Stradbroke Island Queensland – Travel Guide
Right on Brisbane’s eastern coast, North Stradbroke Island (“Straddie” to the initiated) is one of Australia’s natrual treasures -a perfect escape destination. Somehow, the secret has been well kept and it is only in recent years that Straddie has begun to sparkle on the tourism and property radar.
To travel to Stradbroke Island by way of the township of Cleveland will take approximately fifty minutes on the vehicle ferry. Cleveland is only a 30 minute drive from Brisbane International Airport and the centre of Brisbane, and an drive from the Gold Coast. The boat ride across Moreton Bay is the first step that makes Stradbroke Island such a great destination.
Stradbroke Island covers 27,530 hectares, which means it is the world’s second largest sand island. The elongated sand island shields much of the southern part of Moreton Bay and the smaller islands from the ocean swells. The beaches are able to be accessed by four-wheel drive, bicycle or tramping, with many good camping sites located down Main Beach, and wonderful views are visible from almost everywhere on the island.
Thirty-five kilometres of white sandy beaches fringe the island’s eastern side, from Point Lookout in the north to Jumpin Pin in the south. From the Point lookout headland, the buildings of the Gold Coast is often clearly visible, and is a constant reminder of the contrast to the more relaxed lifestyle of Straddie.
North Stradbroke (Minjerriba to the indigenous Noonuccal people) was the home of celebrated Aboriginal poet Kath Walker, or Oodgeroo Noonuccal. There is a lot of Aboriginal and European history in Dunwich where water taxis and barges berth.
The waters of Moreton Bay swish against the shores of the island’s western fishing towns. With a lack of agriculture and the filtering effects of the sand provides pure water which fish, and particularly Stradbroke Rock Oysters thrive in.
North Stradbroke attracts 4WDers, fishers, surfies and beach-lovers to its free lengths of beach and rugged granite headlands, and the Island also has a good range of accommodation, restaurants, cafes and holiday attractions. With an incredible diversity of attractions available and beautiful areas to discover, North Stradbroke is a great holiday place for families, couples and adventure-seekers alike. The ideal way to see the Island is by Four Wheel Drive, but there are many stunning coastal walks and a mountain bike and whale watching map are an easier and more environmentally sound alternative.
Point Lookout is the main destination, only a 30km drive on a sealed road from Dunwich. The North Gorge Headland is 40 metres above sea level and recognised as a leading land-based whale-watch area during winter, and world-class surfing and fishing throughout the year.
Point Lookout’s beautiful beaches and headlands are perfect for swimming, surfing and fishing year round. Whales, dolphins, turtles and manta rays can often be viewed from the spectacular North Gorge at the northern part of the island. The island is listed as one of the world’s most ecologically important wetlands and has several freshwater lakes, waterways and lagoons that are accessible by four-wheel drive or on a tour with one of Straddie’s friendly tour operators.
One of the greatest features on the island is being able to purchase fresh seafood available direct from local fishermen. Just look for the signs at Amity Point and Point Lookout to direct you to their homes and the freshest catch-of-the-day around. For those who prefer the work be done for them, Straddie’s restaurants and cafes all make use of this delicious resource in the menu.
“The Point” offers several alfresco style cafes, a bakery, chemist, post office, newsagent, corner store and supermarket. The island also has a bus service linking all 3 towns to ferries and water taxis.
North Stradbroke Island is the ultimate paradise for the many enthusiasts who visit each year. On a good day it’s possible to surf right past the pub, along the evocatively named Cylinders Beach, on waves that peel dreamily for hundreds of metres. Stick ten bucks in the back pocket of your boardies and drop in for a quick beer on your way back around -you may even bump into world ranked surfer and local Bede Durbidge! Stradbroke also boasts what is perhaps the last truly old-school surf shop in the country, that focusses on selling surf gear rather than fashion.
North Stradbroke Island is the ultimate paradise for the many enthusiasts who visit each year. On a good day it’s possible to surf right past the pub, along the evocatively named Cylinders Beach, on waves that peel dreamily for hundreds of metres. Stick ten bucks in the back pocket of your boardies and drop~you can drop in for a beer~quick beer on your way back around -you may even bump into world ranked surfer and local Bede Durbidge! Stradbroke~Straddie boasts~also boasts what is perhaps the last truly old-school surf shop in the country, that focusses on~makes it’s business selling surf~surfing gear~equipment rather than fashion.
The jewels in Stradbroke’s~the Straddie’s crown is Point Lookout and the natural wonder of the North Gorge Walk, along with the surf, the choice of beaches, all sheltered in various~differing~different winds, the whale watching, and the spectacular coastal walk around the gorges. If you are looking for Stradbroke Island Accommodation, make sure you visit: http://www.discoverstradbroke.com.au/