Rainbow Beach

Travel Guide

Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach which includes general coastal views and a beach
Rainbow Beach which includes general coastal views, a sandy beach and rocky coastline
Sunshine Coast
Great Sandy National Park showing wildflowers

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 ¥16,433 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
¥16,433
¥18,114 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
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! (263 reviews)
"When my wife and I travel no matter where we go. The staff usually makes or breaks the experience. The staff at Breeze are REALLY REALLY FRIENDLY."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 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 ¥17,627 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
¥17,627
¥19,562 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
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! (697 reviews)
"A beautiful fresh room with plenty of space, a very comfortable bed and a lovely bathroom. Debbie made us feel very welcome, was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the area. Woyld definitely recommend."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Debbie's Place
Rainbow Sands Resort
Rainbow Sands Resort
3 out of 5
42-46 Rainbow Beach Rd, Rainbow Beach, QLD
The price is ¥17,799 per night from Jul 5 to Jul 6
¥17,799
¥19,579 total
Jul 5 - Jul 6
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! (460 reviews)
"It was great"

Reviewed on Jun 1, 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.
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! (263 reviews)
"When my wife and I travel no matter where we go. The staff usually makes or breaks the experience. The staff at Breeze are REALLY REALLY FRIENDLY."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 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 WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (697 reviews)
"A beautiful fresh room with plenty of space, a very comfortable bed and a lovely bathroom. Debbie made us feel very welcome, was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the area. Woyld definitely recommend."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Debbie's Place
Rainbow Sea Resort
Rainbow Sea Resort
5 out of 5
3 Ocean View Parade, Rainbow Beach, QLD
Stay at this 5-star luxury apartment in Rainbow Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Phil Rogers Park and Rainbow Beach are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (148 reviews)
"Beautiful place to stay. Will definitely be back. 😊"

Reviewed on Mar 2, 2025

Rainbow Sea 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.

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