3 days to play at magical Rainbow Beach: a family guide

You know that feeling you get when you see a rainbow? For a moment, you’re not quite sure how such a thing of beauty exists in a world where (apparently) magic doesn’t…

Well, that’s exactly how it feels for families holidaying at Rainbow Beach.

Just over two and a half hours north of Brisbane, Rainbow (as known by the locals) is a patch of pristine coast that transports you back in time. Often overlooked for its access to K’gari (Fraser Island), Queensland’s best-kept secret has cheekily laid low and let its neighbours take the spotlight.

The result? Actual magic.

Rainbow Beach is the family-friendly holy grail guaranteed to delight young and middle aged alike.

No idea what a holiday with kids in Rainbow Beach actually looks like? Don’t worry, we’ve taken care of the hard work for you. All you have to do is sit back (metaphorically of course – you are on holidays with kids) and enjoy the magic.

Day 1

AM: The ultimate double park for parents

Typically, beach holidays with kids start like this: squeals of ‘beeeach’ fill the car as you catch your first glimpse of the shimmering ocean. You’ve arrived, but so has everyone else.

Cue: cranky carpark search.

Not so at Rainbow! Here you’ll find carparking aplenty. And on your way to the patrolled beach, you’ll stumble across Lawrie Hanson Park. Now this park has got the lot. We’re talking swings, monkey bars, a flying fox, shaded seats and a spectacular view of that glorious water.

Take a load off while the kids commence the classic holiday ‘energy burn trifecta’ - park/beach/park. 

From here, you’ll plod down the iconic rainbow steps (no doubt your babes will count them. There’s 89 just in case you want to fact check them). At the bottom you’ll find the first of many pots of gold - one of Queensland’s best beaches is now your family’s for the frolicking.

After a massive morning you’ll want a quick bite to eat before chill time. Rainbow Beach Pies and Cakes will give millennials and Gen Xs those ‘old school bakery’ vibes of their childhoods.

You’ll have a tough time choosing between the fresh white rolls bursting with leg ham and crisp chopped salad and flaky sausage rolls. And who could resist those traditional slices that taste like your mum made them, but better (sorry, mum).

Pull up a plastic chair at a table outside and exhale. Relish the rare and precious moments of peace you get when weary and ravenous kids happily eat without whingeing.  

PM: ‘We’ll be riding on the horses, yeah yeah.’ 

Can’t you just see the joy (read - sheer embarrassment) on your children’s faces as you smash out Braithwaite’s banger whilst ACTUALLY riding said horses? Jacqui from Rainbow Beach Horse Rides can make this very dream come to life.

They offer a range of experiences from full day trots in the country to a sunset gallop along the beach. No riding experience is required as all levels are catered for. Kids under 12 can enjoy a shorter ride from the yards, or you can choose the ‘private experience’ option. 10-minute ‘guide led rides’ are popular for kids 4 and up.

This unique experience will be captured by the staff and the photos are yours, free of charge. Whilst this is lovely, we’re convinced the memory of riding a horse along the beach with your tribe isn’t one you’ll need a photo of, to remember.  Moments like these have a way of etching themselves into your heart forever.   

Day 2

AM: Kayaking with the dolphins and turtles at Double Island Point

Yes, you read that right. Through Epic Ocean Adventures, you and your crew will be met by Sean and his team at the local bus stop. From here you’ll cruise along the beach in a 4x4 to Double Island Point (booster seats can be provided by you or let them know if you require one).

The drive there is an experience in itself. You can’t help but feel humbled by the magnificent cliff faces covered in the renowned rainbow sands.

After 20 minutes or so, everyone piles out in preparation for the main event.If you're a bit worried about your kayaking skill level - especially with kids on board - no need to stress. Sean and his crew will happily take your kids under their experienced ‘oars’, if preferred. With life jackets on, detailed instructions received and nervous anticipation bubbling, you and the kids will head out into the ocean.

Out past the surfers and into the vast blue you voyage. The magnificent headland and quaint lighthouse stand proud in the distance.

The adrenaline of navigating the waves subsides as you come to stillness. With paddles in laps and unbroken waves gently dancing underneath your kayak, you wait. Even the most boisterous of babes may be lulled to sleep in the peace of this moment.

Nature never guarantees, but more often than not, hollers of awe and excitement slice through the silence as pods of dolphins are spotted.

On the way back to Rainbow, you’ll make one last stop for a simple but spectacular sight: armies of soldier crabs. Kids fizz with the thrill of watching hundreds of these extraordinary creatures play hide and seek in the sand.  

Back at the bus stop with full hearts and empty bellies, pop just over the road to The Deck. Brews on tap, kids’ menus, share plates, hot chips, beach views and a place to rest your bodies are literally steps away.

PM: Surfing the dunes of Carlo Sand Blow

After a lunch time chill, it’s time to hit the iconic Carlo Sand Blow. You’ll rock up to the entrance and embark on a 600m walk through rainforest. It’s a pretty easy walk, but little legs might need a piggyback. At the end of this track you emerge to find a whole new world as a blanket of pure white covers the entire landscape.

As you watch the kids soar off with wild abandon: Stop. Look. Feel the lush sand on your feet as they leave the stairs. Let the peace of this ancient place bring you back to nature, to this moment in time – to yourself.

Enjoy your second of peace? Great. Now watch as the kids launch their boogie boards from the very top of the dunes and surf their way down.

Stay into the late afternoon as the sun sets the sky on fire. Swim in its warm glow before it slowly sinks away for the day.

The younger kids might have a hard time walking themselves back up the sand dunes. Mum and Dad: a piggyback or boogie board carriage ride may be required, so make sure you’ve had your Weetbix that morning. 

On your way home, we recommend you swing by Brent’s Burgers, a local favourite that offers both dine in or take away.

Day 3        

AM:  Pretty waffles and ugly breakfast burgers 

After a massive couple of days, it’s time for a leisurely breakfast at Little Parliament. Managing Director and fourth-generation Rainbow local, Carly Ladas, has brought this gorgeous little café to life. Here you’ll find a community vibe, retail shop showcasing ethical Aussie designed homewares and locally sourced food and coffee. Its Instagram-worthy vignettes may just foreshadow the future of Rainbow.

We highly recommend the artwork that is the Waffle Stack for the kids (which we heard aptly described by a 5-year-old boy as ‘breakfast with Santa’s beard on top’). The Ugly Breakfast Burger is a must for the grown-ups.

PM:  Choose your own adventure… or not

On your final afternoon in Rainbow, there is still plenty to see and do. Rainbow Beach Helicopters offers a range of flights for all ages. See our local guide if your family is still hungry for more food or action.

But if not, one final family splash at the beach feels like a fitting way to say goodbye for now. Because we know, as you count the rainbow steps back to your car one last time, you’ll be back.

You simply can’t stay away.

So is the magic of Rainbow.