North Stradbroke Island

Refreshing, relaxing, and simply beautiful, North Stradbroke Island, or “Straddie”, as the locals call it, is one of Moreton Bay’s best loved getaway spots. The resident community, some 3,000 lucky people, will welcome you, and they’ll also expect you to look after this spectacular natural environment. (Plastic bags are banned on the island, and any brought on to the island must go with you upon departure.)

Located at the southern end of Moreton Bay, it is the second largest sand island in the world (stretching 37kn long and 11km wide), and is a popular escape destination for couples, families, nature lovers and adventure-seekers.

Stretches of white sandy beach line the island's ocean side making it ideal for swimming, surfing, and fishing, while the sheltered western edge offers a calm environment for those after a more relaxing experience.

Snorkeling, diving and even sea-kayaking are just some of the more adventurous aquatic activities to be enjoyed on this island, with tours and hire facilities available locally.

Don’t miss the annual ‘Straddie Assault’ Surfing Tournament at Point Lookout, to watch top surfers from around the country battle it out on the waves. And surfing is not restricted to the water, with thrill seekers taking to the dunes for sand boarding.

”Straddie” is renowned environmentally and ecologically with its extensive wetlands, lakes and waterways considered amongst the world’s most important. Visit Brown Lake for a day amongst pristine natural scenery and safe freshwater swimming or kayaking. Picnic facilities are available here making it an ideal spot for families.

Famous Blue Lake National Park is another area to visit if you're a nature lover. Access is only available by foot so as to preserve this fragile natural environment. Visit www.epa.qld.gov.au for more information about access to Blue Lake.

Go to the headland at Point Lookout, where marine animals such as dolphins, turtles and manta rays can often be spotted, as can the annual northward migration of whales during winter (June to November). Point Lookout is one of the best land-based spots from which to view these magical mammals.

Because of the significance of North Stradbroke’s marine environment, the island is also home to the Moreton Bay Research Station (one of the world’s best), hosting scholars and marine specialists from all over the world.

“Straddie” is the perfect destination for a four wheel drive or bush adventure. While there are paved roadways around the island, much of the hinterland, including the lakes, is only accessible by four wheel drive, and these areas are fascinating sanctuaries for local flora and fauna. Bring your own four wheel drive or book a tour with an experienced “Straddie” operator. Some also offer 'tag-along' tours for less experienced four wheel drive enthusiastists.

Click here for tours available on North Stradbroke Island.

North Stradbroke Island is rich in Aboriginal and European historical sites. Visit the North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum at Dunwich for a fascinating history of the island. Eerily, the cemetery at Dunwich includes the graves of shipwreck and typhoid victims from the early 1800s.

Aboriginal shell middens can be found throughout the island. You can also attend indigenous cultural and bush tucker talks organised by the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders.