The ultimate guide to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) camping

Kristie Lau-AdamsBy Kristie Lau-Adams
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Whether you’re a glamper, caravanner or totally tent-talented, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) camping presents low-key beach holiday perfection.

An unspoiled Queensland treasure just 30 kilometres east of Brisbane, Straddie, also known as Minjerribah to its traditional owners, is a rite of passage among Sunshine State campers. Stalking soldier crabs, catching yabbies and falling asleep salty and sun-kissed are what beach holidays are made of. For the more adventurous, surfing frothy idyllic waves and sandboarding in Dunwich, the gateway township to the island, also beckon. Here, we’ve crafted a guide to help you experience everything North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) camping has to offer, and best of all, it’s all entirely affordable.

Things to know before camping on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

Raided the aisles of Anaconda and ready to lock in your location? It’s wise to tick off a bit of location-specific housekeeping ahead of your North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) camping adventure.

Firstly, there are five main beachfront campsites to choose from across the 275 square-kilometre sand island and each of them are managed by Minjerribah Camping . A sixth campsite at Adam’s Beach, located very close to the island’s ferry terminal (more on the ferry situation soon), was also up and running but it’s currently closed.

an aerial view of the camping site at Flinders Beach
A 4WD gives you access to remote camping locations like Flinders Beach.

If you’re camping with your 4WD, it’s a different story as there are literally hundreds of sites (also managed by Minjerribah Camping) scattered across Flinders Beach and Main Beach. But most visitors stick to the main, amenity-fitted campsites to scratch that outdoor adventuring itch in comfort.

the Main Beach on North Stradbroke Island
Take advantage of your location and cast a line at Main Beach.

Because it’s an island, you’ll also need to lock down ferry tickets prior to departure. Passenger ferries and vehicle ferries run on limited schedules so don’t leave before booking what you require. All vehicles are transported from Toondah Harbour at Emmett Drive in Cleveland (a 45-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD) via SeaLink’s North Stradbroke Island Ferry , who also run a passenger ferry. The vehicle ferry takes about 50 minutes while the passenger ferry takes 25 minutes and connects with local bus services. Check the website in advance for all scheduling and pricing.

an aerial view of the beach at Adder Rock
The beach at Adder Rock is sheltered for the most part. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

There’s also Stradbroke Flyer , a second company that takes visitors to the island via passenger ferries. Their ferries depart from the end of Middle Street in Cleveland. Check their website for up-to-date scheduling and pricing.

If you’re planning to beach camp with your 4WD, you’ll also need to purchase a Vehicle Access Permit through Minjerribah Camping before you go. Click here for all the details. Additionally, it’s worth noting that walking to these beach camping spots isn’t recommended. The access roads are long and you’ll have to carry all your gear the entire way.

Finally, an important note for fur parents. You can bring your four-legged friend with you, noting that there are two off-leash areas on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah): Home Beach and Dunwich Skate Park at Ron Stark Oval.

dogs outside a tent at Flinders Beach on North Stradbroke Island
Pets are welcome but there are only two off-leash areas on the island.

Amity Point at Minjerribah Camping

Price: From about $49 per night for an unpowered site.

Families, this is your spot. Set against calm Moreton Bay waters, Amity Point is a dream for keeping little ones busy as you kick your feet up. If they’re not splashing at your feet, they’ll be keeping their eyes peeled for pelicans, koalas and dolphins, all of which frequent the site.

a koala resting on a tree branch, North Stradbroke Island
Keep  your eyes peeled for koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

It’s also a top spot to drop a line and just a short drive to the island’s surf beaches. A cafe and convenience store (where you can also fill up on fuel) are also located nearby and the campsite is suitable for tents, campers and caravans. Glamping tents, cabins and a three-bedroom house are also up for grabs if you book early enough.

the Amity Point campsite
Find the perfect spot to camp by the beach.

Amenities: Toilets, hot showers, a coin-operated laundry, an undercover barbecue area and good mobile coverage.

Adder Rock at Minjerribah Camping

Price: From about $49 per night for an unpowered site.

Soft sand relaxation comes on tap at Adder Rock , located in Point Lookout which is home to some of the island’s most stunning northern beaches. It’s a beautiful spot to swim safely and dabble in some whale watching if the timing’s right, as the beach is sheltered for the most part.

the Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club on North Stradbroke Island
The views of the island from Point Lookout are breathtaking. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Expect crowds who choose this site due to its natural beauty (rocky headlands create serious drama) and proximity to the local bowls club, eateries and a service station.

an aerial view of Adder Rock filled with people
Adder Rock offers good swells to surf. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Adder Rock is suitable for tents, camper trailers and caravans, plus there are cabins and glamping tents to snap up.

the camping ground with tents at Adder Rock
There are glamping tents to book for an elevated camping experience.

