Gympie to Rainbow Beach drive: Distance, time & road trip stops

Gympie to Rainbow Beach road trip: Toolara State Forest

The Gympie to Rainbow Beach road trip then passes through the Toolara State Forest. You can either continue along the road to Tin Can Bay, where dolphin-feeding takes place near Norman Point, or turn right down the Rainbow Beach Road.

This goes past Cooloola Cove and into Great Sandy National Park. The Carlo Sand Blow is to the right as you enter Rainbow Beach.

Rainbow Beach tours

Several Fraser Island tours leave from Rainbow Beach. Choose between a one day Fraser Island coach tour, a two day bus trip or a three day tagalong trip where you get to drive your own 4WD vehicle behind a guide car.

You can also try a two hour surfing lesson, kayaking with dolphins or stand-up paddleboarding combined with a 4WD tour down the beach.

Rainbow Beach accommodation options include backpacker favourite Pippies Beach House, the considerably more luxurious Plantation Resort and balconies with spectacular views at the Rainbow Ocean Palms Resort.

Road trips from Gympie, Queensland

Gympie to Brisbane: Distance 169km, driving time 2h4m.

Gympie to Bundaberg: Distance 194km, driving time 2h13m.

Gympie to Hervey Bay: Distance 121km, driving time 1h27m.

Gympie to Maryborough: Distance 87km, driving time 1h4m.

Gympie to Noosa: Distance 66km, driving time 53m.

Gympie to Rockhampton: Distance 466km, driving time 5h20m.