Things to do in
Rainbow Beach

Our most recommended things to do in Rainbow Beach

From Rainbow Beach: K'gari Fraser Island Full-Day Coach Tour

From Rainbow Beach: K'gari Fraser Island Full-Day Coach Tour

Rainbow Beach is a perfect spot for a beach holiday. It is ideally situated next to the world’s largest sand island. On a day trip to the world-famous K'gari, learn fascinating facts about its history, fauna, and flora.  Then stroll along the Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk to discover the ancient king ferns, towering ghost gums, and pine trees. Continue to Lake McKenzie and swim in the crystal blue waters or relax on the sandy beaches. On arrival at 75 Mile Beach, you can choose to take a flight over the island or float down Eli Creek and enjoy the crystal clear freshwater.  Visit the Maheno Shipwreck, and snap some photos of the rusting wreck. See The Pinnacles Coloured Sands in all their glory and learn how they were created. A lunch at K'gari Beach Resort provides an opportunity to stop at the general store gift shop.  At the end of your tour, head back to Rainbow Beach and your accommodations.

Rainbow Beach: 3-Day K'gari (Fraser Island) 4WD Adventure

Rainbow Beach: 3-Day K'gari (Fraser Island) 4WD Adventure

After a mandatory safety briefing before departure, make the short journey to Inksip Point to board the ferry to Fraser Island. Test your beach driving skills with the drive to Lake McKenzie via Eurong Beach Resort and Fraser Island's own beach highway, complete with speed limits.   Take in the stunning scenery at Lake McKenzie, famous for its brilliant blue waters and sparkling white sand beach. With plenty of time, enjoy a refreshing swim, laze about in the sun, or take advantage of some brilliant photo opportunities. After lunch, head to the campsite for an early dinner and drinks with your new friends. The next day will be full of exploring as you head out after breakfast to visit Eli Creek, a beautiful freshwater creek surrounded by rainforests presenting the perfect opportunity for a relaxing swim. Wander up the boardwalk and then let the gentle current float you back to the beach. Then, it is off to the Maheno Shipwreck where you can learn about the history of this Fraser Island icon and get some wonderful photo opportunities.   Another trip along the beach highway brings you to the Champagne Pools, where you can enjoy a natural spa in these seawater pools next to the ocean. Afterwards, return back to camp for another evening of sharing travel stories. After breakfast and a quick clean of the campsite, head to the tropical oasis, Lake Wabby, a short walk over the magnificent sand dunes. Go for another swim and admire the tropical paradise surrounding the area before enjoying your last meal together as a group.   Finally, wave goodbye to the world's largest sand island and return to the mainland via the ferry and Inskip Point. After a quick cleaning and unpacking of the vehicles, you will arrive back at Rainbow Beach around 3-4 PM.

Rainbow Beach: Kayaking with Dolphins and Beach 4WD Tour

Rainbow Beach: Kayaking with Dolphins and Beach 4WD Tour

Begin your 3-hour adventure with a 4WD beach drive in the Great Sandy National Park. Head to the spectacular Double Island Point to enjoy scenic views of Fraser Island and the colored sands of Rainbow Beach. Afterward, head out on a relaxed kayaking tour around the headland as you admire the beauty of the natural surroundings and take in the Double Island Point Lighthouse from a unique perspective. Keep an eye out for the curious bottlenose dolphin pods who are often seen in this area, feeding on large schools of fish. Also, see local and migrating wildlife, including humpback whales (June-November), turtles, manta rays, stingrays, soldier crabs in their thousands, and migrating sea birds.

From Rainbow Beach: K'gari, Fraser Island Two-Day Coach Tour

From Rainbow Beach: K'gari, Fraser Island Two-Day Coach Tour

Gear up for two full days of fun and adventure on K'gari (Fraser Island). Your guide, a K'gari expert with local knowledge and a passion for the island, takes all the hard work out of navigating tides and terrain. Drive across sand tracks in a fully air-conditioned 4WD coach exploring beautiful, natural spots and listen to fascinating facts about the island’s history and flora and fauna. Keep your eye out for dingoes and migrating humpback whales (mid July-early October).   Depart Rainbow Beach at approximately 8:00 AM and travel to Inskip for the barge crossing to Hook Point at the southern tip of K'gari. On the island, check out the displays at Central Station and discover a former logging station. Stroll along the boardwalk of Wanggoolba Creek to uncover ancient king ferns before hiking through Pile Valley’s subtropical rainforest to see the island’s famous Satinay trees.  Enjoy a revitalizing swim in the fresh, crystal-blue water of Lake Mckenzie. Then relax on the sandy white beaches of this picture-perfect dune lake. At 75 Mile Beach, tour the sandy highway, the “spine of K'gari,” running from Hook Point to Great Sandy Cape. During the journey, treat yourself to an optional scenic flight over the island.  Relax on the sandy banks of Eli Creek, wade through the shallow waters, or drift downstream on the fastest-flowing creek on the island — sure to revitalize your mind, body, and soul. Learn the intriguing history of Maheno Shipwreck, a once-proud passenger liner that was washed ashore in 1935 during a cyclone. The Pinnacles Colored Sands are one of K'gari’s most magical locations; hear about how these dreamy cliffs came to be.  See the spectacular Indian Head while cruising up 75 Mile Beach. Stimulate your senses in the Champagne Pools with a dip into a natural ocean jacuzzi. At Lake Wabby, swim in the emerald-green window lake and explore the only example of a barrage lake on K'gari, after trekking across the shifting sands of Hammerstone Sandblow.  The tour concludes with departure from K'gari on the second day at approximately 4:30 PM, arriving back at your accommodation in Rainbow Beach between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM.

