North Stradbroke Island, also known as Straddie or its traditional aboriginal name which is Minjerribah is a fantastic place to come for a few days or a few weeks to enjoy the natural beauty of the island.
Stradbroke Island is the world’s second largest sand island, being 38 kilometres long and 11 kilometres wide and is located only 30 kilometres southeast of Brisbane.
Your days on North Stradbroke Island holidays can be filled with swimming in the clear waters, exploring inland lakes, wildlife spotting or chilling back at one of the Stradbroke Island restaurants and cafes.
In this post we will cover of on everything you need to know for a trip to Straddie, including how to get there on the Stradbroke Island Ferry, tips for North Stradbroke Island Accommodation as well as Stradbroke Island camping and things to do.
Tangalooma Resort on Moreton Island is also another great family destination – click here to read our guide on Tangalooma Island Resort.
Page Contents
- 1 Things to do on North Stradbroke Island
- 1.1 Fishing
- 1.2 Whale Watching
- 1.3 Swim in Brown Lake
- 1.4 Visit Blue Lake
- 1.5 Goompi Trail
- 1.6 Salt Water Murri Gallery
- 1.7 Historical Cemetery
- 1.8 North Gorge Walk
- 1.9 Surfing
- 1.10 4WD DIY or Tour
- 1.11 Wildlife Spotting
- 1.12 Golf
- 1.13 Lawn Bowls
- 1.14 Kayaking & Canoeing
- 1.15 Swim in the Ocean
- 1.16 Markets
- 1.17 North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum
- 1.18 Build Sandcastles on the Beach
- 1.19 Sandboarding
- 1.20 Hunt for Crabs and Sea Snails
- 1.21 Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
- 1.22 Stand Up Paddle Boarding
- 2 North Stradbroke Island Accommodation
- 3 Download our FREE Printable Packing Checklist!!
- 4 We will email you a link to your FREE packing checklist.
- 5 How to get to Stradbroke Island – Stradbroke Island Ferry
- 6 Getting Around North Stradbroke Island
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Things to do on North Stradbroke Island
Fishing
Many people come to North Stradbroke island to fish. Beach fishing is popular from Flinders Beach and Main Beach, whilst the Rainbow Channel off shore from Amity Point makes it ideal for deep water fishing from the beach or jetty. There are also 2 public boat ramps from Amity Point and One Mile, Dunwich for launching boats.
Whale Watching
Between late May to early November, you can easily spot humpback whales from the land around Point Lookout and along the North Gorge Walk. Other places you may be able to spot them include Frenchman’s Beach and Cylinder Beach.
Swim in Brown Lake
Swim in Brown Lake or Lake Bummiera. This lake is a gorgeous lake perfect for families with little ones and an ideal spot for a picnic or BBQ lunch.
Brown Lake Stradbroke Island is only a few kilometres from Dunwich.
Visit Blue Lake
To reach Blue Lake, or Karboora you will need to walk the 5.2 km return circuit through the woodlands which takes approximately 2hours. Around the lake you can spot a variety of birds including honeyeaters, lorikeets, grebes and ducks.
Karboora (Blue Lake Stradbroke Island) is a place of significant cultural value to the Quandamooka people and so swimming in the lake is not permitted.
Goompi Trail
The Goompi Trail is an hour long guided walk along the foreshore of Dunwich where you will learn about Aboriginal artefacts, traditional hunting methods, bush tucker and more.
If you love beach holidays – have you considered Caloundra? Caloundra is only 1 hour north of Brisbane and is a fantastic location for a family holiday. Check out our Caloundra guide here.
Salt Water Murri Gallery
Located in Dunwich you can check out local Aboriginal art at the Salt Water Murri Gallery.
Historical Cemetery
For history buffs you may enjoy wandering around the historical cemetery at Dunwich where you can find graves dating back to 1847. There are over 8500 unmarked graves from the inmates from the Dunwich Benevolent Asylum as well as graves from the typhus epidemic in 1850.
North Gorge Walk
Everyone coming to North Stradbroke Island must check out the North Gorge Walk.
This is an easy 1.5 km walk providing spectacular views from the rocky outcrops across the Pacific Ocean. From the designated walk ways, you can easily spot dolphins, turtles and manta rays as well as whales during the months of June to November. Along the path you most likely will see kangaroos grazing as well.
The walk commences at Point Lookout opposite Fish Café and takes around 1 hour at a slow leisurely pace. The walk can be strenuous at times due to steep stairs, but for the most part it is an easy walk and suitable for all fitness levels and ages. There are parts of the walk that allow you to walk out on the rocks along the cliffs, provided you keep a safe distance from the edge this is safe enough, however keep a close eye on younger children.
At the end of the walk there is toilets and a small playground. On a hot day reward yourself with some delicious ice cream from the Oceanic Gelati Bar which is located in the small group of shops at Point Lookout.
Surfing
Popular surfing spots on North Stradbroke Island include Main Beach and Cylinder Beach. If you are new to surfing but want to give it a go you can hook up with the North Stradbroke Island Surf School.
4WD DIY or Tour
If you have your own permit you can take your 4WD on the designated beach and bush tracks. Alternatively, you can join half and full day tours with Straddie King Fisher Tours. As well as getting you off road in a 4WD a tour will take you to some of the best parts of the island and so is ideal if you don’t have your own transport.
Heading to Brisbane? Get our full Brisbane Guide here.
Wildlife Spotting
North Stradbroke Island is a great place for spotting animals in the wild – both on land and in the ocean.
From the shore at Amity Point you can see dolphins and pelicans, whilst around the Amity Point camp grounds you can see koalas and ducks.
Around the North Gorge walk you can spot manta rays, dolphins, turtles and whales in the ocean whilst on the land you will see kangaroos.
For even better wild life spotting, bring along a pair of good quality binoculars.
Golf
Golf lovers can play a round of golf at North Stradbroke Island Golf Club or take the family for a game of putt putt.
Lawn Bowls
Visitors can come and play bare foot bowls as well has have a few drinks and lunch or dinner at the Point Lookout Bowls Club.
Kayaking & Canoeing
Either bring your own kayak, hire one or join a kayaking tour and explore the crystal-clear waters of Moreton Bay. You can spot marine life such as fish, turtles, stingrays, starfish and dolphins.
Both Straddie Kingfisher Tours and Straddie Adventure provide various kayaking tours from $60 per adult and $45 per child.
Swim in the Ocean
There are numerous different beaches to chose from on North Stradbroke Island such as Amity Point, Flinders Beach, Clyinder Beach, Deadman Beach and Main Beach just to name a few.
During our recent trip to North Stradbroke Island we swam in both Amity Point and Cylinder Beach – both ideal for families. Amity Point is completely flat whereas Cylinder Beach has soft waves and also at low tide it has 2 lagoons which are fantastic for kids to swim in.
Markets
Every second Sunday from 8 am to midday the Point Lookout Markets are held where you can purchase arts and crafts as well as local produce. The markets are located at the Point Lookout Community Hall on East Coast Road.
North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum
Explore the various displays about the Quandamooka people, convict history, shipwrecks and maritime history.
The museum is located in Dunwich and is open daily.
Build Sandcastles on the Beach
Of course what family beach destination holiday is complete without building sand castles on the beach. As well as sandcastles we spent time digging massive big holes, beach walls, burying each other as well as creating mermaid tails.
Sandboarding
Have a go at sandboarding down Straddie’s giant sand dunes. Straddie Adventures or Straddie King Fisher Tours will supply you with everything you need as well as help you master all the techniques. Prices start at $35 per adult and $30 per child.
Hunt for Crabs and Sea Snails
The rock wall at our camp at Amity Point, is home to numerous crabs and sea snails. The kids (including Andy) were fascinated with watching these little guys dart in and out of the rocks as well as catching a few for a closer look.
The rocks are of course can be dangerous and it is a good idea to ensure everyone has shoes on when climbing over them as one little guy in our group cut his foot quite badly on the rocks.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
You can dive or snorkel among the rays and turtles off Point Lookout with Manta Lodge and scuba centre. Snorkelling starts at $90 per person and diving from $140 per person.
