A North Stradbroke Island Journey Information (Minjerribah)

This final weekend, I lastly made it to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), or ‘Straddie,’ as most locals name it. I crammed my Land Cruiser with all of the tenting and journey gear, picked up my finest good friend, and headed on the ferry for 3 days and two nights on the island.

Certain there are stunning golden seashores alongside the entire coast of Australia… however there’s one thing about being on island time that hits in a different way.

Nestled off the coast of Brisbane, and slightly below an hour on the ferry from Cleveland, is North Stradbroke Island – the world’s second-largest sand island (after Fraser Island).

Recognized for its Aboriginal heritage, wealthy and thriving marine life, plus iconic spots just like the North Gorge Stroll, Straddie’s attraction is actually plain.

Whether or not on the lookout for an island expertise the place you’ll be able to dip in clear turquoise waters, spot native Australian wildlife, go off-road in your 4WD or soar in and surf with the dolphins, North Stradbroke delivers… and a few.

One thing I hadn’t clocked earlier than visiting was how epic North Stradbroke Island is for whale watching come June when the whales start migration. I’ve not seen a lookout extra good to look at this phenomenon than Level Lookout… extra on that later.

IMO Stradbroke Island is among the finest seashore tenting experiences that the East Coast of Australia has to supply. It’s an journey effectively value placing time apart for in your calendar.

I’m so excited to share with you a full North Stradbroke Island journey information together with the most effective locations to eat, the most effective locations to camp, the most effective locations to surf, and the most effective issues to see.

Whether or not you’re seeking to carry over your 4WD or come over on the passenger ferry with only a backpack in your again, this North Stradbroke Island journey information is for you.

P.S. For comfort, I’ve pinned ALL my prime ideas, methods and finds onto our Australia Google Map legend. This map incorporates ALL of my Australia journey guides in a single place so that each one it’s important to do is open your cellphone and you’ve got all the most effective spots at your fingertips…

Get lifetime entry to my limitless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the most effective locations to eat, drink, chill out and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your system and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.

Getting To North Stradbroke Island

Travelling with a automotive/motorhome/4WD

In the event you’re heading over to North Stradbroke Island along with your automotive, motorhome or for some 4WD journey, you will want to e book an area on a car ferry by both Sealink or Stradbroke Flyer Ferries. Each ferries depart from Cleveland, about 40 minutes from the centre of Brisbane and a couple of hours north of Byron Bay.

Price: Return journeys begin round $150 for traditional autos. We paid $225 for a return with my Toyota Landcruiser inc. 2 x adults.
Length of crossing: round 45 minutes.
Tip: Arrive no less than 20 minutes earlier than departure and e book early, particularly throughout weekends and college holidays. The ferries get tremendous booked up / utterly promote out.

4WD journey tip:

When travelling on the sand in 4WD mode you will want to decompress your tyres. We had been beneficial to decrease them to about 18-22 PSI. It’s ideally suited to have a pocket tyre decompressor which can imply you are able to do it manually if you get to the 4WD entrances. While you depart the 4WD tracks you’ll be able to head to one of many garages on the island to inflate your tyres once more without spending a dime. I’ve pinned the spots without spending a dime air inflation on the Australia Google Map.

Passengers With out Automobiles

In contrast to Morton Island, exploring North Stradbroke Island is straightforward to discover in case you don’t have a automotive. I used to be shocked with how arrange it was. It’s much more constructed up in locations however balances itself completely with an abundance off off-grid choices and grasp outs.

In the event you’re heading over to North Stradbroke Island with out a car, you’ll be able to e book an area on a passenger Ferry. The passenger ferry additionally leaves from Cleveland (similar as car ferry) and is a bit sooner attending to the island with a length of round 25-Half-hour.

Public Transport to Cleveland from Brisbane: There’s a prepare that may take you from Brisbane to Cleveland Station and from there you should use the free shuttle to the ferry terminal.

