Situated on Brisbane’s eastern doorstep, North Stradbroke Island (“Straddie” to those familiar) is one of Australia’s east coast natural treasures and a perfect escape destination. Something of a secret, it is only recently that Stradbroke Island has started to shine on the tourist and real-estate radar.
Travel to Straddie by way of the township of Cleveland takes approximately fifty minutes on the vehicle ferry. Cleveland is only a 30 minute drive from Brisbane International Airport and Brisbane central, and an drive from the Gold Coast. The boat ride across Moreton Bay is the first of a series of experiences that make Stradbroke Island such a great experience.
Stradbroke Island is 27,530 hectares, and therefore 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 accessible by four-wheel drive, bicycle or on foot, with a number of great camp sites dotted down Main Beach, and beautiful views appear visible from almost everywhere on Straddie.
The 35 kilometres of white sandy beaches fringing the island’s eastern side runs 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, being a reminder of the contrast to the more relaxed lifestyle of Straddie.
North Stradbroke (Minjerriba to the indigenous Noonuccal tribe) was the home of celebrated Aboriginal poet Kath Walker, or Oodgeroo Noonuccal. There is a great deal of Aboriginal and European history in the area of Dunwich where the water taxis and vehicular barges moor.
The calm 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 results in unpolluted water that sea-life, and particularly Stradbroke Rock Oysters thrive in.
North Stradbroke attracts four-wheel drivers, anglers, surfers and beach-lovers to its free lengths of sandy coast and rugged granite headlands, and the Island offers a good range of accommodation, restaurants, cafes and holiday infrastructure. With an incredible diversity of attractions available and beautiful places to discover, North Stradbroke is a popular holiday destination 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 a popular destination, only a 30km drive on a sealed road from Dunwich. The North Gorge Headland is 40 metres above sea level and known as a leading land-based whale-watch site throughout from May-November, and world-class surfing and fishing throughout the year.
Point Lookout’s beautiful beaches and headlands are perfect for swimming, surfing and fishing all year round. Whales, dolphins, turtles and manta rays can often be spotted from the spectacular North Gorge at the northern tip 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 the fresh seafood available direct from local fishermen. Look for the signs at Amity Point and Point Lookout which direct you to their homes and the freshest, most delicious 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 perfect island resource in the menus.
“The Point” offers a number of alfresco style cafes, a bakery, chemist, post office, newsagent, corner store and supermarket. The island also has a bus service linking the 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 you can drop in for a beer on your way back around -you may even bump into world ranked surfer and local Bede Durbidge! Straddie boasts what is perhaps the last truly old-school surf shop in the country, that focusses on selling surfing equipment 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/