We offer 3 and 5 day suggested itineraries for couples and families … to really make the most out of your stay. Valentines, start here:
Day 1: Walk to Carlo Sandblow
Spend your day on the beach – enjoy a swim at the flagged area any time of year, and a walk up to the Coloured Sands. (Just remember to check tides first!)
In the afternoon pack your camera, some bubbly and a torch in a knapsack and walk up to the stunning sand blow. You can take the bushwalk track from behind the National Park Office, or drive to the carpark at the top of Cooloola Drive.
Soak up the views together from Double Island Point, turn west and you can watch the sun slowly sink over the sandy straights. Walk down the bushwalk to Cooloola Dr and back to the Getaway!
Haven’t prepared dinner? Stop in at the Rainbow Beach Sports Club for a delicious meal on the deck, just across the street from Double Island Drive.
BOM has got us again! Bookings have been scarce for this week due to dire forecasts a few days back, of flooding rains – only to find, we’ve been lucky to have an inch! And now they are telling us that it is only a few showers we should expect and a fine weekend!
At any rate, our gardens are looking beautiful and green. Our only wish is that we could send that rain to the parched drought-areas.
February is the month of love – Valentine’s day is Friday week. Since the 14th falls on a weekend this year, it is a perfect excuse to spoil your loved one with some time in Rainbow Beach! Here’s a few suggestions below.
On top of that, at the end of the month on the 29th, is the Big Summer Blowout at the Sports Club. I’m looking forward to Thirsty Merc (they performed in Rainbow Beach last year!) Darryl Braithwaite, Wendy Matthews, Dragon … Hope we see you there! I think tickets are almost sold out.
Next month – book in early for a special celebration for International Women’s Day. Held Sunday March 8, Ladies Day 2020 includes yoga, a Greek Restaurant, champagne bar, health bar, coffee, with markets, workshops, a fashion parade and more – for $20. We are proud to sponsor this event.
Eat at home or dine out – here are 7 suggestions for your favourite person in the world.
Scallops on the half shell come pre-prepared at Rainbow Beach Meats with a savoury butter. All you do is leave them in the shell, pop them on some foil under a hot grill for about three minutes and they are done!
Try Sandy’s prawn cutlets from Ocean Breeze Seafood. Eat it with a salad or order a whole seafood pack. Sandy has fresh seafood, too.
Rainbow Beach Pizza is open for pick up across the road – or you can even have home delivery! Ask Sean what else is on the menu – you may want to start with bruschetta or even order his lasagne or ribs.
Visit the deli counter at the IGA for a selection of cold cuts, fetta, antipasto and pick up a packet of crackers.
You can’t go past the seafood platter at Arcobaleno on the Beach, to share. Not your regular deep fried fare – you’ll find beautiful scallops on the shell, calamari, marinated prawns, chips, salad and delicious baked fish with a crunchy topping.
Enjoy the views at the Deck – try their tapas and cocktails!
Book a table looking over the bowls green at the Rainbow Beach Sports Club. Choose some entrees, salad or mains – it’s all delicious!
Best for a swim
On the beachfront – find a picnic table – or bring a blanket.
Best for views
Phil Rogers Park is south of the surf club, bordering a playground. There are new picnic tables – all with shelters, free gas BBQs, playground and a new walking path down to the viewing platform. There’s a bit of a slope, but you can still set up badminton or similar here. If you have a larger crowd, drive to the corner – where they have larger area. The picnic table also accommodates people with wheelchairs.
Best for families
Lawrie Hanson Park – is the other playground, so great for families as well. This playground is larger with a great selection of equipment for varied ages. I love the flying fox. There are several covered picnic tables and free gas BBQs. Some of the sites have views. You’ll find areas here that are flat – so good for cricket or touch footy games. The Rainbow staircase leads to beach and road below.
Best for Fraser Island Vistas
Inskip Point is only 15 minutes drive, toilets are in camping areas. We drive right to end to the carpark, before the bitumen stops. You don’t have to drive on the beach, but you can if you have a 4WD. It is a short walk across the road, bring your togs and fishing gear.
Best for surfing, turtle spotting and the Great Beach Drive
About 20 minutes drive to Double Island Point – you’ll have to check tides, rock and road conditions and make sure your 4WD is ready for the beach. But drive down past the Coloured Sands, past Middle Rock and you can stop at the lagoons – or drive further to the ‘carpark’ if conditions allow. The only toilets are just past the Leisha Track turnoff, just continue on the beach. This is a surfer’s mecca and a huge oasis of calm, sand and surf. You can walk up to the top of Double Island Point and see the lighthouse. Bring your camera!
1. We love the salad sandwiches made at Ed’s Beach Bakery – they make their corn meat from scratch (for their famous corn meat and white sauce pies), be sure to ask for their relish!
2. Even simpler, select a savoury pastry – pie, sausage roll or pastie!
3. A hot BBQ chicken from the IGA, and their prepared salads.
4. Rainbow Beach Butcher does delicious ham off the bone, they also stock fresh honey and condiments. Team it with some of their local Kenilworth cheese. Add an apple, french stick and salad and you have a ploughman’s lunch sorted.
5. Burgers from Rainbow Fruit – and a fruit salad. Easy to eat, reasonably priced and they are always good!
Finish with a Creme de la Creme gelato! They’ll let you taste a few for your decision. Too many delicious ones to recommend – they make these on site.
