Seary's Creek day-use area
Relax over a picnic in this pleasantly-shady spot near Seary’s Creek, and enjoy displays of colourful wildflowers and abundant birdlife.
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
Attraction facilities
- Picnic tables
- Toilets (non-flush)
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Stop for a picnic in this shady day-use area and be entertained by the cheeky chatter of the local birdlife. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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From the day-use area, take a short stroll to the creek, perfect for a dip on a hot summer's day. Photo credit: © Chris Whitelaw
On your way into Rainbow Beach, stop for a restful picnic and even a swim in the cool creek at this easy-to-get-to and popular day-use area. Lounge over lunch in the shade of cypress pines and she-oaks then take a short stroll along Seary's Creek boardwalk to a cool, freshwater creek for a refreshing dip. Learn about Patrick Seary, a timber-getter from the 1860s who explored this region which now bears his name.
In the warmer months enjoy the sight of colour wildflowers in bloom—pink (boronias), white (blueberry ashes) and yellow (banksias and wattles)—and watch for birds such as friarbirds, kookaburras and honeyeaters.
Getting there and getting around
Seary's Creek day-use area is in Cooloola Recreation Area, Great Sandy National Park, on the Sunshine Coast between Noosa Heads and Rainbow Beach (155–240km north of Brisbane).
- The day-use area is on the northern section of Cooloola, off Rainbow Beach Road, near Rainbow Beach
- The day-use area is accessible by 2WD.
Getting to Rainbow Beach
- From Brisbane, drive about 160km north on the Bruce Highway towards Gympie. At the southern edge of Gympie, turn onto Tin Can Bay Road and drive 42km, then turn right onto Rainbow Beach Road.
- From Maryborough, drive 57km south on the Cooloola Coast Road, then turn left onto Tin Can Bay Road and drive 3.5km, then turn right onto Rainbow Beach Road.
- Drive 16km along Rainbow Beach Road and turn into the Seary's Creek day-use area car park on your left.
From Rainbow Beach
- From the Rainbow Beach QPWS Information Centre, drive 7.5km on the Rainbow Beach Road to the Seary's Creek day-use area.
Wheelchair access
There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Seary's Creek day-use area is open 24 hours a day
Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
Visiting safely
For more safety information see Visiting Cooloola Recreation Area safely.
- Cooloola Wilderness Trail - No pedestrian access across Kin Kin Creek 4 May 2022 to 4 November 2023
- Poison canisters washing up on Southeast Queensland beaches 4 September 2023 to 31 March 2024
- Unstable sand cliffs and dunes along Rainbow and Teewah beaches 4 August 2023 to 31 January 2024
- Permanent fire prohibition on Teewah Beach 1 April 2021 to 11 April 2024
- Portable toilets mandatory for Teewah Beach camping zones 15 March 2022 to 31 January 2024
Conditions report
Cooloola conditions report Updated 11 Sep 2023
Critical information for your safety is included in the conditions report—always check it before you visit.