stradbroke island day trip

Plan a North Stradbroke Island Day Trip (Full Guide)

Are you looking for a brilliant Island destination from Brisbane? Well, guess what! Its so easy to plan a North Stradbroke Island Day trip, and you can tailor things to see around the amount of time you have.

As a local to Brisbane, I’ve visited Straddie heaps of times over the years. I love the relaxed vibe, the friendly locals and how easy it is to get around. You can plan out your day, or just rock up and see where the road takes you. Either way, you sure to have a blast.

So, read on to find out how to get there and all the things you can to see and do.

This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Please read my blog disclaimer, terms and conditions & privacy policy here for details.

Plan a North Stradbroke Island Day Trip from Brisbane

North Stradbroke Island or Minjerribah is about 30 kilometres off the coast of Cleveland in Brisbane. It’s a sub-tropical island with crystal clear waters, surfing beaches and Aboriginal Heritage (Quandamooka people).

Not only that, but it’s listed as the world’s second largest sand island (after Fraser Island) with a length of about 38 kilometres and 11 kilometres wide.

Obviously, if you have your own boat or Jet ski, you can visit the island in your own time schedule. It’s certainly possible and easy to do on your own, but most of us don’t have that option, which means you’ll need the ferry transfer.

Travel by Ferry!

Sealink South East Queensland  will provide you a vehicle or a passenger ferry. The trip takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and they have ferries leaving almost every hour throughout the day. This can be one of the cheapest options, especially of you’re using the public bus on the Island.

The ferry departs from Cleveland on the south side of Brisbane. 12 Emmett Drive, Cleveland (Toondah Harbour), and you’ll arrive at the Dunwich Boat Harbour. The prices will vary on passenger numbers, time of day, and vehicle size. So, It’s best to check the website for your specific circumstances.

Organised tour!

If you don’t want to organise your own Day trip or don’t have your own transport? Then, take a look at the tours below leaving from Brisbane City. It is possible to get them from the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, but they require extra travel time to get to the Cleveland ferry.

➡  Compare tours from Brisbane HERE with Get your Guide, or HERE with Viator.

How to Get around?

The Island is 18 kilometres just to travel from Dunwich to Point Lookout, so even a pushbike is a little limiting to see all of the sites. So, some kind of transport will be need which include:

4 Wheel Drive Vehicle

If you’re wanting to drive on any beach, you will need a four-wheel drive vehicle, along with a permit . This will open up the entire Island to you and things to do, as well as the beach camping options. and if you don’t have you’re own, you can hire one on the Island.

Main beach stretches 38 kilometres from Point Lookout to the south side of the Island. More importantly, you need to look up the Islands Tide Times  to ensure you don’t get caught on high tide. In fact, the beach driving rules state that you need to be off the beaches outside of 2-3 hours from high tide.

Flinders Beach is the north side beach you can drive on, which is only 8 kilometres long. This is the only other beach with 4 wheel drive access, and more popular as a lower surf side.

2 Wheel Drive Vehicle or Scooter

The main highlights on the island will be ok to see with a two-wheel-drive vehicle. This is because the main roads are sealed bitumen and you can over a small car or hire a scooter on the Island.

Public Bus Service

Unlike the nearby Moreton Island , if you have no vehicle of your own, then you can rely on public transportation. They will transport you to and from Dunwich, Amity Point, or Point Lookout. This includes several other stops in between and along the way. The service runs about every hour throughout the day, and you can find the  Prices and Timetable HERE ..

Check out my Photo Gallery for sample tourism images needed for websites, blog posts, magazines articles, Marketing and/or Advertisement’s.

17 Best Things to do when you’re there?

There are over 2000 people living on the Island, so you can imagine that the area is built up. Mostly revolving around tourism, you have plenty of accommodation types, along with grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, and local stores with arts and crafts.

Straddie is definitely worth visiting for the beaches, the wildlife, and the best island paradise so close to Brisbane. It offers surfing & wading beaches to exploring the local crafts of a small country town. But, check out some of the options below!

➡  Compare All tours for North Stradbroke Island from Brisbane HERE with Get your Guide, Or find others available HERE with Viator.

1. Amity Point

Amity Point faces west over to Brisbane, and therefore, the waters are calm and suitable for some low-key swimming. There is a Pier where you will see people fishing and a secure, netted-off section for safe swimming.

2. Myora Springs

Myora Springs is a local freshwater stream just outside a few kilometres out of Dunwich. A small car park is available on the main road heading to Amity Point or Point Lookout.

You can visit Myora Springs or “Moongalba” for a quiet rest break or an opportunity to swim in the freshwater before it’s released into the ocean. Nestled in among the trees and low-hanging branches, this would be a great place to sit on a floatation device and relax.

3. Brown Lake

If you manage to get this gem on your own, then you won’t regret your visit. Brown Lake is aptly named due to the brown colour of the water, stained by the surrounding tea trees. It’s freshwater with a white sandy beach entry.

It can be accessed by a 2 wheel drive vehicle, with only 1 kilometre on a dirt road and car park. Although, keep in mind, there are some big holes that you might have to manoeuvre around.

4. Blue Lake

The Blue lake might look like an excellent place for swimming, yet it’s just for viewing or enjoying the hike. It’s roughly 5 kilometres return along a white sandy path to see this one. It’s not that challenging and can be completed by anyone with a moderate level of fitness.

5. Point Lookout

You won’t want to miss this area and where you’ll see most of the tourists and have most of the things to do. Point Lookout or “Mooloomba” is a rocky headland and where you will find the Gorge Walk, Main beach, or visiting all the retail shops and cafes. There is a local Surf club on the cliff, with exceptional views for afternoon drinks.

6. Swimming in Rock Pools

The rock pools are best to access coming into a low tide and when the water has been left behind. (Don’t forget to check out the Tide times). To get there, you need to park in the Deadman’s Beach Foreshore and walk around to Frenchman’s Beach. There are several rock pools on the corner of the Island, in between the two beaches.

7. Sand Tobogganing

This sand tobogganing section is found on Deadman’s Beach foreshore, and you will need to bring your own toboggan board. I did see some people had left or brought down some cardboard but thinking that wouldn’t last too long.

8. Whale Watching / Turtles or Dolphin Watching

There are a few sections or lookout areas around Point Lookout where you can see passing Whales. The season runs from roughly May to November each year, making it possible to see humpback whales in the distance. Alternatively, other creatures like Turtles, Manta Rays, or even Dolphins can also be viewed at a closer distance.

9. Hang out at the many Beaches

You have plenty of beach options starting with Cylinder Beach, Deadman’s Beach, Frenchman’s Beach, or South Gorge beach, all available for swimming. Additionally, on the western side, there is always an opportunity for beach time at Dunwich and Amity Point.

10. Kangaroo watching

Aussie Kangaroos can be seen all over the Island, and you’re asked to be careful on the roads and be on the lookout. I found them common in the early hours, where they will be looking for food around the Gorge walk.

Other Wildlife on land include(but not limited to) Koalas, bats, kangaroo’s, wallaby’s and bandicoots. Or Less found creatures could be the New Zealand fur seals, dugongs, mice and water rats.

11. North Gorge Walk / South Gorge Walk

The Gorge Walk is a fantastic addition to your exploration of Point Lookout and the rocky headland. The 1 kilometre loop is on a formed boardwalk track and meanders through the North Gorge and the South gorge.

You can park at either end, walk one way to the opposite end, and use the walkway back to your vehicle. The South Gorge has a large car park, a bathroom, and a park with picnic tables. Not that it makes no difference to start at the South or North end first, and you need to watch out for turtles and dolphins in the water.

12. Surfing or Body boarding

If you’re into Surfing or bodyboarding, then this is your closest option to Brisbane. There are options to Surf on the eastern side, near Point Lookout. Alternatively, on the Northern side, at Cylinder Beach or Deadman’s Beach. Although, If you’re new to Surfing, then there are options to  learn to surf .

13. 4-Wheel Driving on the Beach

There are only two beaches (Main Beach and Flinders Beach), and either will need a  permit to drive on the beach . Once you purchase online, you can pick up the permit and car sticker from the Adder Rock Campground reception.

• Flinders Beach is the shorter of the two and covering the Northern side of the Island.
• Main Beach runs almost the whole length of the Island, on the eastern side.

14. Fishing

The western side faces the calm waters of Moreton Bay and surrounding Amity Point. Here you’ll find a popular fishing point with serene bays fringed by mangroves, as well as the pier. Alternatively, you can head anywhere around the rocky headlands of Point Lookout.

15. Watching a Sunrise / Sunset

It’s so easy to get from one side of the Island to the other. This makes it great to plan out your beautiful Sunset or Sunrise spots. The photo below was taken while walking the South Gorge boardwalk and the sun rising above the horizon. But, I’m told that Amity Point is perfect for Sunsets on the western side.

16. Shopping & Dining

The popular shopping and dining hub will be around Point Lookout and where you will find most of the shops, groceries, and cafes. Not only that, but you’ll run into other stores randomly around the other beaches as well as local art techniques taught and sold on the Island. 

You can access the diving spots from Brisbane , but the boats take just over an hour to get there. Your better option to dive is using the dive shop Manta Lodge, on the Island and, therefore, a shorter trip to the dive sites.

Flat rock has several sections for exploration where you can see turtles and grey nurse sharks in the winter. Shag Rock is a little smaller and a great spot for rays and smaller creatures like Nudibranchs and crabs. Manta Bommie will have you swimming with Mantas during the summertime and lots of different Nudibranchs.

Who are the Original Owners?

The Quandamooka people have lived around the area for tens of thousands of years. In fact, evidence suggests habitants on Minjerribah for at least 21,000 years. About 50% of the Island is protected as Naree Budjong Djara National Park, and The Quandamooka people ask you to respect this special place.

Do you want to stay there instead?

There are plenty of options for accommodation if your planning to hang around overnight. These include Camping, Glamping, Airbnb, Resorts or Hotels.

➡  Stradbroke Island Hotel Deals HERE with Booking.com

There are camping options all over the island ranging from Caravan Parks, or glamping options for those who don’t want to rough it. But my favourite would have to be Beach camping on Flinders , or the alternative on Main Beach.

Hotels and resorts are available throughout the island and even overlooking the water. Our last visit had us staying at the Anchorage on Straddie Resort , right outside Home Beach.

How many days do you need there?

A day trip to the island is an excellent taste tester to see the central district of Point Lookout and some beaches. Still, if you really want to explore all that it has to offer, then a minimum of four days is recommended.

This will give you enough time to check out some of the other attractions, such as Dunwich, Amity point, maybe some 4-Wheel Driving, the 6 or so beaches available, and Brown lake.

However, if you can stretch the time into a week , that’s even better!

Is there Internet Access on the Island?

Yes, there is internet (Data) access in all the major populated areas on the Island. However, suppose you’re planning on exploring the bushland areas or camping on Flinders or Main Beach. In that case, you may find that your internet connection is less reliable.

Wi-Fi is less accessible out and about, but more likely available at the hotel you are staying at or some restaurants.

Is there a supermarket?

Yes, you do have two options for supermarkets, which are on each side of the Island, so just pick the one that’s more convenient for you.

• SPAR Supermarket – Shop 3/5 Ballow Rd, Dunwich QLD 4183 – 07 34099507
• Foodworks Supermarket – 2 Endeavour St, Point Lookout QLD 4183 – 07 34098271

Wrap up – Plan a North Stradbroke Island Day Trip

Thanks for reading my blog post today on planning a North Stradbroke Island Day trip and the Things to do while on the Island. I hope you found what you were looking for and enjoy exploring the Island. However, if you’re still researching, please f ind other Brisbane blogs HERE for planning and inspiration.

Or even check out some of the best Islands in Queensland I’ve been to.

Read More Articles:

Gold Coast Vs Sunshine Coast – Which is better for you to visit?

Best Places to Swim in Brisbane & South East Qld with Map

Moreton Island Vs Stradbroke Island – Which is better to visit?

Best Brisbane Lookouts & Beyond the City with Map

Best Areas to Stay in Brisbane: Neighbourhood Breakdown

“Hi, travel enthusiasts! I’m Chris Fry, The Aquarius Traveller Blogger. I’ve been exploring the world since 2007, documenting my journeys through the lens of my camera. Having visited over 37 countries (including my home Australia), I’ve gained first-hand experiences that help you plan your adventures.

So, whether you need insider tips, or want to live vicariously through my escapades – You’ll find something to love in my blog.”

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Frugal Travel

How to take a relaxing day trip to Stradbroke Island

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When Tom and I stopped in Brisbane for a few months we made a list of everything we wanted to do while we were there. Some of them we managed to tick off earlier on such as visiting the weekend markets, going to Eat Street Northshore and exploring nearby Toowoomba in the Darling Downs  whilst others have been pushed aside due to, well, pure laziness. But on our penultimate weekend here, we finally took a day trip to Stradbroke Island and it was magical!

It’s known locally as Straddie and has a rich history. Its name is actually Minjerribah and has been occupied by a number of aboriginal tribes for tens of thousands of years. Stradbroke is the kind of place that makes you feel a million miles from the city. The ocean is a picture-perfect blue. the beaches are beautiful and clean and there’s wildlife all around. It’s the perfect destination for everyone; surfers, swimmers, hikers, families, go-getters or sunbathers. Cylinder Beach at Point Lookout was also named Queensland’s best beach in 2017, and it’s easy to see why.

