Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Double Island Point, dolphin kayaking, whale watching, surfing, wildlife encounters and eco-adventure tours from Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.
Double Island Point is a spectacular coastal headland located within the Cooloola Recreation Area of Great Sandy National Park on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Accessible only by 4WD vehicle along the beach, the area is famous for its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine wildlife, historic lighthouse, secluded beaches and one of Australia’s longest beginner-friendly surf breaks.
Double Island Point is located approximately 70 kilometres north of Noosa Heads and around 30 minutes south of Rainbow Beach. It sits within the Great Sandy National Park and Great Sandy Marine Park, making it one of Queensland’s most pristine coastal wilderness destinations.
Double Island Point is famous for its unique combination of wildlife, surfing, natural beauty and remote access. Visitors come to experience dolphin encounters, whale watching, sea turtles, crystal-clear waters, the iconic Great Beach Drive, Honeymoon Bay and one of Australia’s longest beginner-friendly surf breaks.
Yes. Double Island Point is located within the Cooloola Recreation Area of Great Sandy National Park. The surrounding waters are also protected within the Great Sandy Marine Park, helping preserve the area’s diverse wildlife and natural ecosystems.
Double Island Point can only be accessed by 4WD vehicle along the beach. Most visitors travel from Noosa via the Noosa North Shore ferry before driving north along the Great Beach Drive through Great Sandy National Park. Guided tours are also available from Noosa and Rainbow Beach.
Yes, but access is limited to suitable 4WD vehicles. Beach driving conditions vary with tides and weather, so drivers should plan their trip carefully and travel around low tide where possible.
Yes. All vehicles entering the Cooloola Recreation Area of Great Sandy National Park require a valid vehicle access permit issued by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
The Great Beach Drive is one of Australia’s most scenic coastal drives, stretching along the beaches between Noosa North Shore, Double Island Point, Rainbow Beach and K’gari. The route passes towering coloured sand cliffs, pristine beaches, native wildlife habitats and spectacular coastal scenery.
Absolutely. Double Island Point offers a unique combination of wildlife encounters, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, world-class surfing, scenic 4WD adventures and untouched natural beauty that cannot be found anywhere else on the Sunshine Coast.
Double Island Point is one of the Sunshine Coast’s best wildlife viewing locations. Depending on the season and conditions, visitors may encounter bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales, sea turtles, manta rays, eagle rays, soldier crabs, fish, migrating seabirds and birds of prey including ospreys, whistling kites and white-bellied sea eagles.
Yes. The waters around Double Island Point are home to resident populations of wild bottlenose dolphins. Dolphin sightings are common throughout the year, making the area one of the best places near Noosa to observe dolphins in their natural environment.
Whale watching season generally runs from June to October each year as humpback whales migrate along the Queensland coastline between Antarctica and the warm breeding waters of northern Australia.
Humpback whales are often seen surprisingly close to the coastline around Double Island Point. While distances vary daily, whales can frequently be observed from the beach, headland and lighthouse during migration season.
Yes. Sea turtles are commonly encountered around Double Island Point and within the Great Sandy Marine Park. Green turtles are the most frequently sighted species, although loggerhead and hawksbill turtles can also be found in the region.
The Great Sandy Marine Park supports an incredible diversity of marine life including dolphins, humpback whales, sea turtles, manta rays, eagle rays, fish species, crustaceans and migratory seabirds. The protected environment provides important feeding, breeding and migration habitat for many species.
No wildlife sightings can ever be guaranteed as all animals are completely wild and free-ranging. However, Double Island Point is known for consistent dolphin activity and sightings are regularly recorded throughout the year.
Double Island Point sits at the meeting point of diverse marine and coastal ecosystems within the Great Sandy National Park and Great Sandy Marine Park. Its protected waters, abundant food sources and relatively low human impact create ideal conditions for wildlife.
