maiden named Murrawar who fell in love with the Rainbow who visited her every day. Burwilla, a bad man from a distant tribe, stole Murrawar for his slave wife. He had a boomerang, larger than a tree that was filled with evil spirit.  One day Murrawar ran away along the beach and Burwilla followed her with his terrible killing boomerang. She called for help and her faithful Rainbow raced across the sea to her. The evil boomerang attacked the brave Rainbow and they met with a roar like thunder. The boomerang was killed instantly while the Rainbow was shattered into tiny pieces and lay broken on the beach to die. Here the rainbow lies waiting in the dunes on the beach, her colours forever seeped into the hills found here.   Aboriginal women of many tribes made long treks to obtain a little bottle of these sands, to place in their hair in the belief that the brave Rainbow is their protector or good luck charm always.

With a location so rich in Aboriginal legends and myths , it is understandable why these beautiful colours of Rainbow Beach are now seen and admired by people from right across the world .

  Dubbed as the “gateway to Fraser Island” , Rainbow Beach, a tiny town at the base of the Inskip Peninsula ,  is situated on the Queensland south east coast, north of Noosa and is the gateway to adventurous, picturesque Fraser Island . Just a 3 hour drive  from Brisbane , (see below for transport options) this one is a destination not-too-be-missed.

On our very recent visit to this gorgeous stretch of dune-filled coastline , we had tonnes of fun exploring all the hot-spots of things you simply HAVE to see whilst in this town, and it was the beach area that drew us in the most. 

There are a few different ways to make the most out of visiting these unique coloured sand dunes.

A Family Day out to visit Carlo Sandblow & see the Rainbow Beach Coloured Sands

1.  carlo sandblow.

Spectacular birdseye view over the magnificant coastline and coloured dunes.

I’m not sure how to describe this natural wonder in order to do it full justice.  Sometimes even a thousand words cannot fully describe or explain a location so surreal.

The Carlo Sandblow is roughly 1.5 km from the township of Rainbow B each, located at the top of Cooloola Drive.  A short 600m walk through the eucalyptus trees will bring you to an incredibly unique sight. 

Upon arriving at the platform in front of Carlo Sand blow, you will find a ‘desert’ of sea sand stretching out wide in front of you.  In fact, there is THAT much sand, that it is coined as  one of the largest accumulations of wind-blown sand found along the entire Queensland coast . 

As soon as we arrived, our kids dived from the platform into the sand as if it was the big wide ocean!  They had never seen anything like this before, and we could see the amazement, wonder and excitement radiating out of their excited bodies!!  It would be no surprise that within no time at all, our two kids had scattered to different ends of this massive sand dune, ready to explore.

Can you spot us three girls??

This spot is a popular little spot for hang gliders as well as for those adventurous in spirit to try out the sand tobogganing down the dunes.   But my absolute favourite thing to do here is to simply walk all the way to the edge of this sand blow, right to the point where the beach touches the sky. 

The glorious view from here, stretches across the whole coast line and gives you a superb view of the Coloured Sand Dunes that this town is so renown for.  The view here offers spectacular 360 degree views of the Rainbow Beach, the Coloured Sands, Double Island Point and Tin Can Bay.   If you squint you might even be able to spot the lighthouse right at the end.  We spent at least an hour here, just staring out at the beautiful view!  

The ocean water displayed an incredibly range of dark blue, turquoise and teal colours.  The contrast of the pristine clear water against the glow of the yellow sand, simply set my senses alight.     We have also been told that you can often spot migrating whales here, so look out for them from around August to October.  We didn’t spot any, but it is probably still early days for the migrating season.

The girls discovered that the rocks found here are made out of millions of sand grains and therefore easy to break apart, and they spent their time very busily making a cave in the wall of one of the larger rocks.  They had an incredible time, although you should have seen their sandy coloured faces at the end of this play!   

A word of warning, whilst it easy to walk down to the viewpoint, the walk back is uhmmm, *cough cough* challenging …. especially when you have two younger kids who feel the need to be carried or dragged when their little legs get tired!  Totally worth it though, when the reward is those incredible views!!

• We highly recommend visiting the Rainbow Beach Sand Blow either in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the direct sun. Even on a warm winter’s day we managed to work up a small sweat walking back to the pathway.
• Bring lots of water, a hat and slap on the sunscreen .
• Bring a boogie board to go sand tobogganing or get a unique viewpoint from a paragliding tour . (definitely something I want to do next time around!!)
• Avoid the edges of the dunes as they can be unstable, so keep an eye on your kids when exploring there.  Don’t try to access the beach from here.
• Expect to spend around 1 hour here if wanting to explore the whole dune area.
• For those not keen to hit the sand, the viewing platform at the end of the walk gives you a lovely view over the sandy landscape, together with a sneak peak view over the coastline in the distance!

2.  The Rainbow Beach Coloured Sands

Dodging the cars on the beach highway to explore the Coloured Sand Dunes from down below.

The next best way to see what Rainbow Beach has to offer is to go for a short stroll on the beach.  Back at the little coastal town, make your way to the Surf Club located on the edge of the beach.  From here walk around 2km to the South for see the spectacular Rainbow Beach coloured sands up close!  

Your walk will involve sharing the beach with what occasionally feels like a 4WD sandy highway , so whilst enjoying the unique experience of sharing the beach with the cars, try to stay to one side, whether at the dune edge or close to the waters.

It is said that the Rainbow Beach Coloured Sand dunes can display as many as 72 different colours.   They are best seen at low tide and after some rainy or windy days … when the top layer of sand has been eroded away.  On our day of exploring we saw touches of black and red peeking out, but most of the exposed dunes showcased incredible layers of orange tones, bright yellow, light yellow and white range of sands.  Incredibly unique and surprising to see!

Our recommended Rainbow Beach Restaurant:

Arcobaleno rainbow beach.

After a pretty full day of exploring and some grumbling in our bellies, we were pretty pleased to run into some locals who recommended some yummy lunch suggestions for us.  Our pick out of their recommendations was Arcobaleno Rainbow Beach, a  quietly tucked away, beautifully decorated Italian restaurant .  Hidden away from the bustle, down a little alley close to the post office, you will find this Rainbow Beach restaurant that does incredibly sensational woodfired pizzas!!   Whilst their pizzas are a bit more pricey than the quick takeaways, the quality of toppings make them so worth while!  Their friendly service also made us feel right at home and they even had some toys for the kids to keep them busy!  And no, we were not sponsored by this restaurant.  We were simply incredibly happy customers !