If you follow me on Instagram , you might have seen how Tom and I made a complete mess of getting over to the island. In a nutshell, we missed the ferry, had to move the car or else get a parking ticket and then got on the wrong ferry that didn’t align with the bus timetable and had to wait 40 minutes until the next one. Travelling isn’t always a smooth process and you just have to ride the wave sometimes.

So to help you avoid our mistakes and to plan your Stradbroke Island day trip, I’ve put together a guide on how to visit, what to do on Stradbroke Island and how to get there and get around.

Where is North Stradbroke Island?

Stradbroke is actually 2 islands – the North and the South. When people say they’re going to Straddie they are usually referring to North Stradbroke Island. Both islands are pretty much directly off the coast to the west of Brisbane. The ferry terminal to get over to North Straddie is a short 30km away, making it perfect for a day trip.

How to get to Stradbroke Island from Brisbane

The ferry over to Straddie leaves from Toondah Harbour in Cleveland and is incredibly easy to get there. We decided to drive to the ferry terminal and park there for ease, but if you don’t have access to a car, catch the train to Cleveland and make use of the free shuttle bus to get a lift to the port. Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to Toondah Harbour to make sure you don’t miss the ferries that run hourly.

Catching the ferry to Stradbroke Island

There are 2 ferry companies that operate from here and which one you use will depend on whether you’re taking a car over. The Stradbroke Flyer are passenger-only boats whereas Stradbroke Ferries operates ferries for both passengers and boats. If you’re travelling on foot you don’t need to book a ticket for the ferry, but it is essential to book in advance if you’re taking your car on board. The ferry to Stradbroke Island cost $20 return on the Flyer and $14 return on Stradbroke Ferries. Click here to check the prices and timetables for the Stradbroke Flyer and Stradbroke Ferries .

Tom and I decided to not take our car and to buy a ticket with Stradbroke Ferries which meant we could get on either the passenger-only ferry or the car ferry. If you’re travelling to Straddie without a car, you’re going to want to make use of the bus network over there and in order to meet the bus when you get over to Dunwich in Straddie, you need to get the passenger-only ferry. We made the mistake of catching the car ferry and then missed the connecting bus and had to wait.

Using the bus on Stradbroke Island

There are 3 main areas on North Stradbroke Island – Dunwich, Amity Point and Point Lookout. If you get to Straddie early enough in the day you can use the buses to experience all 3 places but if you arrive a bit later, you won’t be able to. The buses run once an hour between Dunwich (where the ferry arrives) and Point Lookout. You will need cash for the bus and a day pass can be bought for $10 which allows you to hop on and hop off as much as you like. To get to Amity Point, catch the bus to the interchange and then switch to the bus going to Amity.

The bus timetable is quite tricky but just be sure to not miss the last bus back to Dunwich as you won’t want to miss the last ferry back to Toondah. Take a look at the bus timetable here to plan your day on Stradbroke.

What to take with you

Stradbroke is both a beach and walkers dream so you might want to take clothes to cover both of these aspects. Although the walks are easy at Point Lookout, you have the chance to walk across rock and get close to the cliff edges so I would advise taking trainers or walking sandals with you for this part. To make the most of the incredible beaches here, be sure to bring your swimmers, a light towel and a change of clothes as well as your sunglasses and sunscreen.

There are a number of cafes to choose from but it’s great for picnics too. Tom and I bought our own food with us and sat in a beautiful spot to enjoy it. It’s also a great way to keep costs down if you’re travelling on a budget.

Things to do on Stradbroke Island

The main destination on Straddie is Point Lookout to the North of the island. This area is stunning and has plenty of walks, beautiful views, gleaming white beaches and cafes to fuel up on. Point Lookout was the only area I got to explore (due to the massive fluff up with the ferries, *doh*) but there’s definitely more than enough to see and do for your one day on Stradbroke Island.

Stroll the North Gorge Walk

Stay on the bus until the final stop and you’ll find yourself right at the start of the North Gorge Walk. This is a boardwalk about 1.5km long that hugs the coastline leading to some breathtaking views. There are some stairs involved on the walk but it’s super easy and a great way to start your day on Stradbroke Island. The walk will take you to views overlooking North Gorge beach with its craggy rock face and strong currents ripping into the cliffs.

Prepare yourself for stunning views right from the start of the walk. The first thing you’ll see is the incredible view over Main Beach. Not only that but on a clear sunny day you will be able to see the peaks of hills and mountains in the distance too. Carry on walking along and you will pass by beautiful flora and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wallabies and koalas.

Whale spot at the Whale Rock Blowhole

Stradbroke Island is right on the migration path of the humpback whales and this is the perfect spot to try your luck at seeing them. Every year between late May and early November, the whales make their way north to breed and then return in the later months with their calves. I was lucky enough to see 3 pods of whales on my visit and it was simply magical.

Whale Rock Blowhole is along the North Gorge Walk so you won’t miss it. It’s a beautiful cliff edge with a sudden deep drop off that when water is forced into it by the ocean, makes a loud whoosh sound like the blow of a whale. It’s nice a high up and you can see for miles from here. Keep your eyes peeled not only for whales but also dolphins and turtles, too.

Have lunch with a view

When you finish the North Gorge Walk you will find yourself at a great spot for lunch on Headland Park. Take a seat on the grass and admire the views over Frenchmans Beach on a bright sunny day and soak in the view. It’s the perfect place to have a picnic if you’ve packed one or head into one of the cafes around there for some fresh eats and delicious gelato.

Take a walk along Frenchmans Beach

If you’re feeling energetic after your lunch then make your way down the big flight of stairs to Frenchmans Beach. It’s not ideal for swimming due to the strong currents here but it’s great to walk along. At the end of the beach you will be met with a sand dune to clamber over to get around to Deadmans Beach, or at low tide, you can simply carry on walking around.

Alternatively, if you don’t feel like tackling the stairs, simply carry on walking along the roadside where you will still get stunning glimpses of both Frenchmans and Deadmans Beach.

Walk through Point Lookout Conservation Area

From the roadside you will see a sign leading you to the whale watching platforms. Among the beautiful forest, a number of platforms have been built for you to take another chance at spotting these magnificent creatures. Keep walking along this route and you will be taken through the lush greenery in the area and you will duck in and out of sight of the sea. You can either carry on the path and follow it back to the roadside but I think a better way to end the walk is by cutting out onto Cylinder Beach.

Walk along Queensland’s voted best beach

What better way to finish your day trip to Stradbroke Island than by relaxing on one of Queensland’s best beaches? Beautiful Cylinder Beach was awarded this in 2017 and it’s so easy to see why. Cylinder Beach is incredibly calm compared to Main Beach and it’s sheltered location makes it the perfect place to take a swim and go snorkelling. Nothing beats an Australian sunset and watching it over this incredible beach is just perfect.

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North Stradbroke Island Tour

Your window into paradise. North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah as it is known to the traditional owners of the Island the Quandamooka people) is Queensland’s most popular Island yet is just off the coast from Brisbane. Minjerribah is the second largest sand island in the world – almost 40 km long and has everything – untouched beauty of its beaches and rugged coastline – forests with large numbers of kangaroos and koalas, and – it is surrounded by crystal clear waters that you can swim in safely all year round. A unique and memorable experience of Brisbane and Australia.

 North Stradbroke’s waters are home to large schools of dolphin, manta rays, and turtle – all of which can be seen from the Headland – Point Lookout.  A bonus is that in Winter, Point Lookout is considered to be Australia’s best land-based vantage point for spotting the migrating Humpback Whale.

*  Return bus and ferry transfers to Stradbroke Island. The cruise across Moreton Bay (about 50 minutes) is a tour in itself! 

*  Fully guided bus tour of the Island visiting all the main places of interest.

 *  Walk the Gorge. This fantastic walk around the headland includes some spectacular scenery. Get your cameras ready for the “blow” from Whale Rock or that iconic beach shot.

*  Spot the wild life. Stradbroke has large colonies of koala. Kangaroos can often be seen lazing in the sun. In its crystal clear waters, an abundance of marine life that can be easily spotted.

*  Visit Point Lookout. A bonus in Winter (May to October) is a great chance to see the Humpback Whale.

*  Take in all the popular spots – Cylinder (swimming available), Frenchman’s and Main Beaches, the historical town of Dunwich and the fishing village of Amity.

 *  Myora Springs – stroll along the boardwalk to see this unique eco-forest of mangroves, rainforest, and crystal clear creek. Popular spot for koalas.

*  Lunch can be purchased on the Island 

Bring your swimming gear – Winter average temp 20°C.

Queensland Day Tours

• PO Box 1129, Carindale 4152

Book Your Tour

19 Amazing Things to Do on North Stradbroke Island, Queensland

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North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) is affectionately known as Straddie to locals, reflecting the relaxed vibe of island life that’s so different from the nearby, much busier Gold Coast.

Despite being located in Moreton Bay, only 30km southeast of Brisbane, it flies under the radar for many visitors to Queensland. It’s well worth visiting, though, even on a day trip, or ideally for a few days for a relaxing break.

Most of the island is undeveloped so a trip here is all about nature—lazing on the golden beaches, walking the North Gorge coastal trail, surfing and swimming and even scuba diving in the ocean, and spotting kangaroos (we saw so many!), whales, and dolphins.

Here I share our picks for the best things to do on North Stradbroke Island. I also include how to get there, where to stay, and a handy map with everything mentioned.

A Few Things to Know About Straddie

Best things to do on north stradbroke island, more north stradbroke island activities, where to stay on north stradbroke island, how to get to north stradbroke island, north stradbroke island map, is north stradbroke island worth visiting, more australia posts.

• North Stradbroke Island is the second largest sand island in the world. ( K’gari is the largest and is well worth visiting too—it’s about three hours north).
• The traditional owners of Minjerribah are the Quandamooka people .
• The three small communities on the island are Dunwich (where the ferry arrives), Point Lookout (which has the best beaches and cafes), and Amity Point (quieter with sunset views).
• Originally there was only one Stradbroke Island, but in 1896 it split into North Stradbroke Island and South Stradbroke Island , separated by Jumpinpin Channel. On South Stradbroke there are no cars and only one resort.
• Mobile phone signal is limited on Straddie. Telstra has the best coverage.

Back to Contents

1) Experience the Stunning North Gorge Walk

North Gorge Walk is the most popular attraction on North Stradbroke Island and for good reason.

This short coastal trail in Point Lookout is stunning with views of sandy beaches, rocky coves, and crashing waves.

You can spot plenty of wildlife including kangaroos, dolphins, whales (in winter), and even manta rays if the ocean is calm enough.

The 1.2km one-way walk starts opposite Oceanic Gelati and is a mix of gravel trail and boardwalk. There are lots of steps but it’s not too difficult. It took us 30 minutes including lots of stops.

Near the start you’ll see Frenchman’s Beach down below and it ends above Main Beach , where you can watch the surfers.

At the end, follow the path back along the road for a few hundred metres to the starting point, head back on the trail if it’s not too busy (as I did on my morning run) or continue down to South Gorge Beach and Main Beach.

North Gorge Walk is best early in the morning when it’s quieter and you have a better chance of seeing kangaroos.

2) Breakfast at Blue Room Cafe

While there aren’t a ton of restaurants on North Stradbroke Island, there are enough that you don’t need to self-cater.

Blue Room Cafe in Point Lookout is one of the most popular places to eat on Straddie. Located close to the North Gorge Walk with ocean views from the terrace, it’s the ideal spot for breakfast after your early morning walk.

The menu is mostly cabinet food (salad wraps, sandwiches, yoghurts, baked goods) with a few specials. We ordered waffles and avocado toast and both were good.

It does get busy, so go early for an outside table, or get your food to take away.

3) Swim at Cylinder Beach

There are plenty of North Stradbroke Island beaches to enjoy (most of them in Point Lookout), but Cylinder Beach is usually the best for swimming.

It’s protected by a sandbar so it’s usually calmer than the other more surfable spots. There’s a patrolled area so swim between the flags.

Cylinder Beach is easily accessible from the car park with a coffee cart ( Coffee in Cylinder’s ) and there are toilets and showers. It’s ideal for a beach day and popular with families.

Despite its popularity, there’s plenty of space to spread out, and for extra tranquillity, you could head right over the rocky headland to Deadman’s Beach (check out the rock pools at low tide) or left to the long, empty Home Beach .

Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel is just above the beach and the pub has ocean views from the deck. We don’t recommend the food unless you have no other option—it’s average pub grub.

4) Admire Frenchman’s Beach

Frenchman’s Beach is another stunning Point Lookout beach. You can see it from above near the start of the North Gorge Walk, but for a closer look, walk north along the coastal pathway (just five minutes from Oceanic Gelati).

They are currently working on extending the Minjerribah Panorama Coastal Walk , so unfortunately the steep steps down to Frenchman’s are closed until mid-2023.

You can still see it from above on some of the lookout platforms (also great for whale watching in winter). The 500-metre stretch of golden sand is backed by steep forested bluffs and has a remote feel.

You can currently access Frenchman’s Beach by walking over the headland from Deadman’s Beach.

5) Enjoy a Gelato

Opposite the start of the North Gorge Walk are two gelato places. While neither is Italy-level (for that, head to Massimo’s in Noosa ), they are both tasty and ideal for an afternoon treat.