If you want to do your own snorkelling popular spots are the Rock Walls at Amity, the reefs at Deadman’s Beach, Point Lookout and South Gorge, Point Lookout.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
There is plenty of calm water around North Stradbroke which is ideal for stand up paddle boarding. Whether you bring your own, hire one of join a lesson you will love exploring Moreton Bay’s clear waters as well as spotting various marine life.
Straddie Stand Up Paddle offers lessons and on occasion hires out equipment from Flinders Beach.
North Stradbroke Island Accommodation
There is a range of North Stradbroke accommodation options from hotels, resorts, holiday rentals, B & B’s and camping. You will find Straddie accommodation available in the 3 different townships being Dunwich, Point Lookout and Amity Point.
Point Lookout Accommodation
Point Lookout is where you will find most of the Stradbroke Island accommodation. The area is a popular choice for its surf beaches, land based whale watching, stunning views from the North Gorge walk, shops and restaurants.
Point Lookout is a large area and encompasses various smaller areas such as Adder Rock, Home Beach, Cylinder Beach, Deadman’s Beach, Frenchman’s Bay and Main Beach.
My pick out of all the beaches for families is Cylinder Beach. I love when the tide is out how it creates two seperate lagoon type pools which are perfect for small children.
Hotels & Resorts
Anchorage on Straddie Beachfront Island Resort
- Located along Home Beach, this Stradbroke Island resort is absolute beachfront and only a short walk to the Bowls Club and shops as well as 30 minutes to the shops at Point Lookout Headland;
- Room options include self contained studios, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom apartments;
- Resort facilities include a swimming pool, restaurant, sauna, BBQs.
- At the time of publishing the cheapest rate was on Booking.com for $190 per night; and
Allure Stradbroke Resort
- This is a 2 bedroom apartment located a short walk from Cylinder Beach, the Bowls Club, restaurants and 30 minutes’ walk from the Point Lookout Headland;
- The apartment is self-contained and includes 1 double bed and 2 singles;
- The resort facilities include swimming pool and BBQs;
- At the time of publishing the cheapest rate was on Expedia for $230 per night; and
- Check here for availability and the best price for the Allure Stradbroke Resort.
The Islander Holiday Resort 
- This is a 1 bedroom apartment located a short walk from Cylinder Beach, the Bowls Club, restaurants and 30 minutes’ walk from the Point Lookout Headland;
- The apartment is self-contained and includes 1 double bed and 2 singles;
- This Stradbroke Island resort’s facilities include swimming pool and tennis court;
- At the time of publishing the cheapest rate was on Booking.com for $175 per night; and
North Stradbroke Island Holiday Houses – Point Lookout
Cylinder Cove Apartments
- Located on the very family friendly Cylinder beach this is a massive apartment with sea views;
- The apartment has 3 bedrooms sleeping 6 people with 1 x double and 2 x 2 single beds;
- 83% of people on Booking.com have rated this apartment as either superb or good;
- At the time of publishing the cheapest rate was on Booking.com for $248 per night; and
Check here for various other holiday rentals in Point Lookout. You can also check out Airbnb for private holiday rentals. If you are new to Airbnb click here to receive a $50 AUD off your first booking.
Straddie Camping – Point Lookout
There are 4 different camp grounds within Point Lookout being Adder Rock, Home Beach, Cylinder Beach and Main Beach.
Adder Rock Camping Ground
- The camp grounds include powered and unpowered tent sites and van sites as well as Glamping Tents and cabins;
- Site facilities include BBQ facilities, sinks, toilets, showers, picnic tables, laundry and playgrounds; and
- Close by is a general store, Manta Lodge Scuba Centre and the Point Lookout Bowls Club.
Click here for more information about camping at Adder Rock or to make a booking.
Home Beach Camping Ground
- The camp grounds include powered and unpowered tent and van sites;
- Site facilities include BBQ facilities, toilets, showers, picnic tables and laundry; and
- Close by is a general store, cafes and the Point Lookout Bowls Club.
Click here for more information about camping at Home Beach or to make a booking.
Cylinder Beach Camping Ground
- Cylinder Beach is a fantastic beach for those wanting a little more than calm waters but still gentle waves perfect for the kids. This beach is great for boogie boards, kayaks and stand up paddle boards, this is a wonderful spot for North Stradbroke Island camping;
- The camp grounds include powered van sites and unpowered tent sites;
- Site facilities includes BBQ facilities, picnic tables, toilets, showers, laundry and playgrounds; and
- Close by are cafes, shops, Point Lookout restaurants and the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel.
Click here for more information about camping at Cylinder Beach or to make a booking.
Main Beach Camping Ground
- This camp site is located at the southern end of Main Beach Stradbroke Island, which is located along the eastern side of the island. This is an ideal location for those wanting to surf or beach fish. Access is only by 4WD and so a permit is required and the beach is dog friendly.
- All camp sites are unpowered and there are no facilities. Campers can purchase an access pass for $10 per night per camp site to use the facilities at Adder Rock campsite.
Amity Point Accommodation
Amity Point is a small seaside village with calm water and great place for dolphins and pelican spotting. This is an ideal spot for families as it is relatively quiet and the calm waters are perfect for kids to swim in.
The township of Amity Point includes a general store, newsagent, café, seafood store, playground, and sports club all within walking distance of each other.
Click here for our full guide on staying at Amity Point.
Hotels & Resorts
Sea Shanties – North Stradbroke Island Cabins
- These Amity Point waterfront cabins are situated directly on the water;
- Families will enjoy seeing wildlife such as dolphins, koalas on a daily basis from the Amity Point cabins;
- These Straddie bungalows include sea views, patio, a kitchette, fridge, microwave, 2 single beds and 1 double bed;
- There are only 7 newly renovated self-contained cabins on site and there is a shared external kitchen which you can use and pets are welcome;
- Within walking distance from the cabins are a general store, newsagent, café, seafood store, playground, and sports club;
- At the time of publishing the cheapest rate for these North Stradbroke island cabins was on Booking.com for $185 per night; and
Stradbroke Island Holiday Rentals – Amity Point
For Stradbroke Island holiday rentals in Amity Point, check out websites such as Stayz or local rental companies like Straddie Sales & Rentals. You can also check out Airbnb Stradbroke Island for private holiday rentals. If you are new to Airbnb click here to receive a $50 AUD off your first booking.
Amity Point Camping
- Located on the calm waters of Moreton Bay, Amity Point is ideal for families, particularly families with small children. Guests regularly spot various wildlife around the grounds including dolphins, pelicans, crabs, ducks and koalas. Amity Point is perfect for those wanting to kayak, stand up paddle boarding or fish.
- The camp grounds include unpowered and powered tent sites and van sites, cabins and eco shacks. A great spot for those after a North Stradbroke Island caravan park
- This Amity Point caravan park facilities include BBQ facilities, sinks, toilets, showers, picnic tables, laundry and playgrounds.
- Within walking distance from this North Stradbroke camping spot is a general store, newsagent, café, seafood store, playground, and sports club.
We stayed at Amity Point camp grounds during our recent visit and can highly recommend it. I would recommend getting a camp site in front of the beach area. My other recommendation is to ensure you bring and wear lots of bug spray. The sand flies are fierce here and if you are like me and prone to being eaten you will definitely need to a good quality repellent.
Click here for more information about camping at Amity Point or to make a booking.
Flinders Beach Camping Ground
- The Flinders beach camping ground is located within the sand dunes directly on Flinders Beach – which means it is only accessible by 4WD and a 4WD permit is required. This is also a dog friendly camp site and is perfect for those wanting an isolated North Straddie camping experience;
- All camp sites are unpowered and the only facilities are a few toilets at a few access points. Campers can purchase an access pass for $10 per night per camp site to use the facilities at Adder Rock campsite.
Click here for more information about camping at Flinders Beach or to make a booking.
Dunwich
Dunwich is the gateway to the island by ferry or water taxi and has a range of cafes, shops and services including 2 mini supermarkets, butcher and baker.
