Acknowledgement of Country
SeaLink acknowledges the Quandamooka people, Traditional Custodians of Minjerribah, and pays respects to Elders past and present. We recognise their ongoing care for this Country and the stories that continue to shape the island.
North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah –‘Straddie’ as the locals call it – hits you with that holiday feeling the moment you board the ferry. Beautiful beaches, freshwater lakes, scenic walks, great swimming spots and wildlife everywhere – dolphins in the shallows, kangaroos on the headlands, whales cruising past the cliffs.
It’s an island with personality. There’s a laidback local community, great food, relaxed cafés, small shops, and sealed roads that make it easy to explore from coast to coast. Fill your days however you want – surfing, snorkelling, walking the Gorge, having long lunches, or simply stretching out on the sand.
Whether you’re chasing total relaxation or a fun, active escape, Straddie lets you do it your way. Slow mornings, saltwater adventures, sunset views and starry nights –it’s all here, waiting for you.
Your island getaway, made simple. Why Straddie?
Just 25 minutes on the passenger ferry or 45 minutes if you bring your car – you’re on island time before you know it.
Beaches, lakes, wildlife, dining, walks, shops, cafés, lookouts – Straddie has everything without feeling crowded or commercial.
Koalas in the trees, kangaroos on the headland, whales, turtles, dolphins and endless ocean views – you see nature up close at every turn.
Sealed roads, three friendly townships, great food options and everything you need close by. Relaxed, welcoming and incredibly easy to get around.
A quick day out, a long weekend, a family holiday, a couple’s escape or a solo recharge – Straddie fits whatever mood you’re in.
Getting to North Stradbroke Island is simple –just head to the SeaLink terminal at Cleveland and jump on either the passenger ferry or vehicle ferry. Both run throughout the day, and your holiday starts the moment you step onboard.
Council parking is available near the terminal, with overflow areas opened during peak times. If you’re arriving by train, jump off at Cleveland Station and take the short connecting bus to the harbour.
A fast 25-minute trip to the island - ideal for travellers without a car, with easy bus connections on arrival. Buy tickets online or before you board.
Bring your car to explore the whole island and enjoy this relaxed 45-minute trip. Book ahead to secure your spot and enjoy a drink or snack from the licensed café onboard.
Straddie is simple to get around – sealed roads, regular bus services, taxis, shuttles and scooter hire make the island easy to navigate without stress.
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The Quandamooka people have lived on Minjerribah for tens of thousands of years. Their deep understanding of the tides, winds, wildlife and seasons has been passed down through generations and continues to guide how Country is cared for today.
As you explore the beaches, headlands, lakes and bush, you’re moving across living Country. Taking a moment to slow down, listen and notice what’s around you is a simple way to travel here with respect.
We’re proud to have Matt Burns, a Quandamooka man, as part of the SeaLink team. Matt leads cultural tours and workshops that share stories, artefacts, traditional practices and local knowledge in a meaningful and engaging way. It’s one of the most memorable ways to understand the island beyond the coastline.
Whether you join a tour or simply pause on the headlands, we invite you to explore with respect – this is living Country, cared for by Traditional Owners for countless generations.
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Your classic Straddie vistas — headlands, beaches, the Gorge Walk and laid-back dining. It’s the best spot for whale watching, swimming, surfing and those long summer evenings overlooking the ocean.
Straddie has three coastal townships, each with their own rhythm, scenery and local character.
The island’s cultural heart and your arrival point. Wander the waterfront, grab a bite, and use Dunwich as your base to reach Brown Lake, Blue Lake, Main Beach camping, and some of the island’s key cultural experiences.
A peaceful bayside village with calm water, leafy streets and regular wildlife sightings. Koalas, kangaroos and dolphins are part of daily life here, making it ideal for families and slow, easy island days.
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Straddie is built for exploring – full of natural beauty, island adventures and unforgettable moments.
Swim, surf or relax at Cylinder or Main Beach. Wander the rock pools at Deadmans or find quiet corners along Home Beach and the long stretch of Main Beach.
Cool off in the tea-tree water at Brown Lake or walk the scenic trail into Blue Lake. These lakes hold deep cultural significance for the Quandamooka people and are some of the island’s most peaceful, grounding places to visit.
Take the iconic North Gorge Walk for ocean views, blowholes, turtles, dolphins, and whales in winter. Surf, snorkel, kayak, dive, explore the island’s bush tracks, or keep it simple with long beach walks and swims in clear water.
Straddie is one giant wildlife moment, and there’s so much to see. Spot koalas in the trees, dolphins and turtles in the shallows, whales offshore in winter and kangaroos on the headlands.
See Straddie through a local lens. Choose from cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, scenic walks and adventure-based tours.
Enjoy a pub meal after a swim, relax with a cocktail overlooking the ocean or settle into a local café between adventures.
Wherever you choose to stay, Straddie makes it easy to feel at home.
From beachside campsites to luxury homes, Straddie has stays for every style of trip.
Great for groups or longer stays. You’ll find everything from ocean-view apartments to relaxed beach houses tucked into the trees.
Comfortable, easy and close to beaches, headlands and dining. Ideal for couples, families or travellers who like having facilities on hand.
Cosy options for those who want a simple stay close to nature, with eco-tents, cabins and low-key retreats dotted across the island.
If you prefer sleeping under the stars, Straddie has plenty of options — beachfront sites, family-friendly campgrounds and 4WD-accessible camping. All sites are managed by Minjerribah Camping, where you can book stays and organise your 4WD access permit.
Whatever you’re craving, Straddie has something to match the moment.
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Great coffee, pastries, toasties, and graband-go options for beach days or early starts. Ideal for breakfast, brunch or an easy bite between swims.
From relaxed dining rooms to coastal pubs and sunset decks, you’ll find plenty of options for long lunches, dinner with a view or a drink to end the day.
Prawns, fish and local catches are Straddie staples. Perfect for taking back to your accommodation, enjoying at a picnic spot or pairing with a coastal sunset.
Fish and chips, burgers, salads and beachready snacks are easy to find and perfect for low-key meals on the go.
Gelato, baked goods and cold drinks hit the spot after a swim, a walk or a slow afternoon in the sun.
North Stradbroke
Island is one of Australia’s best places to see humpback whales from land – no tour or ticket required, just sit down on the headland and look out to sea.
From June to October, thousands of humpback whales pass right by Straddie’s headlands on their annual migration — heading north early in the season, then returning south with their calves from late winter into spring. During peak weeks, you can see dozens in a single day.
Point Lookout is the island’s whale-watching hotspot. Walk the North Gorge Walk or simply sit on the headland with a gelato and watch these majestic creatures cruise by.
Everything from huge water “blows” and slow, graceful passes to full-body breaches and tail slaps. Later in the season, mothers and calves travel south together — it’s truly an experience you won’t forget.
Watching whales from Straddie is unforgettable — and one of the island’s most iconic nature moments.
From live music and community events to seasonal highlights and ready-made itineraries, Straddie gives you plenty of ways to plan your day.
Markets, live music, community festivals, cultural activities and sporting events pop up across the island throughout the year. From small local gatherings to big annual favourites, there’s always something to join in on.
Whale watching in winter, warm beach days in summer, freshwater lakes at their clearest after rain and lush bushwalks in the cooler months — every season brings something different.
From bushwalking and beach days to bar hopping and shopping, we’ve crafted itineraries to help you make the most of your time on the island. Whether it’s a day trip, a long weekend or a week-long stay, we’ve got you covered.
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Straddie’s landscapes, wildlife and coastline make it a place worth cherishing and protecting.
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Koalas, kangaroos, birds and marine life are part of daily island life. Watch quietly, give them space and never feed them. Drive carefully and always stick to the speed limit. If you see injured wildlife, please call Wildlife Rescue Minjerribah on 0448 466 556.
If bins are full, take your rubbish with you. Don’t leave food scraps – they attract and harm wildlife. Stay on marked tracks to protect dunes and vegetation, and leave shells, plants and natural materials where you find them.
Fires are only allowed in designated foreshore camping areas when no fire bans are in place. Keep them small, supervised and extinguish with water – never sand.
Dogs must stay on a lead unless signed otherwise and aren’t permitted in national parks. Always clean up after them and keep them clear of wildlife.
Love the island and leave it beautiful.
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Straddie has all the essentials covered — from medical care and emergency support to food, fuel and basic supplies.
Regular buses run between Dunwich, Amity Point and Point Lookout. Taxis and shuttle services also operate island-wide. Sealed roads make it easy to explore by car, scooter or bike.
Across the island, you’ll find grocery stores, fuel, postal services, pharmacies, camping supplies, bottle shops and other everyday essentials. Most businesses accept EFTPOS payments.
The Marie Rose Centre at 36 Oxley Parade, Dunwich provides urgent healthcare, including transfers to mainland hospitals if required. You can call them on 07 3409 9059. Pharmacies and GPs are also on the island.
Police, ambulance and fire services operate on the island. Call 000 for all emergencies.
For non-life-threatening issues such as storm damage, contact the SES on 132 500.
For injured wildlife, call Wildlife Rescue Minjerribah on 0448 466 556
If you’re unsure where to find something, locals are friendly and always happy to help.
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Straddie’s beaches are beautiful, but conditions can change quickly. Stay safe by following a few simple steps.
Point Lookout’s patrolled beaches are the safest places to swim. Always stay between the red and yellow flags and follow the directions of Surf Life Saving Queensland.
Winds, tides and swells can change throughout the day. Look for safety signs and avoid swimming alone or at unpatrolled locations.
Rips, strong currents and shore breaks can appear even when the water looks calm. If you’re caught in a rip, stay calm, conserve energy and float — raise your hand for help.
Keep a close eye on kids at all times, even in shallow areas. Conditions can shift quickly.
Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, stay close to shore and don’t enter the water near schools of fish, bait balls or active wildlife.
Respect the ocean, never take unnecessary risks and always swim between the flags.
Trail bikes are prohibited in the Minjerribah Recreation Area and the Naree Budjong Djara National Park. Fines apply.
Stingaree Island and lands adjacent to Swan Bay A restricted access area covers the southern end of North Stradbroke Island where the national park coincides with the marine park, including Stingaree Island and the lands adjacent to Swan Bay. The purpose of the restricted access area is to protect the natural and cultural heritage values of the area. Penalties apply for entering the restricted access area.
Minjerribah is surrounded by marine park. For more information about maps, rules and permitted activities, scan or visit: qld.gov.au/parks/moreton- bay/visiting-safely
Follow East Coast Road to: Myora Springs (3km) Amity Point (16km) Point Lookout (17km)
Follow Alfred Martin Way to: Brown Lake (5km) NSI Golf Club (6km) Blue Lake (8km)
Blue Lake is accessible on foot only (approx. 5km round trip)
FERRY FIRE STATION
FUEL
GROCERY STORE
MEDICAL
PATROLLED BEACH
PLAYGROUND
POLICE STATION
POST OFFICE
PUBLIC TOILETS
Cylinder Beach