Nestled on the southern tip of the Great Sandy National Park in Queensland lies the charming seaside town of Rainbow Beach.
With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere, it’s no wonder that this coastal gem has become a popular destination for travellers seeking relaxation and luxury.
Steeped in a rich history, the area takes its name from the Kabay Dreaming spirit, Yiningie, who would often take the form of a rainbow. When he was killed in a fight, he crashed into the sand dunes, sprinkling them with his colours that you can see today.
Today, the town boasts a range of high-end resorts, spas, and dining options, making it a top choice for travellers seeking the ultimate in relaxation and luxury.
The beach is packed with seaside activities, including 4WD beach tours, a surf school, horse rides, and kayaking. Of course, Rainbow beach is also the gateway to K’Gari or Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world which can easily be accessed from the town.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the allure of Rainbow Beach and where to stay while you’re in town to soak up the best of what this luxury destination has to offer.
Rainbow Beach Accommodation
Rainbow Beach has accommodation options to suit all budgets and needs, including resorts, private stays, and hotels.
Rainbow Sea Resort offers ocean-view suites, penthouses, and apartments overlooking the water. This five-star hotel is a high-end stay catering with single-rooms up to three-bedroom spots. It also includes a heated, wet-edge pool, undercover parking, and friendly staff on-site 24/7.
Plantation Resort at Rainbow is the other big 5-star accommodation option in the area. All stays here are fully self-contained apartments that come with a spa bath and a BBQ. They offer locations from one to three rooms as well as roof-top terrace stays and penthouse apartments. Plantation is just a few streets over from Rainbow Sea but that places it a little more amongst the action of this tiny town, with restaurants and bars just metres from its entrance.
Airbnb options and private rentals are also a good choice for something a little more unique. On that front, Grecko’s Rest is a three-bed stay with a wide deck built above an in-ground pool. It’s just a short walk to the beach and is pet-friendly too.
There’s also Pandanus Pavillions, four interconnected pavilions with large living areas, tropical decking, and a BBQ. A three-minute walk to the beach, the pavilions have their own pool and a number of Queen beds. Great for a larger group or a dual-family stay.
For something right on the water, this three-level property boasts views of the ocean from the roof deck, has four bedrooms, and beach-front access. It’s surrounded by natural bushland and is visited by native birds in its private and secluded location.
You could also check out Palm Tree Lodge, a super stylish whole-home stay for five people across three bedrooms. The light and airy modern home has incredible beach-house vibes complete with surfboards, a large outdoor chill-out zone, and an external shower.
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