This final weekend, I lastly made it to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), or ‘Straddie,’ as most locals name it. I crammed my Land Cruiser with all of the tenting and journey gear, picked up my finest buddy, and headed on the ferry for 3 days and two nights on the island.
Positive there are lovely golden seashores alongside the entire coast of Australia… however there’s one thing about being on island time that hits in another 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).
Identified for its Aboriginal heritage, wealthy and thriving marine life, plus iconic spots just like the North Gorge Stroll, Straddie’s appeal is actually plain.
Whether or not searching for an island expertise the place you possibly can 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 likely one of the finest seaside tenting experiences that the East Coast of Australia has to supply. It’s an journey nicely value 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 most effective locations to eat, the most effective locations to camp, the most effective locations to surf, and the most effective issues to see.
Whether or not you’re seeking to deliver 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, methods and finds onto our Australia Google Map legend. This map comprises ALL of my Australia journey guides in a single place so that every one you need to do is open your cellphone and you’ve got all the most effective spots at your fingertips…
Get lifetime entry to my countless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the most effective locations to eat, drink, loosen up and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your machine and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
Getting To North Stradbroke Island
Travelling with a automotive/motorhome/4WD
In the event you’re heading over to North Stradbroke Island along with your automotive, motorhome or for some 4WD journey, you will have to e-book an area on a car ferry via both Sealink or Stradbroke Flyer Ferries. Each ferries depart from Cleveland, about 40 minutes from the centre of Brisbane and a couple of hours north of Byron Bay.
- Price: Return journeys begin round $150 for normal autos. We paid $225 for a return with my Toyota Landcruiser inc. 2 x adults.
- Length of crossing: round 45 minutes.
- Tip: Arrive at the very least 20 minutes earlier than departure and e-book early, particularly throughout weekends and faculty holidays. The ferries get tremendous booked up / fully promote out.
4WD journey tip:
When travelling on the sand in 4WD mode you will have to decompress your tyres. We have been advisable to decrease them to about 18-22 PSI. It’s ideally suited to have a pocket tyre decompressor which can imply you are able to do it manually whenever you get to the 4WD entrances. If you go away the 4WD tracks you possibly can head to one of many garages on the island to inflate your tyres once more free of charge. I’ve pinned the spots free of charge air inflation on the Australia Google Map.
Passengers With out Autos
Not like Morton Island, exploring North Stradbroke Island is simple to discover in the event you don’t have a automotive. I used to be stunned 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 hold outs.
In the event you’re heading over to North Stradbroke Island with out a car, you possibly can e-book an area on a passenger Ferry. The passenger ferry additionally leaves from Cleveland (identical as car ferry) and is a bit of quicker attending to the island with a period of round 25-Half-hour.
Public Transport to Cleveland from Brisbane: There’s a practice that may take you from Brisbane to Cleveland Station and from there you need to use the free shuttle to the ferry terminal.
If you get to the Island: Straddie has a handy bus service which connects Dunwich, Amity Level, and Level Lookout (the principle areas to go to). Buses align with ferry schedules so public transport on the island is a reasonably environment friendly possibility in the event you’re travelling to North Stradbroke Island with out a car. See extra right here.
The Finest Time to Go to North Stradbroke Island
North Stradbroke Island is a year-round vacation spot, however every season provides distinctive highlights. Take into consideration what expertise you’d like on Straddie, after which check out the overview under to see when the most effective time is in your imaginative and prescient.
Summer season (December to February)
- Superb time to go to for: Swimming, browsing, and seaside tenting.
- Suggestions: Put together for warm climate (25-30°C) and occasional storms. Guide 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 Might)
- Superb 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)
- Superb 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)
- Superb 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 rise up and shut with a few of Australias best while you’re right here. Right here’s a bit of overview of potentiality…
- Dolphins: Yr-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: Often 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 numerous choices (and wonderful ones too) for campers which can be with and with out 4WDs. Beneath I’ve laid out the choices for you. In the event you do have a 4WD I extremely extremely suggest utilising this benefit and going off the overwhelmed monitor for a singular island expertise.
4WD-Accessible Tenting
There are 3 predominant 4WD tracks on North Stradbroke Island, Flinders Seaside, Important Seaside and Tripod monitor. (I’ve pinned entry factors and finest spots on the Google Map right here).
Why is that this related to tenting choices? Properly these actual 4WD tracks open up tenting choices that aren’t accessible to non-4WDers!
Listed below are the 2 predominant spots to notice:
- Important Seaside Tenting: Situated alongside this 32km stretch are many beachfront websites with no amenities. Excellent for self-sufficient campers. Charges are from $19-30 per evening. Guide right here.
- Flinders Seaside Tenting: Situated 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). Guide right here.
Every of the above choices have designated spots (that also really feel very wild) simply behind the dunes. I extremely suggest reserving these spots prematurely if in case you have a choice. One of many nights we have been visiting, the camp spots have been totally booked however we waited till sundown after which parked up in one of many free areas (a number of individuals clearly e-book 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 any wild tenting on Straddie. It feels wild, but it surely’s pre-booked.
Non-4WD Tenting and different lodging
There are numerous choices for non-4 wheel drive campers! And a few wonderful areas too, extra of a campsite vibe versus tenting within the wild vibes although.
I’ve pinned just a few to the Australia Google Map that appeared ideally suited 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.