Arcobaleno on the Beach – Woordfired Pizza & Pasta

‘’Next to the Post Office’’

Open 7 days from 9am till late.

Dine in, Take Away or Delivery options.

(07) 5486 8000

Getting to and around Rainbow Beach

Whilst we recommend hiring a car in order to explore this area at your own pace, other options are available.  Greyhound has several daily services from Brisbane (around $49 pp), Noosa (around $32 pp) and Hervey Bay (around $26 pp).  

Other things to do at and around Rainbow Beach:

• There are lots of walking tracks in the Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy National Park and you should be able to pick up a leaflet showing these walks from one of the visitors centres around town. Rainbow Beach Info says, “Areas of interest include Seary’s Creek, Bymien picnic grounds, Lake Poona, Cooloola Great Walk and the Cooloola Wilderness Trail.”
• There are Surf and Sand Safaris which are half day 4WD tours driving south along the beach past the Rainbow Beach Coloured Sands to the Double Island Point lighthouse. Adults costs are $75 pp and kids under 12 are $45.  You can book these by phone on (07) 5486 3131 or via their website here .
• If you are interested in driving on the beach yourself, 4WD-hire companies makes life easy with different package options.  Try   Rainbow Beach Adventure Centre .
• Rainbow Beach is one of the two places that have barge access to Fraser Island . You can organise 1, 2 and 3 day tours from there through your accommodation or the visitors centres.
• Or if you simply want to take it easy and enjoy the atmosphere, why not go for a delightful horse riding tour on the beach sand! Rainbow Beach Horse Rides – Cost is $120 pp for a 1.5 hour beach ride.

Fraser Island from Rainbow Beach:

To read about what to do on Fraser Island, along the 75 Mile Beach, click here .

For information on some incredible inland destinations to check out on Fraser Island, click here .

With a destination that has so much to offer, from National Parks, freshwater lakes, natural wonders such as the Carlo Sandblow, Coloured Sand dunes, 4-wheel driving on the beach, dolphin tours, horseriding, all I can say is …. what the heck are you waiting for???

Jolene Ejmont

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Double Island Point & Rainbow Beach – Visitor’s Guide

Double Island Point (or DI as the locals like to call it) and Rainbow Beach are two of the most iconic places to visit on the east coast of Australia!

Most famous for its pristine turquoise waters, endless stretches of white sugary sands, wildlife in abundance, multicolored sand dunes, world-class surf breaks, and mesmerizing views of the ocean… what more could you ask for!

Located just north of Noosa Heads in Great Sandy National Park, visitors with a four-wheel-drive vehicle can discover the scenic headland of DI and the iconic Rainbow Beach coloured sands. 

Both of these locations can be visited as a single-day trip from Noosa , DIY with your own 4-wheel-drive, or with a tour from the main town at Rainbow Beach.

Alternatively, and something that I highly recommend, is camping at Teewah Beach for a few days in the Cooloola Recreation Area and experiencing all that Great Sandy National Park has to offer!

In this guide, I have included everything you need to know about planning a trip to this must-visit destination on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW – DOUBLE ISLAND POINT

See below for some key points that I have included in this guide:

• How to get to Double Island Point & Rainbow Beach
• Obtaining a permit
• Where to rent a 4×4 vehicle 
• Teewah Beach camping & permits
• Best time to visit
• Things to do at Double Island Point
• Image gallery

BEST TIME TO VISIT DOUBLE ISLAND POINT

The Sunshine Coast is one of many places on the east coast of Australia that sees glorious sunshine almost all year round.

If you want the best of the best conditions weatherwise, I recommend visiting between May and October (Autumn, Winter, and Spring) which is ideal for beach bumming, surfing, nature walks, and water sports.

Summer on the Sunshine Coast is between December and February which sees hot temperatures, rainfall, and thunderstorms.

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HOW TO GET TO DOUBLE ISLAND POINT

If it’s your first time visiting Double Island Point and Rainbow Beach, there are a few options for reaching this incredible paradise which I have gone into more detail about below.

DI is best reached two to three hours on either side of low tide from Rainbow Beach or from Noosa along the Great Beach Drive.

The two main access points are;

• Vehicle ferry from Tewantin to Noosa North Shore
• Beach access from Rainbow Beach town

Note: the only way to reach Double Island Point is with a four-wheel-drive vehicle and you will also need a vehicle access permit (VAP) to drive on the beach to get there.

Alternatively, you can visit on foot via the access point at Rainbow Beach town, though it’s a very long walk that takes hours in the blistering sun.

FERRY FROM TEWANTIN TO NOOSA NORTH SHORE

The ferry from Tewantin (Noosa) to Noosa North Shore operates 7 days a week from 5:30 am to 10:20 pm.

There is no need to book in advance, just rock up and wait in line to make the water crossing on the small barge.

The cost is $8 per vehicle one way and must be paid in cash to the operator once you are loaded onto the ferry.

BEACH ACCESS FROM RAINBOW BEACH TOWN

If you plan on heading to DI from Rainbow Beach town, you can simply drive down to the beach from here and cruise along the shoreline passing by the iconic colored sand dunes at Rainbow Beach until you reach DI Point.

If you have your own 4-wheel drive, great!

You can obtain your Double Island permit online before you go. Head to parks.des.qld.gov.au to get your permit.

Vehicle access permit fees:

• 1 day – $13.40 (online price) or $20.25 (offline price)
• 1 week or less – $34.10
• 1 month or less – $53.65
• More than 1 month (up to 1 year) – $270.00

RENT A 4-WHEEL-DRIVE

For those of you who don’t have your own 4-wheel drive, you can rent a 4×4 vehicle and drive onto the beach yourself.

When renting a 4-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure to double-check with the rental company whether or not the vehicle permit is included with the vehicle rental price.

If it’s not included, it’s mandatory to purchase a vehicle permit online or get one at the Visitor Permits office which is located on your way into Rainbow Beach town.

