The coloured sands on Fraser Island occur north of Eli Creek and comprise 72 different colours, mostly reds and yellows. The colours of ‘The Cathedrals’ are caused by the leaching of oxides that coat each grain of sand, causing bands of colour.
A twenty-five minute inland track drive south from Central Station rainforest takes you to spectacular Lake Birrabeen. Also a crystal clear blue freshwater lake it is preferred by some because of its ‘off the beaten track’ appeal.
Lake Birrabeen, south of Central Station rainforest campground on Fraser Island.
Fraser Island, surrounded by salt water and formed entirely by sand, supports over 100 freshwater lakes and numerous creeks. The most visited lakes are perched dune lakes such as Lake McKenzie and Lake Birrabeen, which have sparkling blue water ringed by white sandy beaches and eucalypt forests. Perched lakes sit upon a layer of humus impregnated sand or “coffee rock” formed from accumulating organic matter and sand cementing together into a largely impervious seal. Perched lakes are dependent on rainfall for the maintenance of water level. There is a slow loss of water from perched lakes due to evaporation and seepage through the coffee rock.
Most lakes are only visible by air – but Lake McKenzie is ideally situated approximately 25 minutes inland track drive north from Central Station rainforest.
This pristine perched lake is approximately 65,000 years old and a wonder to behold and relax in. A designated picnic area along with showers and washrooms allow for a fantastic experience at one of Fraser Island’s most popular destinations.
One of the most popular destinations on Fraser Island, Lake McKenzie can be visited on a one day trip.
Rainbow Beach is a coastal wedding hotspot. Here couples can enjoy the relaxed yet spectacular atmosphere of a beach wedding – creating the life long memories they wish for themselves and their guests.
Cassandra and Greg held their commitment ceremony on the famous Carlo Sand Blow. A stunning sand escarpment famous for panoramic views of Fraser Island and Double Island Point from Rainbow Beach.
The wedding party.
Caro Sand Blow offers a spectacular backdrop to wedding nuptials.
4WD access for Carlo Sand Blow is not required – in fact it’s an easy drive to the highest point in Rainbow Beach township accessible by foot in 15 minutes. Double Island Point is another favourite beach wedding destination where 4WD access is required and we have had the privilege of supplying rental vehicles for an entire wedding party.
Wedding bliss for Jason and Erin – congratulations!
This lovely family from the UK took full advantage of the local Cooloola Coastal region discovering Noosa, Teewah Beach and of course beautiful Rainbow Beach. The six day adventure culminated with their honeymoon celebrated on Fraser Island. Congratulations!
After 20 years Mr Dodd’s initial experience of Fraser Island resonated with him so much he wanted to share the adventure with his fellow UK expat friends, Mr & Mrs Brian Barton, visiting from America. After a three day tour, they returned exhilarated by their off road experience taking in all of the flora and fauna Fraser Island had to offer. Coupled with the idyllic weather it was smiles all round and Mr Dodd aims to return and introduce Fraser Island to the next generation, his own family. We look forward to seeing you then.
Sokratis and his partner Claire wanted to show their two friends visiting from Ireland the sights and sounds of Fraser Island. Camping turned out to be a true adventure with tall tales ‘spun’ from a particular fellow traveler declaring “funnel web spiders everywhere” through to a lost thong (aka flip flop) rendering one very hot footed experience for the gallant Sokratis. These make for wonderful memories, hairy, hot or otherwise.
When Eva’s travels from Germany took her to Spain, she met Raul. This adventurous couple have since spent 12 months traveling throughout Australia and can happily attest to Fraser Island being a major highlight of their itinerary. With over 400,000 visitors every year we are not surprised and still get a kick out of witnessing such wonder and awe of this world heritage listed paradise.
Yuri has been living and working in South Australia on a scholarship and lucky enough to take a month to travel with girlfriend Thayna. They are on an east coast adventure having started in Cairns, traveling south to visit Fraser Island and completing their trip via the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. They loved the island and particularly the inland lakes including great camping facilities at Central Station rainforest. Hopefully they have some time to detour inland and take in our beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterland regions such as Montville and Maleny on the way home. Great to have these two lovely South Americans on board – happy travels!
