Escape the crowds of the busy Sunshine Coast beaches and venture further north to the charming coastal town of Rainbow Beach. The coastline boasts miles of stunningly coloured sands cascading down to the beautiful blue ocean, and here you’ll find the heart-warming Plantation Resort, offering an ideal family-friendly accommodation option in this picturesque location.
Rainbow has all the quintessential amenities of an Australian coastal town, including a pub with delicious grub, a fish and chip shop, and a servo. Additionally, there are several cafes and restaurants in the area. The region is a haven for 4WD enthusiasts, in fact, the sandy beach extending from Rainbow to Double Island Point is the most driven stretch of sand in Australia.
The Hamptons-style Plantation Resort features a crisp white exterior offset by swaying palm trees that instantly induce a relaxing holiday vibe. Our family of eight shared a spacious three-bedroom penthouse with breath-taking ocean views from the open plan living and dining areas. The kids were thrilled with the in-room spa bath, although the view may have been lost on them amidst all the suds and bubbles! The adjoining private rooftop with a BBQ was a fantastic touch.
The resort’s large pool caters to all ages, with a shallow step extending the entire 20-meter length. Sunlounges and a nearby spa make it the perfect place to soak up the sun. We were excited to explore some of Australia’s most popular 4WD tracks and set off fully loaded to nearby Insta-worthy beaches. The Freshwater track is the only way to access Double Island Point unless the tide is low, and it’s a 30-minute off-road adventure with plenty of bumps and ruts.
Once we made it through the track and onto the beach, we cruised to Double Island Point, spending half the day on the West side and the other half on the East. The water was postcard perfect, with the occasional wave rolling through, offering us the chance to surf too. A $30 Adventure Permit is required to drive on the beach, so don’t forget to purchase one upon arrival.
At the end of each day, we relaxed at the resort’s pool, had dinner, and retired for the evening. The Plantation Resort is a well-presented, clean, and perfectly positioned family-friendly option in the heart of Rainbow Beach. We truly are incredibly fortunate to have such a magnificent destination on our doorstep!