This final weekend, I lastly made it to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), or ‘Straddie,’ as most locals name it. I crammed my Land Cruiser with all of the tenting and journey gear, picked up my greatest buddy, and headed on the ferry for 3 days and two nights on the island.
Positive there are lovely golden seashores alongside the entire coast of Australia… however there’s one thing about being on island time that hits in a different way.
Nestled off the coast of Brisbane, and just below an hour on the ferry from Cleveland, is North Stradbroke Island – the world’s second-largest sand island (after Fraser Island).
Recognized for its Aboriginal heritage, wealthy and thriving marine life, plus iconic spots just like the North Gorge Stroll, Straddie’s attraction is really plain.
Whether or not in search of an island expertise the place you’ll be able to dip in clear turquoise waters, spot native Australian wildlife, go off-road in your 4WD or soar in and surf with the dolphins, North Stradbroke delivers… and a few.
One thing I hadn’t clocked earlier than visiting was how epic North Stradbroke Island is for whale watching come June when the whales start migration. I’ve not seen a lookout extra good to look at this phenomenon than Level Lookout… extra on that later.
IMO Stradbroke Island is without doubt one of the greatest seashore tenting experiences that the East Coast of Australia has to supply. It’s an journey properly value placing time apart for in your calendar.
I’m so excited to share with you a full North Stradbroke Island journey information together with the very best locations to eat, the very best locations to camp, the very best locations to surf, and the very best issues to see.
Whether or not you’re trying to deliver over your 4WD or come over on the passenger ferry with only a backpack in your again, this North Stradbroke Island journey information is for you.
P.S. For comfort, I’ve pinned ALL my high ideas, methods and finds onto our Australia Google Map legend. This map comprises ALL of my Australia journey guides in a single place so that each one you must do is open your telephone and you’ve got all the very best spots at your fingertips…
Get lifetime entry to my limitless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, loosen up and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your system and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
Getting To North Stradbroke Island
Travelling with a automobile/motorhome/4WD
In the event you’re heading over to North Stradbroke Island along with your automobile, motorhome or for some 4WD journey, you will have to guide an area on a car ferry by both Sealink or Stradbroke Flyer Ferries. Each ferries depart from Cleveland, about 40 minutes from the centre of Brisbane and a pair of hours north of Byron Bay.
- Value: Return journeys begin round $150 for traditional autos. We paid $225 for a return with my Toyota Landcruiser inc. 2 x adults.
- Period of crossing: round 45 minutes.
- Tip: Arrive at the least 20 minutes earlier than departure and guide early, particularly throughout weekends and college holidays. The ferries get tremendous booked up / fully promote out.
4WD journey tip:
When travelling on the sand in 4WD mode you will have to decompress your tyres. We had been beneficial to decrease them to about 18-22 PSI. It’s ideally suited to have a pocket tyre decompressor which can imply you are able to do it manually whenever you get to the 4WD entrances. If you go away the 4WD tracks you’ll be able to head to one of many garages on the island to inflate your tyres once more without spending a dime. I’ve pinned the spots without spending a dime air inflation on the Australia Google Map.
Passengers With out Autos
In contrast to Morton Island, exploring North Stradbroke Island is straightforward to discover in case you don’t have a automobile. I used to be shocked with how arrange it was. It’s much more constructed up in locations however balances itself completely with an abundance off off-grid choices and hold outs.
In the event you’re heading over to North Stradbroke Island with out a car, you’ll be able to guide an area on a passenger Ferry. The passenger ferry additionally leaves from Cleveland (identical as car ferry) and is a little bit quicker attending to the island with a period of round 25-Half-hour.
Public Transport to Cleveland from Brisbane: There’s a practice that can take you from Brisbane to Cleveland Station and from there you should use the free shuttle to the ferry terminal.
If you get to the Island: Straddie has a handy bus service which connects Dunwich, Amity Level, and Level Lookout (the principle areas to go to). Buses align with ferry schedules so public transport on the island is a reasonably environment friendly possibility in case you’re travelling to North Stradbroke Island with out a car. See extra right here.
