Carlo Sand Blow

Carlo Sand Blow is a large 15-hectare unvegetated sand mass in the Cooloola section of Great Sandy National Park near Rainbow Beach, Queensland. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Double Island Point and coloured sands, the blow reaches depths of over 120 metres and is accessible via a short walk from Carlo Road. Formed over thousands of years by wind-blown sand, it is one of two main sand blows in the Cooloola system and a prominent natural landmark.

Visitors can expect a vast, moon-like expanse of white sand with steep slopes and panoramic coastal views. Access is via a short sandy walking track (about 600m) from the Carlo Road car park to the edge and lookout over the blow. The site offers open, exposed terrain with views north to Double Island Point and south along Rainbow Beach, opportunities for photography, sandboarding on the slopes, and watching hang gliders and paragliders launch from the designated area.

Carlo Sand Blow is part of the Cooloola sand mass, one of the world's largest coastal sand dune systems formed over thousands of years by wind and coastal processes. It is one of two major sand blows in the Cooloola section of Great Sandy National Park and illustrates ongoing natural dune movement and blow formation.

The Cooloola area including Carlo Sand Blow lies within the traditional lands of the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) and Butchulla peoples and is culturally significant as part of the Great Sandy landscape. The blow and surrounding coloured sands are valued for their natural and scenic significance and are managed within Great Sandy National Park.