Amenities: Toilets, hot showers, a coin-operated laundry, several undercover barbecue areas and some mobile coverage.

Cylinder Beach at Minjerribah Camping

Price: From about $59 per night for an unpowered site.

If you’re in town to chase waves, Cylinder Beach has your name all over it. A picture-perfect cove located between the Cylinder Beach and Home Beach headlands, the hot spot is patrolled by lifeguards so it’s also ideal for swimming.

a typical sunny day on Cylinder Beach, North Stradbroke Island
Cylinder Beach is a patrolled beach that is ideal for swimming. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Once you’ve scored your beach fix, wander down to the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel for a great pub feed and sundowners, or any one of the nearby restaurants. The campsite is good for tents, camper trailers and caravans, plus there’s glamping tents and a three-bedroom house to seize.

the camping grounds of Cylinder Beach at Minjerribah Camping
The nearby campsite is a good spot to set up for a night or more.

Amenities: Toilets, hot showers, a coin-operated laundry and some mobile coverage.

Home Beach at Minjerribah Camping

Price: From about $49 per night for an unpowered site.

A simple yet ultra-lush spot to experience North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) camping, Home Beach is a quiet choice that welcomes tents, camper trailers and caravans. It’s perfect for a whole lot of nothing as the beach is unpatrolled and the nearby attractions are scarce, so brace yourself for a serious switch off. If you’re looking for action at any stage, there is a local bowls club and some eateries to visit.

Amenities: Toilets, hot showers, a coin-operated laundry, several undercover barbecue areas and good mobile coverage.

Bradbury’s Beach at Minjerribah Camping

Price: From about $69 per night for a powered site.

Go for Bradbury’s Beach if you want to stick close to the ferry terminal as well as the surrounding Dunwich action. It’s a cosy but atmospheric campsite filled with 21 powered van sites and six glamping tents but the real drawcard here is the plethora of water activities to enjoy.

an aerial view of the camping site on Bradbury’s Beach at Minjerribah Camping
Bradbury’s Beach offers six glamping tents and waterfront views.

Boaties will take advantage of its proximity to One Mile Jetty while kayaking and fishing are also popular. It’s low-key and offers everything a sleepy beach holiday should.

a family relaxing outside their glamping tent, Bradbury’s Beach at Minjerribah Camping
Slip into one of the spacious glamping tents.

Amenities: Toilets, hot showers, a coin-operated laundry, an undercover barbecue area and good mobile coverage.

Flinders Beach at Minjerribah Camping

Price: From about $22 per night for an unpowered site.

North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) camping doesn’t get more beautifully basic than this. Set up shop within the sand dunes at Flinders Beach in Point Lookout where 12 beachfront camping spots (and hundreds of individual sites) are only accessible by 4WD vehicles.

the Flinders Beach on North Stradbroke Island
Make Flinders Beach your camping base.

The eight-kilometre stretch between Amity Point and Adder Rock Headland is home to stunning sand bars and excellent surfing conditions. If you can manage without a few creature comforts, the serenity is worth it.

an aerial view of a 4WD driving along the Flinders Beach
Drive your 4WD along the pristine white-sand beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Amenities: Some have composting toilets, there’s a toilet waste dump point at Area H (check the website for location details) and there’s some mobile coverage.

Main Beach at Minjerribah Camping

Price: From about $19 per night for an unpowered site.

One for the extreme 4WD campers. Hitting any one of the 11 beachfront camping areas (and 300 individual sites) at Main Beach will provide a sensational setting but you’ve got to be really prepared to rough it.

the Main Beach Headland Reserve at Minjerribah Camping
Set up at one of the 11 beachfront camping areas at Main Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Located on the eastern side of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), the 38-kilometre east-facing stretch is an epic spot to beach fish. Plus, there’s a patrolled swimming area to dip into between long sessions of uninterrupted Mother Nature marvelling.

the wide shoreline at Main Beach, North Stradbroke Island
Head to Main Beach for a refreshing morning dip. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Amenities: None. There’s no mobile coverage and the nearest showers and toilets can only be found at Adder Rock.

Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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Discover the remote Queensland lodgings bringing luxury to the outback

    Australian TravellerBy Australian Traveller
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    Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

    Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

    cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp
    Unwind in the ancient outback.

    About Rangelands Outback Camp

    Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

    Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

    Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

    Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

    Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

    aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent
    Soak in 360-degree views.

    Rangelands Outback Camp tours

    Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours .

    Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

    Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

    The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

    A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park , a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

    A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

    tour being led through Rangeland rifts
    Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

    Sleeping in luxury

    After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

    Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

    Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

    inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom
    Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

    Rangelands Outback Camp dining

    As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

    Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

    Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

    Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.