Stradbroke Island Guide: How to Get There, Where to Stay, Best Things to Do
Are you planning a trip to Stradbroke Island and are looking for the best things to do?
Located off the coast of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia, Stradbroke Island is the world’s second-largest sand island.
While Stradbroke Island, also known as Minjerribah, is now 2 islands, north and south, it used to be connected. Stradbroke Island is known for having the earliest evidence of human presence in South East Queensland.
Currently, 3 towns are located on Stradbroke Island along with beaches, lakes, and scenic lookouts. Stradbroke Island has plenty of places to eat, accommodations, and activities.
Have you wondered if Stradbroke Island is worth visiting? This guide should help you answer that question.
Keep reading to find out how to get to Stradbroke Island and the best things to do once you get there.
Stradbroke Island Population
About 2,000 people live on Stradbroke Island, with the majority of them living in the 3 cities of Dunwich, Point Lookout, and Amity.
Dunwich is the largest city on Stradbroke Island, and it is where the school is located, as well as a medical center and museum. Dunwich is located almost directly across Moreton Bay from Cleveland on the mainland.
Point Lookout is located on the other side of North Stradbroke Island and is known for surfing and as a tourist destination.
The smallest city on Stradbroke Island is Amity Point, located on the northern tip of the island. Amity Point is a popular fishing spot on Stradbroke Island.
Between Amity Point and Point Lookout, there are holiday houses located on Flinders Beach.
Interesting Fact: Aquaman was filmed on the Gold Coast and at Amity Point on Stradbroke Island.
Getting to the Ferry Terminal in Cleveland
Stradbroke Island Ferry leaves from Cleveland, about 40 minutes from Brisbane CBD.
The official address of the Stradbroke Island Ferries is 3 Emmett Drive, Cleveland. 2 ferry companies go from Cleveland to North Stradbroke Island.
The parking lot is free at the ferry terminal in Cleveland. In between the ferry terminals, there is a cafe and public toilets.
Passengers can also ride the train to the Cleveland train station and board a bus to the Stradbroke Island ferry terminal.
Stradbroke Island Ferry
Both vehicle ferries and passenger ferries are available to and from North Stradbroke Island.
Passenger ferry rides are 25 minutes each way, while the vehicle ferry ride is 50 minutes long in each direction.
While passengers without vehicles are welcome to ride the vehicle ferry, there is no bus waiting at the end of the ride like there is for the passenger ferries.
Sea Link Passenger Ferry to Stradbroke Island
The Sea Link Passenger Ferry runs daily to and from Stradbroke Island. While both ferry companies have the same address, Sea Link is the second ferry terminal at both the Cleveland ferry terminal and the Dunwich ferry terminal on Stradbroke Island.
Beginning at 4:55 am on weekdays and 6:55 am on weekdays and public holidays, the Sea Link Ferry goes back and forth between Cleveland and Dunwich until 6:25 pm (Cleveland) and 6:55 pm (Dunwich) each night.
Currently, there are 12 ferry rides each way on the weekends and 14 on weekdays. Almost all the ferry rides connect with the bus from the Cleveland train station and a bus to Point Lookout from the Dunwich ferry terminal.
Sea Link Vehicle Ferry to Stradbroke Island
For those who wish to take their car across to Stradbroke Island, sign up for the Sea Link Vehicle Ferry to guarantee a spot on board. The price varies depending on the time of day.
Currently, there are 11 ferry rides each way from Cleveland and Dunwich daily, with an extra ferry ride on Fridays and Sundays. The first ferry leaves starting at 6 a.m. out of Cleveland and 7 a.m. out of Dunwich. The last ferry leaves at 5 p.m. from Cleveland (6 p.m. on Fridays and Sundays) and 6 p.m. from Dunwich (7 p.m. on Fridays and Sundays).
The vehicle ferries are air-conditioned and have a cafe on board.
Stradbroke Flyer
On weekdays, there are 15 Stradbroke Flyer Ferry rides each way from Cleveland and Stradbroke Island. The first ride starts at 4:55 am from Cleveland and 5:55 am from Dunwich, and the last ride is at 7:25 pm from Cleveland and 7:55 pm from Dunwich.
