National Parks and Reserves

The Carlo Sandblow walk will be sure to leave you wonderstruck with its unique ‘moonscape’ landscape. Located in the Gympie Region within the Great Sandy National Park, the Cooloola Recreation Area is less than an hour’s drive from Gympie CBD along the Tin Can Bay Road.

Witness this dynamic landscape where wind has sculpted the terrain, burying everything in its sandy embrace. At the sandblow’s summit, relish a panoramic 180-degree spectacle featuring Rainbow Beach, Coloured Sands, Double Island Point, K’gari, and Inskip Peninsula.

Before you reach the township of Rainbow Beach, turn off on Double Island Drive and follow the tourist signs to the Carlo car park. From here you will walk 600 m (one way) through eucalypt and rainforest to reach the blow. Step onto the sand and be transported to an otherworldly landscape, exploring the area for bird life and glimpses of the famed coloured sands. Be prepared for warmer temperatures on the sand, so carry water and and sunscreen with you.

For an extended adventure, start your walk from the QPWS office, where you’ll bush walk 2.8 km (one way) to reach the blow, returning along the same path.

Those looking for even more thrills, search SEQ Paragliding for tandem flights from the sandblow and unforgettable views.

Remember this is a National Park, so be sure to visit respectfully.