This last weekend, I finally made it to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), or ‘Straddie,’ as most locals call it. I filled my Land Cruiser with all the camping and adventure gear, picked up my best friend, and headed on the ferry for three days and two nights on the island.
Sure there are beautiful golden beaches along the whole coast of Australia… but there’s something about being on island time that hits differently.
Nestled off the coast of Brisbane, and just under an hour on the ferry from Cleveland, is North Stradbroke Island – the world’s second-largest sand island (after Fraser Island).
Known for its Aboriginal heritage, rich and thriving marine life, plus iconic spots like the North Gorge Walk, Straddie’s charm is truly undeniable.
Whether looking for an island experience where you can dip in clear turquoise waters, spot native Australian wildlife, go off-road in your 4WD or jump in and surf with the dolphins, North Stradbroke delivers… and some.
Something I hadn’t clocked before visiting was how epic North Stradbroke Island is for whale watching come June when the whales begin migration. I’ve not seen a lookout more perfect to observe this phenomenon than Point Lookout… more on that later.
IMO Stradbroke Island is one of the best beach camping experiences that the East Coast of Australia has to offer. It is an adventure well worth putting time aside for in your calendar.
I’m so excited to share with you a full North Stradbroke Island travel guide including the best places to eat, the best places to camp, the best places to surf, and the best things to see.
Whether you’re looking to bring over your 4WD or come over on the passenger ferry with just a backpack on your back, this North Stradbroke Island travel guide is for you.
P.S. For convenience, I have pinned ALL my top tips, tricks and finds onto our Australia Google Map legend. This map contains ALL of my Australia travel guides in one place so that all you have to do is open your phone and you have all the best spots at your fingertips…
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Getting To North Stradbroke Island
Travelling with a car/motorhome/4WD
If you’re heading over to North Stradbroke Island with your car, motorhome or for some 4WD adventure, you will need to book a space on a vehicle ferry through either Sealink or Stradbroke Flyer Ferries. Both ferries depart from Cleveland, about 40 minutes from the centre of Brisbane and 2 hours north of Byron Bay.
- Cost: Return trips start around $150 for standard vehicles. We paid $225 for a return with my Toyota Landcruiser inc. 2 x adults.
- Duration of crossing: around 45 minutes.
- Tip: Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure and book early, especially during weekends and school holidays. The ferries get super booked up / completely sell out.
4WD travel tip:
When travelling on the sand in 4WD mode you will need to decompress your tyres. We were recommended to lower them to about 18-22 PSI. It is ideal to have a pocket tyre decompressor which will mean you can do it manually when you get to the 4WD entrances. When you leave the 4WD tracks you can head to one of the garages on the island to inflate your tyres again for free. I have pinned the spots for free air inflation on the Australia Google Map.
Passengers Without Vehicles
Unlike Morton Island, exploring North Stradbroke Island is easy to explore if you don’t have a car. I was surprised with how set up it was. It’s a lot more built up in places but balances itself perfectly with an abundance off off-grid options and hang outs.
If you’re heading over to North Stradbroke Island without a vehicle, you can book a space on a passenger Ferry. The passenger ferry also leaves from Cleveland (same as vehicle ferry) and is a little faster getting to the island with a duration of around 25-30 minutes.
Public Transport to Cleveland from Brisbane: There is a train that will take you from Brisbane to Cleveland Station and from there you can use the free shuttle to the ferry terminal.
When you get to the Island: Straddie has a convenient bus service which connects Dunwich, Amity Point, and Point Lookout (the main areas to visit). Buses align with ferry schedules so public transport on the island is a pretty efficient option if you’re travelling to North Stradbroke Island without a vehicle. See more here.
The Best Time to Visit North Stradbroke Island
North Stradbroke Island is a year-round destination, but each season offers unique highlights. Think about what experience you’d like on Straddie, and then take a look at the overview below to see when the best time is for your vision.
Summer (December to February)
- Ideal time to visit for: Swimming, surfing, and beach camping.
- Tips: Prepare for hot weather (25-30°C) and occasional storms. Book accommodations and ferries early – this is the busiest time!
- Wildlife: We visited in January and spotted Kangaroos, Manta Rays, turtles and dolphins.
Autumn (March to May)
- Ideal time to visit for: Mild weather, outdoor activities, and fewer crowds.
- Wildlife: Kangaroos and koalas are more frequently spotted in quieter areas.
Winter (June to August)
- Ideal time to visit for: Whale watching and exploring walking tracks in cooler weather (15-20°C).
- Tips: Pack warm layers for cool evenings.
Spring (September to November)
- Ideal time to visit for: Clear skies, warm weather, and turtle nesting season.
- Wildlife: Dolphins, migratory birds, and sea turtles are most active.
Wildlife Spotting Calendar
North Stradbroke Island is without a doubt a HAVEN for wildlife and you’ll really get up and close with some of Australias finest whilst you’re here. Here’s a little overview of potentiality…
- Dolphins: Year-round at Amity Point or during boat tours / from lookouts.
