Camping near Rainbow Beach, Queensland

Towering sand dunes, beach drives, horse-riding and forest walks create a natural getaway for campers.

96% (28319 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Rainbow Beach

Available this weekend

Under $50

12 top campgrounds near Rainbow Beach

96%
(753)

Sublime Camping

30 sites Ā· RVs30 acres Ā· Kia Ora, Gympie
Pitch your tent or park your van in our picturesque orchard grove. We are right next door to Sublime Farm and Brewery, where you can meet new friends, pick your own limes, grab a delicious meal, sample their craft brews, and enjoy live music on the weekends. It is a large block and there are campsites far enough away that you can enjoy the peace and quiet. Guests will have access to a toilet throughout their stay. Pets are permitted but we ask you to please keep them on a leash at all times to protect the wildlife and surrounding environment. Our property features a Koala habitat and a creek where we occasionally spot platypus. There are a range of great nearby activities, farms, orchards, walks etc. It's the perfect spot to explore the Cooloola Coast, Rainbow Beach and Fraser Island. Please note the Bar and Restaurant at Sublime opens on weekends, with limited trading hours midweek, so please phone ahead to check opening hours if this is an important part of your visit.
Pets
Toilets
fromĀ 
AU$15
Ā / night
* Before taxes and fees
95%
(1091)

Hidden Camp Pie Creek

62 sites Ā· RVs, Tents6 acres Ā· Gympie
(As of the end of August 2023 you will need to become a member of our club to book a site here, it's 100% free, and is very easy! Becoming a member has many benefits sign up on our Hidden Camp website of follow our facebook page for updates) Away from everything, close to most things. and has won and award for Runners up for best hipcamps for HipCamp Australia 2023 Our 6.5 acre property has an abundance of beautiful flora and fauna along with lots of wildlife and birds. It is the perfect destination to forget life's worries and relax in a beautiful natural environment. We are happy for you to enjoy riding push bikes on the property and to enjoy music around your campsite. Bring your kids, dogs, push bikes, or even a canoe and get back to nature! Campfires are welcome in the fire pit provided and there is plenty of firewood available. Please ensure there are no restrictions in place before lighting a fire. There is a basic camp kitchen, toilet's, camp shower and a bar setup down near the dam for your use, complete with lights, weber BBQ, microwave, 2 hot plates, a toaster, sandwich press and fridge/freezer. You can also hire out the entire property just for your group or special occasion - please see entire property listing. We also have a mini camp shop on site that's also stocked with the hire items you will notice in the extras section(on the hipcamp app) and there are also many more items you may forget like frozen bread, milk and even ice also including but not limited to (depending on availability) - * Barista made coffees (by prior booking) * Ham & Cheese croissants (by prior booking) * Chopped Fire wood (Delivered to your camp) * Smoker Rental * Solar Panel Rental * Water Drum Rental * Camp toilet Rental *Generator Hire *Table Hire *Battery Hire *12v Fridge/freezer hire If you are requiring any of the above you can pay us in cash or you can check out these most of these options on the hipcamp app or give us a call or text to arrange. There is power down at the dam and please take your rubbish with you on departure and clean up after yourselves. Although most of all we want you to have a great time! We are 10 minutes from Gympie, 2 hours from Brisbane and an hour to the Sunshine Coast or Hervey Bay.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
fromĀ 
AU$7
Ā / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(51)

Cooloola Cove Hideaway

1 site Ā· Tent2 acres Ā· Cooloola Village, Gympie
Beautiful and secluded paddock at the back of our house on one and a half acres, located in Cooloola Cove. A perfect spot to explore the area and a jump off point for Fraser Island. Amenities include: fire pit (bring your own wood), camp oven cooking pit, full BBQ kitchen in the powered shed with huge commercial fridge and running/drinkable water. The kitchen includes plates/bowls/cutlery/knives/mugs/glasses/frying pans/pots, there's a toaster/kettle/microwave, a big gas BBQ with a hotplate and BBQ utensils/tongs etc. There's also camp ovens and a jaffle iron. Guests can also enjoy access to an outdoor bathroom with a shower, toilet and a beautiful claw footed bathtub! Here's a link to a drone video one of our campers made - https://youtu.be/k1nAEmX6Wy8?feature=shared Pets are welcome, but the yard is only partially block fenced. So any escape artists would have an easy time absconding. We only accept one booking at a time so you’ll have the space all to yourself. Unfortunately we can only accommodate tent bookings and not large motorhomes or towed caravans of any kind. As a side note during the months of September and October we have nesting birds on the property and swooping can be issue and something to keep in mind if any of your group have an aversion to birds. Only a 10 min drive to Tin Can bay and 15 mins to Rainbow Beach - and a Woolworths/bakery/bottle shop 5 mins down the road.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
fromĀ 
AU$50
Ā / night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(163)

Habitat Noosa Everglades EcoCamp

281 sites Ā· Lodging, RVs, Tents65 acres Ā· Cooroibah, Noosa
Habitat Noosa Everglades EcoCamp awarded ā€œAustralia’s Best New Tourism Businessā€ is located 25 minutes from Noosa, set amongst 65 acres of National Park and perched on the edge of picturesque Lake Cootharaba. Boasting a number of waterfront activities from stand up paddle boards, canoes, wave skis, kayaks and tinnie hire to frisbee golf in a bushland setting. The Great Sandy National Park location extends a number of walking trails where you can get up close and personal with the abundant wildlife and discover the rich history of the region. The CootharaBAR & Bistro dishes are inspired by the regions fresh, local produce and the Micro Brewery, boasts 8 tasty beers brewed onsite. The EcoCamp is the gateway to one of only two Everglades in the world, where the tea tree infused waterways and ancient rainforests provide a truly memorable tour experience. Habitat Noosa Everglades EcoCamp is the ultimate Accessible Wilderness Experience! The campground features modern facilities, laundry, camp kitchens an onsite bistro and micro-brewery, water activities, walking treks and daily tours to the Noosa Everglades. Campfires are allowed when there are no restrictions in place. Campfires are only permitted in fire pits that are off the ground. Sorry, no pets.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
fromĀ 
AU$35
Ā / night
* Before taxes and fees
95%
(678)

Buranga Farm

18 sites Ā· RVs, Tents60 acres Ā· Verrierdale, Sunshine Coast
Buranga Farm is a small organic family-run farm on 60 acres in the Noosa hinterland only ten minutes from Peregian Beach. The property is largely flat with a hill on the Eastern side and a ridgeline at the very back of the property. There are plenty of cleared open areas as well as a mix of lightly treed and native vegetation. Site one and two are located on the hillside looking west to Mount Cooroy and are best suited for couples. Sites three and four share a large open grassed area the flows down to the main dam that offers great swimming. All areas of the property are open to campers to walk through and explore. The farm comprises a series of ponds near the road that are in the process of being renovated for Red Claw Crayfish. There are fruit trees and veggie gardens around the house, as well as a horse and house cow that guests are welcome to interact with. The balance of the land is either grazed by our small herd of Murray Grey Cattle or set aside for regeneration. Dog friendly. Simle composting/drop toilet available.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
fromĀ 
AU$15
Ā / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(198)

Hillier Retreat, Noosa Hinterland, Sunshine Coast

14 sites Ā· RVs, Tents190 acres Ā· Cooran, Noosa
Hillier retreat is an exclusive sanctuary of over 72 hectares, 3 adjoining properties of the Hillier family. Purchased as a home in 1978 with the intent of reforestation and healing of the land it was part of the first nature corridor in Australia to be planted in the late 80's early 90's. It is now establishing as a space for retreats; for healing and wellness, & a space of sanctuary & nurturing for the land & the people that visit. We offer a space that is quiet and minimal bookings ton ensure the place is never crowded or over booked. - Campsites have 2 composting toilets, a camp kitchen available for use, warm showers, tank water - No pets, sorry - Firewood available for purchase (see extras) - We are situated 35 minutes from Noosa beach adjoining the Noosa trails.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Cooking equipment
fromĀ 
AU$20
Ā / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(28)

