Where to buy National Park Permits in Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach is situated right on the edge of the Great Sandy National Park which includes Cooloola, Inskip and Fraser Island Recreation Areas. Visitors who would like to drive or camp in these Recreation Areas must purchase a Camping Permit and/or a Vehicle Access Permit from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).
While QPWS permits can be bought online through the QPWS website, it's important to remember that mobile phone coverage within the National Park Recreation Areas is extremely limited and sometimes completely inaccessible so its best to purchase your permits before leaving the Rainbow Beach township.
There are a number of places within Rainbow Beach where you can purchase your National Park permits in person however the two main two businesses below will also be able to answer all your questions and provide maps of the surrounding area:
Rainbow Beach QPWS Information Centre
- Rainbow Beach Road, Rainbow Beach
- Open Mon–Fri: 8am–4pm
Rainbow Beach Tourist Information Centre
- 6 Rainbow Beach Rd, Rainbow Beach
- Ph: (07) 5486 3227 www.rainbowbeachinfo.com.au
- Open 7 days: 7am-5pm
Once purchased, all permits must be clearly displayed on the dashboard of your vehicle while in the Great Sandy National Park. QPWS Rangers patrol the Recreation Areas daily and have the power to issue fines to those who don’t follow the rules.
All permit fees are put towards the maintenance and protection of the Great Sandy National Park and its visitor facilities and the price of a permit is a small price to pay to experience this unique and beautiful natural paradise!
