Fraser Coast, Rainbow Beach & Cooloola Coast: Adventures Await.
There are endless Things to do around Fraser Coast, Rainbow Beach & Cooloola Coast. This region is paradise for families, solo travellers, beach and nature lovers. With pristine beaches, scenic road trips, unique local attractions and unbeatable weather all year round, this corner of Queensland promises an amazing holiday.
Fraser Coast & Cooloola Coast: How To Get There
Queensland’s Fraser Coast and Cooloola Coast offer diverse experiences, from relaxing seaside escapes to adventures in World Heritage-listed K’gari (Fraser Island). Both regions are easily accessible from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.:
Either drive 2.5–3.5 hrs from Brisbane or 2–2.5 hrs from the Sunshine Coast, depending on your destination. If fly directly to Hervey Bay Airport from Brisbane or Sydney for Fraser Coast access. Greyhound buses run from Brisbane; Queensland Rail stops at Maryborough West, followed by a short taxi or shuttle to your destination. For K’gari adventures, take the Mantaray barge from Inskip Point (near Rainbow Beach) or ferry services from the Hervey Bay side of Fraser Island (K’gari).
Whether you’re visiting Hervey Bay, Maryborough, or Rainbow Beach, both regions provide easy access to beaches, nature walks, wildlife encounters, and local food experiences. K’gari’s sand dunes, freshwater lakes, and rainforest walks make for unforgettable day trips or overnight stays.
Explore K’Gari (Fraser Island)
The ferry ride from Hervey Bay, K’Gari (Fraser Island) takes about 40min and is one of the world’s most unique destinations. This World Heritage-listed sand island is known for rainforests growing on sand, pristine lakes, and untouched beaches.
As the only place on Earth where a rainforest grows from a sand base, K’Gari offers a wealth of natural wonders. Whether you’re hiking through its diverse terrain or spotting wildlife in their natural habitat, K’Gari is a must-see gem of the Fraser Coast.
Things to do Around Fraser Coast, Rainbow Beach & Cooloola Coast: Wellness & Pampering
Indulge in relaxation and rejuvenation with a variety of wellness and pampering options:
- Bella Butterfly offers premium beauty treatments and relaxation therapies to unwind
- Hervey Bay Massage and Day Spa provides a full range of massage and day spa services designed to rejuvenate both body and mind.
- Mineral Earth is a peaceful spot, perfect for spa treatments that focus on mineral-rich therapies.
- Serenity Skin Spa offers a holistic approach to beauty, with services for the skin, body, and mind.
- Pampered by Amy is a local favorite with excellent reviews. Be sure to book early for a spot!
- Ocean Therapies offers a wide variety of massage styles and techniques, ideal for anyone seeking relaxation or stress relief.
- Ultimate Skin Clinics: provides bespoke beauty therapy services, including advanced medical beauty treatments by a professional local practitioner.
- My Beauty + Wax, located at 15A Main Street, Pialba, QLD.
- The Natural Touch Body & Skin Treatment Centre at 4655/123 Torquay Rd, Scarness, specializes in body treatments and skin care services.
- Seaside Skin and Beauty, Hervey Bay – a home-based beauty service offering expert treatments.
- Oceanside Hair and Beauty – Shop 5/352 Esplanade, Scarness, QLD, provides a full range of hair and beauty treatments.
- Neonails in Pialba – 2/31 Main Street is your go-to destination for manicures, pedicures, and nail care.
- Rainbow Hair and Beauty – hair styling, IPL treatments, and beauty services. Shop 1/Lot 13 Rainbow Beach Rd, Rainbow Beach
- Rainbow Beach Health & Fitness – Offers gym memberships, personal training, and remedial massages.
Things to do Around Fraser Coast, Rainbow Beach & Cooloola Coast: Tours and Boat Hire
- Escape the crowds at the remote west coast of K’gari. Enjoy snorkelling, kayaking, swimming, and bushwalking. Your package includes free transfers from Hervey Bay, expert guides, lunch, morning/afternoon tea, tube rides, and the chance to see whales (May-Nov) with Tasman Tours and Fraser Explorer Tours.
- Hervey Bay Marine Tours have a wonderful saying…”If I owned heaven and the Great Sandy Strait – I’d rent out heaven and live on the Sandy Strait”. Family-owned business, dedicated to protecting the ocean, sharing their knowledge and learning from the Butchulla indigenous people.
- Boat, kippered or bare boat, and various yacht charters with Sweet Escape Charters, Fraser Island Boat Charters, or Blue Sky Boat Hire at Urangan Marina where you can also hire a party boat.
- Buallum Nyia or Pelican Banks is a fabulous destination for families or romantic couples getaway. The waters are shallow and pristine. Departs from the Great Sandy Straits Marina with Pelican Bank Tour
- See humpback whales (May to November with Blue Dolphin Tours; Freedom Whale Watch or Tasman Ventures
- Nearby Lady Elliot Island, a short sail or a scenic flight with Scenic Lady Elliot Day Trip – amazing value for a 7 hr day trip. There’s over 1,200 species of marine life with beautiful coral cay and large populations of giant manta rays and turtles. Located at the southern tip of the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef.