RUSTIC RETREAT

10 sites Ā· RVs80 acres Ā· Maryborough, Fraser Coast
Our property is situated on the banks of the great sandy strait just 400m from the Tuan Boat ramp with access to Fraser Island by boat or kayak. We are surrounded by State forests and wetland. There is a dam on the property for swimming and playing. 400m walk to the Tuan beach, exit via the main gate entrance. The forshore has a park, BBQ area and picnic tables as well as garbage disposal. There is plenty of space with-in the property and surrounding forests for mountain biking, motor-biking, walking/running. 3km down the road you will find a large park with tennis court. The bowls club and Golf Club are just 2km away. We are also just 400m from Tuan boat ramp. This site is suitable for caravans, RV's, camper trailers. There is no toilet facility on the property. We are VERY dog friendly and can be off lead as long as the dogs are friendly towards people and dogs. Activities on the beach include boating, kayaking, swimming, fishing, crabbing, walking, bird watching, kangaroo spotting, playing in the beach parks, tennis, mountain biking, hiking and motorbike trail riding. Camp sites are far from the house and other sites so you can have camp fires and play your music without worry of disturbing the neighbours. We have a tap/ hosepipe at the side of the main house where you can fill up water canisters but might be easier to bring your own water. Campers will need to be self contained (rubbish and toilets) and please leave your campsite the way you found it. Exit by pushing the button on the right hand gate post as you leave. Look for the BLUE ribbon and silver button. It closes on it's own. We hope you enjoy the peace and quiet out here. If you need anything or have any questions please text or call me : 0487047270
Pets
Campfires
fromĀ 
AU$40
Ā / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(365)

Hinterviews Farm-Stay

17 sites Ā· RVs, Tents100 acres Ā· Pinbarren, Noosa
Set in the beautiful Noosa Hinterland, the valley of Pinbarren is green all year round with many creek crossings, water holes and Platypus colonies. Also home to the rare and endangered Coxen Fix Parrot, found nowhere else in the world! Close to the historic town of Pomona and the famous King of the Mountain Festival. Set adjacent to the Noosa trail network, Hike, bike or saddle your way around trail loop No.3. Daily sheep feeding
Toilets
Campfires
Cooking equipment
fromĀ 
AU$30
Ā / night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(310)

River Run Farm Camping

42 sites Ā· RVs, Tents84 acres Ā· Antigua, Fraser Coast
River Run Farm Camping is situated on the banks of the beautiful Mary River within the spectacular Fraser Coast region. The historic Maryborough town centre and the quaint village of Tiaro is right on our doorstep for anything you may have left behind or if you just feel like a country pub meal and a cold beer. We offer large grassy mowed sites both powered and unpowered, river front and tree shaded areas with some having their own fire pits. Fully equipped large camp kitchen with microwave, television, fridge, dart board, BBQ, communal firepit and power points to charge your devices and a Playground for the Kids. We offer the best hot showers with beautifully clean toilets; our amenities even contain a washing machine and a kid’s bathroom with a claw foot bath. A Dump point is located at the front of our property. River Run offers: farm animals, swimming, excellent fresh water Fishing (Bass, Barra, yellow belly, prawn and silver perch), boat ramp, bike track and kayaking River run has an amazing variety of bird life due to the large body of fresh water and pristine habitat creating a great environment for spotting native animals including wallabies, achidnia and platypus, which have been sighted at the boat ramp. We are pet friendly too as long as your animals remain on a leash and are under full supervision at all times. River Run is only a short drive away from lots of great experiences, Markets, Mural trail, horse riding, adventure activities, history, museums, Festivals, art and culture that are sure to inspire. Book a horse riding adventure with Hucknall Horses only 10mins away or drive on up to Hervey Bay and go whale watching or day trip to the incredible Fraser Island or Rainbow Beach. 4wd in one of the many local forestry areas and see the brumby herds. Just so much to see and do.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Cooking equipment
fromĀ 
AU$18
Ā / night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(67)

Noosa Everglades Reatreat/Camping

9 sites Ā· Lodging, Tents10 acres Ā· Cooroibah, Noosa
Nestled within the Cooloola region within of the Great Sandy National Park, the Noosa Everglades is a spectacular network of pristine waterways and wetlands connecting the Northern Noosa River onto the Sunshine Property. Our property is along side the Noosa River and we are one of only two private owned property's within the Cooloola region. With Kayaking, Camping, Walking tracks and alot more to do! We are home to 1 out of 2 everglades in the whole world!! Noosa Everglades Eco Retreat was founded by Peter and Deborah Gilbert, theyĀ stumbled across the property nestled in the Coolola National Park in 1993 and have shared this special location with family and friends over the years. In 2022 they have decided to share the unique property with guest from all around the world. Come and experience The Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglades systems on Earth, is a world of water, wilderness and wonder in the upper reaches of the Noosa River.
Toilets
Showers
Cooking equipment
fromĀ 
AU$55
Ā / night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(330)

