Cooloola Coast Road Trip, QUEENSLAND
Airing Date: Nov 22nd, 2004
This long stretch of sand runs 60 kilometres from Rainbow Beach all the way to Teerwah Beach. As long as you have your car in 4WD mode, you stay under 80 kilometres and you stick to all the normal road rules, you can let loose and enjoy the natural beauty of the land.
Cooloola National Park is part of the Great Sandy Region and home to the largest intact sand dune system in the world - but that's certainly not the only drawcard of this region. Keep an eye out for Coloured Sands, about two kilometres from Rainbow Beach.
According to Aboriginal legend, a spirit which took the form of a rainbow got into a fight over a young woman, fell onto the cliff and made the sands colourful. A more scientific explanation is that the sands have been forming since the ice age and iron-based minerals have been sweeping up against them for centuries, leaving traces behind. When viewed up close these sands show spectacular coloured profiles.
Ten minutes' drive down the beach is Double Island Point. On the top of the cliff is an old lighthouse with spectacular views of the Cooloola Coast. The lighthouse was built in 1884 and still warns off ships from its rocky shores.
Just down from the lighthouse is an old rusted shipwreck. This 1600 tonne cargo ship, Cherry Venture, ran aground amid rough seas in 1973. The owners spent four years trying recover the rusty wreckage but were unsuccessful.
The Freshwater Road takes you 17 kilometres back to Rainbow Beach, where you can camp at Freshwater Camping Area. This is the only site in the park that offers safe fresh drinking water, small gas barbecues, hot showers, a public telephone and budget accommodation.
After exploring this stretch of sand by vehicle, why not enjoy the scenery from a different perspective? Paragliding and hang gliding are popular pastimes in the area and offer breathtaking views of the coastline. David Cookman is one of the experienced instructors who offer 30 minutes tandem flights for $150.
The facts
Jetstar fly to Maroochydore, with one way online prices from
$79 ex Sydney and $119 ex Melbourne. Prices available online only and include charges/taxes.
Jetstar
Tel: 131 538
Stay at Fraser's on Rainbow YHA. Dorm beds start from $22 a person, doubles from $58 a night and family rooms from $100 a night.
Fraser's on Rainbow YHA
Tel: 07 5486 8885
Suggested reading material: Lonely Planet
Prices correct at 22/11/04
