Double Island Point

Great Sandy National Park, Queensland, Australia

What is Double Island Point?

Double Island Point is a remote coastal headland located within the Cooloola Recreation Area of Great Sandy National Park on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Accessible only by 4WD along the iconic Great Beach Drive, it is known for its crystal-clear waters, abundant wildlife, long sandy surf breaks and spectacular natural scenery.

Where is Double Island Point located?

Double Island Point is located approximately 70 km north of Noosa Heads on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. It sits within the Cooloola Recreation Area of Great Sandy National Park and can only be reached by 4WD vehicle along the beach via the Great Beach Drive.

The most popular experiences at Double Island Point being the dolphin view sea kayak tour and whale watching kayak tour. 

Check out our Take Home Fact Sheet and help us protect this beautiful place!

The beauty of Double Island Point’s coastline is perfect for adventure and relaxation

Double Island Point is famous for:

    • One of Australia’s longest beginner-friendly surf breaks
    • Dolphin and whale encounters by kayak
    • Crystal-clear waters and Honeymoon Bay
    • Access via the Great Beach Drive
    • Location within Great Sandy National Park
    • Diverse marine wildlife including turtles, rays and dolphins
    • The historic Double Island Point Lighthouse

Depending on the season and conditions, visitors may encounter:

  • Bottlenose dolphins
  • Humpback whales (June-October)
  • Green turtles
  • Loggerhead turtles
  • Hawksbill turtles
  • Manta rays
  • Eagle rays
  • Soldier crabs
  • Ospreys
  • Brahminy kites
  • White-bellied sea eagles
  • Cooloola’s Double Island Point is known by locals for its pristine beaches, surf, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking scenery.
  • Double Island Point offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure & relaxation.
  • Thrilling eco tour experiences including the Dolphin Sea Kayak Tour, Learn to Surf Lessons, Stand Up Paddle.
  • Private tour & group options available.
  • Home to an abundance of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, rays, whales, various species of fish & migrating birds.
  •  Six of the world’s seven marine turtle species can be encountered on tour in the protected Marine Park.
  • The often tropical crystal clear waters of Honeymoon Bay & unique salt water lagoons makes spotting wildlife easy.
  • Double Island Point is part of the Great Sandy National Park featuring diverse ecosystems, towering coloured coastal dunes, sub tropical rainforests, and unique wetlands.
  • The tranquil and secluded nature of Double Island Point makes it an ideal visit for complete relaxation and rejuvenation. 
  • See the crazy soldier crabs often in their thousands at low tide feeding around the lagoons.
  • Mineral rich ancient sand dunes boast a highlight of 72 different colours and is a stunning backdrop.
  • According to the legends of the Kabi Kabi people (Aboriginals of South East Queensland) , the dunes were coloured when Yiningie, a spirit represented by a rainbow, plunged into the cliffs after a battle with an evil tribesman.

The traditional custodians of the land around Double Island Point are the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) people. For thousands of years, they have lived in harmony with the land, relying on its resources for sustenance and spiritual practices. The area is steeped in indigenous cultural heritage, with numerous sites of significance that reflect the deep connection between the Kabi Kabi people and their environment.

In 1770, when Captain Cook passed by, he named the sand spit “Double Island Point”, after the illusion of two islands.

In the 19th century, Double Island Point became an important navigational reference for maritime explorers and traders. The headland’s prominent position and distinctive shape made it a crucial point for safe passage along the treacherous Queensland coast. In 1884, the Double Island Point Lighthouse was built to aid in navigation and to reduce shipwrecks in the area. This lighthouse, still operational today, stands as a testament to the region’s maritime history.

If you are staying in Noosa Heads, then visiting Double Island Point for a day trip should definitely be on your to do list. We highly recommend joining us with very experienced guides on an adventure tour to visit this magical place, or you can drive up yourself if you have a 4×4 vehicle or hire a 4X4. Depending on beach conditions we highly recommend driving around the low tide for safest conditions.