On weekends and public holidays, the ferry runs from 6:55 a.m. to 6:25 p.m. from Cleveland and 6:25 a.m. to 6:55 p.m. from Dunwich. There is a connecting bus on both sides from 6:25 a.m. to 6:55 p.m.
The Stradbroke Flyer has a cafe inside the ferry and 3 levels of seating.
Driving on Stradbroke Island
The roads are sealed, but you do need a 4WD and a beach permit if you want to drive on the beach on Stradbroke Island.
Taking your car over to Stradbroke Island on the ferry is the only way to get it there.
Stradbroke Island Bus
The North Stradbroke Island Bus usually meets the passenger ferry and provides transportation around the island.
Passengers pay on board and receive a ticket to ride the bus all day.
For those who would rather get a ride door-to-door, the Strad Easy Ferry Shuttle is available by pre-booking only.
Dog-Friendly Stradbroke Island
Dogs are allowed on Stradbroke Island and can get on the island via the vehicle ferry and the passenger ferry. There are dog-friendly accommodations on Stradbroke Island.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants on Stradbroke Island
- Blue Room Cafe, Point Lookout
- Fishes at the Point, Point Lookout
- Sealevel 21, Amity Point
- The Barn Cafe, Dunwich
Dog-Friendly Accommodation on Stradbroke Island
In addition to the places on this list, there are lots of dog-friendly holiday home rentals on Stradbroke Island.
Stradbroke Island Restaurants
Point Lookout
Dunwich
Amity Point
Stradbroke Island Beaches
North Stradbroke Island has 5 main beaches.
- Main Beach
- Cylinder Beach
- Home Beach
- Frenchman’s Beach
- Flinders Beach
Swimming on Stradbroke Island
There is swimming off Stradbroke Island. Make sure to stick to the beaches patrolled by lifeguards. There are signs at each beach entrance with current conditions. Do not swim when there are red flags.
For safety, only swim between the red and yellow flags where there are lifeguards.
Stradbroke Island Lakes for Swimming
In addition to the beaches, some lakes offer swimming on Stradbroke Island.
- Keyholes Lagoons
- Brown Lake
- Myora Springs
Whale Watching from Stradbroke Island
Whales can be seen off the coast of Stradbroke Island from late May to early November. You do not need to go out on the water as the whales are visible from the land.
Point Lookout is the best place to see whales from Stradbroke Island, especially along Whale Track.
Whale Track is not steep, but there are stairs. Most of the path is made of dirt or sand. There are a couple of lookouts along the track.
While the whales swim near the land, it is helpful to bring binoculars.
Animals on Stradbroke Island
Lots of animals can be seen on Stradbroke Island, including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and koalas. There are plenty of varieties of birds, as well as lizards and turtles, on the island.
Hiking Stradbroke Island
While Gorge Walk, the boardwalk hike at Point Lookout, is the most popular hike on Stradbroke Island, there are other hikes to choose from.
- North Stradbroke Island Sand Cliffs, Naree Budjong Djara National Park, 400 meters return
- North Gorge Walk, Point Lookout, 1.5 kilometers return
- Kaboora Track, Blue Lake, 5.2 kilometers return
- Jarlo Beetle Track, Mount Vane, 8 kilometers return
For more information on these hikes and others, read the advice of Aussie Bushwalking and All Trails.
Things to do on Stradbroke Island
In addition to the beaches, lakes, and scenic walks around Stradbroke Island, there are plenty of other things to do.
Point Lookout Bowls Club
Go barefoot bowling and enjoy a meal at Point Lookout Bowls Club.
North Stradbroke Island Golf Club
Play a round of golf at North Stradbroke Island Golf Club, located near Brown Lake. In addition to the golf course, they hold events and shows.
Fishing
Fishing is popular on Stradbroke Island. For more information on where to fish, what you will catch, and where to cook your catch, read more here. If you would rather take a fishing tour, that is possible too.