While you get to the Island: Straddie has a handy bus service which connects Dunwich, Amity Level, and Level Lookout (the primary areas to go to). Buses align with ferry schedules so public transport on the island is a reasonably environment friendly possibility in case you’re travelling to North Stradbroke Island with out a car. See extra right here.

The Finest Time to Go to North Stradbroke Island

North Stradbroke Island is a year-round vacation spot, however every season affords distinctive highlights. Take into consideration what expertise you’d like on Straddie, after which check out the overview under to see when the most effective time is on your imaginative and prescient.

Summer season (December to February)

Preferrred time to go to for: Swimming, browsing, and seashore tenting.
Suggestions: Put together for warm climate (25-30°C) and occasional storms. E-book lodging and ferries early – that is the busiest time!
Wildlife: We visited in January and noticed Kangaroos, Manta Rays, turtles and dolphins.

Autumn (March to Could)

Preferrred time to go to for: Delicate climate, out of doors actions, and fewer crowds.
Wildlife: Kangaroos and koalas are extra often noticed in quieter areas.

Winter (June to August)

Preferrred time to go to for: Whale watching and exploring strolling tracks in cooler climate (15-20°C).
Suggestions: Pack heat layers for cool evenings.

Spring (September to November)

Preferrred time to go to for: Clear skies, heat climate, and turtle nesting season.
Wildlife: Dolphins, migratory birds, and sea turtles are most lively.

Wildlife Recognizing Calendar

North Stradbroke Island is indisputably a HAVEN for wildlife and also you’ll actually rise up and shut with a few of Australias best while you’re right here. Right here’s a bit overview of potentiality…

Dolphins: Yr-round at Amity Level or throughout boat excursions / from lookouts.
Humpback Whales: June to November, finest seen from North Gorge Stroll or Frenchman’s Seaside.
Kangaroos: Commonly seen at Amity Level and plenty of campgrounds, particularly at daybreak and nightfall.
Koalas: Discovered within the eucalypt bushes close to Dunwich and Amity Level.
Turtles: Nesting begins in November, with hatchlings rising from January to March.
Birdlife: Migratory birds in spring; curlews and ospreys are widespread year-round.
Marine Life: Snorkellers and divers can spot rays, turtles, and reef fish year-round.

Tenting / Lodging on North Stradbroke Island

There are numerous choices (and superb ones too) for campers which are with and with out 4WDs. Beneath I’ve laid out the choices for you. In the event you do have a 4WD I extremely extremely suggest utilising this benefit and going off the overwhelmed observe for a singular island expertise.

4WD-Accessible Tenting

There are 3 major 4WD tracks on North Stradbroke Island, Flinders Seaside, Principal Seaside and Tripod observe. (I’ve pinned entry factors and finest spots on the Google Map right here).

Why is that this related to tenting choices? Properly these precise 4WD tracks open up tenting choices that aren’t accessible to non-4WDers!

Listed here are the 2 major spots to notice:

Principal Seaside Tenting: Positioned alongside this 32km stretch are many beachfront websites with no amenities. Excellent for self-sufficient campers. Charges are from $19-30 per evening. E-book right here.
Flinders Seaside Tenting: Positioned alongside the north of the island and alongside the 7km seashore stretch are 200 shaded websites with primary facilities. Campfires are allowed (seasonal restrictions apply). E-book right here.

Every of the above choices have designated spots (that also really feel very wild) simply behind the dunes. I extremely suggest reserving these spots upfront you probably have a desire. One of many nights we had been visiting, the camp spots had been totally booked however we waited till sundown after which parked up in one of many free areas (plenty of individuals clearly e book and don’t flip up).

This created the ONLY slight desire I’ve for Moreton Island over Straddie. As a result of technically there isn’t a wild tenting on Straddie. It feels wild, nevertheless it’s pre-booked.

Non-4WD Tenting and different lodging

There are numerous choices for non-4WD campers! And a few superb places too, extra of a campsite vibe versus tenting within the wild vibes although.

I’ve pinned a couple of to the Australia Google Map that seemed ideally suited however in any other case check out the place you’d most like to go to and pitch up close to.