Oceanic Gelati looks more natural and is more affordable, but Simon preferred the richer chocolate gelato at Bella Balena . Try them both!

This area is an eating hub on the island. Blue Room Cafe is close by and Fishes at the Point is a popular fish and chips spot with outside tables.

The grassy lawn at the start of North Gorge is the perfect place to picnic or enjoy your ice cream with an ocean view.

6) See the Sunset at Amity Point

Amity Point is a quieter community in the northwest of Straddie, a 15-minute drive from Point Lookout.

The beach is less impressive here but the water is much calmer.

Amity Point’s jetty is the best place on the island to see the sunset. As well as the colourful sky, we also saw huge pelicans and a dolphin swimming very close to the jetty.

There are picnic tables and public BBQs, so this would be a great spot to bring your own dinner. Plenty of people were enjoying a glass of wine as the sun went down.

7) Dinner at Sealevel 21

After sunset, we had dinner at Sealevel 21 , a five-minute walk from Amity Point jetty.

The food is more creative than most places on the island with good vegetarian options. We enjoyed the lentil and chickpea burger and the Mediterranean vegetable stack.

Seating is all outside so bring a sweater in the cooler months. It’s worth booking a table as there isn’t much else around here if you can’t get in.

8) Spot Kangaroos

One of our favourite things about North Stradbroke Island was seeing so many kangaroos—we saw about 20 during our two days on the island!

It was fun to see them grazing and even more exciting seeing them hop.

The best place to spot them is on the North Gorge Walk early in the morning (possibly also at dusk). I saw them both mornings very close to the trail and even saw a joey in a pouch.

We also saw them both nights grazing in people’s front lawns in Point Lookout.

9) Look for Dolphins and Whales

Straddie is also an excellent place to see dolphins and humpback whales.

We saw dolphins from up on the cliffs at the start of North Gorge (at the grassy picnic spot one afternoon) and much closer at Amity Point jetty at sunset.

We didn’t see whales on our May visit as the season doesn’t start until June (and runs until October). The North Gorge Walk is one of the best land-based whale-watching spots in Australia.

Some people also see manta rays and turtles swimming in the ocean on the walk, but it was too rough on our visit.

10) Hide Away at Tiny South Gorge Beach

At the end of the North Gorge Walk you pass above South Gorge Beach but don’t get a good look at it. After the walk, head down Kennedy Drive to access this picturesque little cove.

This beach is unpatrolled and the surf can be rough, so it’s not the best place to swim, but it is a pretty place to hang out.

11) Surf or Walk at Main Beach

On the other side of the headland from South Gorge is the huge Main Beach, which stretches for 38km from Point Lookout to the south of the island.

This is a popular surf spot, but it’s a bit rough for swimming (although there is a patrolled area). It’s fantastic for a long walk next to the dunes, though, and it’s easy to find a quiet spot to yourself.

If you have a 4WD and permit , you can drive on the remote southern end of the beach and camp on the sand.

12) Enjoy a Drink with a View at the Surf Life Saving Club

Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club is on a headland above Main Beach. It’s a no-frills bar with a simple food menu, but the elevated deck is a fantastic spot for a drink with views of Main Beach.

You can’t see the sun go down on this eastern side of the island, but seeing the surf lit up at golden hour was lovely. It would be even better during the whale migration.

The Point Bar is open from Friday to Sunday and on public and school holidays.

13) Swim in Brown Lake

Brown Lake (or Lake Bummiera ) is a perched freshwater lake in bushland in the interior of the island.

A perched lake is also known as a coastal dune lake as they manage to form on the sands of a dune system (remember, Minjerribah is a sand island). The lake floor of a perched lake is above the water table.

Brown Lake gets its name as the water is tinged by tannins from surrounding tea trees.

I thought the water colour would be off-putting, but the yellow-brown water looked so pretty with the reflections of the trees, and I would have swum on a warmer day.

We took a walk down the sandy 4WD track alongside the lake in search of koalas but no luck.

Although it feels remote, Brown Lake is only a 10-minute drive from the Dunwich ferry terminal so visit as your first or last stop on the island.

There are picnic tables and a toilet.

These are on our list for our next visit to Straddie.

• Eat at Oasis Mexican Cantina – Although it says it’s open 7 days a week, it was sadly closed when we visited on a public holiday. This looks like the best option for dinner in Point Lookout.
• Play barefoot lawn bowls at Point Lookout Bowls Club (next to Oasis)
• Learn to surf with North Stradbroke Island Surf School – We saw their lessons taking place at Cylinder Beach.
• Kayak with Straddie Adventures – This two-hour kayak tour through the mangroves is a great way to learn about indigenous culture and hopefully see marine life.
• Shop at the Point Lookout Market – The Bowls Club hosts a market of local vendors on select Sunday mornings (check their Instagram for the schedule).
• Hike through Naree Budjong Djara National Park – Beyond Brown Lake, you can reach Blue Lake (Kaboora) on a 5.2km return walk from the car park. This is a place of significant cultural value to the Quandamooka people and no swimming is allowed.

Point Lookout in the northeast of the island is the best place to stay if you want to be within walking distance of beaches, cafes, and the North Gorge Walk.

You could even manage without a car here, although it’s a fairly long walk from one end to the other.

There are no big resorts on Straddie. Accommodation is more focused on self-catering apartments and camping.

We stayed at Samarinda Jewel By the Sea in Point Lookout. The location was perfect just a few minutes walk from the North Gorge, Main Beach, and cafes.

Each apartment (one to three bedrooms) is individually owned and decorated. They aren’t fancy but are comfortable and well-equipped (we appreciated the washing machine) and all have ocean views from their balconies.

There’s also a small pool.

Check prices and availability for Samarinda Jewel By the Sea here .

Amity Point is also worth considering for a quieter stay. There’s a campsite by the jetty or Sea Shanties has cabins right on the water. Guests report seeing koalas, turtles and dolphins.

Getting to North Stradbroke Island is easy. Ferries to the island depart from Cleveland , a 40-minute drive (or train ride) from Brisbane . (Check out our weekend in Brisbane itinerary ).

SeaLink runs car and passenger ferries around once an hour. Advance bookings are highly recommended for the car ferry as it’s the only way to get your vehicle on the island.

It’s a 45-minute trip to Dunwich on North Stradbroke. There’s a cafe and indoor and outdoor seating.

From Dunwich, it’s an easy 20-minute drive through bushland to Point Lookout.

If you have a 4WD (and permit) you have the option to explore remote parts of the island and drive on Main Beach.

With a regular car, there’s still plenty to enjoy including all the North Stradbroke Island attractions mentioned above.

Passenger Ferry

While I do recommend bringing a car to Straddie for the most flexibility, if you are only visiting on a day trip, it might make sense to leave the car behind.

SeaLink and Stradbroke Flyer run passenger ferries that take 25 minutes from Cleveland to Dunwich. They are much cheaper than the car ferries.

Once you arrive in Dunwich you can get around by bus, but services are not that frequent.

A more convenient option would be to rent a scooter from Scooters on Straddie who will meet you at the ferry.

Alternatively, take a guided tour from Brisbane. This North Stradbroke Island Day Trip with Sunset visits all the main sights or explore further on this Stradbroke Island 4WD Day Trip .

We absolutely loved our stay on Straddie. North Stradbroke Island is well worth visiting as a day trip from Brisbane, but it’s even better to stay for a few nights (or longer) to enjoy the relaxed pace, beautiful beaches, and wildlife.

Do you have any other suggestions of what to do on North Stradbroke Island? Leave a comment below.

Southeast Queensland

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• 7 Beautiful Walks in Noosa National Park
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• 14 Best Day Trips from Melbourne
• The Ultimate Great Ocean Road Itinerary

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A North Stradbroke Island day trip by scooter

By Author Toni Broome

Posted on Published: August 19, 2019  - Last updated: August 24, 2021

Living in Brisbane we like to escape on a North Stradbroke Island day trip a couple of times each year, it’s a great way to experience Morton Bay for both locals and visitors to Australia. We have a Straddie guide on the site already that shares the top things to do on the island but we’ve recently tried out a new way to get around that meant we were able to find a few new attractions. Today we want to share our new fave way to see North Stradbroke Island on a day trip.

Table of Contents

A bit about the island

Getting to north stradbroke island, scooters on straddie, brown lake (bummiera), blue lake (karboora), island fruit barn cafe, myora (capeembah) springs, amity point, the blue room cafe, the gorge walk, frenchmans bay, deadmans bay, cylinder beach, wrapping up our straddie day trip.

North Stradbroke Island, known affectionately as Straddie to the locals, is the second-largest sand island in the world. In fact, the 4 largest sand islands in the world can all be easily accessed from south-east Queensland and in order of size are Fraser Island , North Stradbroke Island , Morton Island and Bribie Island . If you’re interested in visiting some of the others I’ve linked up articles on those too.

The traditional name of the island is Minjerribah coming from a dialect of the local Quandamooka people. I’m told is means island in the sun which perfectly describes this sub-tropical paradise and while I’m sure it rains out here sometimes it has more than lived up to its name over the many years we’ve been visiting.

During the winter migration of whales from Antarctica to the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef for the breeding season, large numbers of them pass very close to the seaward side of the island offering excellent land-based views from Point Lookout. The Island is also a great place for sighting a variety of marine and land-based wildlife including dolphins, dugong, turtles, kangaroos and koala.

Roads connect a very small portion of the island from Dunwich to Amity Point and Point Lookout. The southern half of the island is accessed only by tracks or down the beach.

There are two ferry companies that run out to the island from Cleveland on a regular basis throughout the day and the timetables are similar. If you are taking your vehicle across then you will use Stradbroke Ferries, we take the Stradbroke Flyer which takes 25 minutes to make the crossing to One-Mile-Jetty.

You can use public transport from Brisbane City by taking the train to Cleveland station and then the courtesy shuttle that departs for the jetty about 10-minutes prior to each sailing. It’s very easy to spot as you exit the small station, it’s a full-size bus with Stradbroke Flyer printed on the side.

At $20 for a return ticket on the ferry, it makes a good value day out. Once on the island, the local bus meets each sailing and it will take about 30 minutes to travel the 20 km to reach Point Lookout. We have done this many times and with the day pass it is a good option but for this trip, we have something new and fun planned.

If you are using the bus be aware that it’s not part of the Translink network and you will need to pay cash, the Go Card isn’t accepted on the bus or ferries.

We spot Tony and the Scooters on Straddie minibus already waiting for us as we leave the ferry. Their base is only a few minutes away and we quickly go through the formalities of signing in and watching the short safety briefing. We pick out a helmet in our size and then it’s onto Bruce Almighty and Wally, our scooters for the day, for some instruction and a quick road check to make sure we are stable and confident then we are off.

It had been a very long time since I’d ridden a moped so we headed down to the Brown Lake first, it’s a quiet road and gave me a chance to get confident with the controls and max out the throttle, yep that’s around 45 km/hr so no cause for alarm, we’re on island time here so it’s perfect.

Pre-book your Scooters on Straddie experience and they’ll be waiting for you at the wharf.

North Stradbroke Island day trip itinerary

This island is beautiful and you could easily spend much longer here but in this article, we aim to give you options that can realistically be included into a day trip when you have your own transport or use a scooter to get around as we did.

If you are using the bus we’d recommend you head directly up to Point Lookout and spend your time within walking distance of there taking in the Gorge Walk, Deadmans beach and around the headlands to Cylinder Bay.

Where you have your own wheels we have a whole range of choices here and have included them on our custom map. While there is signage to most things on the island the position of markers on Google maps isn’t always helpful. Myora springs access, for example, had us stumped for a while.

Our first stop was out to Brown Lake as it’s only around 5 km from our starting point. It’s somewhere we’ve wanted to go on previous trips but the bus doesn’t go that way so you can only get there with your own transport or a tour. Heading out we followed the road inland towards the lakes then turned onto a dirt road for part of the trip, the small wheels on the scooters handled it surprisingly well as long as you dodged the occasional pothole.

The Brown Lake gets its name from its usual reddish-brown hue that is caused by tannin from Paperbark leaves sitting on the floor of the lake, in the right light, it looks like well-steeped tea. Today however the edge is crystal clear if a little chilly giving it a decidedly blue appearance from the sky reflecting in the water.

Brown Lake is a perched lake which means it is formed from a depression in the sand dune. The hole filled with water and leaf matter that settled forming a solid and impermeable lining that prevents the water from draining down to the water table below. They are actually pretty special and Queensland is home to over half of the worlds perched lakes.

There’s parking here, toilets and picnic tables under the trees. We spot a variety of birds in the branches overhead including a few less common varieties, several scarlet honeyeaters and a cuckoo.

Continuing down the road further to the east you will come to the trailhead for the Blue Lake. This is another perched lake and usually appears deep blue in colour. It’s a 5.2 km return walk from the carpark on a sandy track through paperbark trees and wallum (banksia) which don’t offer much reprieve from the sun on a hot day.

Karboora means ‘deep silent pool’ in the dialect of the local Quandamooka People and because of the cultural significance of the lake they ask that you don’t swim in it.