Boho Wilderness Farm Noosa Lake

7 sites Ā· RVs, Tents3 acres Ā· Boreen Point, Noosa
We are part of Noosa Hinterland, situated at the start of the Everglades, more than 40% of Australia’s bird species is found here. Lake Cootharaba is at it’s peak, 4ft deep. It’s great for sailing, SUP, kayaking, kite surfing and swimming. There are wood fired BBQs and picnic seats all along the foreshore. Public showers/toilets too. Upon coming down Lake Flat Rd, you’ll see 4 letterboxes, turn LEFT here and travel down a private road approx 100mts, you’ll see 1 white bali flag and our Boho Wilderness sign on pink post, this is CAMP entry. In the rainforest, there is a large picnic table for your enjoyment, explore at leisure. We have a designated camping area, fenced in, with 6 sites, all numbered. You could have a view across open paddocks/dam of our horses, goats and poultry. Or turn the other way and look at the rainforest. NOOSA EVERGLADES are calling you to visit. Camp sites are in horseshoe layout. Fires are ONLY ALLOWED in fire pit. Check in at 1pm and check out is flexible, on agreement with host. CHECK IN AFTER 6pm STRICTLY AT OWNERS DISCRETION Well behaved dogs are welcome, please keep them on a leash, please add them to booking, $10 each (2dogs max.) NO DOGS IN RAINFOREST. Kids can feed goats and pony. *** There is bore water tap at shower block. *** 2 portlaloo’s which are emptied and sanitised twice daily. ***HOT SHOWER AVAILABLE * Goat feeding is at 9am weekends for kids, adults by request, & most days on school holidays. We are a coastal village by the Lake. less than; * 1km to the Lake, foreshore has several BBQ (wood fired) and picnic tables to enjoy. Showers/toilets available at 2 points along foreshore. * Kids and dog beach available at the kids park, at Lake (4ft at its deepest). * Boat ramp for access to lake or Everglades. A canoe launching ramp available at Elanda Point. 7mins away. If looking at tides, lookup Teewah beach for lake tides. * Cafe Coffee Tribe/general store located at the lake, open 7am-2pm. * Apollonian Hotel has bistro, and outdoor dining. Dog friendly. 2nd & 4th FRI night 6-9:30pm OPEN MIC Every Sunday 12-3pm Smokehouse and Live Music *2km to Noosa Habitat, bistro and brewery. Hiking tracks to Harry’s Hut too. NO DOMESTIC ANIMALS ALLOWED. But ample wildlife. * 20 mins to Tewantin/Noosaville. *Pomona market (18kms) opened Sat 7-12. *Noosa beaches and national park 30mins. Dog walking at Ringtail creek, on McKinnon Dr.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
fromĀ 
AU$38
Ā / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(298)

Gootchie Creek Escape

120 sites Ā· Lodging, RVs, Tents600 acres Ā· Gootchie, Fraser Coast
We have aĀ beautiful 600 acre cattle property with plenty of room to spread out where other campers are nowhere in sight.Ā Here you will find that the serenity meets the bush.Ā We have beautiful flat grassy sites situated on Gootchie Creek, and around our very large spring fed billabongs that never dry up.Ā Come and enjoy the green flat grassy sites along the creek, you may even see the resident platypus.Enjoy some wildlife watching and escape from the city. Bring your hammock and gaze at cloud shapes.Camp fires permitted and bring along your pet too. We are located 45kms north of Gympie. In town you will find all the shops, fuel and supplies for your camping trip.A dump point has now been installed on our propertyĀ for your convenience.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
fromĀ 
AU$20
Ā / night
* Before taxes and fees

Dog-friendly getaways

Value Prop
Value Prop

Camping near Rainbow Beach guide

Rainbow Beach is a small coastal village on an unspoiled stretch of Pacific Ocean coastline, between Noosa and the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, a two-hour drive from Sunshine Coast Airport. Often ranked as one of Australia’s best beaches, Rainbow is one of those idyllic spots that appeals to everyone: beach-goers, fishermen, campers, hikers, families, and anyone who loves to hit the water. Stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking with the dolphins and horse-riding on the beach are all options, but most come for the amazing coloured sands that are a highlight of the 4WD-only Great Beach Drive.

Teewah Beach

If you have a 4WD vehicle, you can take the Great Beach Drive, all the way to Rainbow Beach from Noosa North Shore, by taking the ferry across the Noosa River at Tewantin. Good camping at Teewah Beach puts you in the Cooloola Recreation Area of Great Sandy National Park but is only reached by sandy tracks (4WD essential). Fishing and birdwatching are popular here. Bathroom facilities are at the nearby Freshwater day-use area, just north of the camping zone.