This Swedish threesome had a wonderful time on Fraser Island. A little tentative at first wondering what a Dingo encounter may entail soon realising there was no danger after all. Erik had obviously something extra special in mind when he proposed to his girlfriend Amanda – rings happily displayed upon their return. Congratulations on your engagement! We think is it wonderful to be able to participate in people’s lifelong memories. Their trusted friend Victor also didn’t come back empty handed – he gained a healthy ‘glow’ from Queensland’s generous dollop of Vitamin D.
This awesome foursome (three Germans and a Spaniard) met on their travels in Australia forging new friendships and discovering the natural horizons of Fraser Island.
English Emily and Spanish Sergio met in Thailand while completing their diving instruction courses. Their ‘water-world’ relationship blossomed to take them to Australia in pursuit of Fraser Island and then continue to Ayr where world famous Yongala shipwreck and diving hot spot promises more adventures!
Meet Henning, Martin and Robert – taking a few days off on Fraser Island after their Brisbane PhD student conference – safe trip back to Deutschland gentlemen! Wir Danken fuer den Besuch.
NB: A vehicle access permit is required from Queensland Parks and Wildlife.
DO NOT drive in saltwater – observe low tide windows for beach access (eastern beaches are trafficable 2.5 hours before and after low tide only.
Maximum beach driving speed limit is 80kms per hour.
Watch our for freshwater creeks and approach with caution.
Park vehicle above high tide mark, facing downhill (avoiding oncoming traffic and ensuring safety of vehicle against incoming tide).
With the exception of specific one-way tracks between Eurong and Central Station all other tracks are dual thoroughfare allowing two-way oncoming traffic. Use side-bays situated along tracks to give way.
Observe inland speed limits and only use established tracks sounding horn when turning blind corners.
DO NOT engage high range or low range 4×4 on a sealed surface (that is, ensure 2×2 is engaged when driving on a sealed surface, including accessing the barge (ferry) and driving through Eurong Beach Resort).
Ensure adequate distance is maintained between your vehicle and other vehicles, for example 50 metres, allowing time to avoid potential issues another driver may be about to encounter.
Copyright Rainbow Beach Adventure Centre 4WD Hire
Only a 45 minute drive east of Gympie on Queensland’s Cooloola coast, Rainbow Beach offers a huge range of activities and accommodation options. Boutique shops, fine dining and activities such as para-gliding, sky-diving, shark diving, dolphin kayaking, four wheel driving, surfing, swimming, fishing and bush walking should keep the avid visitor completely satisfied. The beach atmosphere is casual whether camping (both public or private caravan parks available) or staying in 5 star luxury resorts.
Often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia (it hits the Top Ten list on a regular basis) Rainbow Beach is considered the jewel in the crown featured in what is known as the ‘great beach drive’. Connecting to 4×4 beach access scenic drives along Teewah Beach and Noosa North Shore it makes for one of Australia’s most popular off road experiences.
A definite highlight are the panoramic views on offer from Carlo Sand Blow which is a 15 minute walk from the top of Cooloola Drive in Rainbow Beach. It is one of the Top Ten para-gliding spots in Australia and once up there you will understand why. 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.
A popular public beach camping spot in Rainbow Beach is Inskip Point. Situated only metres from the Barge point taking 4×4 vehicles over to Fraser Island, Inskip Point is the ideal fishing and exploration destination and offers safe swimming conditions at Pelican Bay.
The easiest, quickest, fastest and cheapest way to get to Fraser Island is via Rainbow Beach (known as the ‘gateway’ to Fraser Island). The Barge runs daily and on demand, no timetable, however, it pays to check tides as best access to and from Fraser Island via Inskip Point is during the low tide. The low tide beach window, which provides the beach ON and Off times, is generally determined by calculating 2-3 hours either side of the day’s lowest tide time.
NB: A vehicle access permit is required from Queensland Parks and Wildlife.
Sometimes referred to as “Rainbow Beach’s best free entertainment” Mudlo Rocks positioned just before the beach access ramp into town can make for a very negative experience when dueling with mother nature’s beach hazards.