The Greatest Time to Go to North Stradbroke Island
North Stradbroke Island is a year-round vacation spot, however every season provides distinctive highlights. Take into consideration what expertise you’d like on Straddie, after which check out the overview under to see when the very best time is on your imaginative and prescient.
Summer time (December to February)
- Splendid time to go to for: Swimming, browsing, and seashore tenting.
- Ideas: Put together for decent climate (25-30°C) and occasional storms. E-book lodging and ferries early – that is the busiest time!
- Wildlife: We visited in January and noticed Kangaroos, Manta Rays, turtles and dolphins.
Autumn (March to Might)
- Splendid time to go to for: Delicate climate, outside actions, and fewer crowds.
- Wildlife: Kangaroos and koalas are extra regularly noticed in quieter areas.
Winter (June to August)
- Splendid time to go to for: Whale watching and exploring strolling tracks in cooler climate (15-20°C).
- Ideas: Pack heat layers for cool evenings.
Spring (September to November)
- Splendid time to go to for: Clear skies, heat climate, and turtle nesting season.
- Wildlife: Dolphins, migratory birds, and sea turtles are most lively.
Wildlife Recognizing Calendar
North Stradbroke Island is surely a HAVEN for wildlife and also you’ll actually stand up and shut with a few of Australias most interesting while you’re right here. Right here’s a little bit overview of potentiality…
- Dolphins: Yr-round at Amity Level or throughout boat excursions / from lookouts.
- Humpback Whales: June to November, greatest seen from North Gorge Stroll or Frenchman’s Seaside.
- Kangaroos: Frequently seen at Amity Level and lots of campgrounds, particularly at daybreak and nightfall.
- Koalas: Discovered within the eucalypt timber close to Dunwich and Amity Level.
- Turtles: Nesting begins in November, with hatchlings rising from January to March.
- Birdlife: Migratory birds in spring; curlews and ospreys are frequent year-round.
- Marine Life: Snorkellers and divers can spot rays, turtles, and reef fish year-round.
Tenting / Lodging on North Stradbroke Island
There are a lot of choices (and superb ones too) for campers which are with and with out 4WDs. Beneath I’ve laid out the choices for you. In the event you do have a 4WD I extremely extremely advocate utilising this benefit and going off the crushed observe for a singular island expertise.
4WD-Accessible Tenting
There are 3 primary 4WD tracks on North Stradbroke Island, Flinders Seaside, Most important Seaside and Tripod observe. (I’ve pinned entry factors and greatest spots on the Google Map right here).
Why is that this related to tenting choices? Nicely these actual 4WD tracks open up tenting choices that aren’t accessible to non-4WDers!
Listed below are the 2 primary spots to notice:
- Most important Seaside Tenting: Situated alongside this 32km stretch are many beachfront websites with no services. Good for self-sufficient campers. Charges are from $19-30 per night time. E-book right here.
- Flinders Seaside Tenting: Situated alongside the north of the island and alongside the 7km seashore stretch are 200 shaded websites with fundamental facilities. Campfires are allowed (seasonal restrictions apply). E-book right here.
Every of the above choices have designated spots (that also really feel very wild) simply behind the dunes. I extremely advocate reserving these spots upfront you probably have a choice. One of many nights we had been visiting, the camp spots had been absolutely booked however we waited till sundown after which parked up in one of many free areas (a number of individuals clearly guide and don’t flip up).
This created the ONLY slight choice I’ve for Moreton Island over Straddie. As a result of technically there is no such thing as a wild tenting on Straddie. It feels wild, nevertheless it’s pre-booked.
Non-4WD Tenting and different lodging
There are a lot of choices for non-4WD campers! And a few superb areas too, extra of a campsite vibe versus tenting within the wild vibes although.
I’ve pinned just a few to the Australia Google Map that appeared ideally suited however in any other case check out the place you’d most like to go to and pitch up close to.
- Adder Rock Campground: Powered/unpowered websites, near seashores.
- Amity Level Campground: Household-friendly with waterfront entry and visiting kangaroos.
Check out all choices right here on the Minjerribah web site.
In the event you’re trying to guide lodging on Straddie, have a take into consideration whether or not you’re vibing a lodge room, hostel or condominium after which guide with a reduction on reserving.com right here.
1. Take the beautiful North Gorge Rim Stroll
Holy wow, this was a gorgeous stroll. In the event you head to North Stradbroke Island that is just like the crown jewel of issues to do. At simply 1.2 km, it’s not a prolonged stroll, however there are numerous spots at which your jaw will drop, and also you’ll be inclined to spend a while admiring the views.
For this one, park up at Level Lookout. It’s a straightforward stroll and the boardwalk provides panoramic ocean views because it wraps its method across the dramatic cliffs. This was the place we noticed dolphins and turtles down within the clear blue beneath us. Beautiful scenes.
I can solely think about how epic it’s to observe the migrating whales swim previous come June, you actually do have the very best view out throughout the ocean from this path.
Journey tip:
Go to early morning for fewer crowds. Put on sturdy footwear and produce water and suncream in case you’re doing it in the course of the day!
2. Drive the 4WD Tripod Monitor
Tripod observe is without doubt one of the 3 4WD tracks on the island and presents a chance to change up the panorama and get into the thick of the island. This inland observe provides essentially the most difficult 4WD journey on the island (most enjoyable!) and also you enterprise by dense bushland and sandy trails.
Remember to cease off on the Tripod lookout situated alongside the route (requires a ten minute stroll) for views throughout the island, see footage under. In your method out, cease on the Brown Lake for a dip within the tea tree waters!
Get lifetime entry to my limitless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, loosen up and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your system and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
3. Go online at Most important Seaside
Most important Seaside’s 32km stretch is an absolute paradise for surfers, providing constant swells year-round. We arrived round 7am within the morning and surfed with dolphins enjoying throughout us! We even had a manta ray swim beneath us! Like… wow.
You probably have a 4WD you’ll be able to enter on the 4WD entry level and make the most of some empty breaks additional down the seashore and in case you don’t have a 4WD you’ll be able to park up at Level Lookout and stroll 2 minutes all the way down to the principle seashore to benefit from the waves!
Journey tip:
In the event you haven’t been browsing earlier than and need to attempt it, contact North Stradbroke Island surf college and get a lesson! You’ll additionally need to be careful for the lifeguard flags and keep within the beneficial zones. The ocean is a strong place to be and your security is the precedence!
4. Whale Watching (June to November)
Oh my gosh I’m coming again for this!!! North Stradbroke Island provides a few of the greatest viewpoints for recognizing Humpback whales as they migrate up the coast.
Watch them breach and tail-slap from North Gorge Stroll or guide a ship tour for an up-close whale encounter. BUCKET LIST STUFF. Get round it!
5. Go to Brown Lake (Bummeira)
In the event you’re trying to swap up the ocean panorama for some bushy, tranquil lake scenes, there are a few choices on the island and one of the vital beneficial is Brown Lake.
This tranquil freshwater lake is tinted brown by tea-tree leaves. It’s good for swimming, picnicking, and stress-free. Pitch up for a refreshing dip and a spot of lunch!
6. Discover Myora Springs
As you make your method from the ferry (or in your method again to) in Dunwich, take a second to cease off at this lovely spring situated simply off the facet of the street.
This serene freshwater spring is steeped in Aboriginal cultural significance. A brief boardwalk leads by mangroves and provides a peaceable spot for birdwatching, dipping, meditating or having fun with your lunch.
7. Snorkeling and Diving at Manta Bommie
Rated one among Australia’s greatest dive spots, Manta Bommie is house to manta rays, turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. In the event you’re trying to dive into the waters surrounding North Stradbroke Island, guide a tour and make the most of the varied marine life that calls this place house.
Guided excursions present all gear and experience so simply guide and rock up able to go!
Journey tip: E-book early in the course of the peak summer season season, we tried to guide firstly of Jan for our go to 2 weeks later and there was no availability! If it’s high of your record, get that reserving in!
