Rainbow Beach
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Rainbow Beach

Rainbow Beach

Small Queensland beach town and K'gari gateway, backed by coloured sand cliffs and the Carlo Sandblow

Rainbow Beach is a small coastal town about 75 km north of Noosa, best known as the southern gateway to K'gari (Fraser Island). The barge from Inskip Point, just south of town, makes the crossing in about 10 minutes.

The town itself is worth more than a brief transit stop. The beach stretches for kilometres, backed by the Carlo Sandblow — a vast expanse of coloured sand dunes that glow gold, red, and orange, especially at sunset. The rainbow-coloured sand cliffs south of town give the place its name. Double Island Point, accessible by 4WD along the beach, has reliable surf and a historic lighthouse.

Rainbow Beach has a relaxed, slightly scruffy feel — a handful of cafes, a pub, a surf shop, and not much else. That is the charm.

Guide

Getting There

Rainbow Beach is about 75km north of Noosa and 240km north of Brisbane. By car, take the Bruce Highway north and turn off at Gympie, then head east on the Rainbow Beach Road — the drive from Noosa takes about 90 minutes. There is no train service; a handful of coach connections run from Noosa and Hervey Bay. If you are heading to K'gari (Fraser Island), the barge leaves from Inskip Point, about 7km south of town along the beach road.

A 4WD is not required to reach Rainbow Beach itself, but you'll need one to drive on the beach, access Double Island Point, or cross to K'gari via the barge.

Guide

Things to Do

Rainbow Beach punches well above its size for a small town. The coloured sand cliffs south of town — layers of ochre, red, orange, and white stacked by wind and time — are spectacular up close. The Carlo Sandblow, a vast dune system a short walk from the main street, shifts constantly and offers sweeping views over the coast and towards K'gari. Double Island Point, reached by 4WD north along the beach, has a historic lighthouse, reliable surf, and superb views on clear days.

Inskip Point, about 7km south of town, is where the barge departs for K'gari (Fraser Island). It's a 10-minute crossing to the world's largest sand island.