You can continue on your scooter on this road out to Main beach. It’s a very long sandy open water stretch of beach, it’s beautiful and isolated but this access point is mainly used by 4-wheel-drives to access the beach and head south. The alternative is for them to drive north and come on near Point Lookout but this is much closer to the ferry.

We were well ready for a morning cuppa before heading on up the island so we headed to this cute cafe on the main road as you head out of Dunwich. I’d have to say second breakfast or a sweet treat with your drink is going to be very tempting.

Fiona is lovely, the setting is quirky but comfortable and everything was delicious. Organic, vegan and gluten-free were all well catered for here. It’s a relaxed vibe so don’t expect your coffee-to-go on mainland time, allow time to chill.

Find them at 16 Bingle Road, Dunwich, QLD 4183

Myora Springs refers to quite a large area of mangroves not far out of Dunwich on the road north. The area has a history of use by the Quandamooka people going back 25,000 years and you may still see shell middens from times gone by on the banks of the spring.

In addition to its cultural significance, it’s also a nationally important wetland area and declared fish habitat.

There’s a short boardwalk through here with some informative signs and access down into the water. It’s low tide in this photo but if you want to swim I’d suggest timing your visit closer to high tide.

Amity Point is a favourite with the boaties and fishermen. It’s a quiet and relaxed part of the island with a camping ground here to the left just beyond the boat ramp.

You can see spectacular sunsets here across the bay and will regularly see dolphins off the beach. The trees behind the campground are also home to koalas.

There’s a netted area just off the camping ground for swimming. An underwater shelf falls away very close to shore here to a depth of around 30 meters which is what makes it so attractive for fishing but bull sharks which can be unpredictable are frequently seen here. Shark attacks are rare in Australia despite our love of the water but caution is suggested.

Next stop for lunch was the Blue Room Cafe on Point Lookout. This view is stunning out over Frenchmans Bay and as we sat here there was a fairly consistent display of whales breaching and spouting offshore as we ate.

I went with the baked pancakes with bacon and maple syrup alongside a berry smoothie. Drew had the iced coffee with a burger on Turkish bread. Both very happy with our choice and will definitely return. It’s popular though, the photo above is a bit deceptive as within minutes of sitting down all the tables were full again, we just hit a lull in the crowd.

The menu is fairly short but the food is great quality, mostly organic, flavourful and with realistic serving sizes.

Make sure you stick your head into the health food grocer next door too if you are looking for anything else for your stay or some fresh fruit snacks for later. Some interesting items and fresh produce.

Found at 27 Mooloomba Rd, Point Lookout QLD 4183

The gorge walk is the most popular area on North Stradbroke and when we are using the bus we head up here directly from the ferry. The boardwalk makes for easy walking although it’s not suitable for wheelchairs as there are steps in some of the steeper parts.

It’s fabulous on all tides and we’ve never been through here without ticking whales, dolphins and turtles off our list and most times we’ll also run into a mob of kangaroos somewhere along the way. Sometimes they come hopping past at speed, other times they are quietly resting on the hillside.

There’s also a good diversity of bush and sea birds with Osprey and Brahminy kites often seen on the thermals close to the cliffs. The gorge itself if a great spot to see turtles during the slack and outgoing tide when the wave action is reduced.

There are also a couple of parts where you can detour down onto the rocky outcrops and take it all in, one of them has a blowhole where the tide roars in especially on the high tide.

We mentioned earlier that you can access Main Beach by crossing the island directly from Dunwich but you can also get to it from below Point Lookout. This northern end of the beach is popular for day visitors and in the right conditions with surfers. With a 4-wheel-drive you are able to drive on the beach and access areas, and solitude, that you can’t by road.

You can look down into Frenchmans Bay from Point Lookout and the start of the Gorge walking trail. During the late 1800s, 4 men landed on the beach having sailed down from French Polynesia. It gives you an idea of just how special this place is when you hear their descendants still live on the island.

The 500 m long sandy beach faces east meaning it’s hit by some strong dominant winds and has serious rips, be very careful if you surf or swim at this one.

Continue walking along the beach and you’ll come to Deadmans Bay. The naming of this beach is as macabre as it sounds.

In 1902 the Prosperity, a ship carrying machinery, ran aground and sank on it’s way to Brisbane just off the coast of Point lookout. Two lives were lost that day but only one body recovered. Fifty-four years later a skeleton and a boot were uncovered in the sand on this beach, they are believed to belong to the missing seaman.

Facing due north Cylinder beach is sheltered for the predominant winds. It’s a long and stunning beach with an extremely popular camping ground. The Straddie pub behind has a bistro and beer garden with spectacular views out over the water and if you are using the bus to get back down to the ferry there is a stop just out from here on the main road.

It takes its name from being the 1932 landing point of the giant acetylene gas cylinders that were brought in during the construction of the lighthouse up above Point Lookout.

With the afternoon getting on we hopped back on our scooters for the ride back to Dunwich. You’ll want to allow around half an hour from Point Lookout. The roads are good and through most of it, you’ll have bushland on either side of the road. Most of the way has a good hard shoulder to pull out of the way of traffic coming from behind at the speed limit which ranges from 60-80 km/hr. There were a couple of times we pulled over to give trucks more room to pass but traffic was light.

Once in Dunwich was filled up the scooters at the petrol station in town and dropped them back at Scooters on Straddie depot before being dropped back down at the wharf for the ferry home.

We both loved this new way of exploring Straddie, we found some new spots and got to see some of this beautiful island away from the holiday crowd.

Interested? Save these to Pinterest

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Thursday 5th of March 2020

The three days we had on Stradbroke Island is highlight on our travels. It is a beautiful place and where we saw our first koala in the wild - on the road to Amity Point. Hopefully we will get there again one day.

Handpan workshop les

Wednesday 25th of September 2019

Wow you're so lucky to be able to travel to Stradbroke island. What a nice and peacefull place. Beautiful nature....A little bit jealous here...

Tuesday 20th of August 2019

wow!! so many great things and amazing pictures. Thanks for sharing this.

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Island Escapade: The Ultimate Minjerribah / Stradbroke Island Day Trip Planner

Posted by Kerry Heaney | Brisbane travel | 18

Embark on a delightful Minjerribah / Stradbroke Island day trip from Brisbane and immerse yourself in secluded beaches and a laid-back island lifestyle.

Table of Contents

The Perfect Minjerribah / Stradbroke Island road trip from Brisbane

One by one, drop your mainland cares and worries into the deep blue water of Moreton Bay as you cruise on the barge to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). It’s only an hour away from Brisbane, but island life seems much more distant from the hustle and bustle of city life.

This is a place where the day runs by tides and weather. Where the activities are organised by Mother Nature, and the nights are the time for a gentle recharge.  Think beach strolls, fishing from the headlands, walking around the gorges and swimming in the lakes. While outdoor life can be a priority, there are also shops stocked with unique island products, cafes and restaurants and a market to explore.

Locals will tell you that the weather on Straddie, as they call the island, is warmer in winter and cooler in summer, in the microclimate of mainland weather. It’s not uncommon to swim in the ocean most of the year, and the sea breezes keep the worst of summer’s sub-tropical heat at bay.

 View from North Gorge. Photo: Kerry Heaney

Starting your Straddie day trip

The Stradbroke Ferries vehicle barge leaves Brisbane from Toondah Harbour in the bayside suburb of Cleveland. For a Brisbane to Stradbroke Island day trip, make sure you pre-book a return car spot and book early for peak periods. The ferry journey takes about 50 minutes to reach Dunwich. It’s a great time to relax with a coffee or beer in the top-level café. Driving off the ferry at Dunwich, the first thing you will notice is that there are no traffic lights. Instead, there are just 22 kilometres of sealed roads connecting the three centres of Dunwich, Amity Point and Point Lookout.

Stradbroke Ferries also offers a 30-minute passenger taxi, which is useful when you are meeting friends already on the island.  The ferry links with the local Stradbroke Island bus service, and there are also transfer services available to take you to your destination.

 Saltwater Murris Quandamooka Art Gallery. Photo: Kerry Heaney

This Stradbroke Island day trip begins in Dunwich

It’s tempting to just hit the road and speed off to your accommodation at Point Lookout, leaving Dunwich behind, but that would be a mistake.  There is much to explore in the island’s main centre, including the paintings at Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Aboriginal Art Gallery in Ballow Road, a contemporary visual arts and craft centre and the Island Gallery, where you’ll enjoy a great view of the water.

Artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins interprets her family’s stories of life on Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) through textiles, ceramics and jewellery. You will find her stunning works at Made on Minjerribah in Stradbroke Place. Would you like to know more about local artists?  Follow this self-guided Stradbroke Island Art Trail .

Look for the big trees near the jetty to find the Dunwich swimming enclosure.  It is perfect for a quick ocean dip on a high tide before you board the barge home.   Brown Lake, 3.5 kilometres out of Dunwich, is another favourite swimming spot with barbecue and picnic facilities. The rainwater in this perched lake is coloured by native tea trees. Stop for French pastries, New York-style bagels and awesome pizzas at CJs Pizza in Dunwich.  They have the best on the island.

​North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum.

A bit of history

Home to the Quandamooka people for centuries as a seasonal visiting place and tribal land,  Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island has been the site of European settlements for the past 180 years.  First used as a military depot and convict outstation, it was a later a Catholic mission, a quarantine station and benevolent asylum. You can explore the island’s fascinating history at the North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum in Welsby Street, housed in original and replica Benevolent Asylum buildings. Take a wander through the graveyard where 8500 people are buried in unmarked graves.

 Freshly shucked oysters are a Straddie treat.

Off to Amity Point

Just out of Dunwich on the bush-lined road to Amity Point, you’ll find Myora Springs.  A favoured camping place for generations of Indigenous people, the freshwater spring has large middens on its banks. It takes about 20 minutes on this Stradbroke Island day trip to drive the 18 curvy kilometres via East Coast Road and Beehive Road between Dunwich and the relaxed seaside village of Amity Point. Stop for lunch at Sealevel 21 at Amity in Ballow Road or Bo Beans Coffee (many say this is the best coffee on the island).

Then, take a dip in the shark-safe swimming enclosure on high tide. Look for wild dolphins around the jetty at 4 pm daily.

 Amity is the centre for the island’s fishing community. Stock up here on local prawns, crabs, oysters, bugs and fish at Rufus King Seafoods on Sovereign Road, During the oyster season from September to February, pick up freshly shucked shellfish from Diabla Oysters in Kawana Street.  What’s a Straddie day trip without a seafood feast?

Sealevel 21 at Amity.

Watch the whales at Point Lookout

From Amity Point, it is another easy 20-minute Stradbroke Island day trip drive (18-kilometres) via East Coast Road and Dickson Way to Point Lookout. Point Lookout’s gentle 15-minute North Gorge Walk is a top whale watching spot in the season from late May to early November. It could be the highlight of your Straddie day trip. Locals say to buy a gelato and eat it while walking around the headland.

On a good day, you might spot 12 whales in an hour or just enjoy seeing the kangaroos which have made Headland Park their home. Continue your whale spotting from Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel Bistro on Dickson Way ,  and take in the views out to Shag Rock. For breakfast or a light lunch with sea views, try The Blue Room.

Next door, The Prawn Shack on Mintee Street has fresh local mackerel and seafood. The Sunday market at Stradbroke Bowls Club is where local artisans sell their wares during school holidays. It is also a wonderful place to pick up local honey, freshly shucked oysters or the day’s catch from the sea. There are plenty of beaches to explore near Point Lookout when it is time for a swim. Home Beach has an off-leash area for dogs, and north-facing Cylinder Beach is the place to swim when a southerly wind blows.  The Bowls Club also has a thriving night-time restaurant which is open most days and very popular with locals.

The beach at South Gorge is not patrolled, but is easy swimming when a northerly wind is blowing. Point Lookout’s Main Beach is where the real surfing action happens, especially when there is an easterly wind.

Going off-road

Beach driving and camping is a popular Straddie day trip activity, especially for fishermen when the mullet is running from May to August. Only 4WD vehicles are permitted on Flinders Beach and Main Beach with entry at marked access points. Just remember, you can’t drive on the beach for one hour and 15 minutes on either side of high tide. A Vehicle Access Permit for beach driving can be obtained from Minjerribah Camping .

Turn your Straddie day trip into an overnight stay

You’ll need somewhere to stay on your Stradbroke Island day trip. The island offers a mix of accommodation, including resorts, holiday house rentals and camping, mostly at Amity Point and Point Lookout.  Explore the options or try Stradbroke Island glamping .

During the peak holiday periods, Stradbroke Island businesses, cafes and restaurants usually open every day.  During quieter times, many small businesses close on Monday and Tuesday, so be sure to check the opening hours if you are travelling off-peak.

For more information on Stradbroke Island, visit stradbrokeisland.com

More to explore

•  Try one of these glamping tents after you have worked your way through these 10 things to do on Straddie .
• Come back for the Straddie Oyster Festival .
• Try these nine top Queensland road trips .

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18 Comments

One of the best local places to view the whale trail from land. Good tip Belinda!

Here’s another coincidence Patsy – I have that book too!

There’s nothing better than catching a whale cruising up their superhighway from the Point Lookout lookout!!