- Humpback Whales: June to November, best visible from North Gorge Walk or Frenchman’s Beach.
- Kangaroos: Regularly seen at Amity Point and many campgrounds, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Koalas: Found in the eucalypt trees near Dunwich and Amity Point.
- Turtles: Nesting starts in November, with hatchlings emerging from January to March.
- Birdlife: Migratory birds in spring; curlews and ospreys are common year-round.
- Marine Life: Snorkellers and divers can spot rays, turtles, and reef fish year-round.
Camping / Accommodation on North Stradbroke Island
There are many options (and amazing ones too) for campers that are with and without 4WDs. Below I have laid out the options for you. If you do have a 4WD I highly highly recommend utilising this advantage and going off the beaten track for a unique island experience.
4WD-Accessible Camping
There are 3 main 4WD tracks on North Stradbroke Island, Flinders Beach, Main Beach and Tripod track. (I’ve pinned entry points and best spots on the Google Map here).
Why is this relevant to camping options? Well those exact 4WD tracks open up camping options that aren’t accessible to non-4WDers!
Here are the two main spots to note:
- Main Beach Camping: Located along this 32km stretch are many beachfront sites with no facilities. Perfect for self-sufficient campers. Rates are from $19-30 per night. Book here.
- Flinders Beach Camping: Located along the north of the island and along the 7km beach stretch are 200 shaded sites with basic amenities. Campfires are allowed (seasonal restrictions apply). Book here.
Each of the above options have designated spots (that still feel very wild) just behind the dunes. I highly recommend booking these spots in advance if you have a preference. One of the nights we were visiting, the camp spots were fully booked but we waited until sunset and then parked up in one of the free spaces (lots of people clearly book and don’t turn up).
This created the ONLY slight preference I have for Moreton Island over Straddie. Because technically there is no wild camping on Straddie. It feels wild, but it’s pre-booked.
Non-4WD Camping and other accommodation
There are many options for non-4wd campers! And some amazing locations too, more of a campsite vibe as opposed to camping in the wild vibes though.
I have pinned a few to the Australia Google Map that looked ideal but otherwise take a look at where you’d most like to visit and pitch up near.
- Adder Rock Campground: Powered/unpowered sites, close to beaches.
- Amity Point Campground: Family-friendly with waterfront access and visiting kangaroos.
Take a look at all options here on the Minjerribah website.
If you’re looking to book accommodation on Straddie, have a think about whether you’re vibing a hotel room, hostel or apartment and then book with a discount on booking.com here.
1. Take the stunning North Gorge Rim Walk
Holy wow, this was a beautiful walk. If you head to North Stradbroke Island this is like the crown jewel of things to do. At just 1.2 km, it’s not a lengthy walk, but there are many spots at which your jaw will drop, and you’ll be inclined to spend some time admiring the views.
For this one, park up at Point Lookout. It’s an easy walk and the boardwalk offers panoramic ocean views as it wraps its way around the dramatic cliffs. This was where we spotted dolphins and turtles down in the clear blue beneath us. Stunning scenes.
I can only imagine how epic it is to watch the migrating whales swim past come June, you truly do have the best view out across the ocean from this trail.
Travel tip:
Visit early morning for fewer crowds. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and suncream if you’re doing it during the day!
2. Drive the 4WD Tripod Track
Tripod track is one of the 3 4WD tracks on the island and presents an opportunity to switch up the landscape and get into the thick of the island. This inland track offers the most challenging 4WD adventure on the island (most fun!) and you venture through dense bushland and sandy trails.
Be sure to stop off at the Tripod lookout located along the route (requires a 10 minute walk) for views across the island, see pictures below. On your way out, stop at the Brown Lake for a dip in the tea tree waters!
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
3. Go surfing at Main Beach
Main Beach’s 32km stretch is an absolute paradise for surfers, offering consistent swells year-round. We arrived around 7am in the morning and surfed with dolphins playing all around us! We even had a manta ray swim underneath us! Like… wow.
If you have a 4WD you can enter on the 4WD access point and take advantage of some empty breaks further down the beach and if you don’t have a 4WD you can park up at Point Lookout and walk 2 minutes down to the main beach to enjoy the waves!
Travel tip:
If you haven’t been surfing before and want to try it, contact North Stradbroke Island surf school and get a lesson! You’ll also want to watch out for the lifeguard flags and stay in the recommended zones. The ocean is a powerful place to be and your safety is the priority!
4. Whale Watching (June to November)
Oh my gosh I am coming back for this!!! North Stradbroke Island offers some of the best viewpoints for spotting Humpback whales as they migrate up the coast.
Watch them breach and tail-slap from North Gorge Walk or book a boat tour for an up-close whale encounter. BUCKET LIST STUFF. Get around it!
