Keep North Stradbroke Island Special

Help Keep Straddie Beautiful

Straddie’s beaches, wildlife and landscapes are what make it so special. A few simple choices while you’re here help protect the island and ensure it stays special for years to come.

Respect the Wildlife

Wildlife is part of everyday life on Straddie – from koalas in the trees to dolphins in the water and kangaroos on the headlands.

Give animals space, observe quietly and never feed or touch wildlife. Feeding or interfering with animals can harm their health and change natural behaviours.

When driving, stick to the speed limit at all times and take extra care, especially at dawn and dusk when animals are most active.

If you come across injured or sick wildlife, contact Wildlife Rescue Minjerribah, a local volunteer organisation dedicated to protecting and caring for the island’s animals.

Call: 0448 466 556

Leave No Trace

Help keep Straddie clean and natural by taking everything you bring with you.

Use bins where available – if they’re full, take your rubbish with you
Don’t leave food scraps, as they attract and harm wildlife
Take all fishing gear with you, including hooks and line, which can seriously injure wildlife
Stay on marked tracks to protect dunes and vegetation
Leave shells, plants and natural materials where you find them

Small actions make a big difference in preserving the island’s environment.

Fire Safety

Fires are only permitted in designated foreshore camping areas and only when no fire bans are in place.

Keep fires small and supervised at all times
Bring your own clean firewood and kindling – all timber and fallen branches within the recreation area are protected and cannot be collected or used
Always extinguish fires with water, not sand

For current fire restrictions and safety information, see Parks & Forests

Travelling with Pets

Straddie has pet-friendly areas, but it’s important to protect local wildlife.

Dogs must be kept on a lead unless signed otherwise
Pets are not permitted in national parks
Always clean up after your pet
Keep pets close at night and away from wildlife

When travelling on the ferry, pets must remain inside your vehicle or wear a muzzle if outside your vehicle or on the passenger ferry.

Beach Driving

Driving on Straddie’s beaches can be an incredible experience, but getting bogged is common if you’re not prepared.

Only attempt beach driving in a suitable 4WD vehicle
Observe all posted beach speed limits – generally 60 km/h on Main Beach and 40 km/h on Flinders Beach
Check tides before you go and plan to drive on firm sand at low tide
Reduce tyre pressure for sand driving and carry recovery gear
Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns, which can dig you in
Never drive through saltwater or waves

If you do get bogged, stay with your vehicle and seek assistance. Recovery can be costly and delays can impact other beach users.

For permits, conditions and beach access information, see Parks & Forests

Exploring Responsibly

Straddie is part of the Minjerribah Recreation Area and is surrounded by a protected marine park.

If you’re planning to explore beyond the main roads:

4WD access and beach driving require a permit through Minjerribah Camping
Check conditions and access before heading out
Follow all signage and respect restricted areas

For more information on parks, permits and conditions, see Parks & Forests

Love the Island, Leave It Beautiful

Straddie is a place people return to again and again. Respecting the environment, wildlife and local community helps keep it special for everyone.