What a beautiful slice of paradise is our Straddie. I have only been once, a few years back with a couple of girlfriends & our daughters, (all Straddie-virgins!) What a fun weekend we had at WhaleWatcher resort, where we didn’t see any whales (wrong time of year I guess) but such a beautiful view. The water was stunningly clean & clear, a perfect temperature to swim in the roley poley waves & then a relax on the beach for a bit of vitamin D. I picked up a cookbook while there, to which my husband just rolled his eyes. He knows I can’t go anywhere without visiting a book store, second-hand book shop or library. I love my coffee-table book which is a trove of info on the island & it’s history, including an informative piece on the Quandamooka people, a nod to the indigenous people who’ve inhabited this island since time immemorial. My favourite recipe would be the Grilled Moreton Bay Bugs, but I need to get back there to buy some of Straddie’s beautiful, fresh bugs to make it! And guess what the books called Kerry?… Eat, Drink and be Straddie.!! Huh, coincidence, or what?

I hope you mean ‘never fail to please’ Anita! Straddie Brewing Beer is a great tip.

You are in the running Krista.

I bet you have some great Straddie sunrise photos Margot.

You can feel the stress evaporating on Straddie – so relaxing there.

What a great way to show off the region. Good tip Karl!

Bingo with the kids sounds like so much fun. Bowls Clubs are the best.

That’s a great tip Clare and so good that it is dog friendly too.

People always forget about The Little Ship Club at Dunwich. This place is like the land time forgot. They have great meals, fresh prawns and 1982 drink prices with a million dollar view ! Best in the afternoon to watch the sunset. There is a huge grassy area with tables and they often have live music. It is also dog friendly so you can take your pooch for a beer or a glass of bubbles and take in those last bay and sunset views before you come back to the mainland. A must on the way to the Barge home !

Thanks Kerry…always love reading your delightful road-tripping stories! Straddie is the perfect place to unwind. Our top tips include taking the family down to Point Lookout Bowls Club for a great night of bingo or trivia and dinner (it’s surprising how competitive the kids get…always a lot of laughs to be had). Following the morning at the beach, stop by Oceanic Gelato for the best gelato or coffee. And if you are passionate about design make sure you stroll around the back streets of the island…you will enjoy seeing many fantastic architect-designed beach homes, plus some older mid-century beach shacks (highly likely you will also spot the odd koala and wallaby which is a treat for everyone). Happy holidays!

Being a Brisbane local, I always take friends I’ve met from overseas trips to Minjerribah/Straddie! It’s nearly always a day trip as they are nearly in a hurry to see ‘everything in Aus.’ I tell them just to pack their togs and be prepared to explore, as we have a big day. Leave lunch to me. I secretly pack ingredients for a picnic into my backpack, wine (Granite Belt of course), and everything I’ll need for a seafood picnic (except for the seafood – you can get that on straddie!). After building up a hunger looking around Point Lookout, seeing turtles, eagles, kangaroos, lizards, whales, dolphins, rays, you name it, and going for a swim at a surf beach, we find a picnic spot (can’t tell you where). I get the seafood. The seafood is nearly always the best-tasting, freshest, biggest prawns my guests have ever seen, and the local oysters are always a treat. The wine, miraculously, always comes out of nowhere, and it’s always very appreciated! And we just sit there basking in the incredible nature, having an amazing picnic with an amazing view. And then afterwards, we trace the coast around to the Stradbroke Island Hotel for beers until the last bus comes around. It’s such a simple day but I always get told its among the best things travelling friends have experienced in Australia. It’s a special place.

Straddie is always an adventure and brings me a smile ; we go there to chill. fish, and enjoy the relaxed lifestyle

North Straddie has the most easily accessible island near Brisbane. Many ferries, loads of wildlife and oodles of places to eat. I especially love the deep clear water, sand dunes and kangaroos everywhere. Sunrise and sunsets have always been winners for me.

Gotta be in it to win it. Please count us in for the Free Ferry Ride comp.

Kerry, your blogs never fail to disappoint with handy tips and facts of things to do and find! We love Straddle for the magical combination of pristine beaches, Australia’s best wildlife on display and spectacular views at every corner. Keen to go over and try the new Straddle Brewing beer and we’ve never been to Diabla Oysters, so that will be on the itinerary for our next trip.

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The Globewanderin

A Travel Blog

Australia , Destinations · 10. April 2021

A Day Trip to North Stradbroke Island, Queensland

North Stradbroke Island, or Straddie as the locals call it is the second-largest sand island in the world. It is located right off the coast of Brisbane and a real hidden gem. North Stradbroke Island has vast wildlife, an incredible landscape and a very picturesque coast. If you are looking for a relaxing and fun day trip Straddie should be on your list! I find Straddie to be one of the most beautiful places in Queensland and perfect for a day trip. During winter you have great chances to spot whales! A day trip to North Stradbroke Island is easy and on a budget , so get your swimmers ready and make your way to paradise. Keep reading if you want to know how to get there, how to get around and what to do on North Stradbroke Island.

Table of Contents

Quick Tips North Stradbroke Island

How to get to North Stradbroke Island

North Stradbroke Island is accessible via ferry. The ferry departs at Cleveland which is part of the Bay area. It’s possible to travel to the ferry wharf by public transport or car.

Public Transport

The Cleveland line train takes about 1 hour from Brisbane Central. Stations include Central, Roma Street and South Bank. To see all stations and the train timetable click here . To get the cheapest fare, you can get a go card which you need to tap on and off. You can purchase it at train stations and read more about it here .

After arriving at Cleveland Station, you need to change to bus 258 which goes once per hour. It will bring you right to the ferry terminal and matches the ferry times. It allows you about 15 minutes bo purchase your ticket at the terminal.

The ferry terminal is a 30-minute drive from Brisbane and has parking available. There is also some free parking on surrounding streets. If you drive, you also have the option to bring your vehicle to the island. While this makes your day trip to North Stradbroke Island more easy and flexible, it costs about 80 dollars per vehicle (the price changes depending on the time). Don’t worry if you only want to drive to the ferry terminal though, there is a bus company on North Stradbroke Island driving to major tourist spots.

There are two different ferries – the passenger ferry and the vehicle ferry. the water taxi is a passenger ferry and takes 25 minutes to get to North Stradbroke Island. The Stradbroke Flyer ferry is the passenger ferry. You can get tickets at the ticket office at the terminal. They are 20 AUD return for adults. You can find the timetable here .

The vehicle ferry takes you to North Stradbroke Island in 45 minutes and can be pre-booked for about 80 AUD per vehicle. You can find the timetable here .

How to get around on a day trip to North Stradbroke Island

North Stradbroke Island has its own bus company that offers day tickets for 10 AUD. Make sure to bring cash for the bus, The bus meets the ferry schedule and picks passengers up from the ferry terminal. Buses go to Point Lookout and Amity Point and stop at some stops in between. To return to the ferry terminal, the bus also meets the return ferry. Busses on major routes go every hour. Some buses only go a few times a day. You can find the bus timetable here . It is very important to plan ahead for a day trip as you need to plan when you need to be at the bus stops.

If you bring your car, you have more freedom and you can visit some places that are only accessible via car, such as Brown Lake. There is also the option to 4wd on North Stradbroke Island.

If you don’t want to bring a car but you want to be more flexible with times, you can also book a taxi service on the island. You can also pre-arrange a pick-up. Contact info can be found here .

What to do on a day trip to North Stradbroke Island

A day trip to North Stradbroke island brings you to so many incredible places, beaches and offers a day full of stunning experiences. If you are travelling by public transport I would suggest heading to Point Lookout and skip the rest of the island if you don’t want to get a taxi. The area offers a lot of pretty beaches and heaps to see. If you want to get to Amenity Point, you really have to plan ahead and catch the right bus at the right time.

I personally was too scared to miss the last bus and I rather wanted to spend more time exploring Point Lookout. The best way to spend your day on North Stradbroke Island is to catch the bus to Point Lookout and go from there. If you have enough time left, you can book a taxi after and go to Brown Lake or Amity Point.

Point Lookout

Point Lookout is a great place to start your Day Trip. There are cute cafes, shops, the North Gorge Walk, whale watching and stunning beaches that you can visit from there. Point Lookout is located above Main Beach and Frenchman’s Beach and a great place to stop for lunch or a little break.

The North Gorge Walk is the highlight at Point Lookout and an absolute must-do on your visit to North Stradbroke Island. You’ll get stunning views from Point Lookout of long sandy beaches and beautiful rocky landscapes. Point Lookout is definitely one of the most instagrammable places around Brisbane, if not the whole of Queensland.

Main Beach is more than 30 km long and a popular swimming and surf beach. It is patrolled and offers campsites. You can drive at the beach with your four-wheel drive after getting a vehicle access permit. The bus will drop you off really close to Main Beach. You just have to walk a few minutes and you’ll see the long sandy stretch that reaches to the south of the island. Main Beach is on one side of the Gorge and visible from the beginning of the North Gorge Walk. I would recommend not to spend too much time there if you visit North Stradbroke island just for the day, as there are so many beautiful things on the walk.

North Gorge Walk

The North Gorge Walk was my favourite thing on the island and is probably one of the most beautiful things to do in the Brisbane area. It’s a 1.5 km walk going past beautiful beaches, rocky cliffs of the Gorge, beautiful coastal views and wildlife. Allow enough time to really enjoy the walk, to do some stops and to take photos! If you’re lucky you might spot whales, dolphins or sea turtles on your walk.

At the cliffs, you can see the waves crash against the cliffs and you can spot some blowholes. It’s incredible scenery and there are many viewing platforms from where you can observe this spectacle.

It was an extremely windy day, so the water was wild. Usually, the water has a stunning colour and the most beautiful shades of blue.

The picture below shows the place where you can spot whales. You’ll probably see many people looking through their binoculars to spot the beautiful creatures. However, you can definitely see them without. We were lucky and got the chance to see a whale (Yaaay!).

Frenchmans Bay

The North Gorge Walk is a circular trail and brings you back to Point Lookout. There is a little grass area where you can sit and enjoy the views of Frenchmans Bay.

Frenchmans Beach is another long golden beach that got its name from four French-speaking men who landed on this beach and settled. Some descendants still live on the island! Frenchmans Baech is not suitable for swimming as its hazardous and rip-dominated. However, it’s a really pretty beach and worth a visit. Moreover, you can start a stunning walk to Cylinder Bay from there. To access Frenchmans Beach, facing the ocean, you need to walk to the left along the main road (where the shops and the grass area are) of Point Lookout for a bit. On the right, you can see a signed steep walking track. Just follow that and you’ll get down to Frenchmans Bay.

At the end of Frenchmans Beach and in between Frenchmans and Deadmans Beach there is a really pretty rocky landscape. You can walk along the beach to get to Deadmans Beach. However, you have to walk over the rocks which is a little hard.

Deadmans Beach

Deadmans Beach is a 600m long, beautiful beach. You can either walk along the rocks or access it via a walking track from the car park on Cylinder Head. This is not a patrolled beach, so be extra cautious if you go into the water! On Deadmans Beach you can also find stunning rockpools, they are located in between Frenchmans and Deadmans Beach.

Cylinder Beach

Cylinder Beach is the most popular swimming beach on Stradbroke island and shouldn’t be missed on a day trip to North Stradbroke Island. You can either access it by walking along the beach from Deadmans Beach or from the car park. If you don’t want to walk along the beach or you travel Stradbroke Island via public transport you can walk from the Gorge Walk straight to Cylinder Beach in about 40 minutes or just take the bus. Cylinder Beach is a patrolled beach and has safe swimming conditions. If you want to stay longer on Stradbroke Island, there is also a camping area at Cylinder Beach.

Amity Point Jetty

I didn’t get the chance to visit Amity Point but if you plan your day trip really well or you have a car, you can visit Amity Point during a day trip to North Stradbroke Island. At Amity Point Jetty you can see wild dolphins almost every day during sunset or at night. It is never guaranteed but you might be lucky and spot the beautiful animals playing right at the jetty. Please don’t feed the dolphins as it’s not good for their lifestyle and health.

Another famous spot that you can visit on a day trip to North Stradbroke Island is Brown Lake. Unfortunately, it’s not accessible via public transport. If you want to visit Brown Lake, you need a car or prebook a taxi that will pick you up at a certain time. Brown Lake is a natural freshwater lake that has its colour from tea trees. It’s a popular swimming spot and offers picnic facilities.

This is my guide for a day trip to North Stradbroke Island. Have you been there? Let me know if you liked it or if you have any questions in the comments!

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Away With Maja

How to visit north stradbroke island (without a car).

North Stradbroke Island – nicknamed Straddie – is a popular getaway due to its proximity to Brisbane in Queensland. It’s a short ferry over from Cleveland, and full of incredible beaches, coastline, and wildlife. It’s also an East Coast island trip you can definitely do without a car! While having your own set of wheels will give you SO much more freedom (particularly with accommodation, camping, and some sights), it’s still possible to visit Straddie using public transport. Here’s my guide for a two-day trip to North Stradbroke Island in Australia without a car!

How to Get to North Stradbroke Island

If you’re traveling from Brisbane, you’ll need to get yourself to Cleveland – this is where the SeaLink ferry departs for Straddie. The nearest airport is Brisbane airport; I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. You can take a train from Brisbane to Cleveland station, and then Bus #258 to the ferry terminal. I drove to the ferry terminal in Cleveland and left my car in the free parking without any issue. Bringing a car over onto Straddie is really pricey (nearly $200 more!), so I chose to go as a foot passenger and use public transportation on the island. The SeaLink ferry only costs about $20 return as a foot passenger! Bus tickets on North Stradbroke Island are $5 one-way or $10 for an unlimited day ticket. You can pay the driver with cash or card. Check the bus timetables here – screenshot it for later!

