Stradbroke Island Queensland - Travel Guide
Situated on Brisbane’s eastern doorstep, North Stradbroke Island (”Straddie” to the familiar) is one of Australia’s natrual treasures and a perfect escape destination. Something of a secret, it is only in recent years that Straddie has started to show up on the tourist and real-estate radar.
To travel to Straddie through the bayside village of Cleveland will take you approx. 50 minutes on the vehicle ferry. Cleveland is only a half-hour drive from Brisbane International Airport or Brisbane central, and one hour’s drive from the Gold Coast. The ferry ride across Moreton Bay is the first step that makes Stradbroke Island such a fantastic trip.
Stradbroke Island is 27,530 hectares, which makes 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 on foot, with many popular camp sites dotted all the way down Main Beach, and fabulous views are 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 towering jungle of the Gold Coast can be clearly visible, being a reminder of the stark contrast to the more relaxed lifestyle of Straddie.
North Stradbroke (or Minjerriba to the indigenous Noonuccal tribe) was the home of famous Aboriginal poet Kath Walker, or Oodgeroo Noonuccal. There is a lot of Aboriginal and European history in the area of Dunwich where the water taxis and vehicular barges land.
The 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 produces unpolluted water that sea-life, and particularly Stradbroke Rock Oysters thrive upon.
North Stradbroke attracts 4WDers, fishermen, surfies and beach-lovers to its expansive stretches of beach and rugged granite headlands, and the Island offers a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, cafes and holiday attractions. With a wonderful diversity of attractions available and spectacular areas to discover, North Stradbroke is a fabulous holiday destination 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 the main tourist hub, and only a thirty kilometre drive on a sealed road from Dunwich. The North Gorge Headland is 40m above sea level and recognised as a leading land-based whale watching site throughout winter, and world-class surfing and fishing throughout the year.
Point Lookout’s beautiful beaches and headlands are safe for swimming, surfing and fishing year round. Whales, dolphins, turtles and manta rays are regularly viewed from the spectacular North Gorge at the northern tip of the island. The island is 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 best features of the island is the fresh seafood available direct from local fishermen. Just look for the signs at Amity Point and Point Lookout which will direct you to their homes and the freshest, most delicious catch-of-the-day around. For those that would rather the work be done for them, Straddie’s restaurants and cafes all make use of this perfect island resource on the menu.
“The Point” offers several alfresco style cafes, a bakery, chemist, post office, newsagent, corner store and supermarket. The island also has a bus service linking the 3 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 drop in for a quick beer on your way back around -you may even bump into world ranked surfer and local Bede Durbidge! Stradbroke boasts what is perhaps the last truly old-school surf shop in the country, that makes it’s business 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 various 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/