https://www.runqld.com.au/rainbow-beach/
I did the marathon, as I think this is one of the most beautiful running courses available. If you are not a runner, this route could be done as a two day hike from Rainbow Beach with an overnight stay at Freshwater Campground. It is a beautiful loop.
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/cooloola/camping/freshwater
The map of the route can be found at https://152094c3-7a5b-44a9-b564-064affc268cd.filesusr.com/ugd/d9e3e8_c2a2019cdcc54984a5c56e40a9026bea.pdf?index=true.
We began from the park opposite the caravan park and headed up to the Carlo sand blow, this is seriously large.
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/cooloola/journeys/carlo-sandblow-walk https://www.queensland.com/au/en/things-to-do/attractions/p-574793ba1a7a85bb5be02bc9-carlo-sand-blow
Then through some lovely bushland to Poona Lake.
https://www.aussiebushwalking.com/qld/carlo-sand-blow-to-poona-lake http://www.wildswimmingaustralia.com/locations/poona-lake/
From Poona Lake we headed back into the forest toward Freshwater camping ground.
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/cooloola/camping
From Freshwater campground the trail headed down to the beach and we ran a beautiful 8km along Teerwah Beach at lowtide. The weather was mercurial, raining on and off, with the sun coming out briefly at times, but overall pretty good running weather.
All the way up to Double Island Point. On turning around to look back the way I had come, there was a rainbow!
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/cooloola/journeys/double-island-point-lighthouse-walk
Once I was up onto the top of Double Island Point, the sun came out giving a great view of the lighthouse and surrounds.
And then back into the bush on the telegraph track, heading back toward the Carlo sand blow.
And just like that the sun popped out as I was crossing the sand blow. Hard to believe these two photos were only taken minutes apart.
Next up, the pool to ice our legs, unpleasant but makes a world of difference. After a well deserved shower and feed we all had a good stretch. We spent a bit of time chatting to fellow runners, from a COVID safe distance.
Late in the afternoon we headed down to the playground with some friends where our 14 year old thoroughly enjoyed helping their 1 year old use the equipment. We finished the day with a delicious meal at the Rainbow Beach Surf Club Bistro.
