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Rainbow Beach, Queensland -Coloured Sands, Coastal Walks & Beautiful Beaches
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Dec 15, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Rainbow Beach, Queensland -Coloured Sands, Coastal Walks & Beautiful Beaches
Rainbow Beach is a relaxed coastal town surrounded by wild landscapes, perched around 240 kilometres north of Brisbane. Best known as the southern gateway to Fraser Island / K’gari, Rainbow Beach is framed by national parks, towering sand dunes and long stretches of golden coastline. It’s a place where beach days blend seamlessly with nature walks, freshwater swims and unforgettable coastal scenery.
During our stay, we explored the town centre, wandered along the beach to see the famous coloured sands, and ventured out to nearby natural attractions including Carlo Sand Blow, Seary’s Creek and Inskip Point — all of which showcase the unique beauty of the Cooloola Coast.
Exploring Rainbow Beach Township
Rainbow Beach’s compact town centre has everything you need for a relaxed coastal stay. Along the main street, you’ll find a great selection of cafés, boutique shops, a bakery, hotel, supermarket, camping and fishing stores and gift shops.
At the end of the street, the Rainbow Beach Surf Life Saving Club marks the transition from town to coastline. This area features shaded grassy spaces, picnic tables, BBQs, playgrounds and plenty of parking, making it an ideal place to spend time by the beach. A nearby lookout offers sweeping views over the coastline — especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Rainbow Beach
From the surf club, you can either drive down to the beach access point or walk down the iconic Rainbow Stairs to reach the sand. Rainbow Beach is patrolled by the Surf Life Saving Club, making it a popular and safe swimming spot.
The Rainbow Stairs
One of Rainbow Beach’s most recognisable landmarks is the Rainbow Stairs, a brightly painted staircase that connects the town to the beach. Located near the end of the main street, the stairs are decorated in vibrant rainbow colours and have become a popular photo spot for visitors.
The Rainbow Stairs provide pedestrian access down to the beach, making it easy to reach the sand without driving. From the top, there are lovely views back over the town and out toward the coastline, while at the bottom you step straight onto the patrolled section of Rainbow Beach.
Whether you’re heading down for a swim, a beach walk or sunset photos, the Rainbow Stairs are a fun and colourful introduction to Rainbow Beach and a simple reminder of the town’s relaxed, coastal charm.
Driving on Rainbow Beach
Beach driving is permitted in designated areas, though vehicle access permits are required for some tracks and beaches. Walking along the shoreline at low tide is highly recommended. Around two kilometres south of the surf club, you’ll reach the spectacular coloured sand cliffs, which rise up to 80 metres above the beach.
Formed by layers of sediment exposed by coastal winds, the cliffs display as many as 72 different colours, creating one of Queensland’s most striking natural sights.
Carlo Sand Blow
A short drive from town leads to the Carlo Sand Blow car park on Cooloola Drive. From here, a 600-metre walking track winds through eucalypt forest and bushland before climbing via steps to the viewing platform.
The Carlo Sand Blow is a massive sand formation covering more than 15 hectares, part of the greater Cooloola sand mass, one of the largest wind-blown sand accumulations on Queensland’s coastline. Walking across the sandblow feels almost otherworldly, and the panoramic ocean views from the top are well worth the effort.
Cooling Off at Seary’s Creek
About 7.5 kilometres south of Rainbow Beach along Rainbow Beach Road, you’ll find Seary’s Creek, a peaceful day-use area within the Cooloola Recreation Area of Great Sandy National Park.
A short 200-metre boardwalk winds through paperbark trees to the creek, where crystal-clear, amber-coloured water flows gently through the sand. The tea-tree stained water gets its colour from natural tannins in the surrounding vegetation and offers a refreshing place to swim on warm days. Facilities include toilets, picnic tables and a small car park, making it an easy and popular stop.
Inskip Point & the Road to Fraser Island / K’gari
Located around nine kilometres north of Rainbow Beach, the Inskip Peninsula is a narrow strip of sand shaped by wind and waves. It forms a natural breakwater at the entrance to Tin Can Inlet and the Great Sandy Strait.
Inskip Point is where the barge departs for Fraser Island / K’gari, and it’s also a favourite spot for camping and fishing. Campgrounds are scattered close to both the beach and sheltered estuaries. Due to its popularity, especially during peak holiday periods, it’s best to book campsites and permits in advance.
Day Trip to Fraser Island / K’gari
No visit to Rainbow Beach is complete without considering a day trip to K’gari, the world’s largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed destination.
You can take your own 4WD across on the barge or join a guided full-day tour that showcases the island’s highlights. Popular stops include Seventy-Five Mile Beach, Eli Creek, Lake McKenzie, lush rainforests and the iconic M aheno Shipwreck.
More Things to Do in Rainbow Beach
Enjoy Local Dining & Beachside Eats
Sample the laid-back food scene in town with fresh seafood, relaxed cafés and beachside dining options. Local favourites often include fish and chips by the sand, freshly brewed coffee at boutique cafés, and casual meals with ocean views — perfect after a day of exploring beaches and sandblows.
Sea Kayak with Dolphins & 4×4 Beach Drive
Glide through calm coastal waters on a sea kayak and spot wild dolphins in their natural habitat, then enjoy a scenic 4×4 beach drive along Rainbow Beach’s coastline.
Watch the Sunset at Rainbow Beach
Head to the foreshore in the evening to watch the sun dip into the ocean. Wide open beach views make sunsets especially memorable here.
Enjoy the views from Local Lookouts
There are several informal lookouts along Cooloola Drive and the beachfront where you can soak up ocean views, listen to the surf and just unwind.
Why Visit Rainbow Beach?
Rainbow Beach is the perfect destination for travellers who love nature, open spaces and coastal adventure. With its colourful cliffs, towering sand dunes, freshwater creeks and easy access to Fraser Island / K’gari, it offers an incredible variety of experiences without the crowds.
Whether you’re staying for a night, a weekend or longer, Rainbow Beach delivers the kind of relaxed, nature-filled escape that keeps travellers coming back again and again.
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