Things to Do in Rainbow Beach

Things to Do in Rainbow Beach, Australia - Rainbow Beach Attractions

Things to Do in Rainbow Beach

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Top Attractions in Rainbow Beach

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Horseback Riding Tours
We offer a unique and amazing experience with a variety of different horse ride adventures to choose from. Our beach ride is very popular, as it is set in one on the most beautiful beaches you will ever visit, pristine sands with crystal clear waters and brilliant blue skies. Rainbow Beach is called Australia’s Nature Coast and it is easy to see why. The bush land, native animals and coloured sands is why Rainbow Beach is often listed in travel guides as a must visit for anyone going to QLD. We are proud to show you the area in the best possible way. Our gentle horses are fun loving, sweet natured and always happy to meet new people. Our rides include, beach rides, swimming rides, yes, we take both you and the horse into the water they love it and so do our guests. We also have full moon rides, multi day rides and country rides. Andrew McCarthy owns a beautiful piece of land at Goomboorian, which is located half way between Gympie and Rainbow Beach. He offers a scenic ride through lush green hills, natural waterholes and spectacular views of this area. The native animals are accustomed to his presence so they are not shy and often come out to view the visitors. We also offer personalised rides for special occasions. Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings or any special event you would like to make a truly memorable one. We have witnessed many marriage proposals and been privileged to be part of numerous weddings. Picnics on the beach are popular in autumn and winter when the water maybe too cool for a swim. Whatever you have in mind we will work with you to make it happen. Rainbow Beach Horse Rides cater for all levels of riding abilities from absolute beginners through to experienced riders. We take photos on every ride, which are available to all guests free of charge at the end of the ride. Age and Weight Guidelines - For the safety of our horses and customers we follow the industry standard of a 95kg weight limit and an age limit of 10 years and over. For those under 10 without extensive riding experience, we can arrange private or led rides to cater to the individual’s needs. Location: Rainbow Beach is approximately 3 hours north of Brisbane and 90 minutes north of the Sunshine Coast. The closet airport is Sunshine Coast or if you are flying international then Brisbane. A shuttle service is available from both airports to Rainbow Beach. Rainbow Beach has an abundance of accommodation to suit every style and budget. From backpackers through to 5 Star Resorts and self-contained beach houses. We are happy to recommend places according to your needs. Andrew and the team would love you to join us for a spectacular riding experience. We are here to help with any questions you may have and believe in giving personal service, so please feel free to contact us.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Niamh H
    Cranleigh, UK46 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The unspoilt Carlo Sand Blow is one of the gems of Rainbow Beach. Less than 1km easy walk leads you to this beautiful sand haven where you can catch a gorgeous sunset view. There is a deck at the end of the walk to be able to leave your shoes (just be careful stepping off the deck as I managed to slice my foot on a rock, and it is quite a bit step down). Also, make sure you get there with good time for sunset, and have a torch to walk back as the path is quite dark on the return. Do not miss walking up here - and if you're on foot, be prepared for quite a steep hill on the road up to the sand blow along Cooloola Drive.
    Written December 15, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kim
    Sandringham, Australia7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely loved camping on the point. Never been camping in a tent before, no showers but there are toilets. Beautiful part of Queensland and I can’t wait to return.
    Written January 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ROCKY
    Queensland, Australia257 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    From the car park, its around 4k return walk,accessible by 2wd.
    Walk is amazing through the rainforest, so quiet and peaceful.
    Its an easy walk. Overall worth to visit this place🌴🦎🐍
    Written February 18, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ann-Maree M
    Gold Coast, Australia111 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Natural, crystal clear creek. Fairly easy access to the water. Lovely spot for all the family to enjoy.
    Written December 26, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Donnie Baxter
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is one of the best little places in Australia. Great Chilled little atmosphere. Gorgeous beach. A gateway to the big island.
    Written March 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • lwarner62
    North Lakes, Australia98 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A nice marina with lovely views. A park across the road. We saw pelicans on a pontoon. Very pleasant location. It would have been nice if there was a cafe or coffee shop there.
    Written July 23, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • FIONA K
    13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    No problems at all, quick smooth transition on and off the barge, the staff knew what they were doing.
    Written October 23, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kerstin H
    Brisbane, Australia12 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Rainbow Beach is a paradise pieces on earth. Great beach, fantastic surf BUT all those cars on the beach! We think that needs to be regulated! It’s dangerous, annoying and bad for the environment! Hesitate with dogs but humans are allowed to be anywhere and leave the mess!
    Written October 6, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • S K
    Brisbane, Australia139 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited the Cooloola Wilderness Trail in late June, 2019. The entrance is a few kms in on Rainbow Beach Road (on the right) if travelling from Gympie-Tin Can Bay Road. We walked from Mullen car park to the first small creek crossing and back again which was just on 5km. It was an easy hike with a good path and beautiful flora & fauna including millions of grass trees! We had to turn around as the small creek was impassable to us being underprepared for any water crossings. It was a beautiful location to hike and we can’t wait to return for a longer hike.
    Written July 2, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jodie_Lawson1930
    Duisburg, Germany2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles

    We hired a 4wd from Rainbow Beach 4x4 Hire for our family of 5 for, 2 days.
    If you need a 4wd I highly recommend going to Rainbow Beach 4x4 .
    Merve was a great contact and real local character. We had a great chat about everything from Dingos to the Newtown Jets.
    He gave us lots of useful tips and advice to help us plan our trip in the short time we had.
    Along with the informative videos provided as part of the booking, he helped us to have a great experience on K’gari.
    The contact with the team provided us with great service and gave us all the information on driving times we needed.
    The 4x4 we were provided with was clean, had raised tyres and worked perfectly on the beach and on the bumpy hard going inland tracks.
    They are perfect for the conditions, on K’gari.
    You can see their mechanics when you arrive constantly working on their fleet to keep them in good working condition.
    The Tent we hired was easy to set up and was in perfect working order.
    Rainbow beach 4x4 has quite simply a strong reputation for providing great service because they do.
    Written October 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rosiej1991
    Rockhampton, Australia15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wow! Something to tick off of your bucket list! Horse riding on Rainbow Beach was an absolutely amazing experience that I’ll never forget. Andrew really puts his heart and soul into his business and his horses are beautiful.

    The guides Georgia and Jeremy are great and so friendly and knowledgeable about the horses and Rainbow Beach. They absolutely love what they do.

    Jacqui called me the day before I was going to ride to check in which I think is such a lovely thing to do, She made the experience very personable and provided all the information I needed. She does a great job!

    If you’re considering horse riding with Rainbow Beach Horse Rides, have a look at their Facebook page! You’ll see photos from all the rides and if you were unsure you won’t be now!

    Photos of the ride are taken throughout (which are excellent quality) and easily airdropped to your phone after.

    Thank you to everyone who made my experience so amazing!

    Horse riding is one of the only things in the world I love to do and I’ll definitely be back to experience a 5 day ride as it sounds amazing!

    🐴🌈
    Written April 22, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rainbow Beach