Trying to figure out the best Rainbow Beach camping options for your trip to this epic spot in Queensland?
Looking for an epic option to stay before and after your Fraser Island tour?
From free options to campgrounds with all the latest facilities – here’s everything you need to know about heading to Rainbow Beach…
The Rainbow Beach Camping Guide
Best time to visit Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach is located in Queensland, Australia, and you can visit any time of the year and experience decent weather all year round.
The summer months between December and February will bring you temperatures between 21C and 35C (70F-102F), and the winter months between June and August produce temperatures between 10C and 22C (50F-72F). When you visit may depend on if you enjoy cooler or warmer temperatures.
Whether you are camping, exploring, or hanging out on the beach, visiting Rainbow Beach in the summer months is an excellent choice. While the temperature is hot, the bush and coastal climate, not to mention the beautiful ocean, can provide welcome shade and areas to cool off.
Top things to do in Rainbow Beach
The adventures you can have in Rainbow Beach are plentiful. Whether you enjoy adventures on land or water, there are many activities to choose from.
On the water
Kayaking with dolphins: Take a kayak tour in the ocean waters that are home to hundreds of dolphins, turtles, and other sea creatures.
Surf lessons: While anyone can bring their board and ride the amazing waves of the Queensland coast, you don’t have to know how to surf to enjoy your time on the water. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to surf, this is your chance to have a wonderful experience.
Paddle boarding: If surfing and kayaking aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy some time in the water with stand up paddle boarding. Rent a paddle board for as long as you want, and enjoy the sun, water, sea life, and beautiful scenery.
On land
4WD tours: Off-roading can be an exciting adventure that you can do yourself or with your friends and family. There are multiple 4WD tours that take you along the beach and across the sand dunes.
Hiking and walking: The scenery in and around Rainbow Beach is phenomenal, and you can walk the beach, dunes, bush, or over hills and mountains to catch the views of the Queensland coast. If you are up early enough or take an evening stroll, you can catch the sunrise or sunset.
Skydiving: For those who love a thrill, skydiving is here to cater to your needs. For some, a walk on the beach or swim in the water just isn’t enough. Take the plunge over the coast and witness the spectacular views of the colorful sands of Rainbow Beach and its surrounding magnificence.
Horse riding: Whether you are a horse-riding pro or have yet to see a horse this close before, you can take a sunset horse-riding tour and take a calming walk along Rainbow Beach. This horse riding tour is beginner friendly, and the horses are friendly as well.
Fraser Island From Rainbow Beach
And of course one of the main reasons people head off on a Rainbow Beach camping trip is to hit up one of the best tours on the East Coast – Fraser Island!
The worlds largest sand island is an epic place to explore and there are plenty of Fraser Island tours departing from Rainbow Beach.
Our pick though has to be the 3 day/2 night option with Pippies – which offers great value for money and some awesome camping adventure!
Click here for our full range of Fraser Island tours
Free camping spots in and around Rainbow Beach
If you are considering setting up a day camp or camping overnight, here are some free camping spots in and around Rainbow Beach.
Tiaro Memorial Park
Tiaro Memorial Park is a great choice for a free Rainbow Beach camping area, but make sure you get there early in the day if you are visiting during a popular time.
There are about 20 spots on the site, and there are BBQ areas, toilets, drinking water, and convenient lighting around the campgrounds. Kids can play at the nearby park, and pets are allowed, so you can bring your furry friend with you. And if you didn’t bring enough food with you or want to get away from camp for a while, there is a café and other shops nearby.
Petrie Park
Petrie Park is another free Rainbow Beach camping choice that offers campsites near the water and other convenient amenities.
There are a limited number of spots on the site, so like other free campgrounds, you should arrive early enough to claim your spot for the day or overnight. The grounds include toilets, BBQ areas, and are child and pet friendly.
A nice amenity to this campground is being near the water. You can fish from the shore, or you can use the supplied boat ramp to take out your small boat or kayak to enjoy the water or fish with family and friends.
Best Rainbow Beach camp sites
Inskip Peninsula Rainbow Beach Camping
The Inskip Peninsula is a great stretch of land that provides four campgrounds to choose from. Each campground offers a variety of amenities and facilities that are tailored to different types of campers.