From Rainbow Beach: 2-Day K'gari (Fraser Island) 4WD Tour

From Rainbow Beach: 2-Day K'gari (Fraser Island) 4WD Tour

The morning starts bright and early with our compulsory tour briefing at 7 a.m. sharp at Freedom Hostel. Here, you will receive comprehensive information to prepare you for this exciting journey. You will be placed into groups and have the opportunity to organise luggage storage. You will also be taught how to drive safely on Fraser Island ahead of your big adventure! We aim to depart Freedom Hostel for K'gari (Fraser Island) by 9:30 am, which can take approximately 10 minutes to drive to the barge (ferry). The barge crossing is approximately 15 minutes, and during that time, you may be lucky enough to spot Dolphins or other marine life before arriving on the world’s largest sand island. Once you arrive, you’ll be traversing the eastern beach - K'gari's (Fraser Islands) own highway with speed limits! Settle in for the journey and enjoy the views as we head north along the beach before stopping for morning tea at one of the many freshwater creeks found on the island. Following morning tea, we will continue north towards the Maheno Shipwreck, where we’ll stop to share the story of this important landmark, especially it’s use as a hospital ship during wartime. We have lunch included for you today. The lunch destination will be up to your guide as they’ll find the best spot depending on where you are around that time of the day. We’ll finish up our afternoon at Eli Creek, a beautifully clear creek perfect for a refreshing swim/splash and relaxing sunbathing before heading to our camp. Arise for a quick breakfast before we begin our second day on K'gari (Fraser Island)! The adventure begins as we drive south to Eurong before heading inland through everchanging vegetation to the rainforest at Central Station. Here you’ll depart your vehicle and follow your guide for a walk alongside beautiful Wanggoolba Creek. Your guide will share the logging history of Central Station along with the indigenous significance of Wanggoolba Creek before sending you on a 1.8 km self-guided walk through the rainforest. You’ll reunite with your guide at the other end of the walk at Pile Valley where you’ll have morning tea surrounded by towering Satinay trees. From Pile Valley it’s a short drive to the famous Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), arguably the most popular and picturesque highlight of K'gari (Fraser Island). Here, you can enjoy quality time lazing on the pristine sand beaches, swimming, and relaxing in the lake's stunning clear waters. We’ll then have lunch before packing up and returning to Eastern Beach. Once back on Eastern Beach we’ll head south to the barge (ferry). From Inskip Point, it’s only a short drive back into Rainbow Beach, where your adventure ends. We return to Freedom Rainbow Beach between 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm.

Rainbow Beach: 4WD Beach Drive Adventure and Surf Lesson

Rainbow Beach: 4WD Beach Drive Adventure and Surf Lesson

Depart Rainbow Beach to discover a hidden paradise only accessible by taking a 4WD vehicle through the Great Sandy National Park. Arriving at the spectacular Double Island Point, you will find a perfect surfing location, with long waves that seem to go on forever. You could be riding waves for 100’s of meters on your first surfing lesson. Learn to surf in waist-deep water with friendly instructors that are highly experienced and fully qualified to get you surfing and having fun in a safe, uncrowded environment. Don’t worry if you have never surfed before, you will be taught the basics and will develop through the lesson. If you're not a complete beginner and looking to progress further with your surfing, we have fully accredited surf instructors with all the technical guidance you need. From learning how to ride the nose on a longboard to more advanced shortboard training.

K'gari (Fraser Island) Full-Day Tour From Rainbow Beach

K'gari (Fraser Island) Full-Day Tour From Rainbow Beach

Explore UNESCO-listed Fraser Island on a 4WD day tour from Rainbow Beach. Drive along the sandy beaches and enjoy the views of the largest sand island in the world. Take detours into the rainforest, admire sparkling Lake Mckenzie, and look out for a range of wildlife and birds. Meet your guide at the Shell Service Station in Rainbow Beach and board a 4WD vehicle. Drive along the sandy beaches and enjoy the views of the largest sand island in the world. Take detours into the rainforest, admire sparkling Lake Mckenzie, and look out for a range of wildlife and birds. Stop at the Central Station Rainforest and take a walk through the rainforest alongside the silent Wanggoolba Creek. Visit the SS Maheno shipwreck and learn about the shipwreck’s colorful past. On to the beautiful freshwater Lake McKenzie where you can spend an hour relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the scenery. Enjoy an authentic Aussie lunch to top off a perfect day of discovery on the world’s largest sand island. Return through more towering forests and navigate your way down the ‘sandy highway’ before returning to Rainbow Beach in the evening.