North Stradbroke Surf School
Learn to surf with private or group surfing lessons at North Stradbroke Surf School.
North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum on Minjeeribah
Learn about the history of North Stradbroke Island at the North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum on Minjeeribah which is located in Dunwich.
Guided group walks and presentations are available at the North Stradbroke Island Museum.
Straddie Super Sports
Rent a bicycle, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, surfboard, or bodyboard at Straddie Super Sports. Fishing and camping gear is available to hire out as well.
Kayak
In addition to renting a kayak at Straddie Super Sports, kayak tours are available through Straddie Kingfisher Tours and Straddie Adventures.
Sand Boarding
Try sandboarding. Straddie Adventures has an option for 2 hours of sandboarding for all ages.
Amity Point Cricket Club
Watch a cricket match at Amity Point Cricket Club.
Scooters on Straddie
Rent a scooter from a half day to an entire week with Scooters on Straddie. Each scooter holds one person 18+.
Point Lookout Markets
Shop the Point Lookout Markets, which are held on Sundays. The market is generally held weekly during the summer months and less often during the rest of the year.
Point Lookout Markets is held at Point Lookout Bowls Club.
Stradbroke Island Shops
The following list is just some of the unique boutiques, home goods shops, and souvenir shops on North Stradbroke Island.
- Noreen’s Seaside Shop, Point Lookout
- Straddie T-Shirts, Dunwich
- Starfish Studios, Point Lookout
- Red Black and Yellow Shop, Dunwich
Day Trip to North Stradbroke Island Itinerary
While it is easy to take a tour of Stradbroke Island (see below), it is also easy to get yourself to and from Stradbroke Island.
2 ferry options are leaving from Cleveland. See above for more details on the Stradbroke Island ferries.
For those who take the passenger ferry from Cleveland to Stradbroke Island, a bus will be waiting on the other side. Multiple buses pick up passengers at the ferry terminal. Tickets are purchased on board.
Take the bus from the ferry terminal in Dunwich to the last stop in Point Lookout. The bus takes about 35 minutes to get from Dunwich to the last stop at Point Lookout.
The bus drops you off near a boardwalk track, the Gorge Walk. There are toilets across the street as well as a playground, a free little library, and an outdoor shower. Restaurants and a bakery are located nearby.
Walk along the Gorge Walk boardwalk loop. The walk takes about 30 minutes, and there are lots of lookouts and beautiful views.
After your boardwalk hike, you can either head to the path at the back of the playground that leads to Main Beach and the Lifesavers Club, or you can head along the beaches and find some lunch.
Whale Track is 1.2 kilometers long, and there are a few places to stop and look for whales along the way.
The total walking time from the last stop in Point Lookout to the first stop, at the end of Point Lookout, is about 40 minutes.
The last beach, the one closest to the bus stop, is Cylinder Beach, a nice beach for swimming and playing in the sand.
Exit at the last beach, where there is a playground, toilets, showers, picnic tables, and a campsite. The bus back to Dunwich is a short walk from the beach.
At the end of the day, take the bus back to Dunwich to catch a ferry. Before your ferry back to the mainland, stop in Little Ship Club or Straddie Brewing Company for a sunset drink.
Tours of Stradbroke Island
Stradbroke Island Tours
Tours of Stradbroke Island leaving from Brisbane
- Stradbroke Day Cruise: River to Bay
- North Stradbroke Island Private Tour
- Stradbroke Island 4WD Day Trip
- North Stradbroke Island Sunset Tour
- North Stradbroke Island Day Trip
- Stradbroke Island Adventure Tour
Stradbroke Island Events
Island Vibe
An annual festival held during the last weekend of October, the Island Vibe Festival includes art, music, stalls, and much more.
Quandamooka Festival
Held in Dunwich on Stradbroke Island, the Quandamooka Festival is a 3-day event filled with music, dance, storytelling, and workshops.
Stradbroke Chamber Music Festival
Head to Stradbroke Island for a weekend of classical music during the Stradbroke Chamber Music Festival.
Straddie Salute
Participate in a triathlon during the annual Straddie Salute.
Straddie Assault
An invite-only surfing competition, the Straddie Assault is held annually in October.
Straddie Oyster Festival
Enjoy oyster shucking, crab races, and live entertainment at the annual Straddie Oyster Festival on Stradbroke Island.
Stradbroke Island Accommodations
The Islander, 4 Stars
Located at Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island, The Islander is just a minute’s walk from the beach. The Islander has a swimming pool and studio hotel rooms as well as 1 and 2-bedroom apartments that sleep up to 5 guests.
Anchorage on Straddie, 3 Stars
Book a studio, 1 or 2-bedroom apartment at Anchorage on Straddie. The hotel is located across the street from the beach at Point Lookout and has an outdoor swimming pool.
Samarinda Jewel by the Sea, 3 Stars
Stay in a 1, 2, or 3-bedroom apartment with up to 6 guests at Samarinda Jewel by the Sea. The hotel has a swimming pool and is located just a few minutes’ walk from the beach on Point Lookout.
Allure Stradbroke Hotel, 4 Stars
For large groups, Allure Stradbroke Hotel has studio beach stacks as well as 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom villas that sleep up to 10 guests. Allure Stradbroke Hotel has a heated outdoor pool and a playground.
Whale Watch Ocean Beach Resort, 4 Stars
The Whale Watch Ocean Beach Resort has 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments that sleep up to 6 guests. They have a heated outdoor pool, spa, and a game room.
Manta Lodge YHA, 3 Stars
Manta Lodge YHA has both single-sex and mixed dorm rooms as well as family rooms with shared bathrooms. The rooms are air-conditioned and include bedding and towels, and the hostel is across the street from the beach.
Stradbroke Island Camping
- Beach camping is available on Flinders Beach, 4WD only
- Main Beach, 4WD only
- Adder Rock has cabins and eco-tents
- Amity Point
- Home Beach
- Cylinder Beach
- Bradbury’s Beach
- Adam’s Beach
Glamping options are available at Cylinder Beach, Amity Point, Adder Rock, and Bradbury’s Beach.
For those who wish to rent a 4WD or a camper trailer, Straddie 4WD Hire provides the supplies, including extras such as tents, eskies, mattresses, and other camping supplies if needed.
Is Stradbroke Island Worth Visiting?
Though it took us almost 2 years of living in Brisbane to finally get out to Stradbroke Island, I can say without a doubt that Stradbroke Island is worth visiting.
For those wondering how many days they should spend on Stradbroke Island, a day trip to a long weekend is generally enough to get a taste of the island.
For anyone who loves nature, relaxing, and beautiful scenery, Stradbroke Island is worth the ferry ride over to visit.
Stradbroke Island FAQ
No, you do not need a car on Stradbroke Island. While you can bring your car over on the ferry, there is a bus that meets the passenger ferry and drives from the ferry terminal in Dunwich to Point Lookout and back, with a stop in Amity.
Taxis and Uber are also an option on Stradbroke Island.
While a day trip is enough to get a taste of Stradbroke Island, a weekend stay is recommended. One day on Stradbroke Island leaves you wanting to go back.
Yes, you can swim on Stradbroke Island. There are quite a few beaches on Stradbroke Island, and the tourist beaches are in Point Lookout. Each beach will have a sign announcing if there is swimming or not due to safety. Beaches with swimming will have lifeguards.
Guide to Stradbroke Island Wrap-Up
Visiting Stradbroke Island is a great day trip from Brisbane, and there is enough to do on the island for those who wish to stay overnight or for a few days.
Getting to Stradbroke Island is easy and can even be done using public transportation from Brisbane. Whether you want to bring your car onto the island or plan to catch public transportation once you arrive, there are ferry options as well as options once you have arrived.
Stradbroke Island is the perfect getaway for solo travelers, couples, and families with kids. There is something for everyone on the island.
The island has gorgeous views, beautiful beaches, and lots of wildlife.
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Pin Guide to Stradbroke Island for Later