In the event you’re seeking to e-book lodging on Straddie, have a take into consideration whether or not you’re vibing a lodge room, hostel or residence after which e-book with a reduction on reserving.com right here.
1. Take the beautiful North Gorge Rim Stroll
Holy wow, this was a gorgeous stroll. In the event 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 a lot of 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 provides panoramic ocean views because it wraps its method across the dramatic cliffs. This was the place we noticed dolphins and turtles down within the clear blue beneath us. Beautiful scenes.
I can solely think about how epic it’s to look at the migrating whales swim previous come June, you actually do have the most effective view out throughout the ocean from this path.
Journey tip:
Go to early morning for fewer crowds. Put on sturdy sneakers and produce water and suncream in the event you’re doing it throughout the day!
2. Drive the 4WD Tripod Observe
Tripod monitor is likely one of the 3 4WD tracks on the island and presents a chance to change up the panorama and get into the thick of the island. This inland monitor provides essentially the most difficult 4WD journey on the island (most enjoyable!) and also you enterprise via dense bushland and sandy trails.
Remember to cease off on the Tripod lookout positioned alongside the route (requires a ten minute stroll) for views throughout the island, see photos under. In your method 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 most effective locations to eat, drink, loosen up and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your machine 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 enjoying throughout us! We even had a manta ray swim beneath us! Like… wow.
You probably have a 4WD you possibly can enter on the 4WD entry level and benefit from some empty breaks additional down the seaside and in the event you don’t have a 4WD you possibly can park up at Level Lookout and stroll 2 minutes right down to the principle seaside to benefit from the waves!
Journey tip:
In the event you haven’t been browsing earlier than and wish to attempt it, contact North Stradbroke Island surf faculty and get a lesson! You’ll additionally wish to be careful for the lifeguard flags and keep within the advisable 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 provides 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 e-book a ship tour for an up-close whale encounter. BUCKET LIST STUFF. Get round it!
5. Go to Brown Lake (Bummeira)
In the event you’re seeking to change up the ocean panorama for some bushy, tranquil lake scenes, there are a few choices on the island and probably the most advisable is Brown Lake.
This tranquil freshwater lake is tinted brown by tea-tree leaves. It’s excellent for swimming, picnicking, and stress-free. Pitch up for a refreshing dip and a spot of lunch!
6. Discover Myora Springs
As you make your method from the ferry (or in your method again to) in Dunwich, take a second to cease off at this lovely spring positioned simply off the facet of the street.
This serene freshwater spring is steeped in Aboriginal cultural significance. A brief boardwalk leads via mangroves and provides a peaceable spot for birdwatching, dipping, meditating or having fun with your lunch.
7. Snorkeling and Diving at Manta Bommie
Rated considered one of Australia’s finest dive spots, Manta Bommie is house to manta rays, turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. In the event you’re seeking to dive into the waters surrounding North Stradbroke Island, e-book a tour and benefit from the varied marine life that calls this place house.
Guided excursions present all tools and experience so simply e-book and rock up able to go!
Journey tip: Guide early throughout the peak summer season season, we tried to e-book at the beginning of Jan for our go to 2 weeks later and there was no availability! If it’s prime of your record, 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 evening 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, in the event you’re planning to entry the 4WD tracks and seaside tenting spots, you’ll have to e-book your 4WD allow and e-book your camp spot! Info and hyperlinks famous in earlier part in your comfort.
9. Dolphin Watching at Amity Level
Wild dolphins usually method the shore at Amity Level within the late afternoon, making it a favorite spot for wildlife lovers to assemble. Calm down by the calm waters and hold your eyes peeled or get on the water and discover by kayak.
10. Cultural Excursions with Quandamooka Folks
To dive into the Indigenous historical past and to attach with the land right here on Minjerribah, I extremely suggest 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 learn about you however I like listening to tales from the those that have lived and liked 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 provides your entire coffees, matcha variations, smoothies, acai bowls and candy treats on show (alongside a savoury tart or two). The acai bowls have been scrumptious and we fell in love with the uplifting vibe and views out to the horizon.
There may be additionally a extremely cute e-book 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. Choose 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 provide. 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 affirm 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
Basic ideas and reminders
Although you possibly can certainly cease off at one of many many retailers on the island, its good to be ready so you possibly can maximise rest whenever you get to Straddie! Right here’s just a few issues you possibly can put together by getting:
- Sunscreen, hat, and sun shades
- Swimwear and durable strolling sneakers
- Reusable waterbottle and snacks
- Fridge or cool field for these seaside day and to improve your tenting expertise!
- First-aid equipment
For 4WD travellers and campers
- Restoration gear, air compressor, and shovel
- Tenting gear and moveable fridge
- Offline maps or GPS machine
- Get your 4WD allow and tenting tags bought!
Oh and to improve your North Stradbroke expertise, bear in mind you possibly can entry my Australia Google Map legend. It will 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 most effective locations to eat, drink, loosen up and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your machine and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
Eeeek that’s every part!
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 depart a mark in your coronary heart and reminiscence financial institution!
I can’t wait to see the way you take pleasure in it!
Have you ever been to North Stradbroke Island?
What, in your opinion, are the most effective issues to do on North Stradbroke Island? Something you’d add to this bucket record? Any questions for me? Pop them under!
Love as at all times and pleased adventuring…
