Brisbane Day Trips North Stradbroke Island

Brisbane – Queensland - Australia

Is Straddie Island a budget destination?

Before I answer that, your first question might be as follows:

Is North Stradbroke Island a day trip destination?

It sure is! But is it a worthy destination for a weekend, a long weekend or even a week? Hold your thoughts. I’ll get to that in a mo’.

Beautiful views of the Coral Sea from North Stradbroke Island

About North Stradbroke Island

Locals love calling North Stradbroke Island by the shortened ‘Straddie’ colloquial name. It is one of the many islands that lie within Moreton Bay, approximately 30 kilometres southeast of Brisbane, on the eastern edge of Queensland, in Australia.

Straddie is also called Minjerribah named by the Quandamooka people (people of the bay). Apparently Minjerribah means place of many mosquitoes.

Most of the island is undeveloped and has a rich indigenous culture confirmed by archaeological evidence dating back to at least 21,000 years ago. Because much of the island is uncultivated, it has an abundant diversity of wildlife. Just because most of the island is undeveloped, it does not mean it doesn’t have infrastructure. More about that later.

So to answer the first question - Is Straddie Island a budget destination?...Uhm… yes and no. That’s no answer, you might mutter. Just give me a sec to explain. It depends on how you want to experience North Stradbroke Island.

Views of the North Gorge coastal walk

Did you know:

Originally there was only one Stradbroke Island, but in 1896 it split into North Stradbroke Island and South Stradbroke Island, separated by Jumpinpin Channel.

Jetty at Dunwich

Without further ado, let me answer a few questions:

A.      Should you visit North Stradbroke Island?

A popular day trip, weekender or holiday destination close to Brisbane, Straddie is worth a visit for young and old, whether you want to relax or spend some time in nature. There are a few other activities you might be interested in which I will elaborate on later.

Waves on Cylinder beach

B.      How long do you need on North Stradbroke Island?

A day trip is an excellent opportunity to get a taste of the laid-back vibe of Straddie. However it is large enough to enjoy a stay for 2 to 3 days or even a week. 

C.      How do you get to North Stradbroke Island?

Unless you have your own boat, there are two different types of ferries to get to North Stradbroke Island. As a walk on passenger you can use the water taxi. If you are taking a vehicle across to the island you can only use the vehicle ferry.

We used Sealink’s water taxi that was fast and comfortable.

The passenger ferries are recommended for walk on passengers (although welcome onboard vehicle ferries) as they are faster and more comfortable. They are also as scheduled to meet most trains at Cleveland and buses on Straddie.

Sealink ferries

D.      Can you get around North Stradbroke without a car?

There are numerous ways to get around the island without a vehicle. Walking, cycling, riding a scooter or using the bus service are the most popular methods.

Buses run regularly between the ferry terminals at Dunwich and One Mile Jetty to Amity Point and Point Lookout 7 days a week with numerous stops along popular major beaches and tourist destinations.

Jetty and ferry at Dunwich

E.       Do you need a 4x4 to get around Straddie?

Although it is not essential to have a 4x4 (4WD) it will give you more accessibility to certain parts of the island. You will be able to drive on the 4WD tracks and if you like camping, you will have access to beach camping. Please note that Vehicle Access Permits are required for driving on designated bush tracks and beaches. Purchase them online or at Straddie Camping offices on the island.

The route the public bus follows is tarred (paved or asphalt).

F.       How long is the ferry ride from Brisbane to North Stradbroke Island?

If you choose to take the passenger only ferry it should take you 25 minutes from the mainland to the island. If you take the car ferry it takes about 45 to 50 minutes.

G.      Where do you catch the ferry to get to North Stradbroke Island?

The ferry terminal is situated in Cleveland (Redland City) and not in Brisbane itself. There are regular bus and train services from Brisbane to Cleveland.

One of the entrances to North Gorge Walk

H.      Is North Stradbroke Island a budget destination?

Although Straddie is doable on a budget, I would not classify it as a inexpensive destination. Our first visit to North Stradbroke Island was a day trip and done on a budget. We took the passenger ferry, used bus transport and walked.

