Stradbroke Island Queensland – Travel Guide
Located on Brisbane’s eastern doorstep, North Stradbroke Island (“Straddie” to the initiated) is one of Australia’s east coast natural treasures -a perfect escape destination. Something of a secret, it is only recently that Straddie has started to shine on the tourism and property radar.
To travel to Stradbroke Island by way of the Brisbane suburb of Cleveland takes approx. 50 minutes on the vehicle ferry. Cleveland is only a 30 minute drive from Brisbane International Airport or Brisbane central, and one hour’s drive from the Gold Coast. The ferry ride across Moreton Bay is the first of a series of experiences that make visiting Stradbroke Island such a great trip.
Stradbroke Island covers 27,530 hectares, which means it is the world’s second largest sand island. The elongated sand island shields much of the southern part of Moreton Bay and the smaller islands from the ocean swells. The beaches are accessible by four-wheel drive, bicycle or tramping, with a number of good camp sites situated down Main Beach, and wonderful views are visible from almost everywhere on the island.
The 35 kilometres of white sandy beaches fringing the island’s eastern side runs from Point Lookout at the north to Jumpin Pin in the south. From the Point lookout headland, the concrete jungle of the Gold Coast can be clearly visible, and is a constant reminder of the contrast to the slower pace of Straddie.
North Stradbroke (Minjerriba to the indigenous Noonuccal tribe) was the home of famous Aboriginal poet Kath Walker, or Oodgeroo Noonuccal. There is much Aboriginal and European history in the area of Dunwich where water taxis and barges land.
The calm waters of Moreton Bay lap against the shores of the island’s western fishing towns. The lack of agriculture and the filtering effects of the sand results in pure water that fish, and particularly Stradbroke Rock Oysters thrive upon.
North Stradbroke attracts 4WDers, fishermen, surfies and beach-lovers to the free stretches of beach and rugged granite headlands, and the Island also offers a range of accommodation, restaurants, cafes and holiday attractions. With a wonderful diversity of attractions to offer and stunningly beautiful places to discover, North Stradbroke is a great holiday destination for families, couples and adventure-seekers alike. The ideal way to see the Island is by Four Wheel Drive, but there are many stunning coastal walks and a mountain bike and whale watching map are an easier and more environmentally sound alternative.
Point Lookout is a popular destination, only a 30km drive on a sealed road from Dunwich. The North Gorge Headland is 40 metres above sea level and recognised as a leading land-based whale watching site throughout from May-November, and world-class surfing and fishing throughout the year.
Point Lookout’s beautiful beaches and headlands are safe for swimming, surfing and fishing all year round. Whales, dolphins, turtles and manta rays can often be seen from the spectacular North Gorge at the northern part of the island. The island has been listed as one of the world’s most ecologically important wetlands with several freshwater lakes, waterways and lagoons that are accessible by 4WD or on a guided tour with one of Straddie’s tour operators.
One of the greatest features on the island is being able to purchase fresh seafood available direct from local fishermen. Just look for signs at Amity Point and Point Lookout to direct you to their homes and the freshest catch-of-the-day around. For those who prefer the work be done for them, Straddie’s restaurants and cafes all make use of this fabulous island resource in their menu.
“The Point” offers several alfresco style cafes, a bakery, chemist, post office, newsagent, corner store and supermarket. The island also has its own bus service linking the three towns to ferries and water taxis.
North Stradbroke Island is the ultimate paradise for the many enthusiasts who visit each year. On a good day it’s possible to surf right past the pub, along the evocatively named Cylinders Beach, on waves that peel dreamily for hundreds of metres. Stick ten bucks in the back pocket of your boardies and drop in for a quick beer on your way back around -you may even bump into world ranked surfer and local Bede Durbidge! Straddie also boasts what is perhaps the last truly old-school surf shop in the country, that makes it’s business selling surf gear rather than fashion.
North Stradbroke Island is the ultimate paradise for the many enthusiasts who visit each year. On a good day it’s possible to surf right past the pub, along the evocatively named Cylinders Beach, on waves that peel dreamily for hundreds of metres. Stick ten bucks in the back pocket of your boardies and drop~you can drop in for a beer~quick beer on your way back around -you may even bump into world ranked surfer and local Bede Durbidge! Stradbroke~Straddie boasts~also boasts what is perhaps the last truly old-school surf shop in the country, that focusses on~makes it’s business selling surf~surfing gear~equipment rather than fashion.
The jewels in Stradbroke’s~the Straddie’s crown is Point Lookout and the natural wonder of the North Gorge Walk, along with the surf, the choice of beaches, all sheltered in various~differing~different winds, the whale watching, and the spectacular coastal walk around the gorges. If you are looking for Stradbroke Island Accommodation, make sure you visit: http://www.discoverstradbroke.com.au/
This entry was posted on Monday, October 31st, 2011 at 4:53 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.