Cooloola Recreation Area, Great Sandy National Park Sunshine Coast

Spectacular views await you on the Double Island Point walk. Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

Four-wheel drive past towering coastal sand cliffs and coloured sands in the paradise of Cooloola Recreation Area. Photo credit: © Tomek Z Genek

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)
  • Picnic tables
  • Toilets (non-flush)
  • Walking

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.

Refer to the Cooloola and Inskip recreation areas discovery guide (PDF, 4.3MB) for a map and more details.

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.

View all park alerts