
Double Island Point
A remote coastal paradise accessible by 4WD, featuring an iconic lighthouse and stunning beaches.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Easiest beach driving

Double Island Point
Best Time
Easiest beach driving
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remote coastal paradise accessible by 4WD, featuring an iconic lighthouse and stunning beaches.
"Spectacular part of the sunshine coast, if you have a 4x4 it is a definite "must see"."

🚗 4WD is a Must
You'll need a 4WD to access Double Island Point and its beaches. Ensure your vehicle is equipped and you know how to use it on sand.
⏰ Check the Tides
Always check tide times before heading out. Low tide is best for driving on Double Island Beach.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Double Island Lighthouse
Summit of the headland
Iconic lighthouse offering panoramic ocean views. A must-see for its history and stunning vistas.

Double Island Beach
Coastal stretch
Expansive beach perfect for 4WD adventures, surfing, or simply enjoying the coastal scenery.

Lagoon Views
Eastern side of the point
Serene lagoon offering calmer waters and a chance to spot marine life. Ideal for a peaceful break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
4WD Essential for Access
Tide Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Inskip Beaches
🚗 4WD is a Must
You'll need a 4WD to access Double Island Point and its beaches. Ensure your vehicle is equipped and you know how to use it on sand.
⏰ Check the Tides
Always check tide times before heading out. Low tide is best for driving on Double Island Beach.
Travelling from Noosa north shore to rainbow beach (town)
Does anyone know if you can access the beach road from Rainbow Beach to Double Island Point at the moment? It was blocked a couple months ago. Thanks
🌊 Respect Marine Life
Be mindful of marine life, especially turtles. Avoid leaving plastic waste and watch out for sick animals.
☀️ Pack for Sun
Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. The sun can be intense, and there are limited facilities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4WD is a Must
You'll need a 4WD to access Double Island Point and its beaches. Ensure your vehicle is equipped and you know how to use it on sand.
⏰ Check the Tides
Always check tide times before heading out. Low tide is best for driving on Double Island Beach.
🌊 Respect Marine Life
Be mindful of marine life, especially turtles. Avoid leaving plastic waste and watch out for sick animals.
☀️ Pack for Sun
Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. The sun can be intense, and there are limited facilities.
🛄 Leave No Trace
Help keep this beautiful spot pristine by taking all your rubbish with you.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Double Island Point for its spectacular natural beauty and the thrill of 4WD beach driving. The iconic lighthouse and expansive coastal views are major highlights. However, the need for a 4WD and careful tide planning are essential considerations, and some visitors note concerns about ocean plastic pollution.
"I have visited this place so many times and still can’t get enough! Absolutely love this gorgeous spot. Always a wonderful experience. Can’t wait to go back again soon!"
Shyla Jay
"Spectacular part of the sunshine coast, if you have a 4x4 it is a definite "must see". But go early, can get busy on holidays"
Matthew Blackmore
"Great place to spend a few hours.
Choice of surf, or bay side. Or both!
The bay is almost completely sealed off and the gap is only about 20m wide.
Rainbow Beach southern end is very skinny at the moment, making access only a few hrs either side of low tide."
Grant Molloy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Double Island Point is primarily via 4WD tracks along the beach. From Rainbow Beach, you can drive south along Teewah Beach, or from the south, you can access the beach via Inskip Point. Always check tide times before you go, as beach driving is best at low tide.
Yes, a 4WD vehicle is essential for navigating Double Island Beach and the surrounding tracks. Standard vehicles will get stuck in the soft sand.
While there isn't a direct ferry to Double Island Point itself, you can take a vehicle ferry from Rainbow Beach to Inskip Point, which then provides access to the beach driving routes.
The drive on Double Island Beach can be challenging, especially if you don't time it with the tides. Expect soft sand and be prepared for a bumpy ride. Planning around low tide is highly recommended.
Absolutely! Double Island Point is a popular destination for day trips, especially for 4WD enthusiasts. Just ensure you have ample time to drive there, explore, and return before the tide changes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you will need a Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) vehicle access permit to drive on Double Island Beach and other Cooloola Recreation Area beaches. These can be purchased online or at designated outlets.
Double Island Point is an open natural area, so there are no set opening or closing hours. However, access via the beaches is dictated by tide times and daylight hours for safety.
There is no direct entry fee for Double Island Point itself, but you will need to purchase a vehicle access permit for driving on the surrounding beaches.
Accommodation options at Double Island Point are limited and often include rustic cabins or camping. Booking well in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Accommodation, such as the lighthouse cottages, can be booked through specific park booking systems or private operators. It's advisable to check the official Queensland National Parks website or relevant tourism sites for the most up-to-date booking information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can visit the historic Double Island Lighthouse, enjoy beach driving and camping on Double Island Beach, surf the waves, or relax by the calmer lagoon side. It's a great spot for whale watching during migration seasons.
