Great Sandy National Park

Great Sandy National Park is a stunning coastal wilderness that stretches from just south of Rainbow Beach all the way to the Gold Coast hinterland. This vast park is a haven for nature lovers, with towering sand dunes, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant wildlife. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of Queensland’s coastline.

Highlights & What to See

• Cooloola Great Walk: A multi-day hiking trail that winds through diverse landscapes from the Noosa River to Rainbow Beach, offering incredible coastal views and ancient sand dunes.
• Double Island Point: A spectacular headland with a historic lighthouse, perfect for whale watching (June–November) and panoramic ocean vistas.
• Teewah Beach: A long, unspoiled beach accessible by 4WD, ideal for fishing, beachcombing, and simply soaking up the solitude.
• Rainbow Beach: Famous for its colorful sand cliffs (72 hues!), this is the gateway to the park and a great spot for paragliding and dolphin spotting.
• Noosa Everglades: One of only two everglades systems in the world, best explored by kayak or boat through serene, mirror-like waterways.
• Freshwater Lakes: Hidden lakes like Lake Poona and Lake Cootharaba offer swimming, birdwatching, and peaceful camping spots.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly appreciate the park’s diversity, plan for at least two to three days. Spend your first day exploring the southern section around Noosa and the Everglades, then head north to Rainbow Beach and Double Island Point on day two. If you’re up for the Cooloola Great Walk, allocate four days for the full 102 km trek. A high-clearance 4WD is essential for accessing many areas, especially the beach tracks and sand dunes.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Noosa Heads: A stylish coastal town with excellent dining, surfing, and the beautiful Noosa National Park just minutes away.
• Fraser Island (K'gari): The world’s largest sand island, accessible by ferry from Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay, with iconic sites like Lake McKenzie and the Maheno wreck.
• Gympie: A historic gold-mining town with a charming heritage precinct and the Woodworks Museum.
• Maryborough: A riverside town with stunning colonial architecture, antiques shopping, and links to Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers.
• Bundaberg: Famous for its rum distillery, botanic gardens, and as a gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

Please check official sources for current details.