Rainbow Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach
Sunshine Coast
Rainbow Beach

Find out why this coastal town is a hub for adventure when you explore superb beaches, secluded campgrounds and awe-inspiring nature reserves.

Rainbow Beach is a cozy township straddling a narrow peninsula in Queensland’s Wide Bay-Burnett region. Framed by a varied coastline with the sheltered waters of Tin Can Bay on one side and the vast Coral Sea on the other, Rainbow Beach is perfectly placed for adventures on the water. Check out the rainbow-striped colors in the dunes that give the town its name and learn about the legend according to the local Kabi Aboriginal people.

Spend some time getting acquainted with the little town and stroll down the main strip that leads to the beachfront promenade. Main Beach directly fronts the town and is patrolled by the Rainbow Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. Stretch out on the golden sand or dive into the Coral Sea waters. Rent a sea kayak and explore some of the coast. Join a tour and ride on horseback along the extensive sandy strip. You can ride into the waves and splash in the water with your horse.

The southern outskirts of Rainbow Beach extend into the Cooloola Recreation Area within the Great Sandy National Park. Explore walking trails and four-wheel-drive trails in this mesmerizing coastal landscape. Carlo Sand Blow is the trailhead for the Cooloola Great Walk and an interesting spot for a daytrip. Admire views of the namesake colored sand toward Double Island Point and Inskip Point. More popular trails include the Kinaba Track and the Cooloola Wilderness Trail.

Travel north to reach the tip of Inskip Point and its magnificent campgrounds amid she-oak trees and high dunes. Go fishing in Tin Can Bay and explore the wild eastern beaches of the Coral Sea. From Inskip Point, you can board the ferry bound for World Heritage-listed Fraser Island (K’gari) and find four-wheel-drive trails and secluded campsites.

Rainbow Beach can be reached from Brisbane within 3 hours’ drive. The town is accessible as a stopover on bus charters traveling between Brisbane and Cairns. It is recommended you rent a four-wheel drive when exploring this coastal town to make the most of its exciting trails and secret beaches. Enjoy a range of accommodations options in town or camp overnight and be ready for another day of exciting adventure in Rainbow Beach.

BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park – Rainbow Beach

BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park – Rainbow Beach

3.5 out of 5
308 Carlo Road, Rainbow Beach, QLD
The price is NZ$214 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
NZ$214
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly campground in Rainbow Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Rainbow Beach and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (267 reviews)
"Amazing!! The staff were brilliant"

Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025

BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park – Rainbow Beach
Debbie's Place

Debbie's Place

4 out of 5
30 Kurana Street, Rainbow Beach, QLD
The price is NZ$230 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$230
28 July - 29 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Rainbow Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (702 reviews)
"We stayed in apartment 2 could not get over how modern well appointed with top shelf linen and extra large towels. The bonus being you were just across the road from a supermarket and take away shops. Debbie is an amazing host couldn't do enough for you."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Debbie's Place
Rainbow Sands Resort

Rainbow Sands Resort

3 out of 5
42-46 Rainbow Beach Rd, Rainbow Beach, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$213 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
NZ$213
31 July - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Rainbow Beach. Enjoy free parking, balconies or patios, and premium TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (464 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Rainbow Sands Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Debbie's Place

Debbie's Place

4 out of 5
30 Kurana Street, Rainbow Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Rainbow Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (702 reviews)
"We stayed in apartment 2 could not get over how modern well appointed with top shelf linen and extra large towels. The bonus being you were just across the road from a supermarket and take away shops. Debbie is an amazing host couldn't do enough for you."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Debbie's Place
BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park – Rainbow Beach

BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park – Rainbow Beach

3.5 out of 5
308 Carlo Road, Rainbow Beach, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly campground in Rainbow Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Rainbow Beach and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (267 reviews)
"Amazing!! The staff were brilliant"

Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025

BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park – Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Getaway Holiday Apartments

Rainbow Getaway Holiday Apartments

4 out of 5
4 Double Island Drive, Rainbow Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly apartment in Rainbow Beach. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and a garden. Our guests praise the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (278 reviews)
"The studio was spotlessly clean and the decor was perfect I could not fault the presentation of the unit it definitely made my short stay memorable. The host was friendly and cared about you as a guest that you enjoyed and were happy with the accommodation."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Rainbow Getaway Holiday Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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