Probably the first thing you need to know is that North Stradbroke Island is a short trip for your Brisbane natives and is considered a part of the Queensland capital. It's a local go-to for a perfect weekend away or island family holiday.
South Stradbroke is claimed by the Gold Coast as a day trip nature escape or camping experience, located just off the Coast mecca of Surfers Paradise accommodation, party houses, beaches and Gold Coast theme parks.
Either way, both residents and visitors alike are extremely lucky they can shoot down the road (or across the water) for their own piece of ‘Straddie’.
SOUTH STRADBROKE ISLAND, QLD
South Straddie is perfect for day-trippers and campers offering swimming, surfing, fishing, bushwalking, hiking, rock climbing and an 1800 hectare conservation park of unspoiled beauty. A superb natural reserve, South Stradbroke Island is a great place to take kids, it offers calm inner waterways on one side and 22 kilometres of pristine surf beach on the other. All are divided by virtually untouched native bushland through the middle.
Getting to South Stradbroke Island
Getting to South Stradbroke Island isn’t straightforward, however, the extra effort via water taxi, ferry, charter boat or private boat is worth it for the spectacular natural and relaxed experience.
Where to eat on South Stradbroke Island
Peckish? At Tipplers cafe grab something at the kiosk or enjoy a decent meal and set yourself up with a bottle of champagne, a beer or something from the substantial cocktail list.
Where to stay to visit South Stradbroke Island
If you’d like to stay, unfortunately, there are no beach houses, holiday apartments or cottages to rent your short stay, holiday accommodation is limited to tents only. If camping is not your thing, just make a day of it and visit Search and Stay to book your accommodation at Main Beach, Sanctuary Cove or Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast.
NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND, QLD
Although North Stradbroke Island has a lot more facilities, activities also holiday accommodation and houses for short term rent than its southern cousin, South Stradbroke Island, the vibe is still chilled, slow-paced and very welcoming.
Things to play and do on North Stradbroke Island
To start the long list - here are the top 12 things to do on North Stradbroke Island, in no particular order - surfing, swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, four-wheel driving, bike riding, bushwalking, fishing, diving, snorkeling, whale and wildlife watching or ….absolutely nothing!
If that’s not enough and you’re looking for more things to do on North Stradbroke Island,
- Learn about the Quandamooka people, artefacts, traditional hunting methods, bush tucker and bush medicines on a tour with an indigenous guide
- Watch the whales and dolphins play in Frenchmans’ Bay while enjoying Gelati with a view - try homemade Italian ice creams, espresso coffee, fresh juices and smoothies.
- Jump on a kayak tour to Peel Island and see the shipwreck of the Platypus, which sank in 1930. Keep an eye out for dugongs, turtles and dolphins as you paddle.
- Too tired from swimming, surfing, diving and walking? Take a scooter around the Island from Scooters on Straddie.
- The list goes on, there’s also golf, markets, shopping, surf lessons or surfing the sand dunes, picnics, beach walks, taking a dip in a Tea-stained or Blue Lake, hanging with the family, chilling with your mates or take a moment out to look at the stars away from the bright lights of the city.
Where to eat and drink on North Stradbroke Island
During your stay on North Stradbroke Island, prepared to be wined and dined in the amazing context of an island paradise. Enjoying the freshest of food and spectacular views is impossible to avoid.
There are three main townships on North Stradbroke Island are Dunwich, Amity Point and Point Lookout. All offer venues serving a perfect island-style holiday food selection such as trawler-fresh seafood, fresh pizza, hearty club and pub meals, classic fish 'n' chips and homemade gelato.
Amity Point is well known for trawler-fresh seafood and a relaxed family atmosphere, Amity Point is a great place to dine in or have a picnic in a shady park or on the beach. Perfect spot to choose an Amity Point house by the beach for rent.
In Dunwich, there are plenty of food choices, waterfront dining, club meals, takeaway shops, and cafes/bakeries. Or choose your own adventure and select ingredients at the local stores and butcher for a picnic, platters or a home-cooked meal at your holiday accommodation.
Point Lookout is the main Stradbroke Restaurant precinct situated on the easternmost tip of the island, where there is a perfect, small selection of easy, family-friendly restaurants and cafes.
Keep an eye out for the pop-up trucks on weekends either morning or night now offering delicious food from around the world all without leaving Australia or Queensland or even North Stradbroke….
Best accommodation on North Stradbroke Island
Let’s face it, you are going to want to stay overnight, or maybe for a week or a month. Visit Search and Stay and choose one of Stradbroke’s numerous spectacular holiday home options, there are homes near the beach or rent a house with a pool, pick one of the homes great for families, beachfront apartments, villas, studios, cabins and pet-friendly accommodation if you want to take fido!
For more information visit: stradbrokeisland.com