Right on Brisbane's eastern doorstep, North Stradbroke Island ('Straddie' to the familiar) is one of Australia's east coast natural treasures -a perfect escape destination. Something of a secret, it is only recently that Stradbroke Island has started to show up on the tourist and property radar.
To travel to Stradbroke Island by way of the Brisbane suburb of Cleveland will take about 50 minutes using the vehicle ferry. Cleveland is only a half-hour drive from Brisbane International Airport or the centre of Brisbane, and an drive from the Gold Coast. The ferry ride across Moreton Bay is the first of a series of experiences that make visiting Stradbroke Island such a fabulous trip.
Stradbroke Island is 27,530 hectares, making it the world's second largest sand island. The elongated sand island shields much of the southern part of Moreton Bay and the smaller islands from the ocean swells. The beaches are able to be accessed by four-wheel drive, bicycle or tramping, with many popular camping sites situated all the way down Main Beach, and fabulous views appear visible from almost everywhere on Straddie.
The 35 kilometres of white sandy beaches fringing the island's eastern side runs from Point Lookout in the north to Jumpin Pin in the south. From the Point lookout headland, the buildings of the Gold Coast can be clearly visible, being a reminder of the stark contrast to the more relaxed lifestyle of Straddie.
North Stradbroke (Minjerriba to the indigenous Noonuccal tribe) was the home of famous Aboriginal poet Kath Walker, or Oodgeroo Noonuccal. There is much Aboriginal and European history surrounding Dunwich where water taxis and vehicular barges berth.
The waters of Moreton Bay lap against the shores of the island's western fishing towns. With a lack of agriculture and the filtering effects of the sand provides unpolluted water which sea-life, and particularly Stradbroke Rock Oysters thrive upon.
North Stradbroke attracts four-wheel drivers, fishermen, surfers and beach-lovers to the wide lengths of beach and rugged granite headlands, and the Island also has a good range of accommodation, restaurants, cafes and holiday infrastructure. With a diversity of experiences to offer and stunningly beautiful places to discover, North Stradbroke is a fantastic holiday location for families, couples and adventure-seekers alike. The ideal way to see the Island is by Four Wheel Drive, but there are many stunning coastal walks and a mountain bike and whale watching map are an easier and more environmentally sound alternative.
Point Lookout is the main tourist hub, and only a 30km drive on a sealed road from Dunwich. The North Gorge Headland is 40m above sea level and recognised as a leading land-based whale-watch site throughout the colder months, and world-class surfing and fishing throughout the year.
Point Lookout's unspoilt beaches and headlands are safe for swimming, surfing and fishing all year round. Whales, dolphins, turtles and manta rays can often be spotted from the spectacular North Gorge at the northern part of the island. The island has been listed as one of the world's most ecologically important wetlands and has several freshwater lakes, waterways and lagoons that are accessible by 4WD or on a tour with one of Straddie's tour operators.
One of the best features of the island is the fresh seafood available direct from local fishermen. Look for signs at Amity Point and Point Lookout to direct you to their homes and the freshest catch-of-the-day around. For those who would rather the work be done for them, Straddie's restaurants and cafes all make use of this wonderful resource on the menus.
"The Point" offers a number of alfresco style cafes, a bakery, chemist, post office, newsagent, corner store and supermarket. The island also has a bus service linking the three towns to the ferries and water taxis.
North Stradbroke Island is the ultimate paradise for the many enthusiasts who visit each year. On a good day it’s possible to surf right past the pub, along the evocatively named Cylinders Beach, on waves that peel dreamily for hundreds of metres. Stick ten bucks in the back pocket of your boardies and you can drop in for a beer on your way back around -you may even bump into world ranked surfer and local Bede Durbidge! Stradbroke boasts what is perhaps the last truly old-school surf shop in the country, that focusses on selling surfing equipment rather than fashion.
North Stradbroke Island is the ultimate paradise for the many enthusiasts who visit each year. On a good day it’s possible to surf right past the pub, along the evocatively named Cylinders Beach, on waves that peel dreamily for hundreds of metres. Stick ten bucks in the back pocket of your boardies and drop~you can drop in for a beer~quick beer on your way back around -you may even bump into world ranked surfer and local Bede Durbidge! Stradbroke~Straddie boasts~also boasts what is perhaps the last truly old-school surf shop in the country, that focusses on~makes it's business selling surf~surfing gear~equipment rather than fashion.
The jewels in Stradbroke's~the Straddie's crown is Point Lookout and the natural wonder of the North Gorge Walk, along with the surf, the choice of beaches, all sheltered in various~differing~different winds, the whale watching, and the spectacular coastal walk around the gorges. If you are looking for Stradbroke Island Accommodation, make sure you visit: http://www.discoverstradbroke.com.au/
