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 cosy 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 colours 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 travelling 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 accommodation 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 £71 per night from 30 Apr to 1 May
£71
includes taxes & fees
30 Apr - 1 May
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly campsite in Rainbow Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Rainbow Beach and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (259 reviews)
"Lovely helpful admin ladies, my boys enjoyed their stay, would visit again definetely, thank you so much"

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2025

BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park – Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Sands Resort
Rainbow Sands Resort
3 out of 5
42-46 Rainbow Beach Rd, Rainbow Beach, QLD
The price is £94 per night from 1 May to 2 May
£94
includes taxes & fees
1 May - 2 May
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 their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (447 reviews)
"Nice place to stay. Definitely showing signs of wear and tear."

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2025

Rainbow Sands Resort
Debbie's Place
Debbie's Place
4 out of 5
30 Kurana Street, Rainbow Beach, QLD
The price is £120 per night from 11 May to 12 May
£120
includes taxes & fees
11 May - 12 May
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Rainbow Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (690 reviews)
Debbies Place Rainbow Beach
"What beautiful accommodation, we were spoilt!! Fantastic modern newly decorated, immaculately clean. Host so lovely and helpful with suggestions for eating out and places to see. Would highly recommend staying here. Hope to come back one day xx"

Reviewed on 12 Apr 2025

Debbie's Place
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.
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 campsite in Rainbow Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Rainbow Beach and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (259 reviews)
"Lovely helpful admin ladies, my boys enjoyed their stay, would visit again definetely, thank you so much"

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2025

BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park – Rainbow Beach
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (690 reviews)
Debbies Place Rainbow Beach
"What beautiful accommodation, we were spoilt!! Fantastic modern newly decorated, immaculately clean. Host so lovely and helpful with suggestions for eating out and places to see. Would highly recommend staying here. Hope to come back one day xx"

Reviewed on 12 Apr 2025

Debbie's Place
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 centre and a garden. Our guests praise the property condition in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (276 reviews)
"I had some difficulty checking in as my phone didn't work but I was able to check in eventually. The rooms were nice."

Reviewed on 30 Sep 2024

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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Rainbow Beach

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
5 - Excellent 83%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 17%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

This is the 3rd visit to Rainbow beach and we are from the Uk. When we come over to visit family we have always spent time here.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful endless beach, gateway to the amazing Fraser Island!

Cities near Rainbow Beach