Inskip Peninsula

Just 10 minutes north of Rainbow Beach, Inskip Peninsula’s beachfront and estuary camping areas have plenty of shady trees and some are named for the shipwrecks offshore. The largest and most accessible is the MV Sarawak camping area, but all are great for fishing and relaxing. This is also the southern access point (10 minutes by barge) to Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island.

Tin Can Bay

A 30-minute drive from Rainbow Beach, Tin Can Bay sits on the other side of the inlet from the Great Sandy Strait. Several commercial camping and caravanning parks operate near the township, which is famed for its daily wild dolphin feeding (near the boat ramp at Norman Point).

Fraser Island (K’gari)

Fraser Island’s wilderness is popular with campers, fishermen and hikers; but ocean swimming is dangerous. Only 4WD vehicles have access to the island, which is criss-crossed with sand tracks. As well as beach camping, there are protected camping areas behind fences to keep out wild dingos, highly recommended for families with children under 14. Popular places to visit include the crystal-clear Lake McKenzie and Central Station, with its lush rainforest.

When to Go

The busiest seasons on the Sunshine Coast are during the summer school holidays (December and January) and around Easter. At those times, you’ll need to book as far ahead as you can. The weather is great year-round, with temperatures averaging 28C (82F) in summer and 20C (68F) in winter.

Know Before You Go

  • Rainbow Beach is a legally gazetted road for 4WD vehicles only, where road rules and speed limits must be followed.Ā Ā 
  • The closest National Park campsites to Rainbow Beach are at Poverty Point and Freshwater, which has both tent and trailer camping.
  • Sand tobogganing is banned within Great Sandy National Park.
  • Camping permits are required for all Queensland parks, forest and reserves and must be booked online and paid for before arrival.

Nearby Attractions

Visit Double Island Point for excellent ocean views from the iconic lighthouse

Frequently Asked Questions

To camp at Rainbow Beach on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, you have a few options: 1. Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area: This area offers several beach camping sites, such as M.V. Beagle, M.V. Natone, M.V. Sarawak, and M.V. Natone. You need to obtain a camping permit and pay the camping fees. You can book your campsite online through the Queensland National Parks Booking Service. 2. Carlo Sand Blow: Camping is not permitted on Carlo Sand Blow itself, but you can camp at Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area, which is nearby. You can access the sand blow via a short walk from the Cooloola Recreation Area. 3. Private campgrounds: There are a few private campgrounds and holiday parks in Rainbow Beach that offer camping facilities, such as the Rainbow Beach Holiday Village and the Rainbow Beach Holiday Park. Remember to follow all camping guidelines and regulations, including respecting the environment, being aware of local wildlife, and practicing responsible waste disposal.

No, you cannot camp anywhere on Rainbow Beach in Australia. However, there are designated camping areas nearby where you can camp legally. Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area, located just north of Rainbow Beach, offers several beachfront camping areas, such as Inskip Point, M.V. Beagle, M.V. Sarawak, and M.V. Natone. These areas require a permit, which can be obtained online or at a local visitor information center. Additionally, you can find campgrounds and holiday parks in the Rainbow Beach township. You can view these options on Hipcamp.

Camping at Rainbow Beach in Queensland, Australia, typically costs between AUD 6.75 to AUD 33.50 per night, depending on the campsite and amenities provided. The Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area, for example, offers camping fees starting at AUD 6.75 per person per night or AUD 27 per family per night. Other campgrounds in the area may have different rates, so it's essential to check specific campground prices before planning your trip. Keep in mind that you may also need to obtain a camping permit for some locations, which will have an additional cost.

Yes, you need a permit to camp on Rainbow Beach in Queensland, Australia. Camping permits are required for all campgrounds within the Great Sandy National Park, which includes the Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area and the Cooloola Recreation Area. You can obtain a camping permit and make a reservation online through the Queensland Government's Department of Environment and Science website.

Camping fees at Inskip Point in Queensland, Australia, vary depending on the type of site and the season. The general cost for a camping permit is around AUD 6.85 per person per night or AUD 27.40 per family per night (2 adults and up to 6 children). Prices are subject to change, so it's best to check the Queensland Parks booking website for the most up-to-date information on camping fees and availability at Inskip Point.

Safety partners

Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.