This restricted us to a certain extent as we had to rely on the times the bus was available, but we still found plenty to do.

Taking a vehicle on the ferry, however, is costly. A one-way fare for a standard car is $98.00. Therefore to get your vehicle on and off the island will be close to $200. Naturally this gives you more flexibility and opportunity to get around.

To travel on the ferry as a passenger only, the return fare costs $21.

A daily fare for the bus costs $10 for adults and $5. for children aged 6-12. With this one can hop on and off the bus throughout the day.

These prices are valid at the time of writing.

Steep steps on one side to get to Cylinder Beach

I.         How do you spend a day on Stradbroke Island?

How we did Stradbroke Island

We visited in August – a clear but windy day, cool in the morning with strong gusts at Point Lookout. Ours was a budget friendly trip.

We drove to Cleveland and parked our vehicle at a designated parking area. As passengers only, we boarded Sealink’s water taxi which took about 25 minutes. (We prebooked our tickets online)

At Dunwich we disembarked and caught the public bus as we stepped off the ferry. We paid the bus driver for our daily bus ticket with Apple Pay linked to our debit card. A credit card or cash is also accepted. Unfortunately, go cards are not recognised. The daily bus ticket allows unlimited travel for the entire day, on the day of issue.

The bus stopped en route at various stops until we reached our destination at Point Lookout, the furthest bus stop on the island.

Point Lookout Village

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Point Lookout Village

We walked or caught the bus between various beaches or areas that we wanted to explore. Along the way we indulged in ice cream at Oceanic Gelati & Coffee Bar, ate seafood from Perry’s Seafood and sampled local beer from Straddie Brewing Co.

We walked the North Gorge Walk at Point Lookout, through coastal forest and took a lashing from the wind. Gorgeous views, with a boardwalk over rocky sections and deep gorges. At one point saw whales and turtles swimming in the gorge.

North Gorge Walk at Point Lookout - a glimpse of the sea through coastal forest

View of Main Beach from North Gorge Walk at Point Lookout

Where the turtles swm

Turtles swimming in the gorge

A tiny black speck of a whale blowing to the left of the picture

The whale is there, I promise - a tad more to the middle

North Gorge Walk

We spent some time on Cylinder beach then returned to Dunwich.

Cylinder Beach looking gorgeous!

Cook’s Seat at Point Lookout

Late afternoon we returned to Cleveland via the passenger ferry.

Frenchmans Beach

How you can do Stradbroke Island.

You can follow our example and use a similar itinerary or you can indulge in other activities. If you would prefer to bring a vehicle to the island you can visit other areas at your leisure.

Surfing at Cylinder Beach

Activities

• Swim at Cylinder Beach, the most popular swimming beach on the island.

• Spot koalas (and kangaroos) at Amity Point, Point Lookout or many other places. They are often visible early morning or late afternoon.

• Snorkel at Amity Point along a rock wall.

• Scuba dive at numerous dive sites, some natural as well as artificial.

• Wind your way through bush and on a boardwalk on foot, along the coastline at North Gorge Walk. The walk of 1.5 kilometres is of moderate difficulty and includes some steps but there are benches along the way to rest at. We saw turtles and whales. If you are lucky you may even see manta rays. The walk should take about 45 minutes.

• Listen out for a water spout that mimics a whale on the North Gorge Walk. At certain sea and tidal conditions a giant blow-hole mimics the sound of a whale.

• Quench your thirst at Straddie Brewing Co. Situated in Dunwich (Gumpi), it has a beautiful view over Moreton Bay. Take note that the brewery is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

• If surfing is your thing, you’ll find many spots to catch a wave at Main Beach, Frenchmans Beach or Cylinder Beach. Hot tip: Do check the conditions with the locals.

• For the fishing enthusiasts try to hook a trevally, a whiting or a bream.

• If you have a 4x4 (4WD) have an adventure while driving on numerous tracks and camp on the beaches. Do remember that you need a 4WD permit to drive on the beaches and bush tracks.

• Take a dip in the inland Brown Lake, surrounded by tea trees which gives the clean and clear water a brown tinge. Soothing on your skin.

