The best safari tent rentals near Rainbow Beach, Queensland

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.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.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.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’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.

91% (359)

Top-rated campgrounds

Watersports and Frisbee golf hire available

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.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.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.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’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.

91% (359)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Habitat Noosa Everglades EcoCamp

91%

(612)

39km from Rainbow Beach · 369 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cooroibah, QLD

Habitat Noosa Everglades EcoCamp awarded “Australia’s Best New Tourism Business” 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 enclosed and off the ground. NB Arrivals after 6pm will receive a text message with details on accessing their key. You must arrive prior 9pm to access the eco camp (boom gate in place) Sorry, no pets.

2. Ingenia Holidays Noosa

96%

(39)

55km from Rainbow Beach · 127 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Sunshine Coast, QLD

Noosa on the Sunshine Coast needs no introduction, with its world-famous sun, surf and sand. If you’re wanting to explore this slice of pandanus palm-fringed paradise, check-in to Ingenia Holidays Noosa, a short drive from bustling Hastings Street and just next door to the Tewantin National Park mountain-bike trails. You’ll want at least a few days to discover Noosa’s coastal charm, thriving food scene and diverse landscapes, so check-in to one of the cabins, villas, camp or caravan sites that deliver big holiday experiences for those with a smaller Noosa budget. When you’re not busy exploring what’s on offer within the park itself, you’ve got a large Noosa backyard to explore from the beach to the hinterland and national parks in between. With an action-packed kid’s program each school holidays, it’s no wonder this park is known to book out. Throughout the year, you’ll always find something happening at Ingenia Holidays Noosa with facilities that will eliminate the words “I’m bored” from the kids’ vernacular altogether with a pool, jumping cushion and games room to name just a few things on offer. With temperate weather all year round, soak up the outdoors and onsite facilities including BBQs and camp kitchens when you’re not exploring the Sunshine Coast’s favourite resort playground.

3. BIG4 Noosa North Shore

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(25)

50km from Rainbow Beach · 135 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Noosa North Shore, QLD

BIG4 Noosa North Shore is a beautiful and unique getaway located on the stunning Noosa North Shore in Queensland, Australia. This holiday park is a nature lover's paradise, offering a serene and immersive experience in a pristine natural environment. With a range of accommodation options to cater to various budgets and preferences, you'll find something perfect for your needs. From unique glamping tents with private en-suite to dog-friendly campsites for those who love the outdoors. A range of indoor and outdoor activities is available on-site offering a fun-filled holiday experience for the whole family. The bouldering gym is a guest favourite along with the Putt-Putt course. The holiday park is situated close to the beach, offering direct access to the sandy shores of the Noosa North Shore. The beach is a perfect place for swimming, sunbathing, fishing and surfing. On the other side of the retreat is Cooroibah Lake, providing opportunities for kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. The calm waters of the lake invite visitors for a peaceful outdoor experience. The surrounding area is teeming with diverse flora and fauna. It's a great place for birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts. If you time your visit right, you might even see whales migrating up the coast!

4. Cathedrals on Fraser

96%

(13)

79km from Rainbow Beach · 109 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Fraser Island, QLD

Centrally located on Fraser Island’s east coast, Cathedrals on Fraser is the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed holiday. From the campground, you’re only a short walk to the beach with some of the Island’s best fishing spots and picturesque coloured sand dunes. You’re also just a short drive from the Island’s most popular tourist attractions including Eli Creek, the Maheno shipwreck, and Champagne Pools. Our campground is fully dingo-fenced, so you can relax and enjoy a true Fraser Island camping experience knowing the kids are safe. Unlike beach camping, you can enjoy a campfire in our designated fire rings. You will need a 4WD to get to Cathedrals on Fraser. If you don’t have one, you can always hire from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach. We offer a wide variety of on-site services and facilities including a well-stocked general store with hot food and freshly ground coffee, a fuel station, hot showers, laundry facilities, and much more! We also offer a variety of accommodation options to suit any budget, including cabins, permanent tents, and powered or unpowered campsites.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best safari tents near Rainbow Beach guide

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.
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.