I personally rented a Toyota Hilux 4-wheel-drive from Adventure 4×4 Hire and I can highly recommend renting one of their vehicles.

With short-term and long-term rentals available, the vehicles are fully equipped for camping and going off-road including a roof-top tent, 60L fridge/freezer, gas cooker, utensils, storage draws, camping chairs, shade awning, and more!

Click Here to check availability and rates.

DOUBLE ISLAND POINT WITH A TOUR

Visiting with a tour is another great way to experience this stunning location.

There is one awesome day tour to Double Island Point and Rainbow Beach that I can recommend which is the Great Beach Drive 4WD Tour – Private Charter from Noosa to Rainbow Beach !

TEEWAH BEACH CAMPING

Teewah Beach is the most popular place to camp which is located in the Cooloola Recreation Area, Great Sandy National Park.

Camping permits are required before visiting and it’s best to book online well in advance to secure a spot.

Visit parks.des.qld.gov.au to check availability and camping rates.

Teewah Beach’s camping area stretches along Teewah Beach for 15 kilometers and you can pick any spot along the sand dunes to set up camp.

There are signposts allocating the start and finish points of the Teewah Beach camping areas. If you are found camping outside of the allocated areas, you can be fined by the park rangers.

If you’re coming from Noosa North Shore, it’s approximately a 30 – 45 minute drive from the ferry and along the shoreline to reach the DI camping area at Teewah Beach.

From Rainbow Beach, it’s around the same journey time to reach the Teewah Beach camping area.

Be sure to come prepared with lots of drinking water, food, cooking equipment, a camping fridge , firewood, and all the camping gear you think you might need for a few days camping under the stars.

Toilet and shower amenities can be found at the Freshwater Camping Area just north of Teewah Beach.

If you need to restock food, alcohol, fuel, and other necessities, Rainbow Beach town has everything you need.

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THINGS TO DO AT DOUBLE ISLAND POINT

Now that I have given you all the logistics of getting to Double Island and Rainbow Beach, let’s get to the fun stuff!

See below for a list of the 10 best things to do during your visit.

• Visit the Lighthouse
• Go 4×4’ing along the beach
• Spot whales, dolphins & turtles from the headland
• Go Fishing at Teewah Beach
• Surf Australia’s longest wave at DI Point
• Swim in the blue lagoon
• Watch the sunset over Rainbow Beach
• Drive the Freshwater track
• Walk across the sandbar
• Check out the Rainbow Beach colored sands

IMAGE GALLERY

I have visited Double Island and Rainbow Beach on a few occasions and I want to share some of my favourite images with you here.

I hope these shots inspire you to explore this incredible destination for yourselves – enjoy!

MAP OF DOUBLE ISLAND POINT

WHAT TO PACK FOR DOUBLE ISLAND POINT

When visiting DI, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions about Double Island Point and Rainbow Beach, please leave a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

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Day Tours to k'gari

Queensland's multi-award winning tour company for k'gari.

We specialise in day tours and group charters, visiting exclusive areas of K’gari and favourites including Lake McKenzie, Lake Birrabeen, Teewah Coloured Sands, Cooloola National Park,  Eli Creek, Maheno Shipwreck and many other areas of the spectacular Great Sandy Region.

Experience the sheer beauty, precious eco-systems, unique wildlife and tranquillity of one of the world’s great natural playgrounds.

Our tours take you into the best areas of this environmentally sensitive region and discover its precious eco-systems, abundant wildlife and natural beauty.

Adventure Tours

Featuring lake mckenzie (boorangoora), wanggoolba creek, rainforests.

From Noosa – $240 adult – $150 child (up to 14 years incl.)

Backpacker Special – Get on at Noosa and get off at Rainbow Beach – $240

Special rates for families, seniors and full time students from Noosa, Sunshine Coast

From Rainbow Beach – $225 adult – $140 child (up to 14 years incl.)

Backpacker Special – Get on at Rainbow Beach and get off at Noosa – $240

Enjoy seemingly endless golden beaches encompass towering hardwood forests, barren heathland, pristine rainforests, huge creeping sandblow deserts, crystal clear freshwater lakes, gurgling blood red streams, prehistoric ferns, mosaic coloured sands.   

4WD Tours and Private Charters​

Private tour options corporate charters and educational groups landcruiser or 4wd tour bus.

Fraser Island Adventure Tours conduct specialist Eco Tours daily to K’gari with a fleet of comfortable, modern, air conditioned 4WD tour buses and landcruisers.  

Personal specialist 4WD Eco Tours – Your friends, your family, your fun day out:  our service and expertise of over 30 years.

Be your own group with a private charter – Tailor made tours to suit your requirements

Nature Tours​

Featuring lake birrabeen, rainforests, eli creek, maheno shipwreck, 75 mile beach.

Experience the natural beauty of Fraser Island. Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, 123 km long by 15 km wide.  This is our most comprehensive tour which allows us to visit as many sites as possible in a day.

GENERAL CONDITIONS:

Tours may vary due to tidal or weather conditions. We reserve the right to substitute vehicles and/or drivers and shall not be responsible or liable for death of/or injury to any person or loss of/or damage to any property due to persons negligence.

As we are a small company and prepare all our own food, cancellation fees have to apply:

After 3.00pm day prior to tour – 100% of fare

Failure to board – 100% of fare.

Prices are subject to change.

Codford Pty. Ltd. Trading as Fraser Island Adventure Tours ABN 80 010 870 729

Call us if you have any questions about our K’gari Tours on (07) 5444 6957

Please read our full booking terms & conditions here .

Get in Touch

Phone: (07) 5444 6957

Email: [email protected]

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RAINBOW BEACH TOUR

With lunch, carlo sandblow, cooloola, great sandy national park and brewery farm.

Rainbow Beach Tour

Duration:  9 Hours When:  Wednesday to Sunday (Private tours available Wed to Sun) Pick-up Locations:  Noosa, Coolum, Marcoola & Twin Waters regions, direct from accommodation

Embark on our captivating Rainbow Beach Tour, a full-day adventure immersing you in the vibrant hues and natural wonders of this coastal gem. Setting off from Noosa Hinterland, our scenic drive leads you to a charming farm cafe for a cup of coffee amidst rustic tranquility. Continuing through the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park, discover a pristine sand-filtered creek, home to majestic long-finned eels.

