48 hours on North Stradbroke Island

Want a weekend you’ll really remember? We know a down-to-earth island that feels like a step back in time in the best possible way. It’s where you’ll meet more wildlife than people, discover spectacular beaches you could spend hours on, embark on rugged 4WD adventures, and soak up rich Indigenous culture.

If you haven’t already met Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), you should. Also known to locals as Straddie, this is a nature-lover’s dream, and a surfing and scuba diving hotspot on the doorstep of our capital city. Make the most of a weekend on Brisbane's best-kept secret with this guide to 48 hours on North Stradbroke Island. 

Friday

5pm: Ferry to freedom

You can still fit in a day of fun (or work) in Brisbane before heading east to Cleveland to hitch a ride on one of two ferries departing hourly from 6am until 7pm.

4WD or not, getting to the island (and getting around) is simple thanks to Sealink and a network of well-maintained, paved roads connecting the beachside townships dotted across the island. You'll touch down on Straddie's sandy shores just an hour later (or in 25-minutes if you took the fast Stradbroke Flyer water taxi for passengers-only). 

7pm: Dinner date

Hightail it to Mulumba (Point Lookout) to get a seat at the island oasis called Kokomo Beach House. From Thursday to Sunday you can enjoy a cocktail, fresh seafood and a breath-taking ocean views to finish the day.

If you're after something a little more low key head to Cylinder Beach to grab some dinner from the best pizza joint on the island.  Straddie Woodfire Pizza is open until 8pm Friday – Sunday. Don’t let the unassuming pizza truck fool you, this is the real Italian deal. 

Island time is a thing around here, with many restaurants closing by 8pm out of peak school-holidays periods. If you decide to go to Mulumba (Point Lookout) before 7pm, then dinner at local café Fishes is another way to knock that hunger on the head. Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel is the place to grab some pub grub. 

8pm: Check in

You’ve got your pick of accommodation options to suit your style on Straddie.

If you like your accommodation with four walls and surrounded by white sandy beaches and natural bushland, the iconic Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel is the place be. Nearby you'll also find Allure Resort, Samarinda Jewel by the Sea (where you can often spot whales breaching off the beach from your own patio during whale season), and plenty of holiday houses if you're travelling with a group or family. 

On the other hand, if you prefer to get out in nature, stay with Minjerribah Camping which operates six beachfront campsites on the island. BYO tent or ‘glamp’ in the terrific Eco Shacks. Want something a little more wild? Bring your 4WD and sand-driving acumen to find your own spot along Flinders Beach or Main Beach. 

Saturday

7am: Salute the sun with a surf

Hit up local favourite deli/market/café The Island Barn for breakfast, then hit the beach.

Cylinder Beach is the perfect spot for a first dip, and calm waves make it great for an easy surf, too. Experienced surfers might prefer the action of Main Beach, right next to Point Lookout Surf Club. 

More of a grommet than a pro when it comes to surfing? The crew at North Stradbroke Island Surf School will have you hanging ten in no time. Operating all year round in the crystal clear waters of Point Lookout, dolphins and whales are often seen during lessons. With all ages welcome, why not hit the shores at this iconic spot in Queensland?

12:00pm: Grab a cold one

For mouth-watering, traditional fish and chips and beer on tap, stop in at Fishes at the Point. Located opposite the magnificent North Gorge, Fishes – as the locals like to call it – offers all-day menus and al fresco dining.

1pm: Head off-road, or take it easy

Pick up some lunch in Point Lookout and get ready to see even more of the world's second largest sand island. 

If you've got a 4WD, it's time to swap the bitumen for sand (ensure you pick up a vehicle access permit beforehand). Main Beach is the spot to explore. Drive along the water's edge, take in the solitude, or head to The Pin for a little fishing. Or take the sand tracks inland to check out Blue Lake or find a quiet lookout spot. 

Prefer to kick-back on the beach a little more? South Gorge Beach is a protected little cove perfect for a splash or a game of beach cricket. If you're keen for another surf or swim, head on over the headland to Main Beach which is patrolled by Point Lookout SLSC. 

3pm: Walk an iconic coastal track

Even locals will tell you this is the must-do while you’re here on Straddie.  

There's no other way to describe North Gorge Walk than jaw-droppingly beautiful. A pathway nestled between the bush and the coastline, this easy walk stretches 1.5 kilometres, winding along the gorge and headlands. If you’re lucky, turtles will take time out of their busy schedules to frolic above the waves for a close-up. Manta rays have also been spotted from the shore here, so keep your eyes peeled. In winter, you'll probably see a few spouts and splashes as humpback whales breach on their migration. 

4pm: Swap sunscreen for ice cream

After your walk (and most likely another dip at the beach), let your sweet tooth guide you to Oceanic Gelati Bar in Point Lookout. Choosing your scoop will be tough though, with homemade Italian ice creams showcasing local fruits in flavours like lychee, strawberry & basil and iced vovo. The solution: get a triple scoop. You’ve earned it.

Then wander to check out the boutiques and galleries in the area. There's art and textiles at Starfish Studio, the Woven Arts Studio, and Alan McKinnon’s gallery – all part of the Minjerribah Arts Trail. 

6pm: Drink in the sunset

Rush hour looks a little different on Straddie. The kangaroos come out to play, and the residents settle in for a drink with the finest views around.

Take a twilight stroll, pull out the picnic blanket, or pull into the pub for a sundowner. Want to witness something different? Wild dolphins come to say hello at laid-back fishing village Amity Point during sunset.

Sunday

7am: Meet the mantas

It seems like every Straddie local meets at Blue Room for its beach shack vibes and island-style brekky – and we suggest you do the same. Head there early to snag a spot, and if it’s full just grab your food and coffee to go, head across the street and settle in for a Point Lookout picnic. It won’t feel like second best at all.

Once you’ve licked the plate, the adventure begins.

Every summer, manta rays and leopard sharks gather in the waters off Straddie, so dive in to say hello. The best spot to find them is at Manta Bommie – one of Australia’s top 10 dive sites. Scuba divers often encounter groups of three or four manta rays swimming together around this rocky reef off the island – as well as sharks, shovelnose rays, stingrays, eagle rays and turtles. Book a dive trip with Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre to have the divemasters guide your day. 

Not a certified diver? You even have the chance to snorkel with manta rays here – or spy them from above with another wander along the North Gorge Walk. 

1pm: Take one last dip

You still have a little time up your sleeve before the ferry home: just enough for a visit to freshwater swimming hole Brown Lake. Its name and namesake colour is thanks to the tea trees that surround the lake, giving the clear water its brown tinge - while giving your skin a soothing treatment. 

This car-accessible spot is just a seven minute drive from Dunwich, where you need to get the ferry home. It's well worth leaving a little extra time in your schedule to visit some more landmarks on the Minjerribah Arts Trail. In Dunwich you'll find local artists on display at Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Art Gallery and Island Arts Gallery, as well as the Historical Museum. 

Your final must-do in 48 hours on North Stradbroke Island? Grab a beer at the island's newest venue - Straddie Brewing Co. Located in Gumpi (Dunwich), this three-storey brewhouse is serving up fresh beer full of flavour that will leave you wanting another taste. Don't worry, we'll see you back here soon.