General Information
Population: Approximately 900 permanent residents which can swell to 4000 at peak holiday periods. Situated on the mainland just to the south of world heritage listed FRASER ISLAND Rainbow Beach is the gateway to Fraser Island and is known as the 4 wheel drive capital of Australia. On any day the majority of vehicles in the main street are 4 wheel drives. Rainbow Beach is also the most northerly surf beach in mainland Queensland.
Weather in the area is subtropical with prevailing south easterly winds. The area is renowned for its beach camping. National Park camping on the beach is allowed at Inskip Point, 10kms to the north of the township, at Freshwater camping grounds about 5kms south of Double Island Point, along the beach south to the Noosa Shire boundary and, of course, on Fraser Island.
Great BEACH FISHING can be had on all beaches around Rainbow, also excellent ROCK FISHING is available for the enthusiast at Double Island Point. GENERAL BOATING, SPORT FISHING, FLY FISHING and REEF FISHING are all available in the area.
How do I get there (map)
Situated 220 km north of Brisbane, turn at Gympie (162 km north) on to the Tin Can Bay Road and follow the signs. If coming from the north turn at Maryborough and travel down the Cooloola Coast road to the Tin Can Bay Road. If travelling by 4 wheel drive try travelling through Tewantin via the barge over the Noosa River then up the beach via Double Island Point. (A very pleasant journey, stop for a fish along the way); however, check that the rocks at Rainbow Beach are passable before attempting this drive as you may have to turn back just before Rainbow.
Fishing Facilities
Whilst only a small coastal town all of the requirements for fishing can be obtained. Fuel, ice, tackle, bait (fresh & frozen) are available but boat repairs are limited. Boat ramps are situated at Carlo Point and and Bullock Point Jetty. Both boat ramps give access to the Tin Can Bay Inlet and the Great Sandy Strait. Offshore fishing is accessible via the Wide Bay Bar, which you should not attempt to cross without first obtaining some local advise as the bar can be EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. A Coast Guard Station is situated at Norman Point at Tin Can Bay. Smaller boats can be launched from the beach at Double Island Point and Inskip Point. There are several charter boats operating from Carlo Point and also house boat hire is available
Accommodation
Hotel, 2 motels, 2 caravan parks with camping facilities, self contained holiday houses and apartments are available. You can also rent houseboats
Shopping Facilities
The usual shopping facilities for a small coastal town are all available with supermarkets, hot bread kitchen, chemist, butcher, bait and tackle etc. There are no bank or ATM facilities but most shops have EFTPOS available.
Entertainment
Entertainment is limited with one hotel, one club and a number of restaurants. There is a major fishing competition in July each year as well as a 4WD Trek over a weekend each November. Both offer substantial prizes.
CAN'T GO FISHING?
Try a trip to Fraser Island either by your own 4 WD or on one of the tours that operate from the area, take a trip to Tin Can Bay (38 km away) or just relax and have a surf. Hang gliding is also a popular local sport when the weather is right.
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