Discover Rainbow Beach Walking Tracks
From meandering paths to treks from Queensland’s Great Walks in the Great Sandy National Park, Cooloola Section- Rainbow is perfect for walkers. Here is a few of our favourites:
The Headland and Lookout- leave the Getaway and walk 5 to 10 minutes towards town along Rainbow Beach Road. If you go as far as you can, you will find the salvaged Cherry Venture propeller and behind it a lookout- with views to Fraser Island in the North and Double Island point in the South. If you follow the path in either direction will lead you to steps and onto the beach. Or you can follow a longer route back to the resort.
Carlo Sand Blow – A must for everyone – all ages will appreciate the spectacular vista of ocean and sand plus views of Tin Can Bay Inlet and beyond. Just walk or motor up Cooloola Drive to the reservoir, walk up 600m with some steps towards the summit. Walk towards the Coloured Sand cliffs and see how they contrast with the ocean below. Walkers are rewarded with beautiful displays on dusk – bring your blanket and some champagne.
The Pedestrian Circuit- start from the National Parks Office on Rainbow Beach Road, a few metres down from the Rainbow Getaway. Take the new track toward the sandblow- following the signs. Either complete the circuit by crossing the sandblow, towards Cooloola Drive or return the way you came. Approximately 4km return.
Lake Poona- approximately 40 minutes (9.6km if you choose to walk from town) drive to Bymien Car Park and walk through the rainforest to a freshwater lake and native animals.
Lake Freshwater- two options: either follow this walk from the Bymien picnic area for an all day walk. Alternatively, if you drive to the carpark you will find a easy bushwalk down to the lake’s entrance. The kids will love a dip at the little beach or a venture further from the shallows.
Beach Walks – take your pick! Grab a taxi to Inskip Point then start walking back to the flagged area. Leave ample time this walk is not for the fainthearted-at approximately 9km long. Alternatively, from the surf tower, walk towards the popular Coloured Sands. You will pass varying rock formations including the notorious Mudlo Rocks, waterfalls, the little blow or turn the direction and walk away from 4WDs to Rainbow Shores. There are plenty of options- choose low tide for ease.
For a more demanding walk through rainforest and wallum scrub, follow the Old Telegraph Track from Bymien Car Park to Rainbow Beach (about 8km). The Great Walk is another option: it leaves Rainbow to reach Noosa with 4 overnight stops on the way.
Picnic at the lighthouse! It is not uncommon to see turtles, manta rays and even whales when it is the right time of year. Bring your binoculars..only 15.7km to walk to Double Island Point. For an easier option, drive to Teewah Beach (from the beach or on the Freshwater road) and trek up to the lighthouse for a walk the whole family can manage.
Barge walk- walk onto the Manta Ray Barge and hop off on Fraser Island. Head up the beach- turn around when you are half way through your time and return. It’s a good idea to pack a picnic lunch for this one and look out for the dingoes.
Honeymoon Bay- After driving to this wonderful piece of paradise you may just want to wallow on the beach or play in the shallows, under Double Island Point. There is a short rocky trail at the base of the headland that the kids will call an adventure (make sure an adult joins them). This is popular local surfing and swimming retreat only accessible by 4WD and on the right tide.
Seary’s Creek Boardwalk – Beautifully cool on the hottest summer day- a place the kids will ask you to return to. A short stroll takes you to two waterholes in the tea coloured freshwater creek. 7km towards Gympie on the Rainbow Beach Road.
If you prefer a hill climb or sticking to the flat- there are plenty of options. All with lots of flora and fauna to look out for- we can advise you on each of these or provide you with a map – talk to Judy for assistance. Rainbow has the best of beach and bush for walkers to experience the Australian outdoors.
Contact Rainbow Getaway Holiday Apartments for more walks in the Great Sandy National Park, other Rainbow Beach activities or to find out why we have the best beach holidays. Free reprint avaialable from: Discover Rainbow Beach Walking Tracks.
