Stradbroke Island Destination-Information Listings

North Stradbroke Island

Refreshing, relaxing, and simply beautiful, North Stradbroke Island, or "Straddie", as the locals call it, is one of Moreton Bay’s best loved getaway spots. The resident community, some 3,000 lucky people, will welcome you, and they’ll also expect you to look after this spectacular natural environment. (For your information, plastic bags are banned on the island, so any you bring with you, you’ll have to take away when you leave.) Located at the southern end of Moreton Bay, it is one of the largest sand islands in the world, and is a popular escape destination for couples, families, nature lovers and adventure-seekers. Stretches of white sandy beach line the island's ocean side making it ideal for swimming, surfing, and fishing, while the sheltered western edge offer a calm environment for those after a more relaxing experience. Straddie is the perfect destination for a four wheel drive or bush adventure. While there are paved roadways around the island, much of the hinterland, including the lakes, is only accessible by four wheel drive, and these areas are fascinating sanctuaries for local flora and fauna. Bring your own four wheel drive or book a tour with an experienced Straddie operator. Some also offer tagalong tours for less experienced four wheel drive enthusiastists. North Stradbroke Island is rich in Aboriginal and European historical sites. Visit the North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum at Dunwich for a fascinating history of the island. Eerily, the cemetery at Dunwich includes the graves of shipwreck and typhoid victims from the early 1800s. Aboriginal shell middens can be found throughout the island. You can also attend indigenous cultural and bush tucker talks organised by the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders. North Stradbroke Island can be accessed by ferry from Cleveland.

Point Lookout

Arguably one of the best land-based whale-watching sites in Australia, Point Lookout on beautiful North Stradbroke Island. Located just off the coast of Brisbane, the island is easy to access with a regular ferry service from mainland Cleveland. The stately migration of the Southern Humpback whale to warmer waters in the north is a true wonder of nature and can be enjoyed at Point Lookout during the months of winter. Dolphins, sea turtles and graceful manta rays are also frequent visitors to the crystal clear waters that surround Point Lookout and can be easily spied from several rocky outcrops. Get a little closer to the action with some snorkelling or a sea kayak adventure – both activities available on the island. With Point Lookout as your base you can embark on a surfing safari along one of Queensland’s best surfing beaches. The Point is also a great place to start on one of many nature walks around the island. The walk to North Gorge is a must with a picture-postcard scene around every corner. The walk leads you past North Gorge to Whale Rock. When the tide and sea conditions are right, air whistles through a blowhole in the rock giving the uncanny effect of a spouting whale. From camping to luxury apartments, Point Lookout has accommodation to suit every taste and budget. However dining at Point Lookout’s first-class eateries is strictly a casual affair, with most welcoming barefoot dining during the day. Don’t pack your dinner suit but do bring your tastebuds as many establishments serve succulent seafood straight from the fisherman to you.

South Stradbroke Island

South Stradbroke Island is a sand island near Southport on the Gold Coast. In fact, South Stradbroke is only 200 metres from the northern end of the Spit, making the island easily accessible for day trips. South Stradbroke Island is largely undeveloped, and its main activities focus on enjoying the outdoors: surfing, bushwalking, swimming and canoeing. It is this aspect of ‘South Straddie’, as the locals fondly call it, that offers a welcome diversion from the city lifestyle. There's an abundance of native wildlife to explore, as well as hiking, rock climbing and ocean fishing. Ferry services operate to South Stradbroke Island from Runaway Bay Marina, a 20 minute drive north of Surfers Paradise. A seaplane from Marina Mirage can also be used to visit the island; and there are resort accommodation options.