Where to Stay on North Stradbroke Island

If you don’t have a car, you likely won’t be able to access the beach campsites around the island. If you’re after cheap accommodation, I recommend staying at YHA Manta Lodge in Point Lookout. This hostel has a huge kitchen and common area, and shares the space with the diving center. The staff were super friendly and while my 6-bed dorm room was on the small side, I had everything I needed for my one-night stay. They have private rooms, too. I’d stay here again!

Day 1 on North Stradbroke Island

You’ll arrive on North Stradbroke Island at the ferry terminal in Dunwich. I recommend getting Bus #880 from Dunwich to the last bus stop at Point Lookout (my bus ticket cost $5).

Walk the North Gorge Walk

One of my favorite things on North Stradbroke Island was doing the North Gorge Walk. You can make a quick detour down to see Main Beach, but then head along the boardwalk to enjoy the coastal views. The walk isn’t long or hard. The trail is just over 1 mile, and took me 40 minutes to complete with a LOT of photo stops (including setting up my tripod).

Have Lunch in Point Lookout

There are a few places to eat at Point Lookout. Loaves at the Point is a popular spot – with very affordable avocado on toast! – and treat yourself to Oceanic Gelati afterwards. My ice cream here was perfect on a warm sunny day.

Walk Past Frenchman’s Bay and Deadman’s Beach

Follow the road and footpaths past Frenchman’s Bay, and soak up the beautiful coastal views. This really is a beautiful place to explore! If you’re visiting in the right season, stop at the whale watching platform – you might get lucky and see some gentle giants on their migration up the coast. Then head towards Deadman’s Beach, a gorgeous stretch of sand. Unfortunately, neither Frenchman’s Bay or Deadman’s Beach are noted as safe for swimming. But if you’re just wanting to relax and sunbathe, Deadman’s Beach is a great pick!

Swim at Cylinder Beach

Cylinder Beach is the only place on Straddie that is safe for swimming – they have lifeguards here, always swim between the flags. The beach is really long, so even if there’s a lot of people it won’t feel crowded. I spent a few hours here reading my book and relaxing in the sun; it was total perfection.

Catch the Sunset From Adder Rock

Head back along the beach to Adder Rock (conveniently located just a few minutes away from YHA Manta Lodge ). Head over the rocks and settle in for a magnificent show! This is the perfect spot to watch the sunset – I felt so at peace watching the sun drop down below the horizon.

Dinner on Day 1

If you’re staying at YHA Manta Lodge and you don’t have a car, you’ll be a bit limited on food options. There’s a highly recommended Mexican restaurant, Oasis, which is within easy walking distance. There is also a gas station/roadhouse just next door, that does some hot food like burgers, chips, curries, etc. This is what I did for my dinner! You can also bring your own food and cook in the hostel kitchen – the kitchen is massive and has everything you might need.

Day 2 on North Stradbroke Island

Start your day early by taking the bus from YHA Manta Lodge to Amity Point. You’ll need to connect and change buses to get here. I recommend buying a day ticket ($10) for the buses, as you’ll need to take more than one bus!

Spot Koalas and Kangaroos at Cabarita Park

Cabarita Park is one of the best spots for seeing wildlife on Straddie. This was the first place I saw a koala in the wild during my time in Australia! There are some kangaroos around too, but definitely try to spot a koala. There are gorgeous views from the park over the water to Moreton Bay.

Refuel at Bo Beans Coffee

You might want to find some breakfast if you haven’t eaten already. Sealevel 21 is meant to be a good option, but they are only open from lunchtime, and unfortunately it was closed when I visited. Walk through Amity Point and stop at Bo Beans Coffee – they do excellent baked goodies to satisfy your sweet tooth! Bo Beans Coffee is located at Rufus King Seafoods.

Stroll along Minjerribah/Flinders Beach

While it’s easiest to access Minjerribah/Flinders Beach with a car, if you don’t mind a walk you can see the beach on foot. The beach really is massive – I had it pretty much all to myself for the morning! This is one of the popular camping areas (4WD only) on Straddie.

Head to Dunwich for Lunch

Make your way from the beach back into Amity Point, and take the bus to Dunwich. Again, you’ll need to connect and switch buses to get there. Learn about the history of the island at the North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum, and stop for a pint at Straddie Brewing. They have brewery tours on Saturdays, and also do food at the brewery. But there are other options in Dunwich for lunch, including a bakery, cafes, and a pizza place!

If you were really ambitious and are planning on catching a very late ferry, you could maybe walk to Brown Lake. However, it’s a bit of a ways to get to the lake from the bus stop. And a bit tricky to get yourself back to the ferry in time. I’m bummed I missed this, but also just didn’t have the time!

Planning Your Trip to North Stradbroke Island

You can see a lot on North Stradbroke Island without a car! Yes, you’ll be able to see a lot more with your own vehicle, but it’s definitely doable using the buses. Make sure you check the timetable for the buses in advance. There are two ferry companies that go from Cleveland to Dunwich, but SeaLink is the most popular of the two. You don’t need to book your foot passenger ticket in advance (online), but I think you can save $1 if you do. If you’re following this itinerary, and after budget accommodation that isn’t camping, I definitely recommend staying at YHA Manta Lodge . You can search for other accommodation options using the map below!

Straddie is an awesome destination, and very easily accessible from Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast. You can see incredible beaches and wildlife here! If you’re visiting the area and don’t have a car (or don’t want to pay to take your car on the ferry – I feel you!), use the bus system to get around the island. I hope this post helps planning a two-day adventure to North Stradbroke Island without a car!

Have you been to Straddie – with or without a vehicle?

You might also like my posts:

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How to Get a Work & Holiday Visa (WHV 462) for Australia in 2023

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All of my Australia posts !

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DAY TRIP TO NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND

By: Author Catrina

Posted on Last updated: May 2, 2023

Categories OCEANIA , QUEENSLAND

Thinking of making a day trip to North Stradbroke Island, or ‘Straddie’ as it is affectionately known by the locals?

With it’s crystal clear waters, abundance of wildlife and one of the best mainland spots in the world to see the humpback whales migrating, this is a little slice of paradise just 30 kilometres south-east of Brisbane .

Getting here needn’t be difficult or expensive, infact it is easy to enjoy North Stradbroke Island on a budget!

Read on to find out all you need to know about how to have a great day trip at North Stradbroke Island!

North Stradbroke Island – one of the hidden gems in Australia has so far managed to hide itself from the tourist radar. And the locals liked it this way. But that’s all about to change.

Places like this never stay a secret forever and Straddie has now made the decision to shift to relying completely on tourism after sand mining stopped at the end of 2019. And with good reason – this place is stunning!

About North Stradbroke Island

North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) is the world’s second largest sand island, after Fraser Island further north in Queensland.

It is home to a substantial amount of Aboriginal people known as the Quandamooka people, as well as many retired folk from the mainland. The locals are very friendly here and there is a nice laid-back atmosphere on the island.

Straddie is covered in beautiful white sand beaches and there are lots of coastal walks you can do, all of which offer fantastic views out to the ocean. 

You can also see lots of kangaroos just chilling on the grass! And don’t forget to look up – there’s lots of koalas in the trees too!

North Stradbroke Island makes for a great day trip and is perfect for couples, families, groups of friends or solo travellers.

A trip to North Stradbroke Island is a very easy and affordable day trip to make from Brisbane. But many are under the illusion that this will be an expensive day out.

I had previously thought so too, until I did some research and found out that the whole trip, transport included, can cost less than $40 if coming from Brisbane!

I did find it a little tricky to plan my day trip though as there wasn’t much information online, so I have put all the information you need to know here so you can plan your trip to Stradbroke Island stress-free!

How to get to North Stradbroke Island from Brisbane:

1. public transport.

Take the train from Brisbane (Central Station/Roma Street/South Bank) to Cleveland.

It is a slow train that takes almost 1 hour from the centre of Brisbane and stops at all stations between Brisbane and Cleveland, where the train terminates.  View the train timetable and all the stations the train stops at.

Check out the Google maps below, where I have marked the train route as it goes east of Brisbane, and you can check the nearest train station to where you will be staying.

For example, if you are staying in East Brisbane, there is no need to go into the centre of Brisbane to take the train.

Often you can get to one of the stations east of Brisbane, so you won’t be wasting time on unnecessary travel back and forth from the centre.

You can use a go-card/Translink on the train, just remember to tap in and tap out. Some zones in the train (usually the quiet carriages) have complimentary wifi to use (and it was really fast when I used it).

When you get to Cleveland station, as you exit you just need to turn right onto the main road, then walk to your right along Shore Street West (parallel to the train tracks).

You’ll see a bus stop – wait here for the 258 bus, it should arrive in about 10 minutes as the buses always match up with the train times and depart fairly regularly.

Tap in on the bus (but it is free), it takes you to the ferry point at Toondah Harbour in about 5 minutes.

If you want to walk, it is about 25 minutes walk, but I would just advise you to take the bus so you don’t miss the ferry (as the ferry comes once an hour), plus you’ll be walking a lot on the island anyway!

The bus drops you off right at the  passenger ferry terminal .

2. If driving yourself

The ferry terminus in Cleveland is about a 30 minute drive from Brisbane along the Old Cleveland Road. There is plenty parking at the ferry terminus to park your car ($15 a day to park) or park for free on one of the nearby streets.

Or you can even bring your vehicle across with you on the vehicle ferry if you wish. Note there are two different types of ferry: a passenger ferry and a vehicle ferry.

Taking a vehicle across does cost quite a lot though ($100 average one way, check the prices and timetable here ), so usually only camper vans do this.

Even people who live on North Stradbroke Island tend to just leave a car on the mainland and one on Straddie so they don’t have to pay to take their vehicle across!

If you are hiring a vehicle and plan to take it across on the ferry, check your insurance covers you to take it off the mainland.

If coming from the Gold Coast, drive north on Pacific Highway and take Cleveland Exit no. 30. It takes about 90 minutes to drive to Cleveland from The Gold Coast.

If using public transport, take the train from Surfers Paradise to Brisbane then follow the steps above. You can change at the Brisbane Transit Centre or at South Bank.

Sunshine Coast

If coming from the Sunshine Coast, head south on Gateway Motorway. You’ll go across the Gateway Toll Bridge (fares apply – you have 3 days to pay). Get off at exit 97 and turn left onto Old Cleveland Road.

Ferry to North Stradbroke Island

There are two types of ferry: the Stradbroke Ferries vehicle ferry and the water taxi ( passenger ferry ). The vehicle ferry takes 45 minutes and the passenger ferry takes 25 minutes.

There are also two different passenger ferry companies but it doesn’t matter which ferry you get on.

There is no need to buy a ticket beforehand, just board the ferry and the ticket person will come around once the ferry starts moving so you can purchase your ticket.

You can buy a single or return ticket. A return ticket costs $19 for adults, $16 for students, $11.50 for children and $9.50 for seniors.

If you buy a return ticket you must make sure to take the same ferry back again so take a note of the company and ask the ticket person which is the pier you will get off at on North Stradbroke Island.

If this will be too complicated, just buy a single then it doesn’t matter which jetty you get to on the way back as you’ll just buy a new ticket!

Dogs are permitted on the ferry so long as they have a muzzle and lead. Bicycles are also permitted.

The ferry is enclosed but it is a pleasant ride with nice views. There is a little kiosk onboard and a toilet too. Check out the passenger ferry timetable online . 

Flights to North Stradbroke Island

Note you cannot fly to North Stradbroke Island on a domestic flight. The nearest airport is Brisbane International, located 30km away on the mainland.

A couple of days after I visited Stradbroke Island I took a flight from Brisbane to New Zealand , in which we flew over North Stradbroke Island and the surrounding islands in Moreton Bay!

And let me say wow, flying over here was incredible – look at the shot I took from the plane!

There are some experiences where you can go in a fighter plane and fly to Straddie this way, however it is very expensive ($500) so is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Definitely not your average way to reach North Stradbroke Island!

Suggested itinerary:

Here is a simplified map of North Stradbroke Island (I took this photo on the ferry timetable sign) and the ferry ride from Cleveland so you can plan your day trip. As you can see, the ferry arrives into Dunwich.

Point Lookout is the most popular (and most beautiful) area to explore if you just have one day on North Stradbroke Island.

If you have more time you can also visit Amity Point – a laid-back fishing town that is perfect for snorkelling and fishing.

Bus on North Stradbroke Island

Take the bus from the ferry terminal at Dunwich up to Point Lookout. The bus is $5 single, or $10 return (must return back on the same day) and it accepts cash ONLY!

The bus times coincide with the ferry times so you’ll never have to be waiting long. As I mentioned before, there are two different passenger ferries and they arrive at different jettys on North Stradbroke Island.

So pay attention to which jetty you are on: Junner Street (the first stop) or One Mile Jetty (second stop).

Be sure to know the time of the last bus (6.10pm!) and don’t miss it if you’re not staying overnight!  Here is the North Stradbroke Island bus timetable .

