North Stradbroke Island

Also known as “Straddie”, North Stradbroke Island is one of the world’s largest sand islands and is home to the sprawling Blue Lake National Park plus some great beaches and tons of marine life. Point Lookout, at the northeast corner of the island, is the main hub of accommodation and dining and is surrounded by postcard-perfect beaches perfect for snorkelling. Most travellers come here to learn to dive or to dive the famous spots in front of Cylinder Beach, including a spectacular Manta Ray cleaning station. The surf is great and uncrowded at Main Beach just off Point Lookout. If you fancy a walk instead, the Gorge pathway around Point Lookout is a gorgeous half hour seaside stroll.

You can camp and four-wheel-drive along many of the beaches here, but you’ll need to get a permit from the Stradbroke Visitors Centre before boarding the ferry in Cleveland. Access to the entire southern half of the island is prohibited due to mining.

Coming & going

Frequent ferries run to North Stradbroke Island from Cleveland, 30km southeast of Brisbane city centre, which is reached by frequent trains on the Citytrain network.

Stradbroke Ferries charge $10–20 return or $149 return for a car with passengers. Their ferries depart from Redland Bay.

Local transport

North Stradbroke Island Bus Services is a reasonable local bus service on the island that meets all ferries. Buses run between Dunwich and Point Lookout with some services also going to Amity. The one-way fare from the ferry terminal to Point Lookout is $5.