A guide to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

Jemma FletcherBy Jemma Fletcher
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Discover the second-largest sand island in the world.

Endearingly referred to as ‘Straddie’ by the locals – and known as Minjerribah to its traditional owners, the Quandamooka people – North Stradbroke Island has buckets full of old-school Queensland holiday charm just waiting to be explored.

How to get to North Stradbroke Island

Around 30km east of Brisbane CBD (a 40-minute drive) is the coastal suburb of Cleveland and the gateway to North Stradbroke Island. If you’re travelling to Cleveland by train, a free connecting bus (route 258) takes you to Toondah Harbour.

Once tickets are pre-purchased online or at the ticket desk on arrival, visitors can catch the 25-minute passenger North Stradbroke Island ferry. It connects to a bus service on the other side at Dunwich, taking you to Point Lookout.

Alternatively, if you prefer to take your car with you, the 50-minute vehicle ferry is available, and the main roads on the island are sealed and easily accessible.

The entire trip takes around two hours from Brisbane CBD, but once you plonk your bare feet onto the shore it’ll be worth the journey.

A walkway by the sea surrounded by greenery on North Stradbroke Island.
The journey to North Stradbroke Island is well worth it. (Image: Kenny Smith)

Get to know North Stradbroke Island

There are three towns on the island: Dunwich, Amity, and Point Lookout. Each small town is located about 20km apart, and accessible via sealed roads. If you’re staying for a few days it’s worth visiting all three places, as they’re each so different.

In the historic town of Dunwich, you can visit Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Aboriginal Art Gallery or the North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum . Point Lookout is popular for its magnificent beaches and retail shops. Or for laid-back local charm, head to the small seaside village of Amity Point.

What to do on North Stradbroke Island

While you’re more than welcome to soak up the sun, sea, and sand on Straddie (it really is the perfect island for this), there is so much to see and do here that you’ll never be bored.

Meet the local marine life

Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre offers scuba diving trips from Friday to Tuesday. With experienced guides and over 15 dive sites to visit, this is popular all year round. Dive below and try to spot manta rays, leopard sharks in summer, and grey nurse sharks and humpback whales in winter. If you haven’t been certified as an open-water diver – no worries, you can sign up for the ‘Try Scuba Diving’ program .

North Stradbroke Island also has some extraordinary snorkelling sites and with no experience necessary, you can join a half-day guided snorkelling tour to see what lies beneath the water.

Take a dip in Brown Lake

Going for a dip in tea-coloured water may not sound appealing, but trust us when we say it’s an experience not to be missed.

The colour of the water is due to the tannin from the leaves of the surrounding paperbark and tea trees, yet it’s beautifully calm and refreshing. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet dip on a warm day. The best way to reach the lake, 3.5km outside of Dunwich, is by car.

Brown Lake at North Stradbroke Island.
Don’t be put off by the colour, a swim here is beautifully calm and refreshing. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Kayak to Peel Island

Brighten up your day with an early kayak tour. Setting off at 8:30am, a kayaking adventure with Straddie Kingfisher Tours takes you to Peel Island, stopping along the way to spot dugongs, turtles, and dolphins playing in the bay.

Near Peel Island is the Shipwreck of the Platypus which sank in 1930. From here, get your flippers and snorkels out to swim to the wreckage.

Cruise down sand dunes

Located close to Dunwich, sandboarding is a fun way to spend a day in Straddie. Kingfisher Tours provides the boards and the speed wax, so all you have to remember is your sunscreen and camera. You won’t want to miss those epic stacks.

Experience North Gorge Walk

With incredible ocean views and beautiful stretches of coastal bushland, North Gorge Walk is a must-do item on your visit to North Stradbroke Island.

Along the way, there are spectacular lookouts to stop at and enjoy the view, as well as endless stretches of golden, sandy beaches and opal waters.

The 1.5km walk (around 45 minutes) starts off as a dirt track before quickly turning into a boardwalk for the rest of the route. Some steps are included.

A couple watching the sunset over the ocean at North Gorge walk on North Stradbroke Island.
North Gorge Walk is a must-do. (Image: Kenny Smith)

Explore Deadman’s Beach

In 1902 a ship sunk in the Coral Sea just off Point Lookout. A skeleton and boot were uncovered on a nearby beach 50 years later – hence the name Deadman’s Beach .

Putting the unfortunate history aside, this beach is one of the prettiest spots in the whole of Straddie. If you sit on the top of the grassy hill, you can easily spot the annual migration of humpback whales. On the other end of the beach lay rock pools and a massive sand dune.

Where to eat on North Stradbroke Island

You may be surprised to hear there are a lot of food and drink spots on Straddie – over 35 places.

Across Dunwich, Point Lookout, and Amity Point – whether you choose a beach hotel or bistro, fruit barn or coffee cart, or fresh seafood or pizza joint – you won’t be disappointed. They’ve all got great reviews, but here are five extra special recommendations.

Bo Beans Coffee

Feeling peckish? Pop into Bo Beans Coffee for a caffeine hit and to suss out the treats cabinet. There’s a full range of vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free cakes, slices, cookies, brownies, and muffins.

Where: 44 Sovereign Road, Amity Point

Bo hands out coffee at Bo Beans café on North Stradbroke Island, Brisbane.
Bo Beans Coffee has a full vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free range. (Image: Bo Beans)

The Barn Cafe

Just a 10-minute walk from Dunwich Ferry Terminal, The Barn Cafe (formerly known as the Island Fruit Barn) sells a bit of everything.

