Holiday Must Dos
Holidays are here and you are in the best spot to play in the water, relax with a spot of fishing or get adventurous and explore the Nature Coast. The new Cooloola Coast Map has just been released and along with it we reveal the top Must Do’s. As you can see – there is something for everyone:
Swim in our Patrolled Beach With the iconic Coloured Sands, rockpools that change daily, mini-waterfalls and the “little sandblow” there is a lot more to do on Rainbow Beach than paddle and build castles…you can even book a guided horseride!
Feed wild Indo-Pacific dolphins There are so few places in Australia where you can interact with wild dolphins. This family of dolphins visit Norman Point boat ramp most days around 7.30 to 8am, and the volunteers give an informative talk.
Drop a line If you love fishing – you’ll love it here, our sheltered estuaries of have an excellent reputation for fishing and crabbing.
Marvel at the Coloured Sands Walk south of the patrolled area for a kilometre or so and you’ll see why the town was named “Rainbow Beach”. With 72 colours and up to 200metres in height they are even more magnificent about 10 km further by 4WD.
On the water Canoe in the mangrove fringed waters of Carlo Creek, Carlo Island and Tin Can Bay Inlet – it’s a designated dugong sanctuary. Or sail or boat on the Sandy Straits beside Fraser Island – it’s a beautiful place to jet-ski, tube or water ski. Cruises are available and you will often spot dolphins, turtles and dugong.
Feast your eyes at the Sandblow Not to be missed, Carlo Sandblow is breathtaking in any season, any time of the day with spectacular 360 degree views.
Explore the Foreshore You can walk 4km from Crab Creek to Norman Point, over picturesque bridges, through mangroves, signage of flora and fauna , playgrounds and outdoor gyms. It is mostly flat – very safe for cycling, scooters and skateboards.
Birdwatcher’s paradise A range of habitats from sand flats, mangroves and wallum heath are a feeding ground for migratory shorebirds, waders, seabirds and ground dwelling birds. Find some of the 137 species and the best viewing spots in the Tin Can Bay Foreshore Bird Walk.
Spectacular wildflowers The Tin Can Bay Wildflower Walk starts at the corner of Emperor Street and Oyster Parade. Best in Spring and Summer, you can still see pink and white Wax flowers, vibrant yellow Guinea flowers and brilliant pink Melaleuca flowers year round.
Browse the markets Art and crafts, homemade cakes and cookies, plants, German sausages, locally grown produce, a jumping castle and more on offer on the third Saturday of the month, near the library. (Rainbow Beach Market is the second Saturday of the month.)
Extreme adventure Renowned around the globe for Hang Gliding and Paragliding, you can also experience unforgettable aerial scenic views of Rainbow and Fraser and the adrenalin pumping thrill of free fall tandem sky diving. World class scuba diving at Wolf Rock as well as kite surfing is also on offer.
Fresh from the trawler You can’t visit the Cooloola Coast without savouring the seafood on offer. Known for many varieties of fish, fresh prawns and spanner crab, fish and chips is mandatory when you are in the bay or beach.
Cruise while the sun sinks over the horizon Make sure you BYO beverages and enjoy the amazing light on the water with a sunset cruise.
Inskip Point is a favourite Beach on one side, bay on the other holidaygoers return generation after generation to relax on its shores. Fishing, picnics, boating…also the location the barge leaves for Fraser Island from here.
Paddle in Seary’s Creek Always cool on the hottest of days, drive 7km from town towards Gympie, With tea tree waterholes and boardwalk, bridges and history, kids can paddle on body boards or wade from one deck to the other.
Kayak with dolphins What an unique experience – see dolphins, whales (seasonal), manta rays, turtles and more.
Learn to Surf Double Island Point has the best and one of the longest surfing waves in Australia and is a mecca for surfers. A popular area is also near the Surf Tower.
4WD Capital Drive along the most beautiful highway in the world – right next to the Pacific Ocean to Double Island Point, or explore Inskip Point or inland tracks. Hire a 4WD or take a half day tour to see the Coloured Sands and Double Island Point’s historic lighthouse.
Swim in pristine lakes Lake Poona is accessible by 2WD and a moderate bush walk through rainforest. Lake Freshwater is only accessible via 4WD or extensive walk. Both are great vantage spots for spotting local wildlife.
Unwind If you want a peaceful, waterside location – we are a perfect place for a relaxed holiday.
Image Smiley Mick plans plenty of beach time these holidays – here he is with his tribe Rory, Karter, Baylin and Zahli