Whale watching by kayak offers a quiet, low-impact wildlife experience without engine noise. The absence of motors creates a more natural environment, allowing guests to observe whale behaviour from a respectful distance while minimising disturbance to marine life.
Yes. Guided whale watching kayak tours operate under strict safety procedures and weather assessments. Tours are conducted by experienced guides and always comply with Queensland wildlife viewing regulations.
Humpback whales migrate past Noosa and Double Island Point from June to October each year. Peak whale activity is generally observed between July and September.
Each year humpback whales travel thousands of kilometres from Antarctic feeding grounds to warmer tropical waters where they breed and give birth. The coastline off Noosa and Double Island Point forms part of this important migration route.
Epic Ocean Adventures operates small-group, nature-based experiences focused on minimal environmental impact. We are committed to sustainable tourism practices, environmental education, wildlife conservation and helping visitors connect with and appreciate protected natural areas.
Kayaks operate without engines, fuel or noise pollution, creating a quieter wildlife experience. This helps minimise disturbance to whales while allowing visitors to experience nature in a more sustainable and environmentally responsible way.
Through environmental education, responsible tourism practices, beach clean-up initiatives, wildlife awareness programs and ongoing support for conservation efforts, Epic Ocean Adventures encourages visitors to help protect the natural values of Great Sandy National Park.
Visitors can help by staying on designated tracks, taking all rubbish home, respecting wildlife viewing distances, avoiding sensitive habitats and supporting responsible eco-tourism operators committed to protecting the region’s natural environment.
Double Island Point is famous for its long sandy point break, crystal-clear waters and uncrowded surfing conditions. The wave is known for offering long rides that are ideal for beginners, longboarders and surfers looking to improve their skills.
Yes. The gentle, rolling nature of the wave and extensive shallow water areas make Double Island Point one of Australia’s best beginner surfing locations when conditions are suitable.
Double Island Point is often referred to as home to one of Australia’s longest beginner-friendly waves. On ideal swell conditions, rides can continue for hundreds of metres and occasionally exceed one kilometre in length.
Surfers are attracted by the long rides, warm water, beautiful scenery, smaller crowds and the unique experience of surfing within Great Sandy National Park.
Tour Details & Availability
Learn about our tour times, availability, and when the best time is to join for an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Double Island Point generally can only be accessed by 4wd along the beach around the low tide and due to this, departure time changes daily.
To see the departure times, simply initiate an online booking. When you select your preferred date, the departure time will show.
To check availability for our tours, please initiate an online booking.
When you select the number of people you want to book for, the calendar will show if there is still availability.
If a date is greyed out, it means there is no availability.
To check the price of a tour, initiate an online booking for the tour and the price will show.
The trips are great all year around for dolphin and turtle encounters. Our favourite time of the year is whale season, which is usually best between from June till October. The National Park is at it’s quietest during the weekdays with more people enjoying the location on Saturdays and school holidays. In saying that we have some pretty epic days then too with it typically being very quiet on the ocean.
We do see dolphins most days. We have a strike rate of around 90% throughout the year. The Marine Park is typically very quiet and ideal for dolphins with its nutrient rich waters fed by southern currents for lots of marine life including large schools of fish which are typical dolphin food.
The tour guides are highly experienced on the water for spotting dolphins and other marine life and the duration on the water being anywhere from 1.5-2 hours are generally a really good window to encounter them. However we cannot guarantee dolphin encounters on any given day. As we are operating in a wild environment its unfortunately not in our control.
We encourage all participants to keep an open mind in the wild on tour with us as we provide a rewarding experience and hope everyone can take in all the unique and amazing highlights of the day. Typically dolphins are encountered as well as plenty of turtles and whales in season. What we love about operating our tours are each day is always different!
Kayaking – Average numbers are between 5-15 participants, we can take up to 24 participants. (12 double kayaks)
Surfing – Average 3-6 participants, we run lessons with max 8 participants per instructor.
Stand up paddling – Average 3-5 participants we run tours up to 12.