Where: 16 Bingle Road, Dunwich

Oasis on Straddie

Following the mantra ‘you are what you eat’, Oasis on Straddie offers a menu made from scratch using locally sourced fresh produce where possible. Pop in for their daily gourmet salads, vegetable lasagne, or even a simple toastie and watermelon juice.

Where: 83 Dickson Way, Point Lookout

The calming décor at Oasis on Straddie cafe on North Stradbroke Island, Brisbane.
Oasis on Straddie offers a menu using locally sourced fresh produce. (Image: Oasis on Straddie)

Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel

For alfresco dining with sea views, head to the Manta Ray Bistro & Waves Bar at Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel . From sensational seafood platters to a traditional salad and schnitzel, there’s plenty to tempt your taste buds.

Where: 158-172 Dickson Way, Point Lookout

Bistro Seymour on Straddie

For a spot of lunch at the highest point of the island, head to Bistro Seymour at North Stradbroke Island Golf Club.

New to the island in 2022, this stunning spot overlooks Brown Lake and Moreton Bay and serves a variety of hearty classics including “gran’s recipes passed down". Customers can also be picked up from Dunwich in a shuttle bus if you book ahead.

Where: North Stradbroke Island Golf Club, Alfred Martin Way, Dunwich

Bistro Seymour on Straddie serves up delicious classics on North Stradbroke Island, Brisbane.
Eat at the highest point of the island, at North Stradbroke Island Golf Club. (Image: North Stradbroke Island Golf Club)

Where to stay on North Stradbroke Island

Find your North Stradbroke Island accommodation in the mixture of privately-owned beach shacks, self-contained apartments, resorts, and camp spots perched on the road into Point Lookout – an ideal base for day trips and island adventures.

Budget accommodation

Stradbroke Island YHA

One of the few properties on the island where you can book a one-night stay, is Stradbroke Island YHA . With a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, and both co-living and private rooms to choose from, it’s an ideal base to save some dollars.

YHA provides good budget accommodation on North Stradbroke Island
Stradbroke Island YHA has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. (Image: YHA)

Straddie Island B&B

Sitting high among the neighbouring bushland is Straddie Island B&B , only a short stroll away from beaches and restaurants. Each private room includes a queen-sized bed and ensuite, as well as a covered patio arena and a complimentary bottle of wine on arrival.

Camping

Cylinder Beach Camping Ground

Right up at the top in Point Lookout sits Cylinder Beach . This shady location is more centered towards the hub of town. It’s extremely close to the shops and eateries, plus art galleries and markets. Set up the tent on the unpowered site then run to catch a wave.

Main Beach Camping Ground

If it’s beach camping you’re interested in, Main Beach in Dunwich is your ticket to sleeping just steps away from the water. With 4WD access only, and a dog-friendly campground, you’ll be guaranteed to make lifetime memories. Hot tip: don’t forget to bring your own toilet.

You can camp at Main Beach on North Stradbroke Island
Main Beach in Dunwich is your ticket to sleeping just steps away from the water. (Image: Brisbane Economic Development Agency)

Luxury accommodation

Allure Stradbroke Resort

Tucked into the foothills of Point Lookout is Allure Stradbroke Resort providing fully self-contained beach shacks and villas. Its deluxe villas have beautiful outdoor entertaining areas and on-site facilities include a pool, gym, and Straddie Eats Cafe.

The deluxe beach shack at Allure hotel on North Stradbroke Island, Brisbane.
Allure Stradbroke Resort’s deluxe villas have beautiful outdoor entertaining areas and on-site facilities. (Image: Allure)

Pandanus Palms Resort

For spacious villas with balconies offering views across Moreton Island and the Coral Sea, head to Pandanus Palms Resort – you’ll get a real taste of island life in style. There’s an onsite restaurant and cocktail bar, as well as a swimming pool, tennis court, and luxurious celebration packages.

A villa overlooking the ocean at Pandanus Palms Resort on North Stradbroke Island, Brisbane.A villa overlooking the ocean at Pandanus Palms Resort on North Stradbroke Island, Brisbane.
Pandanus Palms Resort offers views across Moreton Island and the Coral Sea. (Image: Allure)

Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel

This vibrant beachfront hotel with modern apartments and ocean-view rooms has its own al fresco restaurant – Manta Ray Bistro. Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel is spacious and modern with breezy open-plan living and modern conveniences.

If you’re planning the perfect Brisbane vacation, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate travel guide.

Jemma Fletcher
Based in sun-kissed Brisbane, Jemma Fletcher is an accomplished writer, editor and content manager. Armed with a Bachelor of Journalism from The University of Queensland, as well as over a decade of tourism marketing experience, Jemma now specialises in freelance travel writing and has a soft spot for the beauty of Queensland. Her expertise has been honed through her previous roles as Chief Editor of Queensland.com and WeekendNotes.com and she is the passionate creator of High Cup of Tea, an online directory celebrating Australia's finest high tea experiences. After growing up in the UK (hence her love for tea and scones) and a delightful chapter in Sydney, Jemma loves to explore quaint towns with a rich history. Also high on her weekend list is tasting the local cafe scene, enjoying charming farm stays with her young family and deciding where her next travel adventure will be (half of the fun is in the planning!)
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An insider’s guide to Noosa’s best-kept winter secrets

    Lucy CousinsBy Lucy Cousins
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    As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

    As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

    Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

    Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

    Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach
    Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

    Where to eat in Noosa

    Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

    There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

    There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

    diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter
    Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

    Where to stay in Noosa

    Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

    There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

    For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

    a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa
    Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

    Things to do on land

    There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

    A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

    Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

    woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter
    Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

    Things to do in the water

    Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

    You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

    Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

    For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

    women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter
    Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

    Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.