How long does it take to drive on the beach from Noosa to Rainbow Beach?

You'll also see 4WD vehicles driving on the beach below the coloured sand cliffs which is a gazetted road and connects to Leisha Track and over to the Teewah Beach heading to Noosa. The 4×4 beach drive from Rainbow Beach to Noosa takes approximately 45 minutes.



Driving from Noosa to Rainbow Beach via the beach—a route known as the Great Beach Drive—typically takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on tide levels and sand conditions. This route requires a 4WD vehicle and a valid vehicle access permit from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. The journey starts with a ferry crossing from Tewantin to the North Shore, followed by a drive along Teewah Beach toward Double Island Point. From there, you must navigate the Leisha Track to cross over to the Rainbow Beach side. It is absolutely critical to check the tide times before you go; you should only drive within two hours of low tide. If you attempt the drive at high tide, you risk your vehicle being swamped by the ocean or getting stuck in soft, impassable sand. The drive is exceptionally popular for its stunning scenery, including the "Colored Sands" cliffs and the chance to spot dolphins or whales from the shoreline, but it should only be attempted by those comfortable with off-road driving and recovery techniques.

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Explore a stunning coastline on this action-packed 4WD beach drive from Noosa North Shore to Rainbow Beach. Tackle it as a day trip, taking in the sights, or stay overnight in Teewah Beach or Freshwater camping areas, swapping stories of the day's adventures by firelight.

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Drive across a pristine stretch of white sand with stunning headland views all the way from Noosa to Double Island Point. Stop to admire the scenery of Great Sandy National Park, and take in the impressive views from the Double Island Point Lighthouse.

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You need a 4WD vehicle if you want to explore Rainbow Beach, Double Island Point and Teewah Beach. A few spots are exempted, but we would recommend a strong 4WD to get the full experience.

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Majestic multi coloured hills with 70 different shades of sand... the photos don't even do it justice, it's a must see. Great place to have a lovely drive, park, have a picnic and have a dip in the beach.

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A true representation of the vast landscape of Queensland's stunning coastline, you can sink your feet into the golden sand of the Carlo Sandblow, hike through the sub-tropical rainforest fringing the dunes, or explore the rainbow hues of the seaside beach cliffs.

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Rainbow Beach is most famous for its coloured sands that lend it a surreal and vibrant charm. Set in the stunning expanse of the Great Sandy National Park, the Coloured Sands are best experienced during low tide or after a particularly windy day.

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Self-drive or hire a 4WD vehicle Double Island Point can be reached two to three hours either side of low tide from either Rainbow Beach or Noosa along the Great Beach Drive.

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Drinking alcohol in a public place including roads, footpaths, parks and beaches is prohibited in Queensland under the Liquor Act 1992.

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Permits and Vehicle Allowance Rainbow Beach vehicle access is strictly limited to 4WDs and if you wish to drive past the coloured sands to Double Island Point or Teewah Beach you will need to purchase a $30 Vehicle Access Permit.

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Rainbow Beach Gazetted as town in 1969, it was first settled by sand miners, who were mining the rutile (black sand) to extract titanium oxide. It's now know for it's laid-back beach vibe and easy access to the aquatic playground of Rainbow Beach at the eastern end of the town.

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As summer temperatures begin to rise, many will be looking for a place to cool off! Rainbow beach will open for the season this Saturday, May 28, 2022.

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As mentioned before, this is a gateway to Fraser Island. Most people will plan for a weeklong visit in their own vehicle, while others will take one or two day tours from Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay.

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Heading into the opposite direction and approximately 70kms north of Perth in between Two Rocks and Guilderton is Wilbinga just north of Yanchep. It is currently the only 4WD accessible beach track in this area as Two Rocks and Yanchep are now off limits due to council regulations and new housing developments.

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Same for Double Island Point and Rainbow Beach area as well. Because jellyfish in general often have quite a patchy distribution, unfortunately it's the case where if you get one sting, you can get a handful, if there's a patch of them around.

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The town's name derives from the rainbow-coloured sand dunes surrounding the settlement. According to the legends of the Kabi people, the dunes were coloured when Yiningie, a spirit represented by a rainbow, plunged into the cliffs after doing battle with an evil tribesman.

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Today's Rainbow Bay sea temperature is 71 °F.

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