Vehicle access permits are rquired when entering The Great Sandy National Park to Double Island Point. You can do this on the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services website. 

Once you have a permit, take the drive from Noosa through the old village of Tewantin, where you catch the Noosa North Shore ferry across the Noosa river. At Noosa North Shore you will enter the beach, and you will beach drive between Noosa North Shore and Double Island Point within the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park with a pristine views of towering coloured sand cliffs and endless white sandy beaches. Please make sure to check the tide times before driving up! You don’t want to get stuck in the water. 

Along the Great Beach Drive immerse yourself in the thrill of beach 4×4, passing by Teewah village only accessed along the beach, unique beach camping set ups and keep a look out for a number of birds of prey, dolphins close to shore and whale watching the 40,000 migratory Humpback whales close to shore from June-November. After a 1 hour beach drive, you will find Leisha Track and this is where you can cut through to the north side of the Double Island Point headland and Honeymoon Bay.  Depending on conditions you may also prefer to enjoy your time on the south side of the headland known by locals as the Teewah Pocket.

Another scenic option for the bushwalker lovers is following the Cooloola Great Walk.  This is a rugged 4 day walk with remote camping areas along the way.

If you love nature, beaches and wildlife, then there is lots to do at Double Island Point. 

Of course, you can enjoy the stunning beaches, ocean views, and scenic beach views. On the horizon, you will spot K’Gari, formerly Fraser Island. You can also enjoy the views of the famous coloured sands of Rainbow Beach, an iconic feature of the cooloola recreation area. If you look straight out into the ocean, you will spot a big rock laying around 2.2km from the coast. This rock is also known as wolf rock, famous as a breading spot for the harmless Grey Nurse Shark. 

Here are some other things you can do while visiting Double Island Point:

Enjoy the Double Island Point lighthouse walk

This is a beautiful walk around the Double Island Point headland, that starts at the north end of Teewah Beach, and follows a track along the headlands, towards the north side of the point, on the Rainbow Beach side. On the walk, you will find the Double Island Point historic lighthouse. During whale season, you can see the humpback whales pass by close to the headlands on their way up North. On a clear day, you can see lots of wildlife, including dolphins, manta rays and turtles, cruising around the headlands in crystal clear water. From the north end of Double Island Point, it’s only an 800m walk to the lighthouse. 

Kayak with dolphins with Epic Ocean Adventures

Epic Ocean Adventures runs aquatic tours up at Double Island Point. They depart from Noosa, and you can either jump on board with them in Noosa, or you can meet them at Double Island Point if you have a 4×4 and join in on the fun! They also run surf lessons and stand up paddle tours. To join a tour, get in touch with them here!

Visit the township of Rainbow Beach

Continue following the beach and you will get to the township of Rainbow Beach. A tiny little coastal town, at a 30min drive North from Double Island Point. 

The ideal surf conditions at Double Island Point are a 2ft+ East or South East swell with Easterly winds. 

Double Island Point has a long sandy point break wave, and is paradise for long boarders! It’s a similar break to Noosa Heads, but less crowded due to its remote location. 

You can join us on a surf safari to Double Island Point. You can book a surf lesson, or just come up for a lift & hire. 

Why Surf Double Island Point?

  • Unique surfing experience within the Great Sandy National Park.
  • One of Australia’s best kept wave secrets > location only accessible by 4X4 vehicles along the beach around low tide.
  • Surfing in tropical warm waters all year round, waist deep & a long sandy point break wave.
  • Known as Australia’s longest wave & ideal for long boarding! Breaking on its best days well over a km long.
  • Uncrowded family friendly surfing environment away from the busy Noosa point breaks.
  • Experience where the locals go to surf for a day out at “DI”
  • Get the chance to see and surf with dolphins and turtles in the Marine Park.

Looking for a private day tour?

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Double Island Point, located in the Great Sandy National Park. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures or peaceful escapes, our expertly guided tours offer something unforgettable for your group. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot now!