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Tour · Rainbow Beach

Rainbow Beach Day Tour

The little town with the technicolour cliffs. Walk the Coloured Sands and the Carlo Sand Blow, then drive the beach to the lighthouse headland at Double Island Point — a full day of the Cooloola coast with a local at the wheel.

Guided 4WD day tour · Updated 31 May 2026 · By the Cooee Tours team

The Carlo Sand Blow dune above Rainbow Beach
The Carlo Sand Blow above Rainbow Beach. — free-licensed stand-in; swap for a Cooee photo.
Why you'll remember it

Tour highlights

The Coloured Sands

Weathered cliffs streaked in ochre, rust and gold along the shore.

Carlo Sand Blow

A vast sculpted dune with sweeping coast and island views.

Beach drive

Air down and cruise the sand highway around the headland.

Double Island Point

The lighthouse headland — one of the best coastal views around.

Rainbow Beach town

Time for the lookout and a wander before the drive home.

Tides handled

We time the beach driving around low tide, so you don't have to.

Duration
Full day approx. 8 hrs
Departs
Rainbow Beach / Noosa
Group
Small group, guided
From
$189 per adult

Rainbow Beach sits where the Cooloola coast meets the sea, named for the weathered sand cliffs that streak the shoreline in ochre, rust and gold. It's the mainland gateway to K'gari — and a spectacular day out in its own right.

We handle the 4WD, the national park access and the tide timing, then show you the coloured sands, the giant Carlo Sand Blow and the long sweep of beach out to Double Island Point.

Your day, stop by stop

  1. Morning

    The Coloured Sands

    Meet your guide and set out along the shore beneath the famous weathered cliffs — more than seventy shades of sand, best in the morning light.

  2. Mid-morning

    Carlo Sand Blow

    A short walk out onto a vast sculpted dune with sweeping views over Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island and the Coloured Sands.

  3. Midday

    Beach drive to Double Island Point

    Air down and cruise the sand highway around the headland, keeping an eye out for turtles and dolphins in the clear water offshore.

  4. Lunch

    Double Island Point

    Lunch near the lighthouse headland, with time to take in one of the best coastal views on the Sunshine Coast.

  5. Afternoon

    Rainbow Beach town

    Back to town with time for the lookout and a wander before we point the 4WD for home.

  6. Late afternoon

    Return

    Drop-off at Rainbow Beach, or back to your Noosa / Sunshine Coast pick-up point.

What’s included

  • Guided 4WD transport for the day
  • National park access and permits
  • Lunch and morning refreshments
  • Local guide and commentary
  • Coloured Sands, Carlo Sand Blow & Double Island Point

Not included

  • Hotel pick-up outside listed points (enquire)
  • Travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities

Tides run the timetable

Beach driving to Double Island Point is only possible around low tide, so departure times shift day to day and the running order can change. We'll confirm your exact pick-up time once your date is set.

What to bring

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), closed walking shoes for the sand blow, swimmers and a towel if you fancy a dip, a light layer, a refillable water bottle and a camera. There's a fair bit of sun and sand, so come prepared.

See the coloured coast

Check current dates and pricing, tell us where you're staying, and we'll sort the 4WD, permits and tide timing for you.

On the day

Wildlife you may see

The clear water off Double Island Point is full of life.

🐢Sea turtlesWarmer months
🐬DolphinsYear-round
🐳Humpback whalesOffshore, winter
🦅Sea eaglesYear-round
🐟RaysClear water
🌼Coastal wildflowersSpring
Why book with us

Why travel with Cooee

You could piece the ferry, permit and 4WD together yourself. Here's what you get when we handle it.

Run by locals

Fraser Coast locals who know the tides, the tracks and the best time to be on the water.

Small groups

Small-group tours with room to breathe — never a crowd of hundreds.

Everything sorted

Ferries, permits, tides and timing all handled, so you just enjoy the day.

Expert guides

Guides who bring K'gari and the coast to life with local knowledge and stories.

Real people to call

Flexible on pick-ups, extensions and group bookings — and always reachable.

Travelled with respect

We travel with care for Butchulla Country and the national parks we visit.

★★★★★

The Carlo Sand Blow at sunset was magic, and driving the beach to the lighthouse was a real adventure. A brilliant day out.

Sample review · replace before publishing

Common questions

Does the tour run year-round?

Yes, the Rainbow Beach day tour operates throughout the year, subject to weather and tides. Beach driving to Double Island Point is timed around low tide, so exact departure times shift day to day.

Where does the tour depart from?

Departures are from Rainbow Beach, with pick-ups from Noosa and the northern Sunshine Coast available on request. Let us know where you're staying when you book and we'll confirm your pick-up.

Is it suitable for kids?

Yes — it's a good family day out, with short walks and beach driving rather than long hikes. Bring sun protection, water and snacks, and check minimum-age details when you book.

Might we see wildlife at Double Island Point?

Often, yes. The waters off Double Island Point are known for turtles, dolphins and rays, and during winter you may spot humpback whales passing offshore. Sightings are never guaranteed.

What should I bring?

Sun protection, closed shoes for the sand blow, swimmers and a towel if you fancy a dip, water and a camera.

How much walking is there?

Just short walks — out onto the Carlo Sand Blow and around the headland. It's an easy day rather than a hiking one.