This final weekend, I lastly made it to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), or ‘Straddie,’ as most locals name it. I stuffed my Land Cruiser with all of the tenting and journey gear, picked up my finest pal, and headed on the ferry for 3 days and two nights on the island.
Certain there are stunning 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 slightly 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 allure is really plain.
Whether or not searching for an island expertise the place you may 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 excellent to watch this phenomenon than Level Lookout… extra on that later.
IMO Stradbroke Island is without doubt one of the finest seaside tenting experiences that the East Coast of Australia has to supply. It’s an journey properly price 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 seeking to carry 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 prime ideas, tips and finds onto our Australia Google Map legend. This map incorporates ALL of my Australia journey guides in a single place so that each one it’s a must to do is open your cellphone and you’ve got all the very best spots at your fingertips…
Get lifetime entry to my countless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, calm down 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 automotive/motorhome/4WD
When you’re heading over to North Stradbroke Island along with your automotive, motorhome or for some 4WD journey, you have to to guide an area on a automobile ferry by way of 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.
- Price: Return journeys begin round $150 for traditional automobiles. We paid $225 for a return with my Toyota Landcruiser inc. 2 x adults.
- Period of crossing: round 45 minutes.
- Tip: Arrive no less than 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 have to to decompress your tyres. We had been really helpful to decrease them to about 18-22 PSI. It’s supreme to have a pocket tyre decompressor which can imply you are able to do it manually while you get to the 4WD entrances. While you depart the 4WD tracks you may head to one of many garages on the island to inflate your tyres once more without cost. I’ve pinned the spots without cost air inflation on the Australia Google Map.
Passengers With out Automobiles
In contrast to Morton Island, exploring North Stradbroke Island is straightforward to discover if you happen to don’t have a automotive. 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 cling outs.
When you’re heading over to North Stradbroke Island with out a automobile, you may guide an area on a passenger Ferry. The passenger ferry additionally leaves from Cleveland (similar as automobile ferry) and is a little bit sooner 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 need to use the free shuttle to the ferry terminal.
While you get to the Island: Straddie has a handy bus service which connects Dunwich, Amity Level, and Level Lookout (the primary areas to go to). Buses align with ferry schedules so public transport on the island is a fairly environment friendly possibility if you happen to’re travelling to North Stradbroke Island with out a automobile. 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 presents distinctive highlights. Take into consideration what expertise you’d like on Straddie, after which check out the overview beneath to see when the very best time is on your imaginative and prescient.
Summer time (December to February)
- Best time to go to for: Swimming, browsing, and seaside tenting.
- Suggestions: 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 Could)
- Best time to go to for: Delicate climate, outside actions, and fewer crowds.
- Wildlife: Kangaroos and koalas are extra ceaselessly noticed in quieter areas.
Winter (June to August)
- Best time to go to for: Whale watching and exploring strolling tracks in cooler climate (15-20°C).
- Suggestions: Pack heat layers for cool evenings.
Spring (September to November)
- Best time to go to for: Clear skies, heat climate, and turtle nesting season.
- Wildlife: Dolphins, migratory birds, and sea turtles are most energetic.
Wildlife Recognizing Calendar
North Stradbroke Island is indubitably a HAVEN for wildlife and also you’ll actually stand up and shut with a few of Australias best while you’re right here. Right here’s a little bit overview of potentiality…
- Dolphins: 12 months-round at Amity Level or throughout boat excursions / from lookouts.
- Humpback Whales: June to November, finest seen from North Gorge Stroll or Frenchman’s Seaside.
- Kangaroos: Usually seen at Amity Level and lots of campgrounds, particularly at daybreak and nightfall.
- Koalas: Discovered within the eucalypt bushes 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 widespread year-round.
- Marine Life: Snorkellers and divers can spot rays, turtles, and reef fish year-round.
Tenting / Lodging on North Stradbroke Island
There are lots of choices (and wonderful ones too) for campers which are with and with out 4WDs. Under I’ve laid out the choices for you. When you do have a 4WD I extremely extremely advocate utilising this benefit and going off the overwhelmed observe for a novel island expertise.
4WD-Accessible Tenting
There are 3 major 4WD tracks on North Stradbroke Island, Flinders Seaside, Important Seaside and Tripod observe. (I’ve pinned entry factors and finest spots on the Google Map right here).
Why is that this related to tenting choices? Effectively these actual 4WD tracks open up tenting choices that aren’t accessible to non-4WDers!
Listed here are the 2 major spots to notice:
- Important Seaside Tenting: Positioned alongside this 32km stretch are many beachfront websites with no services. Excellent for self-sufficient campers. Charges are from $19-30 per night time. E-book right here.
- Flinders Seaside Tenting: Positioned alongside the north of the island and alongside the 7km seaside 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 prematurely you probably have a choice. One of many nights we had been visiting, the camp spots had been totally booked however we waited till sundown after which parked up in one of many free areas (plenty 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 isn’t a wild tenting on Straddie. It feels wild, but it surely’s pre-booked.
Non-4WD Tenting and different lodging
There are lots of choices for non-4 wheel drive campers! And a few wonderful places too, extra of a campsite vibe versus tenting within the wild vibes although.
