Stradbroke Island Queensland - Travel Guide

Located on Brisbane’s eastern doorstep, North Stradbroke Island (’Straddie’ to the familiar) is one of Australia’s east coast natural treasures and a perfect escape destination. Somehow, the secret has been well kept and it is only in recent years that Straddie has begun to show up on the tourism and real-estate radar.

To travel to Straddie via the township of Cleveland will take you about fifty minutes on the vehicle ferry. Cleveland is a 30 minute drive from Brisbane International Airport and the centre of Brisbane, and one hour’s drive from the Gold Coast. The boat ride across Moreton Bay is the first step that makes visiting Stradbroke Island such a great destination.

Stradbroke Island is 27,530 hectares, making it the world’s second largest sand island. The elongated sand island shields much of the southern part of Moreton Bay and the smaller islands from the ocean swells. The beaches are able to be accessed by four-wheel drive, bicycle or tramping, with numerous good camp sites placed all the way down Main Beach, and wonderful views appear visible from almost everywhere on the island.

The 35 kilometres of white sandy beaches fringing the island’s eastern side runs from Point Lookout in the north to Jumpin Pin in the south. From the Point lookout headland, the concrete jungle of the Gold Coast is often clearly visible, being a constant reminder of the contrast to the slower pace of Straddie.

North Stradbroke (or Minjerriba to the indigenous Noonuccal tribe) was home to celebrated Aboriginal poet Kath Walker, or Oodgeroo Noonuccal. There is a lot of Aboriginal and European history surrounding Dunwich where the water taxis and barges berth.

The calm waters of Moreton Bay lap against the shores of the island’s western fishing towns. With a lack of agriculture and the filtering effects of the sand results in pure water that sea-life, and particularly Stradbroke Rock Oysters thrive in.

North Stradbroke attracts four-wheel drivers, fishers, surfers and beach-lovers to the wide stretches of accessible coast and rugged granite headlands, and the Island also has a range of accommodation, restaurants, cafes and holiday infrastructure. With a wonderful diversity of attractions available and stunningly beautiful areas to discover, North Stradbroke is a great holiday place for families, couples and adventure-seekers alike. The ideal way to see the Island is by Four Wheel Drive, but there are many stunning coastal walks and a mountain bike and whale watching map are an easier and more environmentally sound alternative.

Point Lookout is a popular tourist hub, only a thirty kilometre drive on a sealed road from Dunwich. The North Gorge Headland is 40 metres above sea level and recognised as a leading land-based whale watching area in from May-November, and world-class surfing and fishing throughout the year.

Point Lookout’s unspoilt beaches and headlands are safe for swimming, surfing and fishing all year round. Whales, dolphins, turtles and manta rays are regularly spotted from the spectacular North Gorge at the northern part of the island. The island has been listed as one of the world’s most ecologically important wetlands with several freshwater lakes, waterways and lagoons that are accessible by four-wheel drive or on a tour with one of Straddie’s friendly tour operators.

One of the greatest features on the island is being able to purchase fresh seafood directly from local fishermen. Just look for signs at Amity Point and Point Lookout to direct you to their homes and the freshest, most delicious catch-of-the-day around. For those that prefer the work be done for them, Straddie’s restaurants and cafes all make use of this wonderful island resource in their menus.

“The Point” offers several alfresco style cafes, a bakery, chemist, post office, newsagent, corner store and supermarket. The island also has a bus service which links the three towns to the ferries and water taxis.

North Stradbroke Island is the ultimate paradise for the many enthusiasts who visit each year. On a good day it’s possible to surf right past the pub, along the evocatively named Cylinders Beach, on waves that peel dreamily for hundreds of metres. Stick ten bucks in the back pocket of your boardies and you can drop in for a quick beer on your way back around -you may even bump into world ranked surfer and local Bede Durbidge! Straddie also boasts what is perhaps the last truly old-school surf shop in the country, that focusses on selling surfing equipment rather than fashion.

The jewels in Stradbroke’s crown is Point Lookout and the natural wonder of the North Gorge Walk, along with the surf, the choice of beaches, all sheltered in differing winds, the whale watching, and the spectacular coastal walk around the gorges. If you are looking for Stradbroke Island Accommodation, make sure you visit: http://www.discoverstradbroke.com.au/

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