2-3 days is just enough to get around and see the sites on this lovely island. Depending on your accommodation it would be worth staying even longer if you can during this non-busy period of the year. Our highlights were the Gorge and Whale walks, Cylinder, Frenchmans and Flinders beaches. All very different and absolutely pristine with white sand and clear warm seas. Our accommodation was at Kangaroo Point which was literaly 3 minutes walk to Cylinder beach.
We found it all very casual on this island. No upmarket 5 star restaurants rather casual and budget friendly dining with friendly and professional staff. We recommend taking your food with you and doing lots of BBQ's or experience some of the fresh seafood shops for your outdoor dining.
We also recommend trying the Saint Stradbroke wine bar in Dunwich. They are open past 3pm and offer excellent service, wines, and coffee plus light meals. Right behind the Saint Stradbroke wine bar is also the Brewery, which is worth a visit as well.
The island offers great camping spots by the sea. Very handy to the ocean beaches if you prefer waves. There were no large hotel resorts or high-rise hotels we could find. The island manages to balance the crowds, the development, national park and natural aesthetic as well as you can find anywhere. Also, we loved that there were no fast-food restaurants on the island. The locals are very friendly and helpful, and it is an island that is very respectful to its indigenous owners, history, and visitors.
If you visit in the month of May, (during a non-school holiday period) you will find few tourists and plenty of parking and access to everything. So, we felt we had the beaches to ourselves. Incredibly quiet and beautiful with lots to explore. Amity Point was full of birdlife, with flat seas and lots of wilderness right up to the water. 4WD best for exploring there.
We discovered a golf course up in the middle of the island with some nice views as well. Brown lake was nice, but not amazing. Lookout Point was the jewel of the island. You will find some dog friendly beaches there and good access to the headland with its vast sturdy and winding wooden boardwalks that hug the coastline. Top on our list was the Cylinder, Gorge and Whale Walkways. We were enthralled by the beauty of the island. The Main Beach stretches thirty-eight klm long and 11 klm wide. 4 Wheel Driving is a must on this beach, however when we visited it was not permitted due to the high tides. On our brief stay we spotted lots of kangaroos; kookaburra's; wild dolphins; two wedge tail eagles; many sea birds and bush stone curlews. In summary a nature lovers haven. NOTE: Patchy internet across the island and please be mindful of the speed limits on this island, i.e. 30klm per hour at Point Lookout. Wildlife crosses the roads regularly. Remember to take your rubbish and if you walk along the beach and you see some plastic washed up, pick it up and remove it to a bid up on the roadside. If we all do our bit, this will remain another Southeast gem of the...
   Read moreIf you visit North Stradbroke Island once, you will become hooked and it will become your favourite island. Wether you go for a few days, or longer there is so much to see and do on this gem , 30 odd kilometres from Brisbane. There are two ways that you can travel from Cleveland by water taxi (you can catch the bus which is included in your ticket price which will cost you $14) . note that there are 2 water taxis, if taking your dog with you one of the ferries will ask you to muzzle your dog whatever the size of your furry friend.
Or if going by car ,the vehicle ferry ( check the Stradbroke Ferry site for price as they do have specials at times) You are able to just go on a day trip which is becoming popular. A 4wheel drive is not a necessity but if you do wish to 4wheel drive you will need a permit. As for accommodation you have a wide and varied choice from budget accommodation, including back packers to renting house , wild camping or at a campsite, and various resorts. Best thing to do if you want more information best to Google the island to see it for yourself. Beaches are beautiful, much to do, different places to vist such as the brown fresh water lake and the blue lake. great for all ages a must place to see. Even for just a day, You will never forget North Stradbroke Island. If you love photography it is the place to go , between the land and the beach , wildlife and beautiful vegetation. You...
   Read moreA Day Trip to North Stradbroke Island: A Slice of Paradise
North Stradbroke Island, or Stradbroke Island as it's affectionately known, is a stunning island paradise just off the coast of Brisbane. We recently took a day trip from Brisbane and it was an absolute delight.
The Journey: Our day began with a convenient pickup from the CBD, followed by a scenic ferry ride to the island. The journey itself was a relaxing experience, offering beautiful views of the coast.
Island Adventures: Once on the island, we embarked on a guided tour that took us to some of the island's most iconic spots. We had the opportunity to spot adorable koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat. The South Gorge Walk was a highlight, offering breathtaking views of the pristine beaches and the vast ocean.
Key Highlights: Amity Point: A charming coastal town with beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. Lookout Point: A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the island and the ocean. Cylinder Beach: A popular surfing spot with consistent waves and stunning scenery.
Overall: Our day trip to North Stradbroke Island was a fantastic experience. The island's natural beauty, coupled with the friendly locals and the laid-back atmosphere, made it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you're looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway, North Stradbroke Island is definitely worth...
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