Double Island Point

Double Island Point is a wild and windswept headland on the NSW north coast, where the Cooloola Sandpatch meets the sea. This remote, stunningly beautiful spot offers sweeping ocean views, a historic lighthouse, and some of the best surfing and coastal walks in the region. It's a place where you can truly feel the raw power of nature, with dolphins often frolicking in the waves below and whales passing by during migration season.

Highlights & What to See

• Double Island Point Lighthouse: Climb to this historic 1884 lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline and the coloured sands of the Cooloola Sandpatch.
• Surfing at the Point: The point break here is legendary among surfers, offering long, peeling waves that can hold a decent swell. Even if you don't surf, it's a mesmerising spectacle.
• Cooloola Sandpatch: Walk along the base of the towering coloured sand cliffs – a striking geological feature that changes hue with the light.
• Whale Watching: From June to November, humpback whales pass close to the point, and the lighthouse platform is a prime vantage point.
• 4WD Beach Driving: The only way to reach the point is via the beach from Rainbow Beach or Inskip Point, making it a classic 4WD adventure through soft sand and tidal creeks.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day exploring Double Island Point, but if you're an avid surfer or keen hiker, you could easily camp nearby and enjoy it over two days. The drive along the beach from Rainbow Beach takes about an hour each way, so factor in travel time and tide schedules. Aim to arrive early to snag a good parking spot near the lighthouse and to avoid the afternoon sea breeze.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Rainbow Beach: The launching point for the beach drive to Double Island Point, with its own coloured sands and great swimming.
• Fraser Island (K'gari): Just north across the strait, the world's largest sand island is accessible by 4WD barge from Inskip Point.
• Noosa National Park: A scenic drive south offers stunning coastal walks, secluded beaches, and lush rainforest.
• Great Sandy National Park: The Cooloola section of this park encompasses the sandpatch and offers fantastic bushwalking and birdwatching.
• Tin Can Bay: A quiet fishing town where you can hand-feed wild dolphins at the marina at dawn.

Please check official sources for current details.