Swimming conditions can vary. The ocean side can have strong currents, while the lagoon side offers calmer waters. Always assess conditions carefully before swimming, especially with children.
Facilities are very basic. You'll find limited amenities, so it's essential to be self-sufficient. Bring your own food, water, and ensure you have a plan for waste disposal.
The best time to visit is generally during the drier months. Whale watching season (June to October) is particularly popular. Always consider tide times regardless of the season.
With a 4WD and careful attention to tides and ocean conditions, it can be a great family adventure. However, the remote nature and driving conditions mean extra vigilance is required.
📸 📸 Photography
The Double Island Lighthouse offers stunning panoramic views, especially at sunrise and sunset. The expansive beaches provide great opportunities for capturing 4WD action shots and coastal landscapes. The lagoon side offers a more tranquil photographic subject.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the landscape. Midday can be harsh, but still offers opportunities for dramatic shots of the lighthouse and coastline.
Drone usage is subject to regulations. Always check the latest rules and guidelines from the relevant authorities before flying your drone in national parks and coastal areas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and lighthouse views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light photography and protecting your gear from sand.
The main challenges include managing sand, which can get into camera equipment, and the unpredictable weather. Protecting your gear from salt spray and sand is crucial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a day trip rather than an overnight stay if you have very young children, to manage logistics more easily. The drive itself can be an experience, but be prepared for potential delays due to sand conditions. The Double Island Lighthouse walk is generally manageable for most families, offering great views and a sense of accomplishment. Emphasize the importance of environmental responsibility by teaching kids about not littering and respecting wildlife.
🚗 4WD Enthusiasts
Don't forget to secure your QPWS vehicle access permit beforehand. Explore the different tracks and enjoy the freedom of driving on the sand. Be mindful of other beach users, including fishermen and campers. The journey to the lighthouse and the various points along the coast provides ample opportunity for exploration and enjoying the rugged beauty of the area.
📸 Photography Buffs
Be prepared for the elements; sand and salt spray can be challenging for camera gear. Use protective covers and clean your equipment thoroughly after your visit. The drive along the beach itself can also yield dynamic action shots if you're photographing 4WD vehicles. The lagoon side offers a more serene, reflective photographic subject, perfect for capturing calmer moments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Sands: 4WD and Tides
Planning your drive involves not just checking the tide but also understanding the terrain. While Double Island Beach itself can be firm when the tide is out, sections can be soft, especially if you venture further up the beach or during periods of heavy rain. It's wise to lower your tyre pressures to improve traction on sand. Always carry a tyre deflator and compressor for re-inflating your tyres once you leave the beach. Being prepared with recovery gear, such as a snatch strap and shovel, is also a good idea, as getting bogged is a common occurrence for the unprepared.
Beyond the driving, the experience of traversing these coastal tracks is a highlight in itself. The feeling of freedom as you cruise along the open beach, with the ocean on one side and dunes on the other, is unparalleled. It’s a true off-road adventure that offers a unique perspective of the Queensland coastline. Remember to drive responsibly, be aware of other beach users, and always respect the natural environment.
The Iconic Double Island Lighthouse
The panoramic vistas from the lighthouse precinct are simply breathtaking. You can see for miles along the coastline, encompassing Double Island Beach, the Coral Sea, and the hinterland. Keep an eye out for marine life, as this area is a known migration route for whales during the winter months (June to October). Dolphins and turtles are also frequently spotted from this vantage point. The walk to the lighthouse is relatively easy, making it accessible for most visitors.
While the lighthouse itself is the main draw, the surrounding area offers a sense of remoteness and natural beauty. It’s a place to pause, take in the vastness of the ocean, and appreciate the history of maritime navigation. Visiting the lighthouse is a quintessential Double Island Point experience that shouldn't be missed.
Coastal Ecosystems and Conservation
A significant concern raised by visitors is the presence of plastic pollution in the ocean, which poses a threat to marine life. It's crucial for everyone visiting to practice 'Leave No Trace' principles. This means taking all your rubbish with you, avoiding single-use plastics where possible, and being mindful of your impact on the natural surroundings. The beauty of Double Island Point is its wild, untamed nature, and preserving it for future generations requires collective effort.
Conservation efforts in the area focus on protecting habitats and mitigating threats to wildlife. By being aware and acting responsibly, visitors can contribute to the ongoing preservation of this stunning coastal gem. Remember to report any sightings of sick or injured wildlife to the relevant authorities.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit