Within the Brisbane region there are dozens of places to go and things to see.
North Stradbroke Island, or "Straddie" as it’s known to locals, is one of the world’s largest sand islands and it’s right on Brisbane’s doorstep. From the eastern side of the island you can see and hear the pounding surf, while the western side enjoys the calm waters of Moreton Bay.
Travel time:
Straddie is 30 kilometres southeast of Brisbane city and is accessible by vehicular ferry or catamaran.
The ferries leave for Stradbroke Island leave from Cleveland.
Travel options:
It is also possible to get to Stradbroke Island using public transport.
All townships on the island are linked by bitumen roads. A 4WD is required for driving on beaches and inland tracks. A permit is required and is available from Stradbroke Tourism.
For ferry times and prices:
Tours
Tour operators operate on North Stradbroke Island. If you aren’t keen on finding your way use the search form on this page to look for tours.
Highlights:
Dunwich
First stop off the ferry is Dunwich where you’ll find the information centre (in Junner Street). For anyone with a ghostly interest in the past, take a look at Dunwich cemetery. It is Queensland’s second oldest cemetery with graves dating from 1847 and it overlooks Moreton Bay.
Point Lookout
Visit Australia’s most easterly point, Point Lookout. The nearby North Gorge Headlands walk is a spectacular experience. Ironically, the walk starts from behind the public toilet block in Mooloomba Road (formerly East Coast Road). The gravel path around the main Point Lookout cliffs has steps and the walk is not suitable for wheelchairs, strollers etc. It takes about 30 minutes.
Dolphins, dugongs, turtles and more
During June to November you should be able to see humpback whales out at sea. At any time of the year, dolphins are common and the sea is home to dugongs, sharks and turtles.
Stunning lakes of North Stradbroke
There are two stunning lakes on North Stradbroke - Brown Lake and Blue Lake.
Brown Lake is 4 km east of Dunwich. It can be reached via a short (1.2km) loose, corrugated, gravel road that conventional cars can use. Brown Lake is perfect for swimming and the water is coloured by the lake’s peaty bottom.
Blue Lake is in Blue Lake National Park. It is 4km further down the bitumen road from Brown Lake. Vehicles must be left in the carpark at the entrance and there is a 4.2km round trip walking track. The sandy track means that it is not suitable for wheelchairs and stollers and it should take at least 30 minutes to reach the lake.
Sun, sand and surf
There are many adventure options on the island - sand boarding, SCUBA diving, surfing and sea kayaking. For those less adventurous, Straddie offers beautiful pristine beaches such as the gorgeous Cylinder beach on Stradbroke Island.
Accommodation:
There is a huge range of accommodation on the island. Everything from campsites on the beach to architect-designed holiday houses.
Stradbroke Camping - for enquiries and bookings (which are essential).
Phone: 1300 551 253.
More information:
Stradbroke Island Tourist Information Centre
Interesting facts
Point Lookout was named by Captain Cook in 1770. It was a warning to mariners. The island’s Aboriginal name is Minjerribah.
Until recently, North and South Stradbroke Islands were joined. But in 1895 a violent storm separated them and created the Jumpinpin passage.
Tell us your favourite place on Straddie.
