North Stradbroke Island, affectionately known as Straddie, or Minjerribah in its traditional name, is a beloved local destination that perfectly blends natural beauty, cultural heritage and laid-back charm. Just under three hours from Tweed Heads, it’s the world’s second-largest sand island, offering a mix of stunning coastlines, diverse wildlife, and deep historical roots. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, solo exploration or family fun, Straddie has it all in spades.
WRITTEN BY DONNA RISHTON-POTTER
Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
There’s something about stepping onto the Sealink ferry at Cleveland—the salty breeze on your face, the sound of waves lapping against the hull—that gets the holiday vibes going. And with two options: the 25-minute passenger ferry or the 45-minute vehicle ferry, the trip across the water allows for a moment of pause to inhale the sea air and leave your worries behind.
Once on the island, there are three main towns to explore: Dunwich, Amity Point, and Point Lookout, each with its own distinct charm. Dunwich offers a glimpse into the past with the North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum. Amity Point, known for its calm waters and stunning sunsets, is ideal for camping and unwinding. And Point Lookout, the island’s most popular spot, boasts breathtaking beaches, picturesque coastal walks and welcoming cafes.
The significant appeal of this place is the coastline, where beaches are nothing short of breathtaking. The island’s coastline is dotted with hidden coves, clear waters and expansive sandy stretches perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply lounging with a good book. Cylinder Beach and Home Beach, two of the most popular spots, offer safe swimming conditions and spectacular views of the Coral Sea. From May to November, lucky visitors might even catch a glimpse of migrating humpback whales breaching just off the coast. For adventure seekers, Straddie offers plenty of water-based activities. You can join a snorkelling tour to explore the waters around Peel Island or paddle out on a kayaking trip with Straddie Kingfisher Tours, where you might spot dugongs, turtles and dolphins.
Beyond the beaches, Straddie’s deep connection to the land runs deep. The island is home to the Quandamooka people, its traditional custodians, who have lived on Minjerribah for over 21,000 years. Their connection to the land is palpable, and visitors can learn more about their rich history through cultural sites and the ancient shell middens scattered across the island. The North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum in Dunwich is a must-visit, housing fascinating artefacts and stories that bring the island’s past to life, including a giant whale jawbone that washed ashore decades ago.
Here you’ll discover the gripping stories of shipwrecks and skeletons found on a beach, lost cargos and dynamite explosions – it's everything an island tale needs. You’ll also learn about early settler life and the island’s time as a quarantine station and asylum, offering fascinating insights into Straddie’s unique and sometimes tumultuous history.
The island’s community is small but vibrant, with around 3,500 permanent residents who are fiercely protective of its natural beauty. Despite development pressures, Straddie remains largely untouched, with no buildings over three storeys, a testament to the islanders’ determination to preserve Straddie’s unique character.
Artists, inspired by the natural beauty, are also a big part of island life. Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, a Quandamooka woman, expresses her connection to the island through ceramics, textiles and prints, sharing the stories of her family’s lived experiences on Minjerribah. Her works capture the essence of the island, reflecting the natural environment and its deep cultural significance.
Another artistic treasure on the island is Jennie Truman’s Point Lookout gallery– Cloudfish – where you’ll find her stunning paintings beautifully capture the colours of Straddie’s coastline in saturated teals and sea foam blues, deep magentas and ochres. While you’re there, pop next door to The Blue Room Cafe, owned by the same family and serving up some of the island’s best treats—think giant double-stuffed cookies, mountainous moist carrot cake with lashings of cream cheese icing and pots of spicy chai tea. It’s the perfect spot to relax and immerse yourself in the island vibe.
Straddie’s natural landscapes are also home to a diverse variety of wildlife, including 450 native animal species, 43 of which are rare or threatened. The island’s wetlands, unique to Moreton Bay, support a rich ecosystem, including migratory birds that travel from as far away as Russia. It’s not unusual to see kangaroos lounging on front lawns or koalas perched lazily in roadside trees, a reminder of the island’s abundant wildlife.
For those keen to explore more, Straddie’s coastal walks offer stunning vistas and chances to spot wildlife. The Whale Walk at Point Lookout – a boardwalk walking path with platformed stops along the way – provides great vantage points for whale watching, while the North Gorge Walk, perhaps the island’s most popular trail, is a gentle 1.5 km walk with steps, offering panoramic views of the coastline.
For those wanting more, the island’s myriad inland bush tracks reveal equally expansive views and awe-inspiring scenery. The new 2.2 km Mount Vane walking track, a partnership between the Quandamooka People and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, is a new addition to the island’s extensive trail network. This track links with existing trails within the Naree Budjong Djara (My Mother Earth) National Park, creating a 10 km loop of bush walks through the island’s lush interior.
Straddie offers a range of accommodations – from beachfront campsites to resorts and serviced apartments – and modern amenities like a police station, doctor’s surgery and small markets offering fresh produce, but it remains delightfully free from over-commercialisation. The balance between development and nature is well-guarded, ensuring the island remains a peaceful retreat for all who live and visit here.
What makes North Stradbroke Island so special is its simplicity. A slower pace that invites reconnection with nature and a moment to stop and savour life’s small pleasures. In our own backyard, Straddie offers everything you could want from a tropical island getaway: pristine beaches, rich wildlife, deep cultural heritage and an undeniable magic that keeps visitors coming back time and again.
Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
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