Discover the top things to do on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

Queensland locals have been touting North Stradbroke Island's (Minjerribah) charms for decades. At only 38km long and less than 1.5 hours from Brisbane, this little sandy island packs real ‘bang for buck’: picturesque beaches, peaceful lagoons, and an abundance of coastal and bush walks. It’s also rich in Indigenous culture and local history – and it also doesn’t hurt that the local dining and arts scene is having a moment.

‘Straddie’, as the locals call it, has an almost magical feel to it. Accessible and laid-back, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) is full of hidden gems and things to do – take this hit-list with you on your next Straddie island adventure.

Learn about Minjerribah’s Indigenous heritage

To get a real taste of the island, head to The Prawn Shack; a tiny pastel blue-hued beach shack at Mulumba (Point Lookout). Serving up same-day fresh, locally caught oysters, Moreton Bay bugs and prawns, this quaint ‘no-frills’ lunch spot also moonlights as a grocer-come-providore, its roadside shelves stock some choice pantry essentials and fresh fruit and veg. It’s their famous prawn and avocado roll, however, that draws the crowds. Freshly caught, juicy prawns and thick chunks of avocado tossed in a secret sauce then generously stuffed into a fresh bread sub made on the island. It’s the perfect post-ocean swim snack.

Enjoy an ocean dip at South Gorge Beach

Drop a towel at South Gorge Beach. A stunning sandy cove just north of Main Beach, this picturesque spot is protected from the island’s infamous northerly winds, making it ideal for a tranquil dip in the sea, beach picnic, round of beach cricket…

Soak up the coastal views

If all that beach lounging has you feeling well-rested, take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful North Gorge Walk trail. At only 1.2 kms long, it hugs the coastline along Point Lookout headland and rewards you with unrivalled views of the Pacific Ocean and the breathtaking North Gorge.

Wake up in nature

For those seeking to rest and recharge in nature, BYO the swag and pitch a tent at one of Minjerribah Camping’s campsites. Camping on North Stradbroke Island caters to every type of adventurer; from the camping novice to the seasoned pro, with six beachfront camping grounds to choose from in the townships of Dunwich, Amity Point and Point Lookout.

Coming to Straddie with a 4WD? Take your pick of beachfront sites on Flinders Beach foreshore or beachfront at the southern end of Main Beach – each only accessible via 4WD. If traditional camping isn’t your idea of island dreaming, Minjerribah Camping even offers glamping and Eco Island tents at Cylinder Beach, Adder Rock, Amity Point and Bradbury’s Beach.

Cool off at Bummiera

Mother Nature’s spa treatment, Bummiera (Brown Lake) is named after the surrounding tea tree leaves that colour its waters. Culturally significant to the local Quandamooka people, this hidden freshwater gem in Dunwich is a local’s favourite for a swim (note: the island’s equally breathtaking Blue Lake is another significant site; however, swimming is prohibited here). Take a dip in the crisp, naturally perched freshwater lake, take a deep breath, and feel those aches and pains melt away.

Take a sunrise stroll

Set your alarm and head straight to Frenchman’s Beach for an unforgettable sunrise beach walk. Surrounded end-to-end by rocky headlands and rockpools, descent the wooden staircase of this secluded stretch of sand just as the sun rises – if you’re lucky you might get the place all to yourself. North Stradbroke Island is home to an abundance of wildlife, and many species found in and around Frenchman’s Beach; look out for eastern grey kangaroos in the vegetation or bounding along the sand. Dolphins are also often sighted here, leaping from the waves, as are humpback whales during the winter months, as they migrate north to warmer waters.

Note: while you may be tempted to take a quick dip at Frenchman’s Beach, swimming is prohibited due to the intense rips that dominate the coastline at the top of the island.

Cruise the beach highway

Stretching over 8kms from Straddie’s Amity Point to Adder Rock headland, cruising along the golden sand of Flinders Beach (Point Lookout) is a rite of passage for any visitor to the island. With golden sand, dense bushland and turquoise waters as far as the eye can see, hit the 4WD track from the east at Flinders Beach Road or at the eastern end near Adder Rock.

Uncover the local craft beer scene

Craft beer mania has hit the islands – and the team behind Straddie Brewing Co. have nailed the brief. A three-storey brewhouse and taproom, Straddie Brewing Co. is located minutes from the water, in the beautiful township of Dunwich. Order a tasting paddle straight from brewery to glass, maybe even join the brewery tour, but whatever you do, make sure it’s kicking back on the rooftop at sunset for GORGEOUS views across Moreton Bay.  

Visit a gallery

Minjerribah has long been revered for its rich arts scene, with many of the local artists having lived and worked on the island for decades. Art lovers should head to the township of Goompi where you’ll find Island Arts Gallery and Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Art Gallery, both representing some of the finest local artists from the region, and Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo Collins’ Made on Minjerribah studio among others. Next, hit the little hub of Mulumba, where you’ll find Starfish Studio, Seascape, and Fever – great for picking up locally made homewares and jewellery.

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