Mudlo Rocks at Rainbow Beach can be selective in granting passage – observe beach conditions and low tidal window.
While the same driving tips apply for local beach driving enthusiasts Mudlo Rocks can pose an entirely different accessibility scenario. During TCMarcia early 2015 the rocks were severely exposed rendering beach passage impossible for a number of weeks, even at dead low. The alternative is just a matter of using the Freshwater Road (a sand track off Teewah Beach that leads back into Rainbow Beach township). Disaster strikes when people tempt fate during unsuitable tides and beach conditions due to the town access track lying just beyond the rocks. Submerged soft pot holes and coffee rock clusters lie in wait for the next unwitting victim. Furthermore saltwater will start corroding every part of hot moving componentary it has been exposed to ON CONTACT. Rinsing the saltwater off is a ridiculous concept. Once an alternator is exposed to a splash of saltwater the lifespan is shortened extensively. Same goes for the wheel bearings, rotors and starter motor – they will be the first to go. Beach driving is a lot of fun but lack of respect is costly.
This facebook page is widely followed by ‘rockers’ who love visiting this area and frequently seek information and also impart their own pictures and updates. It is a community page that has virtually come into its own due to the popularity of beach driving locally and on Fraser Island – focusing particularly on conditions around Mudlo Rocks. Becoming a “stucker” is not a title worn with pride – being a stuck sucker is rather self explanatory.
Taking the risk (driving outside the low tidal window) just wasn’t worth it.
An upturned vehicle on the beach makes for considerable deliberation.
In early 2015 Tropical Cyclone Marcia managed to swallow 2 metres of sand off Rainbow Beach. Thankfully our world-class playground was returned to us within 2-3 weeks.
Hema Maps are Australia’s leading map producers and distributors. When it comes to driving off the beaten track Hema Maps can be relied upon to provide reliable information.
Rainbow Beach and Fraser Island – a lesson in safe beach driving
Most people know a 4WD is required to visit Fraser Island. Sometimes even those with their own off road 4×4 vehicle don’t want to take it to the island because of the salt conditions and rough terrain, including of course lots of soft, deep sand.
At Rainbow Beach Adventure Centre we strive to provide the best quality vehicles for off-road hire to Fraser Island and Rainbow Beach, Queensland. We’d like to think that we give confidence to all visitors wishing to explore Fraser Island independently and that driving on beach conditions are remarkably straight forward (as long as we stick to the rules and regulations – see our tips below). Feedback confirms our visitors feel completely capable in the self drive experience that delivers all the highlight destinations of this world heritage listed paradise.
Established by Greg Haring in 1999 our upbeat little enterprise has always operated an all-Toyota 4WD fleet that is now dominated by automatic 100 Series GXL Series 2 Land Cruisers. The hire package includes unlimited kilometres, basic liability coverage, full driving demonstration, tidal information, map and suggested itinerary.
Drive to beach conditions and observe the low tidal window – generally 2-3 hours either side of dead low providing beach access for approximately 5-6 hours. Note tide moves forward approximately one hour daily.
According to aboriginal dreamtime legend, a beautiful black maiden by the name of Murrawar lived on the banks of the Noosa River. Murrawar fell in love with the rainbow which came to visit her every morning as she clapped her hands and sang to her lovely rainbow. One day Burwilla, a wicked tribesman, stole Murrawar for this slave. Murrawar worked all day while Burwilla sat in the shade admiring his evil spirited killing boomerang. His boomerang was larger than the largest tree in the forest. After some time Murrawar managed to run away running along the beach as fast as her legs could carry her. Burwilla’s boomerang was chasing her and as she called out for help she fell to the ground too frightened to run. Suddenly a loud noise in the sky saw Marrawar’s faithful rainbow racing towards her across the sea. The evil spirited boomerang attacked the brave rainbow and they met with a loud roar and thunder, killing the boomerang and shattering the rainbow into thousands of little pieces.
As the coloured pieces of the rainbow landed on the beach the sand dunes magically transformed themselves into the coloured sands they are today.
Dreamtime love ends in broken rainbow shards giving new life to the coloured sands.