The above activities take place typically at the same time and location each day, all 4×4 vehicles go together. If you have a family or group that wants to do different activities on the day this is possible. They can travel in the same vehicle along the beach together.
Preparation & Equipment
Find out what to bring, what’s provided, and how to make the most of your adventure with our essential packing tips.
Your usual beach gear! Swimwear, sunscreen, water, towel, hats, snacks and change of clothes. In regard to footwear – thongs are fine!
We provide light refreshments (water, biscuits and chips) after tour. We recommend that you bring along some lunch or additional snacks if required.
(It is a requirement that all food, littler and any other waste are taken with you out of the National Park on completion of your visit)
Epic Ocean Adventures is not responsible for any lost personal items on the day of the tour. All items not used on the water can be secured in the vehicles. We do not recommend that you bring valuable items like cameras, phones and expensive sunglasses on the kayaks. If you do decide to bring this equipment along, it’s completely at your own risk. We would recommend that the equipment has something that floats attached to them and is completely waterproof.
Keep it simple! A bottle of water, sunscreen and snacks are a good idea we appreciate keeping all items on return and keeping the Marine Park pristine.
Phones are often taken on tours however sometimes they do get damaged by getting wet. We do advise to bring water proof phone pouches. We do not provide any. Taking your phone is at your own risk. Guides will take photos if they have appropriate cameras on the day.
We will provide wet shirts or wetsuits and life vests.
All other items you bring along stay in the vehicles which is on the beach right where we kayak. These are safe however please only bring what you think you need on the day.
All our kayaks are Viking double sit on top kayaks – Highly stable and simple to use.
If your group is an uneven number; one person will often go with the guide or another participant. We also have specilised 2 plus 1 kayaks for 2 adults and small child (under 7) on request. Kayak pairs and logistics are made by the guides at the location to best suit the group on the day.
The location of Double Island Point on it’s best days is well known as Australia’s longest wave. This is due to its long sandy point break with some really rewarding and spilling long rolling waves.
Surfing in the National Park we recommend being open minded on the waves and what to expect. We say this as it is such a remote wild location and sometimes hard to predict wave size, conditions and perfect waves on the day booked for your ability. If you require a specific size and quality of wave for the surfing to be rewarding we recommend surfing where you can see the waves before booking. eg. Noosa main beach.
Surfing progression can always be achieved in all surf conditions and to the fastest progression is achieved by surfers not going out in not only perfect conditions but those who go out and surf in all.
The location of Double Island Point is a magical surf location and our guides on the day will guide you to the best surf location on the day that is safe and best for your ability. Please contact us and we can recommend the best days on your stay in Noosa to join the surfing safari.
Safety & Accessibility
Discover how our tours are designed to be safe and accessible for everyone, including children, elderly, and all fitness levels.
We do take younger children if the ocean conditions are suitable. It is often a good idea to book the private option for young families or elderly as the tour is completely flexible and planned to your group.
When booking online, please make a note of the age of the child. Then our staff will make sure it’s a suitable day for your child and we can have a car seat in our vehicles as required by law.
We encourage most abilities and ages to join and sea kayaking does require some basic level of fitness to participate in all our activities.
Paddling at Double Island Point is generally easy for most, and 75% of our participants have never experienced kayaking, surfing or stand up paddle boarding before.
Generally the sea kayaking activity is guided further off shore than the surfing and stand up paddle experiences.
The distance paddling is different day by day typically on a number of factors including how close marine life is to shore, conditions, and the whole groups ability on the day.
The sea kayaking does not require paddling the whole duration as there times of floating and enjoying the surroundings and marine life or waiting for them to pass by.
We do have a max weight limit of 110kg per participant for sea kayaking.
The private tour is a great option for families and groups wanting full flexibility in the day and tailored to your group.
If you find the activity too challenging on the day there is always the option to return to shore earlier with the direction of the guides and enjoy the Marine Park by relaxing or going for a swim.