The journey unfolds to the iconic Carlo Sandblow, offering panoramic vistas of the kaleidoscopic sands, Double Island Point, and K’Gari (Fraser Island). After a guided nature walk, enjoy a delectable lunch overlooking the azure expanse of Rainbow Beach and Wide Bay.

With free time to explore Rainbow Beach township and its pristine shores, our Rainbow Beach Tour also includes a closer encounter with K’Gari from the nearest mainland point, complemented by a leisurely nature walk. As the day concludes, visit a craft brewery and farm to unwind with a refreshing beverage and perhaps enjoy live music on weekends. Reminisce about the day’s adventures before returning home, hearts full and spirits uplifted.

• You will be picked up between 7:30-8:30am for a  beautiful country drive to our first stop at  a popular farm cafe for coffee/tea on our way to Rainbow Beach
• The next leg of out journey will get us to a clear sand filtered fresh water creek  in the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park. Here you can freshen up and possibly see some of the creek’s local residents such as the large long-finned eel  
• A short drive will take us through the Rainbow Beach township to the ever-growing Carlo Sandblow on its outskirts. Here you will be taken on a guided nature walk through the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park and onto Carlo Sandblow. There will be time to explore this amazing natural landscape that offers incredible views of the distant coloured sands, Double Island Point and K’Gari (Fraser Island).
• All this exploring will have built up an appetite, so it’s a good time to have some lunch. There is no better place to eat than at the local restaurant where you will eat your included lunch overlooking the beautiful Rainbow Beach and Wide Bay with views of the distant coloured sands and Double Island Point
• Once you’ve eaten lunch you will have enough free time to explore Rainbow Beach shopping strip, its beautiful patrolled beach. You can cool off with a swim between the flags if you wish
• A trip to Rainbow Beach wouldn’t be complete without a closer look at K’Gari (Fraser Island). You will be taken to the  nearest mainland point to the island, where you can look across the channel to K’Gari  and do a little nature walk too
• With a reasonable journey home, we break it up with a visit to a craft brewery and farm on the way where you can reminisce over a refreshing drink and maybe some live music on weekends
• We will finish the day with another lovely country drive to drop you at your accommodation between  5-6pm, in time for dinner.
• Coffee/tea or equivalent drink
• Crystal clear freshwater creek in the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park
• Lunch with a drink overlooking the ocean with free time to explore the Rainbow Beach township
• Sinking your feet into the ancient coloured sands at Carlo Sandblow in Cooloola section of the Great Sandy NP
• Panoramic views of K’Gari (Fraser Island), Double Island Point and the Coloured Sands
• Stunning scenic country drives
• Commentary throughout the day from expert guide
• Door to door pick-up and drop-off at your home or accommodation
• Luxury vehicle with reclining seats, individual USB ports, air-conditioning & heating

TOUR BOOKINGS

Save $20/person  by booking this tour direct through Joel’s Journeys below, and using promo code: JJDIRECT Reducing the price to: $279/adult; $129/child 

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Minimum passenger requirement.

This tour requires a minimum of 3 adults booked for the tour to operate. We reserve the right to not operate this tour if we don’t reach this minimum requirement.

Door to Door Pick-up and Drop-off for Rainbow Beach Tour

For this tour Joel’s Journeys will pick-up and drop-off customers from their home or accommodation in Twin Waters, Marcoola, Coolum Beach, Peregian Beach, Sunshine Beach, Noosa Junction, Noosa Heads, Noosaville, Tewantin and anywhere in between these hubs. Please ensure you provide your pick-up address when you make the booking, and please be ready 10mins prior to the allocated pick-up time.

The scheduled pick up times are: 7:20am – Twin Waters & Mudjimba 7:30am – Marcoola 7:40am  – Coolum Beach 7:45am  – Peregian Beach 7:50am  – Marcus Beach & Castaways Beach 7:55am  – Sunrise Beach & Sunshine Beach 8:00am  – Noosa Junction & Noosa Hill 8:10am  – Noosa Heads 8:20am  – Noosaville & Noosa Waters 8:30am  – Tewantin

Luxury Vehicle

You will be chauffeured around in comfort in our luxury vehicle with a maximum of 10 guests. Our bus is equipped with reclining seats and a USB port for each seat to recharge your phones and cameras throughout a day. The vehicle has a fridge running throughout the day to keep cool any cold produce you purchase.

Experienced Host

Your host is an experienced tour guide and driver who lives in the Noosa region, is passionate about the natural world, respectful of indigenous culture and has received many positive compliments and reviews from customers.

PRIVATE TOUR BOOKINGS

Our Private Tour of the Rainbow Beach is available Wednesday to Sunday. Private tours are best value for groups of 5 to 10. Click the button below for details.

@joelsjourneys.au #joelsjourneys

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15 Incredible Things To Do In Rainbow Beach QLD – A Complete Guide!

By: Author Catrina

Posted on Last updated: April 25, 2023

Categories AUSTRALIA , QUEENSLAND

Rainbow Beach is a lovely little beachside town in QLD, Australia, full of so many great things to do!

Known as being the gateway to Fraser Island (K’gari), as well as having incredible sand dunes and sand of so many colours (hence the name ‘Rainbow Beach’!), great 4×4 beach driving and being just a short drive away from the famous wild dolphin feeding at Tin Can Bay, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Rainbow Beach!

This article shows you all the best things to do in Rainbow Beach so you can spend less time planning your trip and more time having fun!

Where Is Rainbow Beach Located?

Rainbow Beach is located in the Gympie Region of Queensland, between the Fraser Coast and The Sunshine Coast. It lies just above the Great Sandy National Park and just below Fraser Island.

By car it will take around 1 hour 45 minutes to drive south to Noosa from Rainbow Beach (118km), and around 1 hour 30 minutes to drive north to Hervey Bay (123km).

Here is the Google maps location of Rainbow Beach .

Is Rainbow Beach Worth Visiting?

Rainbow Beach is absolutely worth visiting and is truly a hidden gem! The scenery is truly breathtaking, with the stunningly coloured sand dunes making this place so special and unique.

Despite there being so much to do in Rainbow Beach, and around 70,000 visitors coming each year, it still remains a traditional quiet laid-back surf town and hasn’t lost any of its charm or become too commercialised.

Therefore it makes for a fantastic option for a weekend getaway or a few days stop-off on an East Coast Australia road trip itinerary , whether you’re here for outdoor adventures such as surfing, hiking, exploring, 4wd or just relaxing on the beach!

Do you need a 4WD to get to Rainbow Beach?

You do not need a 4WD to get to Rainbow Beach as all the main roads in are sealed roads. Additionally, all the roads in Rainbow Beach are suitable for standard two-wheel drive vehicles.  

To drive along the beaches at Rainbow Beach you will need a 4wd.

Best Free Things to Do in Rainbow Beach  

 1. the coloured sands beach walk.

First things first – when at Rainbow Beach you need to check out the rainbow-coloured sands that the area is named after!

The Coloured Sands Beach Walk will take you along the incredible naturally sculptured cliffs full of coloured sands. The cliffs are so impressive and pretty mesmerising, with some almost 200 metres high.

It’s believed they have been here for millions of years!   You’ll see a beautiful and vast range of coloured sands, from reds to oranges, yellows and browns and even white sands.

There are actually 72 different shades of these colours in the sand, so it’s like ‘earthy’ rainbow shades, not actual rainbow colours of blues, pinks, purples etc!

These coloured sands at Rainbow Beach are all natural and there are so many different colours due to the iron-rich materials and vegetable dyes that have stained the sand over thousands of years.

To reach the rainbow-coloured sands and the start of the beach walk, just walk south from Rainbow Beach along the beach, and soon enough you’ll see the cliffs with their coloured sands.

The walk heads towards Double Island Point and is 8 kilometres return, so it should take around 3 hours to walk. However, the great thing is that you can walk back any time you wish if you don’t want to do the whole walk!

Additionally, as it is a long walk you may prefer to drive it if you have a 4wd.

It’s very important when you are on the walk to ensure you don’t climb the sand dunes or carve any holes in them as they are not stable! Also be aware that 4wds drive along the beach here so always be alert.

2. See The Millions Of Soldier Crabs Marching Down The Beach At Low Tide!

If you continue past the Coloured Sands Beach Walk towards Double Island Point you’ll get to experience something very unique if you visit at low tide – millions of soldier crabs marching down the beach!

It is really quite impressive to see, like a giant moving carpet! It’s quite a way down the beach, so it’s best to bring your 4wd as opposed to walking.

You’ll also get to see some caves, as well as freshwater springs and tidal rock pools along the way.

3. Carlo Sand Blow

The Carlo Sand Blow is a highlight of Rainbow Beach and is incredibly unique! The Carlo Sand Blow is a really big area of sand (over 15 hectares), which shape is constantly changing.

It offers some great aerial views over the famous rainbow-coloured sand dunes and the beach, and despite it being a popular place there is so much space here.

Lots of people like to come up for sunset with a picnic, and sunrise is also a great time to enjoy the stunning views. Some people also bring a board with them and go tobogganing down the dunes!

Drive to the end of Cooloola Drive and a short walk through the bush will take you to the Carlo Sand Blow platform.

Alternatively you can do the walk from the Stairway To Carlo Circle stairway, located on Ocean View Parade. It’s a nice shaded walk along the Mikado Firebreak track, and it should take around 15 minutes walk (800 metres each way).

This is a great option as the car park at the end of Cooloola Drive gets full quickly.

At the platform take in the incredible views of the vast sand dunes, and head down onto the sand to enjoy the views overlooking the beach.

Not only can you enjoy the views of the rainbow-coloured sand dunes, but you also get great views across to Inskip Point and the south of Fraser Island!

Here at the Carlo Sand Blow is actually the starting point for the Cooloola Great Walk – the 155km trek from Rainbow Beach to Noosa! If you’re a keen walker and are up for multi-day hikes then this is definitely worth doing.

4. The Small Carlo Sand Blow

In addition to the Carlo Sand Blow, there is also the Small Carlo Sand Blow – a smaller version that is closer to the town! I personally love the Small Carlo Sand Blow as not many people know it exists and so it is a lot quieter!

To reach the Small Carlo Sand Blow, follow the Stairway to Carlo Circle stairway up from Ocean View Parade – the same as if you are starting the walk to the Carlo Sand Blow.

Not long after you start the walk along the Mikado Firebreak you’ll see a sign pointing towards the left that leads to the way to the Small Carlo Sand Blow. The walk is much shorter, and it’s also a great spot to watch the sunset or sunrise.

5. Rainbow Stairs

Connecting the Laurie Hanson Park and the Rainbow Beach beach car park are the Rainbow Stairs. It’s a big staircase with the steps painted in different colours of the rainbow and is a lovely spot to stop for a photo!  

6. Surf & Swim On Rainbow Beach

Rainbow Beach has one of the most extended surf breaks in the whole of Australia, so it’s a great place to go for a surf, or even learn to surf!

If you aren’t keen on surfing, Rainbow Beach is a great place to go for a swim, with lifeguards patrolling the beach (remember to swim between the flags).

Always remember to keep an eye out for 4wds that are driving down the beach!

Best Tours To Do From Rainbow Beach

7. fraser island.

Along with Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach is one of the gateway points to the world-famous Fraser Island (K’gari). Fraser Island (K’gari) is the world’s largest sand island at 123km long and 22km wide.

It is also World Heritage Listed and is an incredibly beautiful place, full of freshwater lakes, ancient rainforests and unbelievably clear creeks. A visit to Fraser Island is an absolute must when you are in the area.

Visitors to Fraser Island (K’gari) can either take a 4wd vehicle across on the ferry, or visit the island on a one or two-day tour from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach.

You can NOT take a 2wd car across to Fraser Island. The island is made completely of sand and your car will get stuck in the sand.

Fraser Island (K’gari) Tours:

You can do one and two day tours of Fraser Island (K’gari). Several tours operate from Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach daily. You can check the tours departing from Rainbow Beach here:

• From Rainbow Beach: K’gari Fraser Island Full-Day Coach Tour  
• From Rainbow Beach: K’gari Fraser Island Two Day Coach Tour  

The tours will pick you up from your accommodation, and they also include meals, as well as accommodation on Fraser Island if you’ll be doing a two day tour.

