The Fraser Coast Region
Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach is approximately 2½ hours drive from Brisbane, and a short 10 minute barge trip from Fraser Island. Popular with 4-wheel-drive and fishing enthusiasts the region offers the best of the Cooloola Coast. Visitors can explore the beaches, inland rainforest tracks and freshwater lakes of the Great Sandy National Park Or simply fish from the beaches or marvel at the coloured sands the region is so famous for.
Rainbow Shores
Rainbow Shores is an environmentally-sensitive resort development set in bushland alongside the beach. Rainbow Shores has its own golf course, small convenience store and contemporary bar and bistro.
Facilities include swimming pools, table tennis, putt-putt golf, bicycle hire, tennis, and pool table. The nine hole, par three golf course is popular with visitors and locals alike. The casual bar and restaurant, “The Pavilions” serves modern Australian cuisine under the stars.
Fraser Island
The world heritage listed Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world, is a short 15 minute drive and barge trip from Rainbow Beach. There are several tour companies operating from Rainbow or drive to Inskip Point and catch the barge. A permit is required if you take your car or motorbike onto the island, no permit is required for walkers or visitors on organised tours. Permits are available from the National Parks Office in Rainbow Beach.
Tin Can Bay
Just thirty-minutes by car or catch the Dolphin Ferry to this pretty little town. The Ferry you can see the wild Dolphins come in to be hand fed at the Norman Point Public Boat Ramp.
Hang gliding
Fishing
Carlo Sand Blow
A bush walk up to Carlo Sand Blow is a must for every visitor. Drive to the reservoir at the top of Cooloola Drive. The sand blow is an easy 600m walk from the car park. Spectacular views of The Coloured Sands, Double Island Point and Tin Can Bay Inlet are the bonus for your efforts. When the thermals are right, you will often see Hang Gliders and Para-Gliders taking off and landing at this beautiful piece of Nature.
Surf and Swimming Safety
* Always swim BETWEEN the yellow and red flags and do not swim on unpatrolled beaches. A plain yellow flag means caution. Wait an hour after a meal before swimming and don't swim after taking alcohol or medication.
* If you are caught in a rip, don't struggle or panic but raise your hand over your head to indicate you need assistance. Don't dive into surf, rivers, streams, waterways and do not swim near boats and boat ramps. Watch for overhanging trees when swimming in rivers and lakes.
* Take heed of marine stinger or crocodile warnings.
* Australia has a proud tradition of volunteer surf life saving. Many Queenslanders give up their time to try to make ocean waters safer for you - please respect this tradition, read signs and ask about surf conditions.
* Queensland offers fabulous diving experiences so ensure you receive professional training.
Information sources and references: http://www.lifesaving.com.au
Rainbow Beach is approximately 2½ hours drive from Brisbane, and a short 10 minute barge trip from Fraser Island. Popular with 4-wheel-drive and fishing enthusiasts the region offers the best of the Cooloola Coast. Visitors can explore the beaches, inland rainforest tracks and freshwater lakes of the Great Sandy National Park Or simply fish from the beaches or marvel at the coloured sands the region is so famous for.
Rainbow Shores
Rainbow Shores is an environmentally-sensitive resort development set in bushland alongside the beach. Rainbow Shores has its own golf course, small convenience store and contemporary bar and bistro.
Facilities include swimming pools, table tennis, putt-putt golf, bicycle hire, tennis, and pool table. The nine hole, par three golf course is popular with visitors and locals alike. The casual bar and restaurant, “The Pavilions” serves modern Australian cuisine under the stars.
Fraser Island
The world heritage listed Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world, is a short 15 minute drive and barge trip from Rainbow Beach. There are several tour companies operating from Rainbow or drive to Inskip Point and catch the barge. A permit is required if you take your car or motorbike onto the island, no permit is required for walkers or visitors on organised tours. Permits are available from the National Parks Office in Rainbow Beach.
Tin Can Bay
Just thirty-minutes by car or catch the Dolphin Ferry to this pretty little town. The Ferry you can see the wild Dolphins come in to be hand fed at the Norman Point Public Boat Ramp.
Hang gliding
Fishing
Carlo Sand Blow
A bush walk up to Carlo Sand Blow is a must for every visitor. Drive to the reservoir at the top of Cooloola Drive. The sand blow is an easy 600m walk from the car park. Spectacular views of The Coloured Sands, Double Island Point and Tin Can Bay Inlet are the bonus for your efforts. When the thermals are right, you will often see Hang Gliders and Para-Gliders taking off and landing at this beautiful piece of Nature.
Surf and Swimming Safety
* Always swim BETWEEN the yellow and red flags and do not swim on unpatrolled beaches. A plain yellow flag means caution. Wait an hour after a meal before swimming and don't swim after taking alcohol or medication.
* If you are caught in a rip, don't struggle or panic but raise your hand over your head to indicate you need assistance. Don't dive into surf, rivers, streams, waterways and do not swim near boats and boat ramps. Watch for overhanging trees when swimming in rivers and lakes.
* Take heed of marine stinger or crocodile warnings.
* Australia has a proud tradition of volunteer surf life saving. Many Queenslanders give up their time to try to make ocean waters safer for you - please respect this tradition, read signs and ask about surf conditions.
* Queensland offers fabulous diving experiences so ensure you receive professional training.
Information sources and references: http://www.lifesaving.com.au