Hi, I’m Sally, from Rainbow House.
If you are visiting Rainbow Beach and spending a few days here, I’ve put together a simple guide to what’s on in Rainbow Beach this May 2026.
☀️ MAY AT A GLANCE
May is a quieter time of year in Rainbow Beach. After the Easter long weekend and school holidays, visitors leave, and the town returns to a quieter pace, giving you more room to mingle with the locals and get to know the area without a busy crowd. Being the last month of autumn, May is one of the best times to visit Rainbow Beach. The weather is still warm enough to swim during the day, while the temperature is cool and comfortable at night.
🎉 WHAT’S ON
🛍️ Rainbow Beach Markets – 9 May, Tin Can Bay Markets – 16 May
Both local markets run from 7 am to midday and is an easy way to start the day with coffee, fresh produce and a wander through local stalls.
https://www.facebook.com/rainbowbeachmarkets/
🎶 Rainbow Beach Sports Club – Local music plays at the Sports Club on Friday and Saturday nights.
https://www.rainbowsportsclub.com.au/
💐 Mother’s Day – Sunday 10 May, Celebrate Mother’s Day with breakfast or lunch at one of the coffee shops, Surf Club or Rainbow Beach Hotel on the Main Street in Rainbow Beach. Or enjoy a glass of champagne for mums, free barefoot bowls for families, and wine hamper giveaways at the Sports Club.
https://rainbowbeachsurf.com.au/
🧘 Sunrise Sisterhood – Sunrise and sunset sessions are held on the main beach on 3 May for Sunrise & 30 May for sunset and sunrise. Bookings are required at the following links Sunrise – Sunset
🚗 DAY TRIPS
🍽️ The GourMay Mary Valley Food Festival – A month-long celebration of local food, farm experiences and regional flavours. It’s worth the drive if you are looking for a day out from Rainbow Beach. https://www.gourmaymaryvalley.com.au/
🏝️ K’gari catch the Manta Ray Barge from Inskip Point for an unforgettable day exploring the Island.
https://mantarayfraserislandbarge.com.au/
🌿 LOCAL FAVOURITES
- Sunset at Carlo Sand Blow — one of the best views in Rainbow Beach
- Kayaking with dolphins and turtles in the bay
- Beach walks to the Coloured Sands
- 4WDing along the beach to Double Island Point
- Surfing on the open beach
- Fishing from the shore or estuary
🌈 LOOKING AHEAD
Planning ahead gives you more choice of dates, especially around popular events when the town tends to book out.
🎣 The Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic – The town comes alive as the Fishing Classic returns from 14–20 June 2026.
https://rainbowbeachfishingclassic.com.au/
🐳 Whale Season – May marks the first official month of whale season, and sightings become more common from June through to October.
Rainbow House is the perfect base — close to everything, but quiet enough to come back and have your own space after a day out.
If you’re planning a visit, you can check availability below.