Stradbroke Island Holiday Rentals – Dunwich
There isn’t a North Stradbroke island hotel in Dunwich, the main accommodation option is the camp grounds. However you can check out websites such as Stayz or local rental companies like Straddie Sales & Rentals. You can also check out Airbnb Stradbroke Island for private holiday rentals. If you are new to Airbnb click here to receive a $50 AUD off your first booking.
Dunwich Camping
Adams Beach
- This camp site is located within walking distance from the ferry terminal and the main streets of Dunwich. This camp site is ideal for fishermen and their families;
- The camp grounds include both powered and unpowered tent and van sites;
- Camp facilities includes modern facilities; and
- Adams Beach is close to Dunwich Cemetery, Little Ship Club, North Stradbroke Island Museum and Aboriginal Art Galleries, RSL and golf course.
Click here for more information about camping at Adams Beach or to make a booking.
Bradbury’s Beach
- This camp site is located within walking distance from the ferry terminal, on the opposite side to Adams Beach Camp ground, and nearby the main streets of Dunwich. This camp site is ideal for fishermen and their families;
- The camp grounds include both powered and unpowered tent and van sites;
- Site facilities include BBQ facilities, toilets, showers and laundry; and
- Adams Beach is close to Dunwich Cemetery, Little Ship Club, North Stradbroke Island Museum and Aboriginal Art Galleries, RSL and golf course.
Click here for more information about camping at Bradbury’s Beach or to make a booking.
How to get to Stradbroke Island – Stradbroke Island Ferry
From Brisbane to Stradbroke Island, you will need to go via the vehicle ferry or water taxi. as there is no road from the mainland to North Stradbroke Island.
Stradbroke Island Barge
The Stradbroke Island car ferry departs from Toondah Harbour which is located in Middle Street, Cleveland. Prices for the North Stradbroke Island ferry start at $60 per vehicle one way. Vehicles over 6 metres long and trailers cost extra.
You are required to arrive at least 20 minutes before your departure time for check in. Once you are on the Straddie barge and on your way you are free to move around the barge. There is a café on board selling drinks and snacks. The trip takes around 45 minutes each way.
There are 12 North Stradbroke ferry departure times from both Cleveland and Dunwich each day with additional services on Fridays and Sundays.
Departures on the Straddie Ferry book out fast and so it is highly recommended that you book your ferry as soon as you make your accommodation booking. Check the Stradbroke Island ferry timetable and make your booking here.
It is also possible to go on the vehicle ferry without a car. A return ticket is $16 per adult or $10 per child.
Stradbroke Island Water Taxi
There are two water taxis – SeaLink or Stradbroke Flyer.
SeaLink operate from 3 Emmett Drive Cleveland and arrives on the island at the Harold Walker Jetty in Dunwich. There are around 14 services daily with the trip time taking 25 minutes – see the timetable here. One way tickets are $10 per adult and $5 per child. There is no need to make advance bookings.
The Stradbroke Flyer departs from the end of Middle Street, Cleveland and travels to One Mile Jetty at Dunwich. There is a free shuttle from the Cleveland train Station and the Cleveland’s Central Shopping District to each departure. There are around 14 services daily with the trip time taking 25 minutes – see the timetable here. One way tickets are $10 per adult and $5 per child. There is no need to make advance bookings.
Getting Around North Stradbroke Island
North Stradbroke Island is a fairly large island and so the easiest way to get around Island is by car. If you intend to go off road along the beach or on some of the bush tracks you will require a 4WD and a 4WD permit. 4WDs are only permitted Flinders Beach and Main Beach at the designated access points. Permits are $45.25 for an annual pass. Purchase your 4WD permit here.
If you don’t have a car it is possible to get around the island by bus. The local bus meets the water taxi service and goes to Dunwich, Amity Point and then Point Look Out. Check the current timetable here.
Other options of getting around include taxi or cycling.
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Hopefully you found our guide on North Stradbroke Island helpful. You can find more suggestions for weekends away from Brisbane here. Or even more things to do on Stradbroke Island here.
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