Searys Creek Rainbow Beach is located in the Cooloola Recreation Area in the Great Sandy National Park on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland Australia. It’s just a short drive from Rainbow Beach so it’s a must visit for a picnic and a dip if you are holidaying here.
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How far is Seary’s Creek?
Seary’s Creek is just under 6km from Rainbow Beach. You literally turn into the Seary’s Creek day use area carpark straight off Rainbow Beach Road. You can’t miss it as it is well sign posted on the Rainbow Beach access road. It’s 150km from the Sunshine Coast, 120km from Hervey Bay, 200km from Bundaberg and 236km from Brisbane.
Can you swim at Seary’s Creek?
Yes, you can swim at Seary’s Creek. It’s a freshwater creek that flows in a circular form around the day use area. There were lots of younger ones with inflatables enjoying a dip and a “lazy river” style experience. This is a great way to explore this popular picnic location. During our visit there wasn’t much flow and the water wasn’t as high as it can be after prolonged heavy rainfall, so we waded around the creek.
What is there to do at Seary’s Creek?
Seary’s Creek is most enjoyed by picnickers. There is a picnic area near the carpark and there is a large deck by the main body of water (Tip! Bring a folding chair along with you if you plan to sit by the creek for a while). Here you can sit and enjoy a picnic and jump into the water off the deck (if the water is high enough) to cool off or wade around and explore where the creek takes you. A boardwalk leads you from the main carpark, through the bushland where you can relax on the large deck by the creek. It’s also nice to wander around the banks of the creek and explore the surrounding bushland and spot for wildflowers in the warmer months.
Why is the water so yellow in Seary’s Creek?
The tea coloured waters of Seary’s Creek are created from tannin (which is a compound that is present in wood, bark, leaves and fruit of plants) from surrounding plant life that is soaked into the water. The water is very clear and refreshing to swim or wade in.
Are there fish in Seary’s Creek?
Yes there are fish in Seary’s Creek, mostly rainbow fish and cat fish and word is there is even a resident eel or two. I had a couple of fish nibble at my toes while I was walking around the creek but I didn’t spot any eels. Seary’s Creek is in a National Park however, so no fishing is permitted.
Why is it called Seary’s Creek?
The creek is named after timber getter Patrick Seary who explored this area in the 1860’s.
What facilities are at Seary’s Creek?
There are picnic tables and toilets (drop, non flushable at the Day Use Area near the carpark.
Are there places to eat near Seary’s Creek?
Rainbow Beach is less than a 6m drive away and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from here. The Deck is my favourite with alfresco dining overlooking the ocean and it’s open 7 days. The Rainbow Beach Surf Lifesaving Club also offers amazing elevated views over the ocean and is open daily. We had the best chicken wings at Brent’s Burgers and it has a real casual Bali style feel (check facebook for opening times, they are not open every day and open later in the day). There are plenty of restaurants and cafes along Rainbow Beach Road in the town centre. Park the car and wander along the road to see what takes your fancy.
Seary’s Creek Map
Seary’s Creek is well signposted on Rainbow Beach Road, with the carpark located just off the main road. The 100m boardwalk leads straight down to the creek, so both the day use area and creek are very easy to find.
Seary’s Creek Summary
If you are visiting or holidaying at Rainbow Beach, a visit to Seary’s Creek for a couple of hours to picnic, have a dip and explore is an absolute must. It’s easily accessible to anyone with only a short drive from Rainbow Beacch. The carpark is located just off the main road and the 100m boardwalk takes you right to the creek. Seary’s Creek is open 24 hours a day and you can find any closure alerts on the Queensland DES Park Alerts page.
Start: Seary’s Creek Carpark (off Rainbow Beach Road)
Distance: 100m from carpark to the creek (200m return)
Time: Allocate a couple of hours to relax and explore
Accessibility: it’s listed on the Queensland DES site as not wheelchair accessible however there is a ramp to the creek deck and a ramp to the toilets which could be accessible with a wheelchair or pram.(no disabled toilets available).
Toilets: Drop toilets
BBQs: none
Dogs: Located in Great Sandy National Park so dogs are not permitted
More Information: www.parks.des.qld.gov.au
Map: Seary’s Creek Rainbow Beach Map
Lauren Angove is an adventurous Perth (Western Australia) Mum of two boys who loves to blog about her experiences to inspire other mid-lifers to choose their most adventurous lives now. Keep up to date with her latest adventure inspiration and advice at Always Adventure Ready on facebook.
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