It’s not common, but possible. If you are afraid you might get sea sick, we would recommend taking some over-the-counter medication for motion sickness. We dont carry any with us unfortunately.
We have been operating safe rewarding National Park tours for close to 15 years, we are highly experienced in reading weather forecasts and monitoring observations for our tours to Double Island Point. If we see conditions are not suitable for tour, we will contact you as soon as possible to find a more suitable time.
We do sometimes have clients that are not local have concerns regarding public weather forecasts please be mindful that tropical weather is very different to other parts of Australia and the world. Often rain or storm forecasts for Queensland are very isolated.
Generally, tours still operate in rain however typically rain in the tropics is of short duration and we do have some days for example it is raining in Noosa in the morning and sunshine on the North Shore at Double Island Point. We do not operate in electrical storms, large swells and extreme wind. Please leave weather concerns to us as experienced professionals we have your safety and best interest as a priority.
Get all the details on pick-up locations, vehicle capacities, booking policies, and what to expect from the journey.
- The J Noosa Theatre 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads (Good all day free parking) Meet drop pin right here
- Noosa Heads Bus Station, Corner Noosa Parade & Noosa Drive (Near Hastings St, limited parking). Meet drop pin right here
- 12 Robert St, Noosaville in front of the Coral Beach Resort Noosa Meet drop pin right here
- Tewantin Cable Ferry – Free all day parking near QPWS office Meet drop pin right here
- Noosa North Shore – please advise accommodation location.
Please note: If you want to change the pick up location on your booking you must contact us at least 24 hours prior to the tour’s departure.
If you’re driving from outside Noosa we recommend the Noosa North Shore Ferry as the pick up point. There is free all day parking available there.
In Noosa we generally operate in custom built, fully air conditioned vehicles including:
2022 Toyota Hiace 4X4 14 seater,
2015 Toyota Coaster 4X4 22 seater
2016 Toyota Troop carrier 10 seater. (This vehicle is side facing seating)
We have a reliable well maintained fleet for all group, private and corporate capacities.
Yes, we do recommend going to the toilet before tour. There are two toilet facilities at Double Island Point where we make stops at on arrival and on departure of the location. There are also toilets at the Tewantin cable ferry in which we can make a stop at on request.
Yes, please use your voucher number when booking online or email us your gift voucher number, name, preferred dates and contact details (email/phone) and we will book you in!
Due to the extensive planning and costs associated with touring, the following cancellation fees will apply in the event you should cancel for any reason:
Outside 7 Days from Departure Date – Full refund, less any unrecoverable cost or booking fees which we may have incurred.
Within 48 hours before Departure Date – 100% Cancellation Fee
Failure to show on time is non-refundable.
We offer the possibility to process a 100% travel credit for future tours with Epic Ocean Adventures instead of canceling – these travel vouchers won’t expire. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the tour’s departure cannot be rescheduled and are forfeited.
If cancellation is made by customer and not by Epic Ocean Adventures regarding weather or any other reason the above policy stands.
Epic Ocean Adventures reserves the right to change or cancel tours/ lessons last minute due to poor or dangerous weather and beach conditions. If we cancel due to bad weather we can reschedule, give a travel voucher, or a full refund if unable to operate prior to departure due to weather constraints.
If we cannot get onto the water on arrival to Double Island Point due to weather changes, full payment is non refundable to cover transportation and park fee costs, but you will be offered a 100% travel credit to come back another day.
The tour from Noosa includes a beach drive both up and back via the North Shore. This is a 1 hour travel on the beach and plenty to see on this unique route with whales and dolphins often close to shore. The magical Rainbow Beach coloured sands are also very scenic.
There is also a little bit of time from Noosa Heads to the Tewantin cable ferry and short crossing over the Noosa River onto Noosa North Shore.
Due to working in such a unique National Park environment and having high operational costs we unfortunately are unable to offer discounts for children on our Double Island Point tours. Our Noosa River tours have lower prices for children, and are family focussed.