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Double Island Point walk
Hike along high coastal dunes then cool off in the lagoon at Double Island Point before enjoying breathtaking views from the lighthouse.
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- 30km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
- Time suggested
- Allow 11hrs walking time.
- Grade
- Grade 4 walking track
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
Journey facilities
- Lookout (natural)
- Toilets (non-flush)
- Walking
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Look for the old telegraph posts scattered among tall blackbutt trees along the walk. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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Spectacular views await you on the Double Island Point walk. Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
Set out early to explore Cooloola’s scenic coast on this long day hike from Rainbow Beach to Double Island Point. Follow the old lighthouse telegraph line along the high coastal dunes—you’ll see old telegraph posts still standing among the tall blackbutt trees.
When you reach the beach, splash in the calm lagoon at the base of Double Island Point headland and watch surfers at the base of the headland catching long, rolling waves. Then climb the steep track to the lighthouse and enjoy lunch while gazing at sweeping views over the ocean and coast to the north and south. Fully refreshed, you’ll be ready for the return journey.
Getting there and getting around
Double Island Point walk is in Cooloola Recreation Area, Great Sandy National Park, on the Sunshine Coast between Noosa Heads and Rainbow Beach (155–240km north of Brisbane).
- Double Island Point walk is in the northern part of Cooloola and extends along the high dunes from Rainbow Beach to Double Island point.
- This long walk starts from the QPWS Information Centre on the right hand side of Rainbow Beach Road as you enter Rainbow Beach township.
- The walk starts from the far corner of the Information Centre car park.
- Rainbow Beach is accessible by 2WDs.
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 29km along Rainbow Beach Road to Rainbow Beach township.
Wheelchair access
There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Drinking water
Take plenty of water for this full day's hike as there are no water points along the way.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Double Island Point walk 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 and Walk with care.
- Cooloola Great Walk and Cooloola Wilderness Trail temporary closure 7 December 2020 to 28 February 2021
- High risk rock falls areas along Teewah Beach closed to camping 23 November 2020 to 30 June 2021
- 24hr number plate cameras are now operating in Cooloola Recreation Area 15 December 2020 to 28 February 2021
- Total Fire Prohibition 7 December 2020 to 28 February 2021
- Camping changes to Teewah Beach camping area in 2021 4 December 2020 to 28 February 2021
Conditions report
Cooloola conditions report Updated 7 Jan 2021
Critical information for your safety is included in the conditions report—always check it before you visit.