Our Rainbow Beach adventure begins. The car is packed, the kids strapped in and snacks at the ready for the long drive. We have the Easter long weekend stretching out ahead of us and spirits are high as we head up the highway, leaving the city behind us. The boys sing to the radio and mummy has eye-spy and some other things up her sleeve.
Rainbow Beach refers to both the small town and the vast stretch of sandy beach on the northern edge of the Great Sandy National Park. It is often used as an access point to Fraser Island but the town lends itself to a laid back holiday destination and the beach lives up to its namesake with cliffs of colorful, mineral rich sand stretching along one side with the wild blue Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon in the East.
We arrive at our Rainbow Beach cabin, more like a villa, at the Rainbow Beach Surfside Beach Houses. As we explore our 2 story cabin, we can hear the ocean even though we cannot see it. The back leads out to a tropical bush garden. It looks like somewhere fairies might live.
We unpack and take a walk down to the beach with excited children. After a dip in the water with the waves chasing them, we return to the cabin and make dinner. The children watch some tv and then to bed after which we are able to unwind and relax with Stacey, Evelyn and a few drinks (and a packet of Timtams!).
The next morning we go for a walk and then hit the pool. It is a laguna style which suits Harley perfectly, he’s happy splashing around in the shallows. Jasper and Ella have each other and play happily in the pool and out, lounging around on the deck chairs and sharing poolside snacks.
This evening there are bubbles all round. They couldn’t wait to dive in as soon as they saw the water jets and the suds began to appear. Some more relaxation time awaits the adults once the children are in bed for the night. That is, until morning, of course.
Easter Sunday morning dawns. The children are practically beside themselves and they burst out into the early morning dew to hunt for eggs in the fairytale garden. It seems bunnies might visit here too as there is a good collection hidden in the growth. They are so excited, exclaiming and giggling on the discovery of each one and their enthusiasm is infectious. Harley finds some closer ones around the house with a little help.
As if the Easter Bunny hasn’t been kind enough, we head inside for gifts from Ella and the various grandparents. Then we eat our colored eggs for breakfast and once satisfied, the chocolate is finally broken out.
After the early morning celebrations I pack Harley into the pram for a walk to explore the town. I find myself a coffee and head to take in the views of the sweeping beach, already busy with early morning surfers and beach goers, enjoying the sunshine before the heat of the day consolidates.
Double Island Point
Later in the day, once the tide is right, we drive the beach road to Double Island Point. The journey to this prime day trip location takes in the full sights of Rainbow Beach, past the colored cliffs with sandwiched between the bright blue of the sky and the sea.
Once we arrive at Double Island Point we find a plot of sand for the day and watch the 4WDs roll in with the waves. Tables, towels, tea and toys are unloaded and Jasper is off to explore the waves while Harley prefers to stay closer, playing with some blocks and sitting at the wheel ‘driving’ the car.
This is a fantastic spot to swim, especially with small children. The sand is white, the water is crystal clear and there is a tiny little break, just big enough for Jasper to try some boogie boarding and body surfing.
The lazy day stretches out. We play with blocks, sand, balls and toys. We swim, splash and surf. A picnic lunch and snacks keep us going so we have enough energy to climb the dunes and take in more views of the beach.
We swim some more as the sun tracks its path across the sky and as the tide beings to rise again. We time our return along the beach, not wanting to cut it too fine as the water and the cliffs come together.
Inskip
The next day, Easter Monday, and our wedding anniversary, we drive north up to Inskip Point. This stretch of protected water overlooks the 1200m distance to Fraser Island, with Tin Can Bay to the South West, the Great Sandy Strait to the North, the Coral Sea to the East and curving back along the sand to the South is Rainbow Beach.
Here we set up beach day camp. Although there is a lot of activities that are available here – kayaking with dolphins, horse rides along the beach, sky dives over Fraser – we elect for much the same as yesterday, enjoying the sun, sand and surf while it lasts.
Good To Know
This is an incredibly beautiful part of the world. All the more reason to look after it, and yourself.
Tips for trips:
- ensure you have a permit to drive on the beaches (required for Nature Reserves);
- swim between the flags;
- slip, slop, slap – wear sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and protective clothing);
- watch the tides;
- take your rubbish with you.
Would I Return?
Yes, in a heart beat.
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