Tin Can Bay to Rainbow Beach drive: Distance, time & stops

The short drive from Tin Can Bay to Rainbow Beach covers a 33km distance in around 28 minutes. Cooloola Cove is the main stop along the quickest driving route.

The drive from Tin Can Bay to Rainbow Beach takes you from Queensland’s under the radar dolphin-feeding hotspot to one of the Fraser Island gateways.

Rainbow Beach is best known as the start point for one day or three day Fraser Island tours. But you can also do combo adventures that involve four wheel driving along the beach and kayaking with dolphins.

Tin Can Bay to Rainbow Beach distance and driving time

By car the distance from Tin Can Bay to Rainbow Beach is 33km. You can expect a driving time of around 28 minutes.

This close proximity means you can stay in Tin Can Bay accommodation options such as the Tin Can Bay Tourist Park, Tin Can Bay Motel and Kingfisher Caravan Park, but nip to Rainbow Beach for activities and tours.

5 brilliant Rainbow Beach experiences you should book in advance

Kayaking with dolphins – including a 4WD beach driving adventure.
Beginner surfing lessons – you’ll be standing on the board by the end.
Stand-up paddleboarding and 4WD tour combo – great value day out.
Fraser Island day tour – visiting the island’s main highlights.
Fraser Island three day tour – covering parts of the island most visitors miss.

Tin Can Bay to Rainbow Beach drive: Cooloola Cove

The quickest driving route from Tin Can Bay to Rainbow Beach initially heads back down Tin Can Bay Road, then turns off towards Cooloola Cove down Bayside Road.

Flit around the edge of the village, firstly along Endeavour Drive then Investigator Avenue.

On the south side of Cooloola Cove, Queen Elizabeth Drive will bring you out at Rainbow Beach Road.

Tin Can Bay to Rainbow Beach road trip: Great Sandy National Park

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

If doing your Fraser Island tour from Rainbow Beach, choose between a one day Fraser Island coach tour, a two day bus trip or a three day tagalong trip. In the latter, you can drive your own rented 4WD vehicle behind a guide car.

Other options in Rainbow Beach include a two hour surfing lesson, kayaking with dolphins or stand-up paddleboarding.

Rainbow Beach accommodation picks include backpacker perennial Pippies Beach House, the much more luxurious Plantation Resort and balconies with cracking views at the Rainbow Ocean Palms Resort.