Rainbow Beach, QLD

Named for its multicoloured sand cliffs — a remote surf beach and the southern gateway to Fraser Island by barge.

Live AI Coastal Briefing

Friday 28 August is shaping up to be a beautiful day here on our stunning coastline, with partly cloudy skies and a gentle breeze blowing in from the SSW at 12 km/h, gusting up to 21 km/h. The current temperature is a comfortable 16C, with a humidity level of 95%, making it feel nice and warm. Our remote surf beach is looking particularly inviting, with its multicoloured sand cliffs and exposed coast.



The ocean conditions are looking great for all you water enthusiasts out there, with a wave height of 1.28m, which is waist to chest high, and solid surf. The water temperature is a pleasant 21.0C, making it perfect for a spring suit or rashie. High tide is expected at 09:32 am, with a height of 2.6m, and low tide will be at 03:37 pm, with a height of -4.2m.



If you're planning on getting out and about today, the conditions are ideal for a range of sports and activities. Surfers will love the solid waves, while runners and cyclists will enjoy the partly cloudy skies and gentle breeze. Anglers can look forward to a great day of fishing, and paddleboarders will have a blast navigating the waves. With strong rips and currents common on this exposed coast, just remember to take the necessary precautions and stay safe.



As we head into the afternoon, the temperature is expected to reach a high of 27C, with plenty of sunshine and partly cloudy skies. It's going to be a fantastic day to get out and enjoy all that our beautiful coastline has to offer. So why not grab your board, your bike, or your fishing rod, and make the most of this stunning day. We'll see you out there, and don't forget to stay sun safe and have a great day.

About This Coastline

Rainbow Beach is a small coastal town between the Pacific Ocean, Great Sandy National Park and the southern access routes to K’gari.

The setting is not simply decorative; the water has shaped transport, work, recreation and the way the surrounding community has developed.

The Vibe

The atmosphere is adventurous and informal, shaped by four-wheel-drive travel, fishing, surfing and travellers preparing for island journeys.

Beyond the village, the coast quickly feels remote and exposed. There is enough activity to give the place energy, yet the coast still offers quieter moments away from the principal access points.

The Local Anchor

Carlo Sand Blow is the town’s defining landmark, a vast wind-shaped sand mass reached by a forest walk and overlooking the ocean and coloured coastal cliffs.

The beach also serves as a transport corridor for permitted four-wheel-drive access under suitable conditions. Together, these features connect present-day visitors with the industries, communities and environmental systems that established the area.

The Landscape

The open beach faces strong Pacific swell and can carry significant rips, while shifting sand, tides and vehicle traffic add further complexity.

Behind it, dunes, coloured sands and tall forest create one of Queensland’s most dramatic transitions from beach to inland landscape. From elevated viewpoints to water level, the landscape reveals different forms as light, tide and weather move across it.

The result is a shoreline where natural conditions, community history and everyday recreation remain closely connected.