Carlo Sandblow Walk
Fraser Coast
Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola)
An easy stroll to a sandblow and dunes, with breathtaking views to Double Island Point and Fraser Island from atop the coloured sands, as well as Tin Can Bay to the west.
This heavily trafficked walk starts from the car park at the end of Cooloola Drive in Rainbow Beach.
The walk is an easy stroll through eucalypt forest along graded and sandy paths and up a few sets of stairs to a wooden platform in front of the sandblow.
The sandblow, with an area of over 15 hectares, is shaped like a giant bowl and is surrounded by dunes. The winds shape the contours of the dunes, giving them a moonscape appearance.
From the platform, kick off your footwear and head either east or west, each beautiful in its own right, and making the sandblow an amazing spot for both sunrise and sunset.
On the eastern end of the sandblow, look over the incredible coloured sands at the ocean, with uninterrupted views from Inskip Peninsula and the southern tip of Fraser Island in the north to Double Island Point in the south.
The western end is a local favourite for watching the sun set over Tin Can Bay and the Great Sandy Strait.
This track is also the entrance to the Cooloola Great Walk, which continues across the sandblow and into the national park.
Track: Graded and well-signed with a few steps, the track is easy to follow, with only a small amount of elevation change.
Difficulty: The track is suitable for all fitness levels.
Direction: This is an out-and-back track that returns the way you came.
getting there
The trail starts at the car park at the end of Cooloola Driver in Rainbow Beach, approximately 3 hours drive north of Brisbane.
During peak times (afternoon) the car park can become extremely busy, however there is also on-street parking on Cooloola Drive.
best time to go
The walk can be completed year-round, however be aware that there is no shade on the sandblow so it is very hot during the warmer months during the middle part of the day.
The sandblow is fantastic for both sunrise (head to the eastern end) and sunset (head to the western end).
Always check the Queensland Parks website for updates on track closures.
Remember, whenever venturing into the outdoors, practice the Leave No Trace principles and be considerate of others. This means: dispose of your waste properly, don't remove things or move things from their natural position and respect all wildlife. Also be sure to plan ahead and adequately prepare for any adventure.
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I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which all activities listed on this website are found, as well as Elders past, present and emerging. I strive to not promote sites where requests have been made for people not to explore due to the cultural significance of the site to Indigenous peoples, or note how to respectfully visit a site. If I have a promoted a site with cultural significance, please send me a message and let me know.