Great Sandy National Park

Great Sandy National Park is a stunning coastal wilderness stretching from the southern tip of Fraser Island to the Cooloola region, offering a raw, untamed landscape of towering sand dunes, pristine beaches, and lush rainforest. This park is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, with opportunities for four-wheel driving, bushwalking, and wildlife spotting.

Highlights & What to See

• Teewah Beach – A 4WD-only beach that runs for miles, perfect for driving, fishing, and camping right on the sand.
• Double Island Point – A scenic headland with a historic lighthouse offering panoramic views of the coast and the chance to see dolphins and migrating humpback whales (June–November).
• Rainbow Beach – Famous for its colourful sand cliffs, this is a great spot for swimming, surfing, and relaxing.
• Carlo Sandblow – A massive, moon-like sand dune that rolls down to the ocean, offering incredible photo opportunities and a surreal landscape.
• Cooloola Great Walk – A 5-day, 102 km walking trail through diverse ecosystems, from coastal heath to subtropical rainforest, with camping sites along the way.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly experience Great Sandy National Park, plan at least two to three days. This allows time for a 4WD beach drive, a hike on the Cooloola Great Walk, and a day to explore the highlights like Carlo Sandblow and Double Island Point. If you're short on time, a day trip from Noosa can give you a taste, but you'll miss the park's remote beauty. Renting a 4WD is essential for accessing the best spots.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Noosa – Just south of the park, Noosa offers world-class beaches, national park walks, and a vibrant dining scene.
• Fraser Island (K'gari) – The world's largest sand island, accessible via 4WD barge from Rainbow Beach, with stunning lakes and rainforest.
• Gympie – A historic gold-mining town with a charming main street and the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum.
• Bundaberg – Known for its rum distillery and the nearby Southern Great Barrier Reef islands, about two hours north.

Please check official sources for current details.