• Visit Blue Lake, a still and silent oasis with spiritual significance to the Quandamooka people. No swimming is allowed.

• Need a few more suggestions? Bushwalking, bird watching, kayaking, sailing or boating are just a few more to add to your list.

Gorgeous view and delicious drinks at Straddie Brewing Co - Could be great for sunsets too!

Spending a day on Straddie is not enough in your mind? Lengthen your day trip by booking accommodation for a night or two. Be sure to check out your options here.

More details about Straddie Island

The main developed areas of North Stradbroke Island is Dunwich, Amity Point and Point Lookout. Keep in mind this is only a small portion of the island. My guess is about a quarter of the island.

Did you know?

North Stradbroke Island is the world’s second largest sand island (after Fraser Island). Along many other natural claims to fame.

Dunwich Township

The historical town of Dunwich is the gateway to the island. The ferries and water taxis drop off vehicles and passengers here. There are two jetties: Harold Walker Jetty for passengers and vehicles and One Mile Jetty for passengers only.

There are cafes, shops, a museum, a historical cemetery as well as the Salt Water Quandamooka Aboriginal art gallery.

Dunwich is also close to Brown Lake and Blue Lake.

Amity Point

A small seaside village overlooking Moreton Bay, Amity Point is a small seaside village with campgrounds. Although the waters are calm, the Rainbow Channel has strong tidal currents just off the beach so it is advisable to swim in the enclosure as the beach is unpatrolled.

Point Lookout

The main holiday hub of North Stradbroke Island, Point Lookout gives off a real island vibe. Looking south you will see the long Main beach. Access to this beach is only by means of a 4X4.

North Gorge walk at Point Lookout will give you an opportunity to see some magnificent views of the Coral Sea. You might even spot a few whales, some turtles and a ray or two. If you are there early enough in the morning or late afternoon you may even see some kangaroos or koalas.

Point Lookout (Mulumba) also has a few retail shops, restaurants and holiday accommodation.

Cylinder Beach

The most popular swimming beach on North Stradbroke Island is Cylinder Beach. North facing, it is about 500 metres long and is situated between Cylinder Head and the hotel headland. There is a picnic and camping area, although maintenance work was being done when we were there.

Did you know:

In 1770 Lieutenant James Cook sailed along the Eastern Australian coast on the HMS Endeavour. He named Point Lookout, Cape Moreton and Moreton Bay.

Coral Sea

Top tips about North Stradbroke Island:

1.       Whilst the Coral Sea is beautiful it can also be treacherous. Some of the beaches are unpatrolled. Surf can be rough on the east side of the island so pick your swimming and surf spots carefully or swim within the patrolled areas.

2.       Straddie is an island, which equals island style living. Do check whether restaurants, bars, activities etc are open or available all the time. You might find some are closed because the surf is good or there is a lack of clientele.

3.       Weekends and holidays are popular. Book in advance if you are needing accommodation.

4.       Hire a scooter for the day or half day. They are great if you can ride a scooter. Weigh up the options whether it is worth bringing a vehicle across.

5.       Although walking is popular on North Stradbroke Island, it is advisable to use the bus from Dunwich or One Mile Jetty to Point Lookout as they are approximately 20 km apart.

6.       Depending on your activities, Straddie can be a year-round destination. Summer means beach days but winter could be the better option for hiking and other interests.

I trust this blog will assist you with your planning. If you have any suggestions, do let me know.

Did you know:

On 14th May 1943 Centaur, the Australian Hospital Ship was en route from Sydney to Cairns when she was sunk without warning by a torpedo from a Japanese submarine south of Moreton Island, which is north of North Stradbroke Island. Only 64 of the 332 people on board survived.

Booking activities on North Stradbroke Island

Make the most of your visit to Straddie, save time and money and book your activities online.

Check out GetYourGuide for top activities.

TripAdvisor has a great list of things to do.

 Compare prices at Booking.com

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About the Author

ALMA VAN AS | ROAMING FOX

Alma is a South African travel blogger and writer now residing in Australia. She hopes to inspire you with facts and fables about her adventures, road trips and international travel.

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