The bus takes about half an hour (18km distance from Dunwich to Point Lookout) – get off at the last stop (Point Lookout). This is the most popular place on the island, although it won’t feel busy!

There are 8 stops in total and the driver will call out each one.

If you want to visit Amity Point you can get off at the Interchange stop (driver will call it out) and change bus. See the map and below timetable for details.

Point Lookout

When you arrive to Point Lookout (Mooloomba) you can do the North Gorge Walk – an easy walk less than 2km long that provides incredible views out to the Pacific Ocean.

However before you do the North Gorge Walk there are 2 places very close by that are definitely worth a stop off: one to see kangaroos (hopefully!) and one to see a gorgeous secluded beach!

Headland Park

Just as you get off the bus at Point Lookout though (the final stop), you’ll see a park infront of you called Headland Park before you start the North Gorge Walk.

Quite often there are kangaroos here so keep an eye out for them! The kangaroos seem pretty tame here, but don’t approach one if they have a baby joey in their pouch!

I didn’t see people feeding any, but you can get a few metres away from them to get a picture and they won’t get scared.

South Gorge Beach

If you go across the park, you’ll see some stairs you can go down. Follow the path and you’ll end up at South Gorge Beach  – a gorgeous secluded beach.

However please note this beach is NOT patrolled and the currents and rips here can get pretty strong!

Swimming is not advised as you can get pulled out to sea very easily and the waves crash against the rocks very hard.

As this beach is very secluded, if you come into trouble there might not be anyone to save you.

Instead, just enjoy the view from the headland and then head back on the path you came.

There will be more beaches to swim at later on during the day! 

North Gorge Walk

The North Gorge Walk is a popular walk with not only tourists but with locals too. You’ll see several people on this walk but it will never feel busy or crowded and there are plenty places to stop off.

The migration path of the humpback whales goes very close to Point Lookout. Infact here on the Gorge Walk is the closest point on Australian land that you will get to these humpback whales.

Not only that but here is actually one of the best places for land-based whale watching on the planet! 

From June to November is when the humpback whales make their annual migration, so make sure to stop and watch them if you’re here during this time!

Look out for the silver sign that shows you the best place to spot them. Often you can also see turtles, manta rays and dolphins too!

If you do want to get even closer to the whales you can do a boat trip (not from here though).

Popular places in Queensland are from Mooloolaba and Hervey Bay – 3 hours drive north.  

At the end of the North Gorge Walk you may bump into some more kangaroos again like I did! That takes you to the end of the walk – it is an easy walk and can be completed in as little as half an hour if you don’t stop off at all!

The path is well marked out and suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Frenchman’s Bay

Even though the North Gorge Walk is finished, carry along on the road to your right and enjoy the views down to Frenchman’s Bay.

You’ll then see a little walkway (with a blue sign saying ‘walkway to beach’) that will bring you to Frenchman’s Beach.

Frenchman’s Bay is a beautiful beach but do NOT swim here. Like South Gorge Beach it is not supervised and it is hard for emergency services to access in case of an emergency.

There are powerful dumping waves, under tow currents and strong rips pulling you out to sea which have previously resulted in serious injury and death.

It is really important when in Australia to always obey the signs displaying the beach report and swimming conditions signs. Only swim at patrolled beaches where the red and yellow flags are displayed.

And always swim between the flags. Also keep an eye out for jellyfish as there were several washed on the beach when I visited!

Walk along Frenchman’s Beach and it will bring you to Deadman’s Bay and the rock pools here. Continue for another couple of minutes and it will bring you to Cylinder Beach.

Cylinder Beach

Finally – somewhere you can swim! Enjoy time on Cylinder Beach and Home Beach – the next beach along. The beach is large enough that it is very easy to get parts to yourself. Note you can bring dogs on the beach here off-leash.

There are several cafes and restaurants to stop and have some food in along the way, as well as weekend markets. Just behind Cylinder Beach is a restaurant Manta Ray that has a chilled atmosphere.

Alternative Itineraries

If you have longer than one day on North Stradbroke Island check out these options:

You can visit the North Stradbroke Island Heritage Museum at Dunwich to learn all about the history of the island. Open 10-2 Tuesday – Saturday, and 11-3 on Sundays (closed Mondays).

Visit Amity Point to go snorkelling.

Driving on North Stradbroke Island

If you have your own transport (or want a taxi) you can explore more of the island: there are some incredible lakes on the island such as the Brown Lake (Bummel).

The roads are good on the island so a 4WD is not necessary, unlike on Fraser Island and Moreton Island where you must have a 4WD. This therefore makes Straddie the easiest and cheapest of the 3 sand islands to explore alone.

Be careful when driving, especially at sunset and sunrise as there are many native animals here.

Accommodation on North Stradbroke Island

Accommodation here on Straddie is quite pricey. There are several holiday units and rental homes you can rent on Booking.com , or if you fancy camping here are the Minjerribah camping options . 

If you want to camp it will certainly make things cheaper! There is the Home Beach Camping Ground just off Cylinder Beach where you can camp. It is right next to the beach and there is also the bus stop right opposite.

To take the bus back:

Instead of walking all the way back to the bus stop you got off at, you can get on the bus here at Home Beach. The bus stop is here  on Google maps – by the turning in for ‘Cellarbrations’ bottle shop.

Please make sure you know the time of the last bus! Also make sure you know which stop to get off at to get your ferry: Junner Street or One Mile Jetty (explained more below).

Taking the ferry back to the mainland

As mentioned earlier there are two different passenger ferries and two different piers so make sure you get on the right one if you have bought a return ticket.

Harold Walker Jetty at Junner Street is the furthest one (for Sealink and Stradbroke Ferries companies) and One Mile Jetty is the closest one. The jettys are one mile apart and if you miss your stop the bus will not take you back!

See the map below (taken from maps.me) to see the distance between the two jettys.

Also make sure you know the time of the last ferry! Although luckily both companies leave at the same time.

When you get back to the mainland wait at the same bus stop and the bus to take you back to Cleveland Train Station should arrive within 10 minutes. The train back to Brisbane will be in the direction of Shorncliffe

Like this post on Day Trip to North Stradbroke Island? Pin it!

Catrina is a Travel Writer and ex-Flight Attendant based in Sydney, Australia. She has visited 85 countries and lived in several – including Italy, Australia, United Arab Emirates and England. Her work has been featured in a variety of popular travel publications including Fodors, Escape, Australian Traveller and Bear Grylls, as well as several international aviation and travel companies. She only writes about places she has personally visited, and aims to give real, honest advice to help her readers.

Saturday 5th of November 2022

Thank you for posting this!!! So helpful to me to see the island in a day without a guide

Hi Alexis - oh I'm so glad it was helpful! I was the same, I wanted to explore at my own pace without a guide! Hope you had a lovely time at Straddie :D

Anna Sherchand

Solo Female Travel Blog

Experience Paradise: Day Trip to Stradbroke Island

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is a vibrant and bustling city located on the east coast of Australia. But just a short distance away from the city lies Stradbroke Island, a picturesque destination that is perfect for a day trip. Known for its stunning beaches, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, Stradbroke Island offers a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Stradbroke Island and North Stradbroke Island refer to the same island. It is often referred to as “Straddie” by locals and visitors alike. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about planning a day trip to Stradbroke Island, including how to get there, top things to do, dining and drinking options, and more.

• Day trip to Stradbroke island

How to Get to Stradbroke Island

A. public transport, b. private boat, c. helicopter, day trip to stradbroke island from brisbane:, day trip to stradbroke island from gold coast:, planning your day trip to stradbroke island, a. budgeting, c. packing list, d. additional tips, what to do on stradbroke island, nature and wildlife, point lookout, amity point, cultural attractions, dining and drinking on stradbroke island, local seafood and produce, best places for coffee, drinks, and cocktails, accommodation on stradbroke island, types of accommodation available, best places to stay, camping options, let me know in the comments:.

It is possible to get to Stradbroke Island using public transport. The most common way to get there is by taking a train or bus to Cleveland, which is located about 25 kilometers east of Brisbane. From Cleveland, you can catch a ferry to Stradbroke Island.

To get to Cleveland by train, you can catch the Cleveland line from Brisbane’s Central Station. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Brisbane to Cleveland. The 258 bus runs between Brisbane and Cleveland and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Once you arrive in Cleveland, you can catch a ferry from the Toondah Harbour Ferry Terminal to Dunwich on Stradbroke Island. The ferry ride takes around 45 minutes. From Dunwich, you can catch a bus or taxi to your accommodation or to other parts of the island.

It’s worth noting that public transport schedules may be limited on weekends and public holidays, so it’s important to check the timetable in advance. However, getting to Stradbroke Island by public transport is a cost-effective and convenient option, particularly for budget-conscious travelers.

There are several public boat ramps available on the island, as well as private marinas that offer boat hire services.

If you have your own boat, you can launch it at one of the public boat ramps on Stradbroke Island, such as the Amity Point boat ramp or the Dunwich boat ramp. From there, you can explore the island’s waterways and enjoy activities such as fishing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Alternatively, if you don’t have your own boat, you can hire one from a private marina on the mainland and make your own way to Stradbroke Island. It’s important to note that you’ll need a boat license to operate a private boat in Australian waters, and you should always check the weather conditions and tides before setting out on a boating trip.

Taking a private boat to Stradbroke Island can be a fun and adventurous way to explore the island, giving you the freedom to create your own itinerary and discover hidden coves and beaches that may be inaccessible by other means of transport.

There are several helicopter tour operators that offer scenic flights over the island, as well as helicopter transfers to and from the island.

A helicopter flight is a unique and exciting way to experience the beauty of Stradbroke Island from above. You’ll be able to take in stunning views of the island’s beaches, cliffs, and forests, and even spot some of the local wildlife from the air.

If you’re short on time or simply want to make a grand entrance, a helicopter transfer to Stradbroke Island can be a convenient and luxurious option. Some tour operators offer transfers from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, taking you directly to the island’s airport or helipad.

It’s important to note that a helicopter flight or transfer can be a more expensive option compared to other modes of transport, but the unique experience and stunning views make it worth considering for a special occasion or treat.

Driving is another popular way to get to Stradbroke Island, especially for those who prefer the flexibility and freedom of having their own vehicle on the island. Here’s what you need to know:

• Head southeast on the Pacific Motorway (M1) towards the Gold Coast.
• Take the exit towards Cleveland/Redland Bay Road.
• Turn right onto Cleveland-Redland Bay Road, then continue straight onto Rickertt Road.
• Turn left onto Boundary Road, then turn right onto Cleveland-Redland Bay Road.
• Continue on this road until you reach the ferry terminal at Toondah Harbour.
• Head north on the Pacific Motorway (M1) towards Brisbane.
• Take the exit towards Beenleigh/Redland Bay Road.
• Turn left onto Beenleigh-Redland Bay Road, then continue straight onto Mount Cotton Road.
• Turn right onto Cleveland-Redland Bay Road, then continue on this road until you reach the ferry terminal at Toondah Harbour.
• If you’re taking your car to Stradbroke Island, you’ll need to park it at the ferry terminal at Toondah Harbour. There is a large car park available, and parking fees apply.
• Once you arrive on the island, there are several car parks available at popular beaches and attractions. Some car parks are free, while others require a small fee.

No matter which mode of transportation you choose, the journey to Stradbroke Island is part of the experience. The stunning coastal views and scenic routes will leave you in awe. 

Before planning your day trip to Stradbroke Island, it’s important to consider your budget. Stradbroke Island ferry prices can vary depending on the time of year, so it’s a good idea to check the prices ahead of time. The website for purchasing tickets is https://stradbrokeferries.com.au/ . It’s recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid any last-minute hassle. Also, factor in the cost of food, drinks, and any activities you plan to do on the island.

Timing is also important when planning your day trip to Stradbroke Island. The ferry ride takes approximately 45 minutes, so be sure to factor that into your schedule. It’s also a good idea to check the ferry schedule ahead of time to ensure you don’t miss the last ferry back to the mainland.

When visiting Stradbroke Island, be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes. If you plan on swimming, don’t forget your swimsuit and a towel. It’s also a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Here are a few additional tips to make the most of your day trip to Stradbroke Island:

• Book any activities or tours ahead of time to ensure availability
• Respect the environment and local wildlife by following any signage or guidelines
• Bring cash as some businesses may not accept credit cards
• Consider bringing a waterproof backpack to carry your belongings while exploring the island

By following these tips, you can ensure a fun and stress-free day trip to Stradbroke Island.

Stradbroke Island, also known as Minjerribah, is a hidden gem located just off the coast of Brisbane. It’s a perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway, with a variety of activities to keep you entertained. Here are some of the top things to do on Stradbroke Island.

Stradbroke Island is home to some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Queensland. There are several beaches to choose from, each offering a unique experience. The natural beauty and peacefulness of the island will surely leave you mesmerized, no matter which beach you decide to visit. 

