Minjerribah: Beautiful, large sand island just 30 km southeast of Brisbane

 

 

North Stradbroke Island, or ‘Straddie’ as its affectionately known might only be about 30 miles off-shore from the Brisbane CBD. But it is a world away in both look and nature from the hustle and bustle of Queensland’s capital.

Officially, the second largest sand island in the world behind K’gari, this stunning natural island is rich in indigenous history, beautiful beaches and thriving wildlife.

It is traditionally owned by the Quandamooka people, who call it Minjerribah, and provides a wonderful day trip, weekend getaway and holiday destination for many Brisbanites, and tourists from all over Australia and the world.

 

How to get to North Stradbroke Island

North Stradbroke Island is home to some of the closest beaches you can visit near Brisbane.

The best way to get to them is by ferry or water taxi. Sealink and Stradbroke Flyer are two separate companies that offer crossings from the mainland to Straddie. They run regularly between Toondah Harbour in Cleveland, which resides on Brisbane’s bayside area, within the Redlands Coast to Dunwich on the island.

Sealink Ferries dock at the Juner Street pontoon on the island, while the Stradbroke Flyer water taxi docks at the Yabby Street One Mile Jetty.

Generally the crossings take between 25 minutes and 45 minutes depending on what type of transportation you take. Here is some more information about the Sealink Ferries timetable and the Stradbroke Flyer timetable.

 

 

Best Time to Visit North Stradbroke Island

North Stradbroke Island has a population density of over 2200 people, so it is a destination you can visit all year round. However, most travel guides agree the best time for tourists to go there is between May and November.

During these months, the weather is very pleasant during the day with temperatures hovering between 75 and 80 degrees Celsius and bright sunshine being the norm.

Most of the best activities you can do on the island are available, most notably spotting the whales that go on their annual migration to north Queensland to breed.

 

North Stradbroke Island Beaches

North Stradbroke Island is home to some of the most beautiful, yet underrated beaches in Queensland. Many of which are defined by elongated stretches of white sands, shimmering coastline, and scenic bays that are perfect for a swim, spot of sunbathing or camping.

Some of the best of them include:

Dunwich

This unpatrolled beach is situated a short stroll from the ferry terminal and is best enjoyed when the high is tide. Surrounding the beach is a park that accommodates picnic areas, electric barbecues, a playground, skate park, tennis courts, and outside gym.

 

Amity Point

Amity Point is another unpatrolled, sandy beach which is located on the west of the island. It has a swimming enclosure and is a nice spot for fishing.

 

 

Main Beach

As its name suggests, Main Beach is the main drawcard on North Stradbroke Island. It stretches for 32 km and comprises, pristine sand, dunes and rolling surf that offers some of the best conditions in Queensland for riding the swell.

The waves here can be very powerful and large, so should only be attempted by seasoned surfers. If you would prefer to watch them in action, the headland offers a fabulous vantage point, and you can also spot dolphins and whales from there.

Main Beach is patrolled by the Point Lookout Surf Lifesaving Club and is also a terrific spot to 4WD, although you will need a permit. Scuba diving and Snorkelling are other popular activities that take place here.

 

Frenchman’s Beach

Tucked in between North Gorge and Deadman’s Beach is the secluded, unpatrolled Frenchman’s Beach.

To get to it you will have to navigate stairs which you’ll find if you traverse the walking track along East Coast Road at Point Lookout.

 

Deadman’s Beach

Deadman’s Beach is another isolated and unpatrolled spot to check out on North Stradbroke Island. You can reach it via Whale Walk, which begins at Snapper Street and finishes at Deadman’s Beach Picnic area.

This beach is well known for being a lovely spots to explore rock pools, which are home to crabs, shells, anemones and small fish.

 

 

Cylinder Beach

One of the most family friendly beaches on North Stradbroke Island is Cylinder Beach, which resides in a picturesque cove that is located between Cylinder and Home Beach Headlands.

This beach is patrolled all year round and is an excellent spot for swimming and sunbathing. It also offers excellent parking and general amenities.

 

Home Beach

The one kilometre, unpatrolled stretch of Home Beach runs from the Cylinder Beach Headland up to Adder Rock, making it a lovely place to stroll, especially with your four-legged as it is dog friendly.

 

Adder Rock

As it is accessed via a 4WD track adjacent to the Adder Rock campground, Adder Rock Beach is one many visitors to North Stradbroke Island don’t get to. However, those who do go there find it to be a fabulous destination for swimming, 4WD-ing and camping.

During school holidays this beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers. If you do go there, make sure you head up to the headland which offers one of the best locations for taking in the sunset in Queensland.

 

Flinders Beach

The golden sands of Flinders Beach can only be accessed by 4WD from Amity Point and Point Lookout. While it is not patrolled, it is dog friendly, so long as they are leashed at all times.

This beach has a lovely foreshore camping area you can stay at.

 

 

Things to do on North Stradbroke Island

Aside from sunbathing, there are several ways you can entertain yourself on the beaches at North Stradbroke Island.

Fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and surfing can be done at most of them, while diving, 4WDing, sand-boarding are also popular.

Elsewhere, there are some lovely lakes to enjoy a picnic, and you can go bush walking, cycling, horse riding, yoga and bird watching.

 

Where to stay?

For those who want to stay for a night or few there are several North Stradbroke Island accommodation options you can choose from.

They include everything from resorts and hotels to serviced apartments and air bnb-style holiday rentals.

Some of the most popular options are Anchorage Beachfront Island Resort, The Beach Hotel Stradbroke Island, YHA Stradbroke Island, and Pandanus Palms Holiday Resort. Between them they offer a good range of amenities and facilities including swimming pools, restaurants, gyms and tour desks.

You can see a full list of places to stay on North Stradbroke Island here.