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About North Stradbroke Island

North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) is only 30 kilometres southeast of Brisbane City, yet it seems like a whole other world. It is the world’s second largest sand island, with kilometres of untouched native bushland, freshwater lakes & pristine beaches. Stunning coastal walks offer some of the best land-based whale-watching in Australia. North Stradbroke Island is a bucket-list destination for locals and travellers.

The best way to explore North Stradbroke Island is at your own pace. For the adventurous ones, there are 4WD tours, sandboarding, surfing lessons, diving, snorkelling, and a vast spectrum of aquatic activities. For others want a more relaxing day out, Straddie offers golf, barefoot bowls, bird-watching, picnic spots, scenic walks and beach fishing.

North Stradbroke Island is perfect for day trips, short stays or longer getaways. With an extensive range of holiday accommodation, with beach-front apartments, foreshore camping, family holiday resorts and a dive themed backpacker hostel.

  • North Stradbroke Island is easily accessible by SeaLink passenger or vehicle ferry, with regular services operating from Cleveland. SeaLink North Stradbroke Island is located at 12 Emmett Drive, Cleveland (Toondah Harbour).

    Vehicle Ferry

    The SeaLink vehicle journey is approximately 45 minutes. For vehicle ferry bookings please follow the blue line and signs through the carpark to the check in window, our friendly staff will check you in and explain where to park for loading. Bookings are required.

    Book now

    Passenger Ferry

    The SeaLink passenger ferry journey is approximately 25 minutes. For passengers being dropped off to the passenger ferry we are located at 3-12 Emmett Drive. Please note, there are 2 passenger ferries that operate to North Stradbroke Island, departing from Toondah Harbour, the SeaLink passenger ferry terminal is the second ferry terminal.

    View ferry timetables

    Toondah Harbour Carpark

    There are public car parking spaces in the vicinity of Toondah Harbour. Some areas have parking time restrictions or are for boat trailers therefore it is vital to check the signage carefully to avoid a parking fine.

    During busy times such as school holidays or long weekends parking can be hard to find so if you are able, get a lift to the terminal, or arrive early to allow time to find a car park.

  • Roads & driving

    All of the roads linking the townships are bitumen sealed roads, so four-wheel driving is recreational only. If you are planning on driving off road and on the beach a 4WD permit can be purchased through Minjerribah Camping.

    North Stradbroke Island is home to an abundance of native animals, so it’s important that you drive cautiously, especially around dawn and dusk!

    No car? No worries.

    Once on the island there are options to travel between the three townships

    • Local bus
    • Shuttle bus
    • Taxi service
    • Scooter hire
    • 4WD Tours

    All operate between Dunwich, Amity Point and Point Lookout but we recommend you check bus times or prebook private transport prior to arrival on the island.

  • North Stradbroke Island is home to an abundance of native animals, so it’s important that you drive cautiously, especially around dawn and dusk!

    If you see an injured animal call Minjerribah Wildlife Rescue on 0448 466 556

    LocationDistanceTime
    Dunwich to Point Lookout18 km25 mins
    Dunwich to Amity Point17 km20 mins
    Dunwich to Main Beach Causeway12.5 km20 mins
    Point Lookout to Amity Point14 kms15 mins
  • Most major services and facilities are located within the townships on North Stradbroke Island, including fuel stations, supermarkets, ATMs, post offices, medical centres, retail shops, hotels and restaurants.

    Fuel

    Amity Point Store / Petrol Station
    Petrol and diesel can be purchased at the Amity Point Store.

    Point Lookout Roadhouse
    Unleaded fuel and diesel can be purchased at the Point Lookout Roadhouse, on East Coast Road as you come into Point Lookout.

    Dunwich Service Station
    Unleaded fuel and diesel can be purchased at the Dunwich Service Station on the main road about 100 meters from the terminal.

    Please note, there are no LPG pumps available on the Island.

  • From nature walks, to adventure experiences and the best places to wine and dine, here are the best things to do on North Stradbroke Island.

  • North Stradbroke Island offers a range of accommodation options to suit every need. Browse through our recommendation of the best accommodation options on North Stradbroke Island.

    North Stradbroke Island also offers great camping and holiday home options.

  • January is the hottest month on North Stradbroke Island with an average maximum temperature is 29 degrees. July is the coldest month with a minimum temperature of up to 13 degrees. August is the month with the highest number of clear sunny days.

    North Stradbroke Island is a great destination to visit all year round. During summer, North Stradbroke Island’s pristine waters is the perfect spot for a swim and winter is always a popular time for fishing.

  • Some useful things to know for your trip to Straddie:

    • Four-wheel-driving
      There are many great off-road tracks and beaches on Straddie. Be sure to check with Minjerribah Camping which tracks are open during your stay, and if you are driving on the beach make sure to grab a permit together with their Beach Driving Tips & Info flyer.


    • Beach access
      Permits can be purchased either monthly or yearly so you can come back again and again.


    • Beach rules
      There are two patrolled beaches on Straddie – Cylinder and Main. Make sure to read the signs and swim between the flags while on Straddie. And no matter what the weather – slip, slop, slap.