K'gari (Fraser Island) Full-Day Tour From Noosa

K'gari (Fraser Island) Full-Day Tour From Noosa

Explore UNESCO-listed Fraser Island on a 4WD day tour from Noosa. Drive along the sandy beaches and enjoy the views of the largest sand island in the world. Take detours into the rainforest, admire sparkling Lake Mckenzie, and look out for a range of wildlife and birds. The coach will pick you up in Noosa before travelling North to Rainbow Beach for the final pick-up. Board a 4WD vehicle and catch the Ferry over to K'gari (Fraser Island) for your drive along the sandy beaches and enjoy the views of the largest sand island in the world. Take detours into the rainforest, admire sparkling Lake McKenzie, and look out for a range of wildlife and birds. Stop at the Central Station Rainforest and walk through the rainforest alongside the silent Wanggoolba Creek. Visit the SS Maheno shipwreck and learn about the shipwreck’s colourful past. On to the beautiful freshwater Lake McKenzie where you can spend an hour relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the scenery. Enjoy an authentic Aussie lunch to top off a perfect day of discovery on the world’s largest sand island. Return through more towering forests, navigate down the ‘sandy highway’ and cross back to the mainland before returning to Noosa in the evening.

Noosa to Rainbow Beach: 4-Wheel Drive Tour in Great Sandy NP

Noosa to Rainbow Beach: 4-Wheel Drive Tour in Great Sandy NP

Benefit from pickup at your accommodation, if located between Mooloolaba and Noosa, and then set off on a 6-hour off-road adventure to get stunning views of the golden the sands. Drive across a pristine stretch of white sand with stunning headland views all the way from Noosa to Double Island Point. Stop to admire the scenery of Great Sandy National Park, and take in the impressive views from the Double Island Point Lighthouse. Keep a look out for turtles, sharks, manta rays, and pods of dolphins in their natural environment, along with majestic humpback whales between June and October. Get exclusive access to the lighthouse to discover parts of the popular spot you might otherwise miss. Take photos of the dramatic Red Canyon and Coloured Sands, and watch a demonstration of the traditional techniques of the Aborigines. Go to a scenic picnic spot in Great Sandy National Park, where friendly Lace Monitor Lizards may join you for a selfie. Cool off with a dip in the ocean before the return trip to your accommodation.

Private Family Adventure - Noosa to Double Island Point

Private Family Adventure - Noosa to Double Island Point

Depart Noosa in your private specialized 4X4 vehicle and experience the thrill of the Great Beach Drive. Drive along Teewah Beach that stretches over 50km to Double Island Point. Take in the stunning wind-swept cliffs towering over the beach and many different types of local flora and fauna. Discover the unique private Marine Park aquatic adventure that is only accessible at low tide. Here a variety of thrilling water activities are on offer, including surf lessons on Australia’s longest wave, kayaking tours, stand up paddle lessons and wildlife eco tours. Enjoy the turquoise waters of Honeymoon Bay with the activity of your choice. See local Bottlenose dolphins feeding and playing up close in the Marine Park. Enjoy the return trip along the Great Beach Drive back to your Noosa accommodation.

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What people are saying about Rainbow Beach

Overall rating

4.6
(61 reviews)

I've always wanted to see k'gari (Fraser) island and with this day trip I feel I got to see most of the island and got a reasonable time at each location. Our tour guide/ driver John was the best he was extremely informative, funny and accommodating if you get a chance to get to k'gari I hope you get John he'll make a special day that much better. lunch is included as well at one of the resorts on the island, It is a buffet style and accommodates for everyones diet. This tour was by far the best day trip I've ever done and can't wait till I can come back 🙏🏻

Amazing day, K’gari is the most incredible place and our tour guide Keith made it even better with his limitless knowledge about the island, its history and its people. The scenery speaks for itself but the things you learn on the trip makes it even better. Well worth it

Our guide Mick was the best! He was the main reason our tour was so memorable! He knew all the answers to the questions we threw at him about the island and made us feel super comfortable and looked after!! 100% do the 3 day tour!!❤️

What a great tour! Keith our guide was extremely knowledgable and so much fun! The tour is well organised for you to see all the main sites on K’Gari - our favourite was the swim at Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora).

It was a lot of fun! We had to rush because of the tight schedule, but our guide, Keith, was a fun and kind person and explained a lot of things to us, so we were very satisfied. We also saw dingoes 😳