- Rainbow Beach is a gateway for K’Gari adventures, with ferries and tours departing from Inskip Point. Visitors can also enjoy local experiences such as fishing charters, guided eco-tours, and sand dune adventures.
Things to do around The Fraser Coast, Rainbow Beach & Cooloola Coast: Day Trips and Sightseeing
- A treasure trove of beaches run up and down the Fraser Coastline – Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Bay and Cooloola Cove. Tin Can and Cooloola both have dolphin feedins, shopswalking tracks and eateries. Head further north to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Bargara and the Coral Coast. Visit Baraga and the Coral Coast
- Take an exhilarating 4WD adventure along Rainbow Beach’s expansive sandy shores and iconic colored sands and stunning coastal views. There are Surf & Sand Safaris – guided adventures as well.
- Visit the historic Urangan Pier for windsurfing, kite surfing, and surfing, at the corner of The Esplanade and Pier Streets Hervey Bay QLD
- Point Vernon – the largest rocky promontory on the Fraser Coast, provides beautiful views across the Pacific Ocean. Gatakers Bay, The Gables off the shoreline is a coral reef, ESA Park (between Aplin and Flinders Street) with beach access and tidal rock pools, a playground and park facilities. Point Vernon is a starting point for the Hervey Bay Esplanade trail.
- Wetside Water Park on the foreshore at the junction of Main Street and the Esplanade, Hervey Bay. Brilliant days out with the family, with loads to keep the kids smiling. There’s waterslides, aqua ninja adventure course, totside for under 5s, coffee shop and more. Entry into Wetside is free but there’s a cost for the Waterslides and Aqua Ninja and during QLD school holidays, WetSide is open 7 days from 10am to 5pm. Closed in winter.
- Experience Oz – Rainbow Beach Tours
Offers a variety of tours departing from Rainbow Beach, including dolphin kayaking and Fraser Island 4WD adventures. - Visit Champagne Rock Pools and the clear freshwater Lake McKenzie. Don’t leave any rubbish behind as dingoes roam wild on the island. Stay away from them and don’t pat them.
Annual Events
- Hervey Bay Family Carnival 30 June – 9 July
- Mary Poppins Festival 2 July
- Hervey Bay Whale Festival Blessing of the Fleet 15 July
- Rainbow Beach Community Markets – Held monthly showcasing local artisans.
- Rainbow Beach Music Festival – Celebrating local and national musicians.
Things to do around The Fraser Coast, Rainbow Beach & Cooloola Coast: Good Eats & Casual Dining
- Rainbow Beach Sports and Recreation Club with Cherry’s Steakhouse
- Rainbow Beach Hotel – classic pub by the beach with bistro and gaming room
- Rainbow Beach Pizza and Grill – try the seafood pizza and prawn pasta.
- The Carriers Arms – Bistro and classic pub favourites menu. There’s a dedicated kids entertainment room too for 3 years to 13 years – play stations, amusement games, TV
- Eat in the Bay – Try their New York style sandwiches
- The Beach House Hotel – open 7 days for lunch and dinner
- Banksia Seafood and Grill – seaside restaurant
- Tresalsas – Mexican with kid-friendly option.
- Labella– authentic pizzas
- Salt Cafe – beachfront along the Esplanade from 7am to 2pm daily
- Bayaroma – a busy little café on the Hervey Bay Esplanade in beautiful Torquay, opposite the best swimming beach in the Bay, the popular train park
- Orchid Beach Trading Post and Driftwood Bar – family run pub, old style with a fantastic view and the island’s coldest beer on tap
- The Dock Hervey Bay overlooks the marina and is a cool themed bar and eatery with cocktails menu, an epic beer and wine list and Tapas style food menu.
- The Bayswater Bar & Grill – with great ocean views
- The Clubhouse with a courtesy bus on Friday and Saturday nights from 10am to 10pm
- @brewviewcafe – casual café with beautiful views
- @Codyscoffeeshack cute, beach-view coffee spot
- Alowishus – breakfast and lunch. Menu is available for dine in or online takeaway.
- Acquavue – on Hervey Bay waterfront open all day from 6am and caters for all dietary requirements. It’s a wedding and events venue as well. Serves Seven Miles coffee
- Banana Bean Café – a range of yummy desserts and coffee house favourites at 36 Rainbow Beach Rd Shell Plaza
- Somewhere Over Coffee – coffee and light bites at U3/14 Rainbow Beach Rd, Rainbow Beach
- Little Parliament Cafe – sweet little cafe, go the banana bread! at 12 Rainbow Beach Rd, Rainbow Beach
- Salt and Pepper – breaky, brunch and lunch and renowned for its Chai lattes, toasties, and gelato at 2/8 Rainbow Beach Rd, Rainbow Beach
- F Café (Frying Fish) – seafood everything at 8/48 Rainbow Beach Rd, Rainbow Beach
- Ocean Breeze Seafoods – seafood takeaway at 54 Rainbow Beach Rd, Rainbow Beach
- Satinay Restaurant – Fraser Island
- Rainbow Beach Bakery
- Rainbow Beach Life Saving Club
- Tin Can Bay Country Club – with golf, bowls and great facilities, also has a Chinese restaurant.
