Nat has found wild dolphins at the end of the rainbow as she kayaks her way through Rainbow Beach.
Rainbow Beach is the southern gateway to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. It is a small coastal town with 900 residents snuggled in the centre of the wonderful natural region between Noosa Heads and Fraser Island. Its white beaches are long and unspoilt with great rolling surf.
Originally known as Black Beach, Rainbow Beach was renamed in recognition of its 74 coloured sands, which range through pinks, deep reds and oranges. The colours are more beautifully obvious after rain. Sandmining ceased in 1976, leaving behind a quiet and idyllic holiday, fishing and retirement place.
It offers hikes through rainforests, freshwater lakes, tobogganing the Carlo Sandblow, patrolled beaches, Double Island Point lighthouse and the Cherry Venture shipwreck.
Jamie Stone has lived in the area for 25 years and has surfed the same waves as local dolphins. He found that people were fascinated by the friendly creatures so started his business, Dolphin View Sea Kayaking Tours.
He drives along the beach from Rainbow Beach to Double Island Point in a four-wheel drive, talking about the area and its history. The drive takes around half an hour and once the double-seater kayaks are unloaded, you hit the water.
Jamie says you will see at least 30-50 dolphins, some days up to 200. Sometimes they playfully swim under the kayaks, while other days they keep their distance. Kayaking is so silent it does not disturb the dolphins.
You will more than likely also spot sea turtles and other marine life during your paddle, and occasionally a humpback whale makes its way in from Hervey Bay.
