Absolutely breathtaking. A must do for all of Brisbane's inhabitants.
The journey to and from is quite the experience too. Hop a passenger ferry ride from Cleveland to North Stradbroke Island, services available 7 days a week and about 15 bucks a head (students get half rate). Vehicle ferries too are possible, but be prepared to dish it out (about 70-100 bucks each way) and would need to be booked well in advance. Comfy ferry ride! Stay inside with some a/c on your face, or get adventurous and get some gale strength sea air puffing out your cheeks on the top deck seating area. I've heard that one of the ferries even has a café of sorts. Ride time - 45 mins. The bus journey (Go-cards won't work) is $10 for the entire day, as many bus rides within the island as you please, again 50% off for students. Get ready to walk a fair bit within the island, though, as buses may not be around every 10 mins like in the city. The bus journey from the ferry point ends at North Straddie's gorge walk. Ride time - 30 mins~. The gorge walk - The sights are too pretty to be true. Our attempt on a mildly sunny day produced crystal blue ocean waters, refined golden sands, and sculpted cliffsides that are simply too beautiful to describe. The gorge walk takes about 20-30 mins to complete and is a fair stretch to your legs (especially if you're lugging around some food and drink). You finish the trail almost at where you started (it's basically a big loopy circuit on the cliffside) and camp it out with a picnic sheet on the grassy banks overlooking the clear blue sea. Sightings of sea turtles and whales are quite a common occurrence. Mind the 'roo poo, though. Plenty of fellas hopping around, with a blatant disregard to the touristy kind, carrying on with their business!
End the day with a dip in the sea, the Cylinder beach is about a 45 min walk/5 min bus ride (if you time your journey right - we didn't!). The indoor showers/changing rooms at the beach could be a little better maintained, but to be honest, it was really no big deal!
All in all, a Saturday well...
Read moreThe North Gorge Walk is a popular walking trail located on North Stradbroke Island, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is a scenic coastal walk that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean, cliffs, and wildlife.
The North Gorge Walk starts from Point Lookout, a coastal village on the eastern side of the island, and follows a well-marked trail along the cliff edges. The walk takes you through stunning coastal landscapes, including rocky headlands, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters.
Along the way, you can expect to see various marine life, such as dolphins, turtles, and manta rays, as well as seasonal sightings of migrating whales. The vantage points along the trail provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
The walk is relatively easy and suitable for most fitness levels. It is a loop trail, so you can start and finish at the same point. The entire circuit is approximately 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) long and can be completed in around 30-45 minutes, depending on your pace and the time you spend enjoying the views.
It's a good idea to wear comfortable walking shoes, carry some water, and bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Also, keep in mind that parts of the trail can be exposed, so it's advisable to check the weather conditions before heading out.
The North Gorge Walk is a must-do activity for visitors to Stradbroke Island, offering a memorable experience of the island's natural beauty and...
Read moreAn amazing walk along the coastline with a variety of views to accommodate all beachfront tastes. We saw whales breaching, a sea turtle feeding, a dolphin pod, and several groups of kangaroos -- all in only an hour of casual strolling! The hike is easy to moderate for able-bodied folks. There are a number of steps and inclines, making the walk (past a brief start) inaccessible to those with wheelchairs, walking aids, or difficulty walking distances. The trail is a 1.2km (almost 1 mile) loop, with the southern entrance higher than the northern. We enjoyed entering the southern side. There are several points where the walkway (largely boardwalk) gives way to bluff tops where you can wander at will. Be cautious here, as the area is rough and uneven. Unexpected weather and environment elements have led to deaths. It is safe enough if you keep a wise eye on yourself, your surroundings, and your proximity to the edge, but it's worth being aware. These are optional areas. Cannot recommend highly enough. Will...
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