5. Visit Brown Lake (Bummeira)
If you’re looking to switch up the ocean landscape for some bushy, tranquil lake scenes, there are a couple of options on the island and one of the most recommended is Brown Lake.
This tranquil freshwater lake is tinted brown by tea-tree leaves. It’s perfect for swimming, picnicking, and relaxing. Pitch up for a refreshing dip and a spot of lunch!
6. Explore Myora Springs
As you make your way from the ferry (or on your way back to) in Dunwich, take a moment to stop off at this beautiful spring located just off the side of the road.
This serene freshwater spring is steeped in Aboriginal cultural significance. A short boardwalk leads through mangroves and offers a peaceful spot for birdwatching, dipping, meditating or enjoying your lunch.
7. Snorkeling and Diving at Manta Bommie
Rated one of Australia’s best dive spots, Manta Bommie is home to manta rays, turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. If you’re looking to dive into the waters surrounding North Stradbroke Island, book a tour and take advantage of the diverse marine life that calls this place home.
Guided tours provide all equipment and expertise so just book and rock up ready to go!
Travel tip: Book early during the peak summer season, we tried to book at the start of Jan for our visit 2 weeks later and there was no availability! If it’s top of your list, get that booking in!
8. Wild camping on Flinders Beach
Enjoy spacious beachfront camping with ocean views and nights under a clear starry skies (hopefully). With light pollution low on the island, you get some absolutely insane night sky to gaze up at from your camp chair or tent.
Flinders Beach is accessible only by 4WD, offering a remote and peaceful experience for those looking for a special camping experience on North Stradbroke Island!
Remember, if you’re planning to access the 4WD tracks and beach camping spots, you’ll need to book your 4WD permit and book your camp spot! Information and links noted in previous section for your convenience.
9. Dolphin Watching at Amity Point
Wild dolphins often approach the shore at Amity Point in the late afternoon, making it a favourite spot for wildlife enthusiasts to gather. Relax by the calm waters and keep your eyes peeled or get on the water and explore by kayak.
10. Cultural Tours with Quandamooka People
To dive into the Indigenous history and to connect with the land here on Minjerribah, I highly recommend booking a tour with Yura Tours.
This tour company is 100% owned by First Nations and is wonderful opportunity to open up your trip with respect and care for Quandamooka Country. I don’t know about you but I love hearing stories from the people that have lived and loved this land for years before we step foot there. This is travel at its most authentic.
11. Breakfast at The Blue Room Cafe
This spot seems to be a staple on the island, it was thriving with business and with people grabbing a coffee and fuelling with an acai bowl before surfing at the nearby Main Beach.
The menu is limited for savoury snacks but offers all of your coffees, matcha variations, smoothies, acai bowls and sweet treats on display (alongside a savoury tart or two). The acai bowls were delicious and we fell in love with the uplifting vibe and views out to the horizon.
There is also a really cute book shop next door, the perfect spot to pick up a new read or to find a souvenir to take off the island with you!
12. Pick up fresh prawns and sourdough from The Prawn Shack
Nothing screams an island adventure more for me than fresh fish on the campstove with a view. And so on our last day on North Stradbroke Island we did exactly that.
Next to the Blue Room Cafe is the gorgeous Prawn Shack where they have a variety of fresh fish and vegetables on offer. Alongside our half kilo of fresh prawns we also picked up some garlic and some fresh sourdough which, the owner proudly claimed, is the only place on the island to get LEGIT fresly baked sourdough.
I can confirm our garlic prawns and fresh sourdough was every bits as dreamy as I envisioned. The business owner was also so grateful for the business, we both left that exchange with a smile on our faces!
Packing tips for North Stradbroke Island
General tips and reminders
Though you can indeed stop off at one of the many shops on the island, its good to be prepared so you can maximise relaxation when you get to Straddie! Here’s a few things you can prepare by getting:
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Swimwear and sturdy walking shoes
- Reusable waterbottle and snacks
- Fridge or cool box for those beach day and to upgrade your camping experience!
- First-aid kit
For 4WD travellers and campers
- Recovery gear, air compressor, and shovel
- Camping gear and portable fridge
- Offline maps or GPS device
- Get your 4WD permit and camping tags purchased!
Oh and to upgrade your North Stradbroke experience, remember you can access my Australia Google Map legend. This will save you so much time researching and you’ll be able to open up the map on your phone and see all my nearby tips and recommendations on the go!
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Eeeek that’s everything!
Enjoy your adventure to North Stradbroke Island! Whether driving a 4WD or exploring as a passenger, Straddie’s beauty is going to leave a mark on your heart and memory bank!
I cannot wait to see how you enjoy it!
Have you been to North Stradbroke Island?
What, in your opinion, are the best things to do on North Stradbroke Island? Anything you’d add to this bucket list? Any questions for me? Pop them below!
Love as always and happy adventuring…