    • Fishing
      Straddie is a great place to wet a line. All three townships have places for fishing, whether you do so from the beach, jetty, boat or rock wall, and please make sure to do so only if it is safe and do not leave bait or fishing line behind.


    • Having a fire
      Fires are only permitted on the foreshore camping areas unless there is a fire ban in place. You are allowed a small cooking fire only, which must always be watched, and extinguished with water (not sand) after use. You cannot have a fire to keep warm or a bonfire of any sort.


    • Bringing your fur baby
      Whilst Straddie has pet-friendly places for you to enjoy your time away with your pooch, to travel to the island you need to ensure your pet is inside your vehicle whilst on the ferry or wearing a muzzle outside your vehicle or on the passenger ferry. Once on the island, there are on-leash beaches, pet-friendly accommodations and some cafés that allow you to bring your dog, but please be mindful of others and clean up after your pet. To protect our island wildlife, please keep your fur baby close at night.


    • Mobile phone coverage
      At present, the best coverage is obtained through Telstra & Optus. Other mobile phone services do operate in certain areas of the island.


    • Rubbish
      Straddie is home to pristine beaches and natural beauty. The people that call it home and those that love to visit again and again take pride in the island and we ask you do the same. Dispose of rubbish correctly – don’t destroy what you came to enjoy.
  • Minjerribah is located within Quandamooka country, which is made up of three clans: Nunagal, Goenbal and Ngugi. Historical midden sites dating back up to 65,000 years have been found on the island. When the Europeans first came to settle in Brisbane, they knew they couldn’t get tall ships up the river so Amity became the port of Brisbane. Customs, immigration, military, trade was all conducted through Amity for 40 years. Find out more about the rich cultural history of the island at the North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum on Minjerribah.

    Read more about Minjerribah, The Sand Island - Story by Matt Burns

FAQs

  • On the SeaLink passenger ferry it takes about 25 minutes to reach the island.

    On the SeaLink vehicle ferry it takes about 45 minutes to reach the island.

  • There are many great off-road tracks and beaches on Straddie. Be sure to check with Minjerribah Camping which tracks are open during your stay, and if you are driving on the beach make sure to grab a permit together with their beach driving tips & info flyer.

    Four Wheel Drive Permits are required to drive on the beach at North Stradbroke Island. Permits can be purchased through the Minjerribah Camping website and picked up from their office on the island prior to driving on the beach.

  • Make sure to read the signs and swim between the flags while on Straddie. There are two regularly patrolled beaches on Straddie – Cylinder and Main. Adder Rock Beach is also patrolled during QLD school holidays. And no matter what the weather – slip, slop, slap. Visit Surf Lifesaving Queensland's Beach Safe website for more information.

  • Straddie is a year round fishing destination, during the summer season you'll catch snapper, bream, whiting and dart. If you visit in winter you'll be catching mullet, winter bream, tailor, tuna and snapper.

    All three townships have places for fishing, whether you do so from the beach, jetty, boat or rock wall, and please make sure to do so only if it is safe and do not leave bait or fishing line behind. Check the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zone Map for more information on fishing locations surrounding the island.

  • Fires are only permitted on the foreshore camping areas, when there is no fire ban in place. You are allowed a small cooking fire only, which must always be watched, and extinguished with water (not sand) after use. You cannot have a fire to keep warm or a bonfire of any sort and they are not permitted on the beach.

  • Whilst Straddie has pet friendly places for you to enjoy your time away with your pooch, to travel to the island you need to ensure your pet is inside your vehicle whilst on the ferry or wearing a muzzle outside your vehicle or on the passenger ferry. Once on the island there are on-leash beaches, pet friendly accommodation and some cafés that allow you to bring your dog, but please be mindful of others and clean up after your pet. To protect our island wildlife, please keep your fur baby close at night.

  • North Stradbroke Island is unique as it is the only sand island within Queensland that has bitumen roads and therefore any type of car can be driven on the island.

    All three townships are linked by well maintained bitumen roads.

    Four wheel drives can access Flinders and Main Beach only by obtaining a beach permit prior to driving on the beaches.

    Beach driving permits are valid for one month or 12 months and can be purchased from Minjerribah Camping.

  • Point Lookout
    • Foodworks
    • Point Lookout Bowls Club
    • Beach Hotel
    Dunwich
    • Foodworks
    • Little Ship Club
    • Football Club
    • Main Road near Bakery
    Amity Point
    • Community Club
  • The maximum speed limit on North Stradbroke Island is 80km/h, however through the main townships the speed limit is significantly less.

    When driving on the beach, please keep within the speed limits; Flinders Beach is 40km/hr and on Main Beach it is 60km/hr.

    • Please drive slowly, no need to rush anywhere
    • Observe all speed limit signs around the island
    • Keep an eye out for wildlife especially during dawn and dusk
    • Leave early for any of the ferries so you are not in a rush
  • Straddie is a very special place that lots of native animals call home. It's important that everyone is mindful of the island's wildlife.

    If you happen to find an injured or sick animal please call Wildlife Rescue Minjerribah. This is a volunteer service operating on the island.

    Wildlife Rescue Minjerribah

    0448 466 556