Here are some more details on some of the top beaches to visit on Stradbroke Island:

• Cylinder Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches on the island and for good reason. It offers beautiful views of crystal clear waters, as well as plenty of space to relax on the soft, white sand. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards, making it a safe spot for swimming, and there are also picnic areas and barbecues available for public use.
• Main Beach: Located at the northern end of the island, Main Beach is another popular choice for visitors. The beach is known for its long stretches of pristine sand, as well as its excellent surf conditions. If you’re looking to catch some waves, this is the spot to do it. There are also plenty of amenities nearby, including cafes, restaurants, and shops.
• Frenchman’s Beach: This secluded beach is located on the southern end of the island, and is a great spot for those looking to get away from the crowds. The beach is surrounded by rocky cliffs and offers stunning views of the ocean. It’s also a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, as there are plenty of reefs and underwater rock formations to explore.
• Deadman’s Beach: Despite its name, this beach is actually one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots on the island. It’s located on the eastern side of the island and offers spectacular views of the sunrise. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos and wallabies.

While indulging in beach activities, it is important to prioritize safety measures and show respect towards the environment and wildlife of the area.

Personally, I enjoy hiking before relaxing on the beach time. If you are like me, you will be pleased to know Stradbroke Island has many walking tracks and trails that are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. In fact, one of the most popular things to do on the island is to go on a scenic walk or hike and explore the natural beauty of the island.

Some of the most popular walking tracks on Stradbroke Island include the North Gorge Walk, the Flinders Beach Walk, and the Keyholes Loop Walk. These walks range from easy to moderate difficulty and offer visitors the chance to experience the island’s stunning scenery, from its sandy beaches and rugged cliffs to its lush forests and native wildlife.

For those who are interested in longer hikes, there are also several multi-day hiking trails on the island, such as the Straddie Great Walk. This 54-kilometer track takes hikers through the island’s most scenic locations and offers an immersive experience of the island’s natural beauty.

Whether you’re a casual walker or an experienced hiker, Stradbroke Island has a walking track or hiking trail that is perfect for you. So, don’t forget to bring your hiking boots on your next trip to Stradbroke Island!

Stradbroke Island is also known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The island is home to several nature reserves, including the famous North Gorge Walk, which offers stunning views of the coastline and the opportunity to spot dolphins, whales, and other marine life. You can also visit the Stradbroke Island Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see kangaroos, koalas, and other Australian wildlife up close.

There is no shortage of exciting activities to partake in during your visit to Stradbroke Island. Kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling are just a few of the water-based activities available on the island, allowing you to explore crystal-clear waters and its abundant marine life.

To get a comprehensive understanding of the island’s culture and history, you can opt for a guided tour that will take you to the most scenic locations and provide you with insightful commentary on the island’s past and present. If you’re seeking some adrenaline-pumping action, you can try sandboarding or embark on a thrilling 4WD tour to explore the island’s rugged terrain.

Point Lookout is a stunning coastal headland located on the eastern side of North Stradbroke Island. This picturesque destination is a must-visit for anyone exploring the island, as it offers some of the most spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.

Visitors can take a stroll along the boardwalk to the Point Lookout headland, which offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and is an excellent spot for whale watching ( humpback whales) during migration season. The area is also perfect for surfing, swimming, and other water-based activities, with several beaches nearby, including Main Beach and Cylinder Beach.

For those interested in exploring the local flora and fauna, Point Lookout is home to several walking tracks, including the Gorge Walk, which offers stunning views of the gorge and is an excellent location for spotting dolphins, turtles, and even sharks. The nearby North Gorge Walk is another popular track that offers breathtaking views of the ocean and is a great place for bird-watching.

Amity Point is a charming seaside village located on the western side of North Stradbroke Island. This popular destination is known for its calm waters, sandy beaches, and abundant wildlife, making it an excellent spot for visitors to relax and unwind.

The area is a perfect place for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and other water-based activities. It’s also an excellent location to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life. With plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops, visitors can enjoy a range of activities, making it a great place to spend a day or an entire weekend.

One of the most popular attractions in Amity Point is its picturesque jetty, which is an excellent spot for fishing and offers stunning views of Moreton Bay. Visitors can also take a stroll along the beach and explore the beautiful scenery of the area.

Stradbroke Island is steeped in history and culture, with a rich Aboriginal heritage that dates back thousands of years. You can visit the Minjerribah Cultural Centre, which showcases the island’s history, culture, and traditions through interactive exhibits and displays. You can also visit the Dunwich Cemetery, where you can pay your respects to the traditional owners of the land.

Stradbroke Island offers a range of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. From casual beachside cafes to fine dining restaurants, there is something for everyone. Some of the most popular dining options on the island include Fishes Cafe, Little Ship Club, and the Island Fruit Barn.

One of the highlights of dining on Stradbroke Island is the abundance of fresh, locally caught seafood and produce. You can indulge in delicious seafood dishes like fish and chips, oysters, and prawns, all sourced from the surrounding waters. The Island Fruit Barn also offers a range of locally grown fruits and vegetables, which are perfect for a healthy snack or picnic.

After a long day of exploring, there’s nothing better than relaxing with a good coffee or cocktail. Stradbroke Island has several great cafes and bars where you can enjoy a drink or two. The Island Vibe Cafe and Whale’s Way Restaurant are both popular choices for coffee and light bites, while the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel is the place to go for a refreshing beer or cocktail with a view.

If you’re planning a day trip to Stradbroke Island, you may not need to worry about accommodation. However, if you want to stay overnight or for a few days, there are several options available. You can choose from a range of accommodation types, including hotels, apartments, and holiday homes.

No matter which area you stay in Stradbroke Island, I recommend using booking.com and sorting with price, then consider the ones with highest reviews For tours, I recommend using get your guide and walking tours available in most places

Some of the best places to stay on the island include the Pandanus Palms Resort , the Allure Stradbroke Resort , and the Whale Watch Resort . Also, check out South Stra dbroke Island although I found only two accommodation providers, which might interest you.

For those who love camping, there are several options available on Stradbroke Island. The Adder Rock Camping Ground and the Amity Point Camping Ground both offer powered and unpowered sites for tents, caravans, and camper trailers. Just be sure to book well in advance, as these sites can fill up quickly during peak season.

Stradbroke Island is a paradise for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its pristine beaches, stunning natural scenery, and rich cultural heritage, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, be sure to make the most of your time on this beautiful island. With so much to see and do, you’ll never want to leave!

if you have any other questions on the day trip to Stradbroke island Melbourne to Daylesford Roadtrip Best day trips from Hobart, Tasmania Weekend in Brisbane Day trips from Perth Best places to visit in autumn in Australia Backpacking in Melbourne, Australia Digital nomad guide to Melbourne Sydney itinerary 5 days Best places to see autumn leaves in Adelaide Exploring Adelaide the best way All Adelaide travel blogs 10 hidden beaches and bays in Sydney 99% of readers found must see on the east coast of Australia helpful. Sydney bucketlist things Sydney itinerary for 5 days Secret Sydney walks Best places to take photos in Sydney Pros and cons of living in Australia where to stay in Sydney Hidden beaches and bays most instagrammable cafes in Sydney where to eat in Sydney most Instagrammable places in Sydney, Australia Most beautiful places in New Zealand North Island Check out the most beautiful places in New Zealand South Island Going to Vietnam after Australia? Check out the 7 days Hanoi travel guide. One month in Central America itinerary How about Colombia? Check out how to get from Medellin to guatape Check out where to stay in Medellin , Colombia Check hotel prices and book it through booking.com Read the most wanted  travel resource here. If you like this article, follow my adventures on Instagram ,  Facebook ,  YouTube , Twitter , and Pinterest , but most importantly sign up for my e-mail list to keep up with updates and travel posts!

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about the island

QUANDAMOOKA

OUR HISTORY 

ISLAND GUIDE

MARINE TURTLES

SPECIAL OFFERS

HEALTH & WELLBEING

REAL ESTATE

getting here

VEHICLE HIRE

GETTING AROUND

see & do

ARTS & CRAFTS

EDUCATIONAL TOURS

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

BEACHES & WATERWAYS

ATTRACTIONS

eat and drink

BAKERY & CAFES

RESTAURANTS & BARS

LOCAL PRODUCE

places to stay

RESORTS & HOTELS

HOTELS & B&BS

HOLIDAY RENTALS

EVENTS ON STRADDIE

CORPORATE FUNCTIONS

• Arts & Crafts

Attractions

• Beaches & Waterways
• Family Activities
• Educational Tours

Mattress Kleen

Duke & darling.

Take a look through her website and feel free to get in touch.

Amity Point Cricket Club

Come along and enjoy the relaxed environment while having a few drinks or something to eat.

Stradbroke Trail Riders Horse Club

A club who enjoys trail rides on the horses and ponies.

Point Lookout

Straddie is a wildlife wonderland. It is home to land mammals including wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas, koalas and bandicoots.

Whale Watching

North Stradbroke Island is the closest place to Brisbane where you can enjoy land based whale watching.

Paula Boo - Weaver/Fibre Artist

She first came to Australia as a backpacker from Canada in 1989 and since moving to Australia in the early 1990's, North Stradbroke Island has been her home.

Walking / Bush Walks

The Gorge Walk at Point Lookout is the most popular walk on Straddie. It is a 1.5 km gentle walk with stairs.

Terra Bulla Leumeah Tours

The tour will traverse the history of the Myora Mission, the Terra Bulla Bush Tucker Trail and the Myora Cemetery.

The geographical layout of Straddie's headlands and beaches can create great surf on a diverse range of wind and swell conditions.

Sunrise Yoga

Island yoga teachers Kat Ford, Jackie Harris and Lisa Iselin offer different styles of yoga to suit everybody.

Straddie Super Sports

A huge range of fishing rods, reels, tackle and bait.

Straddie Stand-Up Paddle

Stand up paddle lessons or hire on Straddie.

Straddie Kingfisher Tours

Enjoy our famous beach bbq for lunch, taking in all this Island Paradise has to offer.

Straddie Cycles

Straddie Cycles offers the only guided bike tours of North Stradbroke Island. The tours provide an intimate experience of the Island that is literally a breath of fresh air.

Straddie Adventures

North Stradbroke Island has plenty to offer the adventurous visitor of all ages. The tour business "Straddie Adventures", specialises in Bay Kayaking and Sand Boarding.

Shakas Adventure Tours

At Shakas Adventure Tours, we value true experience. We value real people, real experiences, local history, the natural environment and taking yourself outside your comfort zone.

Samadhi Flow Yoga with Kat Ford

Samadhi Flow Yoga is an organic blend of nature-inspired Vinyasa yoga, yogic breathing and intuitive movement.

Quandamooka Coast

A fully catered day cruise of traditional Yuggera & Quandamooka lands & waters accompanied by local Aboriginal guides.

North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum

The North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum aims to present North Stradbroke Island's history. It is a modest museum with fascinating exhibits.

Point Lookout Tennis Club

Two synthetic grass tennis courts available for hire, plus a new hitting wall. Bookings and keys available from The Straddie Roadhouse - call 3409 8838.

North Stradbroke Surf School

NSI Surf School encourages surfing on North Stradbroke Island by offering a variety of professionally delivered ''Learn to Surf" Safe Surfing programs.

Neembeeba - Blue Lake Lookout Walk

Neembeeba, means ‘to see’. The lookout track is 6km return, approximately 1.5–2.5 hours walking.

Naree Budjong Djara National Park

Naree Budjong Djara means ‘My Mother Earth’ to the Quandamooka people.

Lakes / Springs / Wetlands

North Stradbroke Island has an outstanding freshwater lake system that has been listed as one of the world’s most ecologically important wetlands.

Koala Sighting

Koalas are commonly sighted in the wild on Straddie, often in the townships.

Kangaroo & Wallaby Sighting

Kangaroos and wallabies can be seen around the island townships and close to roadways, so please drive carefully.

Kaboora - Blue Lake Walk

Karboora means ‘deep silent pool’. The track is 5.2 km return, approximately 1.5–2 hours walking.

The Gorge Walk at Point Lookout is a must for all visitors to the island. This gentle walk offers outstanding views across the ocean and is an ideal vantage point for spotting marine life such as turtles, dolphins and manta rays.

Cultural Experiences with Matt Burns

The rich Aboriginal history of North Stradbroke Island centres around Dunwich, home of the Quandamooka People.

Four Wheel Driving

Four wheel driving is allowed on Flinders Beach and Main Beach.

Plants which live on the exposed frontal dunes have to be salt tolerant and they generally hug the ground as a reaction to the incessant winds.

Beach fishing is very popular with visitors to the Island, particularly on Flinders Beach and Main Beach.

Dolphin Encounters

Dolphins are seen in Moreton Bay, they are regular visitors to the jetties at Amity Point and are seen enjoying the surf around Point Lookout most days.

North Stradbroke Island's surrounds are one of Australia’s premier underwater playgrounds.

North Stradbroke Island is a fantastic location to ride a bicycle and explore the diverse landscape.

Bird Watching

The vast and varied natural resources of the island, which include wetlands, bushland and freshwater lakes, have proved a haven for wildlife, particularly birds.

Beach Yoga Straddie

Beach Yoga is suitable for all ages as instruction is modified for health conditions.

Bob Minty Surfboards

Bob has been shaping boards for over 37 years, and stocks an extensive range of surfboards from high performance epoxy to mals.

Point Lookout Bowls Club

Point Lookout Bowls Club is a competitive lawn bowling club, but everyone is welcome to come and try barefoot lawn bowls on our top class greens.

Straddie 4WD Hire

Explore the Island at your own pace.

Latest Posts

Getaway Ideas

Camping Checklist & Guide To Camping On Stradbroke Island

Community News

Community Groups, Organisations & Clubs

Family Fun Day

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