8. Wild tenting on Flinders Seaside
Take pleasure in spacious beachfront tenting with ocean views and nights below a transparent starry skies (hopefully). With gentle air pollution low on the island, you get some completely insane night time sky to gaze up at out of your camp chair or tent.
Flinders Seaside is accessible solely by 4WD, providing a distant and peaceable expertise for these in search of a particular tenting expertise on North Stradbroke Island!
Bear in mind, in case you’re planning to entry the 4WD tracks and seashore tenting spots, you’ll must guide your 4WD allow and guide your camp spot! Info and hyperlinks famous in earlier part on your comfort.
9. Dolphin Watching at Amity Level
Wild dolphins usually method the shore at Amity Level within the late afternoon, making it a favorite spot for wildlife lovers to assemble. Calm down by the calm waters and maintain your eyes peeled or get on the water and discover by kayak.
10. Cultural Excursions with Quandamooka Individuals
To dive into the Indigenous historical past and to attach with the land right here on Minjerribah, I extremely advocate reserving a tour with Yura Excursions.
This tour firm is 100% owned by First Nations and is great alternative to open up your journey with respect and take care of Quandamooka Nation. I don’t find out about you however I really like listening to tales from the folks that have lived and liked this land for years earlier than we step foot there. That is journey at its most genuine.
11. Breakfast at The Blue Room Cafe
This spot appears to be a staple on the island, it was thriving with enterprise and with individuals grabbing a espresso and fuelling with an acai bowl earlier than browsing on the close by Most important Seaside.
The menu is proscribed for savoury snacks however provides all your coffees, matcha variations, smoothies, acai bowls and candy treats on show (alongside a savoury tart or two). The acai bowls had been scrumptious and we fell in love with the uplifting vibe and views out to the horizon.
There’s additionally a extremely cute guide store subsequent door, the proper spot to select up a brand new learn or to discover a memento to take off the island with you!
12. Choose up contemporary prawns and sourdough from The Prawn Shack
Nothing screams an island journey extra for me than contemporary fish on the campstove with a view. And so forth our final day on North Stradbroke Island we did precisely that.
Subsequent to the Blue Room Cafe is the attractive Prawn Shack the place they’ve quite a lot of contemporary fish and greens on supply. Alongside our half kilo of contemporary prawns we additionally picked up some garlic and a few contemporary sourdough which, the proprietor proudly claimed, is the one place on the island to get LEGIT fresly baked sourdough.
I can affirm our garlic prawns and contemporary sourdough was each bits as dreamy as I envisioned. The enterprise proprietor was additionally so grateful for the enterprise, we each left that change with a smile on our faces!
Packing ideas for North Stradbroke Island
Normal ideas and reminders
Although you’ll be able to certainly cease off at one of many many retailers on the island, its good to be ready so you’ll be able to maximise leisure whenever you get to Straddie! Right here’s just a few issues you’ll be able to put together by getting:
- Sunscreen, hat, and sun shades
- Swimwear and durable strolling footwear
- Reusable waterbottle and snacks
- Fridge or cool field for these seashore day and to improve your tenting expertise!
- First-aid equipment
For 4WD travellers and campers
- Restoration gear, air compressor, and shovel
- Tenting gear and moveable fridge
- Offline maps or GPS system
- Get your 4WD allow and tenting tags bought!
Oh and to improve your North Stradbroke expertise, bear in mind you’ll be able to entry my Australia Google Map legend. This can prevent a lot time researching and also you’ll be capable of open up the map in your telephone and see all my close by ideas and suggestions on the go!
Get lifetime entry to my limitless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, loosen up and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your system and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
Eeeek that’s every part!
Take pleasure in your journey to North Stradbroke Island! Whether or not driving a 4WD or exploring as a passenger, Straddie’s magnificence goes to go away a mark in your coronary heart and reminiscence financial institution!
I can’t wait to see the way you get pleasure from it!
Have you ever been to North Stradbroke Island?
What, in your opinion, are the very best issues to do on North Stradbroke Island? Something you’d add to this bucket record? Any questions for me? Pop them under!
Love as at all times and completely satisfied adventuring…
