We returned home after two months of sunshine on the road, followed by a week in Bali, to a rather chilly, saturated, and unusually green little Adelaide. Not quite the endless summer we had in mind. We were banking on returning to 30 degree days and balmy nights. Not keen on all this goosebump business. Dom was also a little grumpy he had to cover up his sun bronzed skin (ahem.. yes... Dom... not me.)
So it wasn’t long before we hopped on a midweek flight to the land of sunshine itself.
Jetstar just started flying straight from Adelaide direct into the Sunshine Coast, which made it all too quick, easy and affordable, and far too hard to resist.
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On our roadtrip we made it as high as Noosa, and we realised we were going to run out of time so started heading back down. Two months is not as long as you’d think when exploring Australia. This country is huge, and breathtaking.
You may recall the story of us attempting to drive onto Noosa North Shore, which you access by ferry from Noosa. From there you can drive all the way to Rainbow Beach, all 380 km, along white sand. The Great Beach Drive. The drive dreams are made of.
We obviously discovered that Scout is not a 4WD, despite her best attempts, and had to turn back.
We made a promise that someday we’d come back and do it, and that didn’t take long.
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Rainbow Beach is a beautiful, quiet, relaxed little corner of the world. Neverending white sand, turquoise water, and a backdrop of colourful cliffs, made up of 72 different shades of red, orange, and yellow. From here you can access Fraser Island, or start the Great Beach Drive down to Noosa. While we loved Noosa, because we were able to camp in some amazing spots, it has definitely become a bit of a tourist hub. So if you want a quiet getaway, where - as we were told by the locals - shoes are optional, you can wear your togs (bathers) anywhere, and make up is never needed - Rainbow Beach is your place.
I got chatting with this guy after he came in from his surf. Turns out he’s the local cop. He said his philosophy is to ‘surf & protect’. Living the life in Rainbow Beach. 
I have always wanted to go horse riding on the beach, so as soon as we found out that not only can you drive this beach, but you can also ride it, I was sold. Rainbow Beach Horse Rides is run by Andrew, who was an absolute legend, and made a brilliant day even better. I think we were grinning and laughing the whole time. Riding the horses into the water was a dream. Dom had never ridden a horse which made the day all the more entertaining, especially when I told him he might have to take a photo or two whilst attempting to ride a horse for the first time… Andrew to the rescue haha. Honestly, one of my all time favourite days.
We ended the day walking out to Carlo Sandblow, a massive moonscape sandmass surrounded by forest. In one direction you’re looking at Double Island Point, and in the other you can see all the way to Fraser Island. We didn’t even know this place existed and it’s a night we’ll never forget. After running all over the dunes together (yes, we were liked hyped up kids with that much sand to play in...) and making as many sand angels as we could before they disappeared with the wind, we plonked down in the sand and enjoyed a bottle of wine while the sky lit up.
The following day we jumped in the Troupie with Epic Ocean Adventures and did the Great Beach Drive - and it did not disappoint. Such a specky drive. With the rainbow sand cliffs on one side and soothing glassy water on the other, save your money on a therapist and go spend a few hours totally unwinding doing this. Bliss.
After this we explored the seas with two paddles, a kayak, and a pod of dolphins. Epic is the word.
We stayed at Ocean Palms Resort in one of their apartments, and honestly... look at this view! :) The apartment was spacey, very comfortable, had everything we needed to cook our own meals, had a big spa tub to soak in at the end of the day.Â
It was a quick getaway, with a good dose of sunshine, but we already can’t wait to go back. Thanks to Jetstar for making it so easy! We’d happily spend a few weeks switching off and relaxing in Rainbow Beach. There’s also a ton of amazing beach side camp spots :)
 
Australia - stop showing off.
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