MV Beagle Camping Area
Price per night: Camping permit ($6.65 per person per night or $26.60 per family per night – two adults and up to six children)
Top facilities: Sheltered camping area near the beach, marine park, recreation area, fishing, campfires. Sandy surfaces, tent camping only, generators allowed, non-flush toilets, bins, open area without defined sites.
MV Natone Camping Area
Price per night: Camping permit ($6.65 per person per night or $26.60 per family per night – two adults and up to six children)
Top facilities: Secluded camping with shady sheltered areas, non-flush toilets on site, tent camping only, campfires allowed, generators allowed, pets allowed on leash. Fish from the beaches or bring a kayak and explore the area by foot or 4WD vehicle.
MV Sarawak Camping Area
Price per night: Camping permit ($6.65 per person per night or $26.60 per family per night – two adults and up to six children)
Top facilities: Largest Inskip camping area with tents, caravans, campervans, and camper trailer camping allowed. Non-flush toilets on site, campfires allowed, generators allowed, and pets allowed on leash. Fish from the beach or relax in the shaded areas of Moreton Bay ash.
SS Dorrigo Camping Area
Price per night: Camping permit ($6.65 per person per night or $26.60 per family per night – two adults and up to six children)
Top facilities: Many amenities at this location, with all kinds of camping allowed, including tents, caravans, campervans, camper trailers, and motorhomes. Non-flush toilets on site, campfires allowed, generators allowed, and pets allowed on leash. Choose a camp site with an ocean view or a sheltered area more inland. Fish, walk, and drive to the recreation area and marine park.
Freshwater Camping
Price per night: Camping permit ($6.65 per person per night or $26.60 per family per night – two adults and up to six children)
Top facilities: There are 60 sites to choose from at this campground, but you cannot book a specific site – first come, first served. Lots of shade, toilets and hot showers, far enough away from the beach to avoid strong winds, shaded and secluded campsites. Use the recreational day-use area and be one with nature in this popular bush camping area. Tens and camper trailers allowed.
Teewah Beach
Price per night: Camping permit ($6.65 per person per night or $26.60 per family per night – two adults and up to six children) as well as a vehicle access permit (about $30-$35 per week)
Top facilities: You can camp on the beach at this popular campground, and you can enjoy an open area without separately defined sites. Camp in a tent next to your vehicle or in the open, or bring your off-road caravan or camper trailer. Camp on sand or grass. No nearby toilets (bring your own), open fires permitted, low-decibel generators allowed, beach access by 4WD vehicles only.
Harry’s Hut Camping
Price per night: Camping permit ($6.65 per person per night or $26.60 per family per night – two adults and up to six children)
Top facilities: This campground is located in the bush and gives you a woodsy feel. You can reach the camping area by walking, 4WD vehicle, or canoe/kayak/small boat. You can camp in a tent or a camper trailer and camp on sand or grass. There is untreated water, toilets, picnic shelter with tables, day-use area, and canoe landing access points. No open fires or generators allowed, and advance books are required, especially for holiday periods.
Where to eat in Rainbow Beach
There are plenty of choices of restaurants and other food places in Rainbow Beach. Here are some favorites among locals and visitors.
Arcobaleno on the Beach: Classic Italian food restaurant with a cozy and casual atmosphere and many choices of pizza and pasta.
Rainbow Beach Pizza: Casual pizzeria with other top-quality Italian favorites, with outdoor seating and a casual dining style with great service.
Brent’s Burgers: Casual burger joint that is very child-friendly and great for larger groups of people. Lots of choices on the menu besides burgers, and some terrific sweet potato chips, onion rings, and other fried goodies.
Café Jilarty at Rainbow: Many styles of food at this café and fancier dishes without a higher price. You can find Greek food, Italian food, breakfast lunch and dinner, coffee, smoothies, chips and salad, and at times you can enjoy free live music.
The Deck: Tapas bar and grill with burgers and fries, and other cooked meals. Very casual and friendly place to eat. Catch a football game on the big screen television and enjoy the beer garden with a view.
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