Things to do Things to do Around The Fraser Coast, Rainbow Beach & Cooloola Coast: Foodies & Gourmet
- Enzos on the Beach
- Bar Soma – great cocktails and Sunday lunch
- The Boat Club bistro serves gastro pub food and seafood in a spacious, child-friendly venue with outdoor seating.
- The Waterfront Restaurant, Urangan. A must try is their seafood fettuccine with creamy or Napoli sauce or seafood platter.
- The Deck @ Sea Salt- Rainbow beach. Coastal restaurant with a focus on fresh, locally sourced gourmet produce. with a focus on fresh, local seafood, with ocean views.
- Dune Restaurant – at Kingfisher Bay Resort and Travellers Choice 2024. indulge in an array of sweet, salty and spicy selections from Dune’s curated Asian fusion menu. Decadent dumplings, fragrant curries and sizzling stir-fried meats, to noodle dishes packed with authentic flavours. Paired with fresh produce and a bold beverage list, including world-class wines and island-inspired cocktails.
- Rainbow Beach Meats – Scott the butcher provides high-quality meats, deli products, and specialty items.
- Rainbow Beach Surf Life Saving Club – À la carte menu with locally sourced gourmet ingredients.
Things to do around the Fraser Coast, Hervey Bay & Rainbow Beach: Unique Shopping & Art
- Le Petit Chocolatier -handmade chocolates at 11 Main St Pialba Hervey Bay
- Haighs Jewellers – an extraordinary boutique, family run over 30 years that includes repairs, and specialises in unique handcrafted designs to client specifications
- Mary Ryans – a bookstore books, cards and gifts
- Hervey Bay Regional Gallery – home to a variety of workshops (art, pottery), events and activities and even has a seasonal garden
- Ashleigh Manley Studio Gallery – displays the works renowned master of watercolour works for four decades of Australian watercolourist, Ashleigh also produces hand stencilled silk screen prints, etchings, and acrylics on canvas
- Hervey Bay Art Society – offers art education, exhibits and gallery
- Ellen Foulds Fine Art Photography
- The Hervey Bay Hat Company – Urangan Pier, full of the unique and eclectic style of head ware.
- Cooloola Art Gallery Rainbow Beach – Local artists’ paintings, handcrafted jewellery, and creative artworks
- Seaside Studio Rainbow Beach – artisan homewares, coastal décor, and hand-crafted artworks
- Rainbow Beach Gallery & Gifts – local crafts, souvenirs, and art pieces
- The Deck @ Sea Salt Gift Shop – Curated gourmet products, artisan foods, and unique coastal gifts
Other Retail Shopping
- Tackle World Rainbow Beach Rainbow Beach – Specialty fishing gear and outdoor accessories, ideal for local enthusiasts.
- Rainbow Beach Tourist Centre – While primarily a visitor information centre, they also offer a variety of products such as beachwear, accessories, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to pick up necessities and local gifts.
- Stockland Hervey Bay and Bay Plaza Shopping Centres: For those who enjoy familiar retail brands, these popular shopping centers offer a variety of stores to explore, alongside local retailers showcasing regional products.
- 13th Beach Surf- A surf shop catering to all your beach needs, including surfboards, wetsuits, and accessories. They stock a range of products for both beginners and experienced surfers.
- Love Rainbow – A retail store offering a selection of Australian-themed gifts, clothing, and accessories. It’s a good spot to find souvenirs and casual wear.
- Rainbow Beach Shopping Centre– The town’s main shopping hub, featuring various retail outlets, including a bottle shop, food stores, and more. It’s a one-stop destination for everyday shopping needs.
- Castaways Cellars, Rainbow Beach
- Urangan Pier Park Community Markets – 6/8 Pilot St, adjacent to Urangan Pier.
- Get your guide to Hervey Bay Markets – Nikenbah Markets, Maryborough Markets, Koala Markets In Urangan, Torquay Beachside, Howard County Markets and Burrum Heads Markets
Looking for a roadtrip to this region?
Explore our scenic Roadtrip from Brisbane to Cairns via K’Gari Island.
Find your ideal Cooloola Coast accommodation
If you think that there are plenty of Things to do around Fraser Coast, Rainbow Beach & Cooloola Coast, and this region sounds like an amazing holiday destination, why not see our handpicked Stays with a WOW accommodation.
