10.30am to 11.30am, Friday October

Welcome to the October edition

AND THE DREAM CONTINUES! I can’t thank everyone enough for all the kind words, warm welcomes, and generous support I received after my first issue came out last month.

I feel so fortunate to be able to do it all over again this month. And what a month October will be - as always we have so many amazing things happening in the region.

Make sure you check out the CCLAC Flower Show on Saturday October 2 - it is for such a great cause, and looking at all those beautiful flowers has to be good for the soul right?

The hugely popular Surfrider Association clean up weekend is being held from 15 October. Pack the surfboards, grab the esky and get the 4WD over to Double Island Point, for details see the article on the opposite page.

Rainbow Beach SLSC hosts the Rainbow Beach Junior “Banjo Memorial” Nippers Carnival on October 23.

The Cooloola Coast Senior Expo is being held that day too - definitely worth

a look to see what brilliant activities and social groups we have here on the Coast for our older residents. October is Seniors Month in Queensland and there are plenty of local activities on to celebrate.

I hope you enjoy our new Bird of the Month feature that has been introduced this issue. So many of us in this region love our unique wildlife so it will be nice to learn a bit more about the incredible array of native birds we have. Let me know what you think.

Also let me know your thoughts on a few of our topical issues - we have a suggestion that it is time to introduce a full-time police station to the town, and there is also the new portable toilet legislation that has been brought in at Teewah. Always happy to hear everyone’s point of view on these kinds of issues.

Enjoy the last week of school holidays and the rest of October.

Rhyll

Visitor Guide

20 Must See and Dos

Patrolled Beach

Swim in the flags in front of the Surf Lifesaving tower. Walk via the steps or walkway near the lookout and surf club, or drive onto Griffin Esplanade. 4WD beach access begins here.

Coloured Sands

Visit the patrolled beach, near the surf tower or the lookout to see the 70 plus colours in our cliffs. From town, walk south 1km along the beach - for best colours 4WD or tour a further 9km. Remember it is a gazetted road.

Carlo Sand Blow

Park at the top of Cooloola Drive, and walk 600m up from the car park or bushwalk about 2km from the National Parks Office for spectacular views of the Coloured Sands, Double Island Point, Tin Can Bay Inlet and hang gliders.

Poona Lake

Drive to Bymien Picnic Area (2WD) via 3km gravel on the Freshwater Road, (off Rainbow Beach Road). It’s a 40 minute walk to reach the cool waters of Lake Poona through beautiful rainforest and carrol (grey myrtle) scrub.

Searys Creek

Only 7km from town towards Gympie, with 2 waterholes, boardwalks, bridges and history – do read the sign and spot the creatures. Always cool on the hottest of days.

Rainbow Beach Headland

A look out, a viewing platform, 2 playgrounds, a skatepark, BBQs and picnic facilities. See the whales from here in season and watch the surfers out the front. Take a photo at the Cherry Venture propeller.

Double Island Point

Access via the 4WD only Great Beach Drive or Freshwater Track. See dolphins, whales (seasonal), manta rays, turtles and walk up to our historic lighthouse. It has the longest break in Australia -when the swell lines up.

Wander here at low tide, play in rock pools and watch 4WDs navigate any exposed rocks. ALWAYS check conditions and ask locals before you 4WD - it is not always safe, even close to low tide.

Middle Rock

When tides and conditions allow, the walk to Middle Rock and back is a beautiful way to check out the Coloured Sands. From here, vehicle permits are required and dogs are prohibited.

Inskip Point

This peninsula is the gateway to Fraser Island, a favourite fishing spot and pet friendly camping grounds for generations. Only 15 minutes drive (2WD) from Rainbow Beach.

Freshwater Picnic Area

Walk to and swim in nearby Freshwater Lake, picnic or BBQ at the beautiful shady day-use area, found before Freshwater Road reaches Teewah Beach. 4WD only.

Tin Can Bay Foreshore

Walk 4km from Crab Creek to Norman Point, over picturesque bridges, signage of flora and fauna, through mangroves, playgrounds and outdoor gyms. It is mostly flat and very safe for children on wheels. Look out for 137 species of birds.

Tin Can Bay Wildflower Walk

Known for spectacular wildflower species, access this trail from the corner of Emperor St and Oyster Parade. Best in late winter and early spring.

Boat Ramps

You can launch your boat at Norman Point and Crab Creek in Tin Can Bay or Carlo Point and Bullock Point near Rainbow Beach. All except Bullock Point offer toilet and scenic picnic facilities.

Feed Wild Dolphins at Norman Point

Arrive from 7am, after feeding (fees apply), the dolphins leave for another day. A picturesque peninsula with public pool, playground, sailing, boat ramp and pontoon and picnic facilities.

Carlo Point

For spectacular sunsets over the water, take a cheese platter or fish and chips and watch the day’s end. This favourite fishing spot is only 3 km from Rainbow Beach.

Rainbow Steps

“How good is living?” Reputably Rainbow Beach’s most ‘Instaworthy’ location - check out our colourful stairs and share a photo on our socials.

Great Sandy Strait

If you love the wonderful peace and relaxation of sailing or cruising, the sheltered waters around Tin Can Bay are for you. You may see dugong, turtles, dolphins and more in this section of the Great Sandy Marine Park.

Fraser and Cooloola Great Walks

A 90 km trail showcases natural and cultural features of the world’s largest sand island between Dilli Village and Happy Valley. Or trek 102 km from Noosa to Rainbow Beach through sandblows, past lakes and spectacular views.

Fraser Island K’gari

World heritage listed, K’gari has over 40 lakes, rainforests, sand dunes, wildlife, four wheel driving and fishing! Take a 1 or 2 day tour, hire a 4WD or take your own. Cross the barge at Inskip Point, permits are online or at the Parks Office.