If you’re limited with time and only have one day, the day tour will show you the main highlights of Fraser Island such as Lake Mackenzie, Champagne Pools and SS Maheno Shipwreck.

The two day tours however will show you more of the island and are a better option if you have the time.

The tours from both Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach go to pretty much the same spots on Fraser Island (K’gari), so just pick a tour from whichever base will be more convenient for you.

Note that if you’ll be doing a tour they often ask for you to leave any big suitcases/backpacks on the mainland and just travel with a small bag, so it’s a good idea to check with your accommodation in Hervey Bay/Rainbow Beach if they can look after any big items of luggage whilst you do the trip to Fraser Island (K’gari).  

Should I Do A Tour Or Bring My Vehicle Across To Fraser Island (K’gari)?

In terms of what is best – bringing a vehicle across or going on a tour, I would say a tour is definitely easier, more convenient and you’ll most likely get to see more places in a shorter amount of time, which is great if you’re limited for time.

If you’ve never driven on sand before, it does get a bit of getting used to!

If you’re confident with 4wds and driving on the sand, travelling in your own vehicle offers you more flexibility and you don’t have to stick to the times of the tour.

Just definitely be sure to check your insurance beforehand that you are actually covered to drive on Fraser Island. There aren’t sealed roads on the island, it is literally a giant sand island.

If you’re taking a hire car across, there are restrictions as to where you can drive on Fraser Island.

You are only allowed to drive on certain parts of the island (mainly just the east side – no hire cars are allowed on the western side of Fraser Island as too many kept ending up in the sea as tourists weren’t familiar with the tide times and cars would wash out to sea!).

Also remember if you’ll be travelling around Fraser Island independently, you’ll need to sort out your accommodation. There are a couple of resorts on Fraser Island, or you can stay at one of the campgrounds on Fraser Island.

If you choose to stay at a campground you must book a permit beforehand! Some of the most popular campgrounds with good facilities include the ones at Lake McKenzie and Central Stations.

If you just need basic facilities and are after a more secluded camping experience, you can camp on the beach and behind the dunes (there are designated spots!).

8. Feed The Wild Dolphins At Tin Can Bay!

A 30 minute drive from Rainbow Beach will take you to the small fishing town of Tin Can Bay – famous for its wild dolphins that come to shore each morning to say hi and have their breakfast!

These wild dolphins at Tin Can Bay have been coming here for years and you are able to hand-feed them some fish! It’s a really fun and popular experience for young and old to enjoy!

Volunteers lead the experience here, and each visitor pays a $10 donation. This covers the cost of the food for the dolphins and the rest goes towards research.

The dolphin experience starts at 8am every morning, so make sure to arrive on time!

9. Wolf Rock Diving

Going on a diving trip to Wolf Rock dive site is an absoulute must-do if you are a keen diver.

At Wolf Rock you’ll find the gentle grey nurse sharks years round, plus you may even spot manta rays and even humpback whales in the cooler months!

10. 4WD Beach Drive & Kayaking Tours

Another fun day trip to do in Rainbow Beach is the 4WD beach tour with kayaking. It’s a 3-hour trip that will show you the highlights of Rainbow Beach and The Great Sandy National Park.

Plus, you might even get to spot some dolphins kayaking in the waters around Rainbow Beach! This is a great tour to do if you don’t have your own 4wd!

4WD Activities To Do At Rainbow Beach

11. 4 wheel driving along the beach.

A 4wd along the beach at low tide is a great way to experience Rainbow Beach!  

Note that you will need to access a Cooloola vehicle access permit for any beach driving between Rainbow Beach and Noosa, plus you must only drive at low tide.

To access the beach on 4wd you’ll need to drive down Griffin Esplanade, where you can then turn right and drive on the beach past the Coloured Sands towards Double Island Point.

You can then even continue along Leisha Track to Cooloola Beach and Teewah Beach before arriving at Noosa.

You can also just do sections of the drive, for example you can turn off at Cooloola Beach or Teewah Beach by the camping zones (such as Freshwater Road ar Cooloola Beach) and do a loop back to Rainbow Beach.

It is an incredible drive but make sure to always plan your camping spots ahead of time and check tide times. You must only drive at low tide!

Driving at the wrong time can be disastrous, and many people have got bogged or even had their 4wds wash out to sea if they have been here when it’s not low tide, so always assess the environment and drive slowly!

The landscape here does change daily so if you aren’t confident you’ll be able to get past a certain area just head back.

A great way to still have a 4wd experience if you don’t have a 4wd or aren’t comfortable driving one is to take a tour from Noosa to Rainbow Beach along the Great Sandy National Park . 

Someone else will be doing the driving and you’ll get to enjoy the fantastic views along the way!

12. 4WD To Double Island Point

Those with a 4wd can drive across to the headland known as Double Island Point and visit the lighthouse, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views.

Double Island Point is also a great spot to go swimming, surfing and fishing.

Places To Visit Near To Rainbow Beach

13. inskip point.

Just north of Rainbow Beach is Inskip Point, which is where the vehicle ferry goes across to Fraser Island. There are also some great fishing spots here, as well as several campgrounds.

14. Seary’s Creek

8km from Rainbow Beach is the Seary’s Creek day use area, which can be accessed by 2wds. It’s very easy to get to and it’s a nice place to spend a couple of hours.

From the car park it’s just a 2 minute walk on the boardwalk across the creek to get to the pools. The water is fairly shallow, albeit on the cool side but it’s a great place for families to enjoy.

The car park is small, and there are also bathrooms and picnic tables here.  

15. Poona Lake

Another lovely place near to Rainbow Beach is Poona Lake. Located inside the Great Sandy National Park, it is a 4.2km return hike through rainforest to the stunning blue freshwater lake that is lined with powdery white sands.  

To get to Poona Lake, turn off Rainbow Beach Road at Freshwater Road, and then continue a couple of kilometres to get to Bymien Car Park. From there the hike is signposted.

Rainbow Beach Accommodation

As Rainbow Beach is the gateway to Fraser Island there are lots of accommodation choices here, ranging from campgrounds to hotels, motels, caravan parks, hostels, Airbnbs and everything in between to suit all types of travellers!

Here are some recommended Rainbow Beach accommodation options:

Rainbow Ocean Palms Resort – stunning apartments with balconies that offer incredible views.

Plantation Resort At Rainbow – luxury resort with apartments and a pool, with direct access to the beach.

Debbie’s Place – Lovely modern rooms and apartments, with a bbq area outside.

Pippies Beachhouse Backpackers – a lovely hostel in Rainbow Beach perfect for backpackers! They have 4-bed and 6-bed dorms, as well as private apartments for larger groups.

Rainbow Beach Caravan Parks

There are 2 Holiday Parks in Rainbow Beach:

Rainbow Beach Holiday Village Powered and unpowered campsites, including beachfront sites. There are also some villas and chalets available.

Rainbow Beach Breeze Holiday Park Powered sites starting at $40/night, unpowered camping sites starting at $30/night. There are also powered caravan sites, as well as 1 and 2 bedroom cabins.

The park caters well for families, with a playground and jumping pillow for the children.

Rainbow Beach Camping

There are lots of campsites around Inskip Point, and the sites operate on first-come first-served as sites can’t be booked.

4wds are recommended for the campsites around Inskip Point, if you have a 2wd you can set up near the road at the SS Dorrigo Campground.

If there are no spaces there, there are spots on the side of the road to park your 2wd, and then you can walk the short distance to set up camp.

There are also some available in the Great Sandy National Park but you will need a 4wd to access these. Additionally a camping permit must be obtained.

How To Obtain A Rainbow Beach Beach Permit & Camping Permit?

4-wheel driving permits for Rainbow beach can be purchased online through the Qld National Parks  website. Camping permits must be added through the same website as they are separate to the driving permits.

Is Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay better?

I’ve been to Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach several times and they both are very unique. Besides being able to reach Fraser Island from both of them, they are actually very different.

Surfing is much better at Rainbow Beach as the waters in Hervey Bay are very calm. Hervey Bay is the whale-watching capital of Australia and if you are here over the summer months then you must do a whale-watching trip .

On some of the trips you can even swim with whales , plus they’ll take you over to the remote west coast of Fraser Island !

Rainbow Beach is a lot more compact, whereas Hervey Bay is quite spread out, and so it’s harder to get around there if you don’t have a car.

Like this post on the best things to do in Rainbow Beach QLD? Pin it!

Catrina is a Travel Writer and ex-Flight Attendant based in Sydney, Australia. She has visited 85 countries and lived in several – including Italy, Australia, United Arab Emirates and England. Her work has been featured in a variety of popular travel publications including Fodors, Escape, Australian Traveller and Bear Grylls, as well as several international aviation and travel companies. She only writes about places she has personally visited, and aims to give real, honest advice to help her readers.

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Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours is the only  dedicated Noosa to Rainbow Beach tour operator . We run  one-day  and  overnight tours  right on the beautiful stretch of beaches between Noosa and Rainbow Beach – that’s right – our driving tours take place on the sand, not the bitumen.

Accessible only by 4×4, experience constant changing scenery in this once in a lifetime experience with views and locations that will take your breath away and have you wondering why you didn’t do it sooner, and when can you do it again!

This stretch of stunning sandy beaches features two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves side-by-side, with the Great Sandy Biosphere and Noosa Biosphere offering a unique combination of both beach and bushland.

Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours are Advanced Eco Certified and are the only tour operators with direct and extended vehicle access to protected Double Island Point Lighthouse, as well as the only operators who hold interactive coloured sand presentations as part of their tours.

Rainbow Beach is famous for its stunning coloured sands, which were once used by the Gubbi Gubbi people for their artwork and boomerang decoration. Other highlights include the secluded and serene Honeymoon Bay, Red Canyon overlooking Teewah Beach, pristine rainforest and the memorable Lighthouse at Double Island Point.

From start to finish, our tour itineraries offer freedom to explore, to stay a little longer, and to make the most of this unique experience. Our local and knowlegeable guides take you to the best-kept secrets of this coastline.

Our modern fleet of air-conditioned 4WD wagons and 11-seater 4WD buses offer a personalised experience, were you will spend more time out than inside the vehicles with freedom to explore, relax and experience the stunning locations.

Our local guides know the Great Beach Sand Highway like the back of their hands, and they love to share their knowledge. This interactive tour allows for guests to ask questions, and request stops for more time to explore.

All Tours Include Stops to Explore

• 40 Mile Beach
• World-famous coloured sands of Rainbow Beach
• Double Island Point Lighthouse
• Honeymoon Bay
• Natural Rainforest
• Rainbow Beach

All Tours Include

• Pick-up and drop off from designated Sunshine Coast accommodation
• Transport in an air conditioned 4WD wagon or 4×4 WD mini-bus
• Coloured sands demonstration
• Lunch and refreshments
• National Park and ferry fees

What To Bring

We provide the vehicles, local tour guides and all the knowledge. All you need to do is remember to pack:

• Water bottle
• A sense of adventure!

Please Note:

Safety is a priority on all our tours and our vehicles are equipped for wheelchairs, as well as babies over 6 months, with booster seats available on request. Baby seats will need to be provided by guests.

Click through to discover all the details of our One-Day Great Beach Drive Tour, and Overnight Rainbow Beach Escape.

We also offer Private Charter Tours for full-day and overnight tours for those looking for more freedom, and an escape to remember.

This eight-hour tour travels more than 70km of iconic beaches with our vehicles travelling right on the sand, so you can soak in the scenery and wildlife, such as dolphins, manta rays, turtles, soldier crabs, birdlife, and whales (whale season is June-October).

Want a little more freedom, and a more personalized experience? We also offer private charters for our one-day tour, as well as the overnight escape.You and our group set the pace and decide how long to stay at each of the stops.

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Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape

Duration 3 days

Price from USD $730 ? Currency Conversion Converted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip Style Sightseeing

Time of year All Year

Home / Moscow Tours / Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape

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This short Moscow tour will give you a true taste of the history, culture and incomparable urban vibe that define one of the world’s largest metropolises. In just three days, this Moscow itinerary takes in all the most iconic sights of this attraction-packed destination. After two and half days getting acquainted with the city, we’ve set time aside for you to explore Moscow your way and discover your own favourite hang-outs in a city overflowing with hidden treasures

3-Day Moscow Tour Highlights:

• Panoramic Tour of Moscow: See Moscow beyond the postcard images on a private excursion by car through the city streets including a drive along the banks of the Moskva River. Visit the famous Bolshoi Theatre, pass by Gorky Park and the Novodevichy Convent, and admire the city from on high at the Sparrow Hill observation platform.
• Moscow Historical City Centre Guided Walking Tour : Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world’s biggest metropolises and discover local haunts on foot, including the Red Square, the Kremlin and the multi-coloured domes of St Basil’s Cathedral.
• Armory Chamber tour: Explore the endless treasures of this unique museum, displaying the wealth accumulated by Russian rulers from the 12th century until the October Revolution of 1917. Walking through the exhibition halls is a journey through the centuries.
• Moscow Metro Tour : Go deep underground on a subway tour of the famous Moscow metro. The world’s deepest metro system is renowned for its palatial, art-adorned stations, complete with marble columns and chandeliers.

On your first day, you’ll be treated to a panoramic, drive-by tour of Moscow to get a feel for the immense scale of one of the world’s most rapidly developing urban centres. The city’s history unfolds in real-time as you pass lavish imperial mansions, solemn Soviet structures and luxurious modern shopping centres.

Day two kicks off exploring Moscow’s historic centre on foot, followed by a tour of the Kremlin, the seat of Russian power and political intrigue for centuries. Stand in the Red Square, surrounded by the stunning architecture as you hear stories of the people and events behind many of Moscow’s most iconic landmarks.

On your final day, we’ll head beneath the city for a tour of the Moscow Metro and its famously ornate underground stations. Art lovers should hit up one of Moscow’s many world-class galleries such as the Tretyakov State Gallery, the Pushkin Museum or Garage, Moscow’s cutting-edge contemporary art museum. History fans can follow a Soviet trail through the city including Stalin’s Bunker, while those seeking a more indulgent experience can browse trendy neighbourhoods like Kitay Gorod or shop for everything from fashion to kitsch souvenirs at the enchanting Izmaylovo Flea Market. Foodies can head to one of the countless speciality stores sampling vodka, caviar and chocolate.

If you only have a few days to spend in Moscow, this tour will ensure you make the most of your time in the city. Let the experts navigate you through this complex and occasionally overwhelming capital, giving you plenty of time to soak up the city’s most unmissable attractions.

Accomodation

Not Included

Sightseeing

Action rating ?

Type of tour

3 days / 2 nights

Private - Any Date

Day 1 Panoramic city tour

Welcome to the glorious capital of Russia, Moscow! You’ll be met by your driver at the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel.

After check-in and rest, meet your private guide at the hotel lobby for a comprehensive tour of Moscow by car. Visit the starkly contrasting Theatre Square to see the stunning Bolshoi Theatre, pass Tverskaya Street, the city’s main boulevard and home to the landmark Yeleseyevskiy Grocery Store.

You’ll enjoy a panoramic drive along the Moskva River, where a huge, controversial state of Peter the Great was erected. Pass by the legendary Gorky Park and the White House before a stop at the architecturally stunning Novodevichy Convent, and the observation platform at Sparrow Hills, for a bird’s eye view over this staggering megalopolis.

Day 2 Red Square and Kremlin

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the historical city centre. Stroll through the Red Square, the hub of cultural life in Moscow, with its elaborate ‘stone flower’ fountain and fantasy-like St Basil’s Cathedral – a postcard-perfect symbol of the nation. Admire the grandiose façade of GUM, the city’s most luxurious shopping centre, and visit Alexander’s Garden, with its eternal flame and the chance to watch a changing of the guards.

Break for lunch before continuing on a tour of the Kremlin and Armoury Chamber, famous of its collection of tsarist fashion, with regalia such as jewel-encrusted crowns, orbs and sceptres as well as arms and armour, exotic gifts from the leaders of faraway lands, and an illustrious case of Imperial Faberge eggs.

As an option* spend an evening on a sumptuous dinner cruise, taking in the stunning sights and city lights of this mesmerising metropolis by night.

Day 3 Metro and Arbat Street

Start a day with a tour of Metro, stopping on the way to marvel at some of the most elaborately decorated stations of the world-famous Moscow subway system. Take a stroll along Old Arbat street - the most famous street in Moscow. Through the centuries Arbat used to be one of the most bohemian places in Moscow. Today Arbat is a promenade full of small cozy cafes and street life.

The afternoon is free for you to either enjoy the rest of the day on your own or choose among optional excursions to explore more of Moscow. Visit the Tretyakov Gallery or Pushkin State Museum to admire Russian art. Join locals for a stroll at the Gorky or VDNH park.

Visit beautiful Kolomeskoye Estate or Izmailovo Kremlin, or spend a day exploring the beautiful city of the Golden Ring (Russian province) - Sergiev Posad. In the evening you will be transferred to the airport for your departure to your next destination.

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Group airport/train-station arrival and departure transfers

All transportation according to the itinerary with a private driver

4* hotel accommodation in the historical city center (twin/double)

Local licensed English-speaking guide

All activities, indicated in the itinerary, except optional

Entry fees according to the itinerary (skip-the-lines policy)

Russian visa support document

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees. Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for concierge visa service here .

Optional excursions/activities

*Private tour. Price is per person, based on min 2 people

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Our team offers over 18 years of experience travelling and planning travel in Russia. Delivering outstanding travel experiences in Russia’s capitals and in some of the most stunning & remote locations takes experience, special access and the right connections. We make sure that all the fine details are handled perfectly so you can enjoy your Russia travel experience.

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The choice to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or chose to travel on your own dates with your own mates. Each destination we travel to in Russia offers an option between private tours and small group tours. Please note: on our adventure tours in remote destinations, we mostly run group tours to keep the cost down.

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From USD $730

Day 1: Panoramic city tour

Day 2: red square and kremlin, day 3: metro and arbat street, not included, start planning your tour.

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