I’ve pinned a number of to the Australia Google Map that appeared supreme 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.
When you’re seeking to guide lodging on Straddie, have a take into consideration whether or not you’re vibing a lodge room, hostel or house after which guide with a reduction on reserving.com right here.
1. Take the gorgeous North Gorge Rim Stroll
Holy wow, this was a ravishing stroll. When 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 various 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 presents panoramic ocean views because it wraps its manner across the dramatic cliffs. This was the place we noticed dolphins and turtles down within the clear blue beneath us. Gorgeous scenes.
I can solely think about how epic it’s to observe the migrating whales swim previous come June, you really 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 convey water and suncream if you happen to’re doing it through the day!
2. Drive the 4WD Tripod Observe
Tripod observe is without doubt one of the 3 4WD tracks on the island and presents a chance to modify up the panorama and get into the thick of the island. This inland observe presents probably the most difficult 4WD journey on the island (most enjoyable!) and also you enterprise by way of dense bushland and sandy trails.
You’ll want to cease off on the Tripod lookout positioned alongside the route (requires a ten minute stroll) for views throughout the island, see photos beneath. In your manner out, cease on the Brown Lake for a dip within the tea tree waters!
Get lifetime entry to my countless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, calm down 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 Important Seaside
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 taking part in throughout us! We even had a manta ray swim beneath us! Like… wow.
When you have a 4WD you may enter on the 4WD entry level and reap the benefits of some empty breaks additional down the seaside and if you happen to don’t have a 4WD you may park up at Level Lookout and stroll 2 minutes all the way down to the primary seaside to benefit from the waves!
Journey tip:
When you haven’t been browsing earlier than and need to attempt it, contact North Stradbroke Island surf faculty and get a lesson! You’ll additionally need to be careful for the lifeguard flags and keep within the really helpful zones. The ocean is a robust 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 presents among the finest 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)
When you’re seeking to swap up the ocean panorama for some bushy, tranquil lake scenes, there are a few choices on the island and one of the crucial really helpful is Brown Lake.
This tranquil freshwater lake is tinted brown by tea-tree leaves. It’s excellent for swimming, picnicking, and enjoyable. Pitch up for a refreshing dip and a spot of lunch!
6. Discover Myora Springs
As you make your manner from the ferry (or in your manner again to) in Dunwich, take a second to cease off at this stunning spring positioned simply off the facet of the street.
This serene freshwater spring is steeped in Aboriginal cultural significance. A brief boardwalk leads by way of mangroves and presents 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 finest dive spots, Manta Bommie is residence to manta rays, turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. When you’re seeking to dive into the waters surrounding North Stradbroke Island, guide a tour and reap the benefits of the varied marine life that calls this place residence.
Guided excursions present all tools and experience so simply guide and rock up able to go!
Journey tip: E-book early through the peak summer time season, we tried to guide at the beginning of Jan for our go to 2 weeks later and there was no availability! If it’s prime of your checklist, get that reserving in!
8. Wild tenting on Flinders Seaside
Take pleasure in spacious beachfront tenting with ocean views and nights underneath a transparent starry skies (hopefully). With mild 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 searching for a particular tenting expertise on North Stradbroke Island!
Keep in mind, if you happen to’re planning to entry the 4WD tracks and seaside tenting spots, you’ll must guide your 4WD allow and guide your camp spot! Data and hyperlinks famous in earlier part on your comfort.
9. Dolphin Watching at Amity Level
Wild dolphins typically strategy the shore at Amity Level within the late afternoon, making it a favorite spot for wildlife lovers to collect. Calm down by the calm waters and preserve 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 those who have lived and beloved 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 Important Seaside.
The menu is restricted for savoury snacks however presents your whole 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 may be additionally a very cute guide store subsequent door, the right spot to select up a brand new learn or to discover a memento to take off the island with you!
12. Decide up recent prawns and sourdough from The Prawn Shack
Nothing screams an island journey extra for me than recent 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 beautiful Prawn Shack the place they’ve a wide range of recent fish and greens on supply. Alongside our half kilo of recent prawns we additionally picked up some garlic and a few recent sourdough which, the proprietor proudly claimed, is the one place on the island to get LEGIT fresly baked sourdough.
I can verify our garlic prawns and recent sourdough was each bits as dreamy as I envisioned. The enterprise proprietor was additionally so grateful for the enterprise, we each left that alternate with a smile on our faces!
Packing ideas for North Stradbroke Island
Normal ideas and reminders
Although you may certainly cease off at one of many many outlets on the island, its good to be ready so you may maximise rest while you get to Straddie! Right here’s a number of issues you may put together by getting:
- Sunscreen, hat, and sun shades
- Swimwear and durable strolling footwear
- Reusable waterbottle and snacks
- Fridge or cool field for these seaside day and to improve your tenting expertise!
- First-aid package
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 may entry my Australia Google Map legend. This can prevent a lot time researching and also you’ll have the ability to open up the map in your cellphone and see all my close by ideas and proposals on the go!
Get lifetime entry to my countless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, calm down 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 all the things!
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 checklist? Any questions for me? Pop them beneath!
Love as all the time and comfortable adventuring…