Adder Rock Campground: Powered/unpowered websites, near seashores.
Amity Level Campground: Household-friendly with waterfront entry and visiting kangaroos.

Check out all choices right here on the Minjerribah web site.

In the event you’re seeking to e book lodging on Straddie, have a take into consideration whether or not you’re vibing a resort room, hostel or house after which e book with a reduction on reserving.com right here.

1. Take the gorgeous North Gorge Rim Stroll

Holy wow, this was a lovely stroll. In the event you head to North Stradbroke Island that is just like the crown jewel of issues to do. At simply 1.2 km, it’s not a prolonged stroll, however there are various spots at which your jaw will drop, and also you’ll be inclined to spend a while admiring the views.

For this one, park up at Level Lookout. It’s a straightforward stroll and the boardwalk affords panoramic ocean views because it wraps its manner across the dramatic cliffs. This was the place we noticed dolphins and turtles down within the clear blue beneath us. Gorgeous scenes.

I can solely think about how epic it’s to look at the migrating whales swim previous come June, you actually do have the most effective view out throughout the ocean from this path.

Journey tip:

Go to early morning for fewer crowds. Put on sturdy footwear and convey water and suncream in case you’re doing it in the course of the day!

2. Drive the 4WD Tripod Monitor

Tripod observe is among the 3 4WD tracks on the island and presents a possibility to change up the panorama and get into the thick of the island. This inland observe affords probably the most difficult 4WD journey on the island (most enjoyable!) and also you enterprise by dense bushland and sandy trails.

Make sure to cease off on the Tripod lookout situated alongside the route (requires a ten minute stroll) for views throughout the island, see photos under. In your manner out, cease on the Brown Lake for a dip within the tea tree waters!

3. Log on at Principal Seaside

Principal Seaside’s 32km stretch is an absolute paradise for surfers, providing constant swells year-round. We arrived round 7am within the morning and surfed with dolphins enjoying throughout us! We even had a manta ray swim beneath us! Like… wow.

When you have a 4WD you’ll be able to enter on the 4WD entry level and benefit from some empty breaks additional down the seashore and in case you don’t have a 4WD you’ll be able to park up at Level Lookout and stroll 2 minutes right down to the primary seashore to benefit from the waves!

Journey tip:

In the event you haven’t been browsing earlier than and need to strive it, contact North Stradbroke Island surf college and get a lesson! You’ll additionally need to be careful for the lifeguard flags and keep within the beneficial zones. The ocean is a strong place to be and your security is the precedence!

4. Whale Watching (June to November)

Oh my gosh I’m coming again for this!!! North Stradbroke Island affords a number of the finest viewpoints for recognizing Humpback whales as they migrate up the coast.

Watch them breach and tail-slap from North Gorge Stroll or e book a ship tour for an up-close whale encounter. BUCKET LIST STUFF. Get round it!

5. Go to Brown Lake (Bummeira)

In the event you’re seeking to change up the ocean panorama for some bushy, tranquil lake scenes, there are a few choices on the island and one of the vital beneficial is Brown Lake.

This tranquil freshwater lake is tinted brown by tea-tree leaves. It’s good for swimming, picnicking, and enjoyable. Pitch up for a refreshing dip and a spot of lunch!

6. Discover Myora Springs

As you make your manner from the ferry (or in your manner again to) in Dunwich, take a second to cease off at this stunning spring situated simply off the aspect of the highway.

This serene freshwater spring is steeped in Aboriginal cultural significance. A brief boardwalk leads by mangroves and affords a peaceable spot for birdwatching, dipping, meditating or having fun with your lunch.

7. Snorkeling and Diving at Manta Bommie

Rated one in all Australia’s finest dive spots, Manta Bommie is house to manta rays, turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. In the event you’re seeking to dive into the waters surrounding North Stradbroke Island, e book a tour and benefit from the various marine life that calls this place house.

Guided excursions present all gear and experience so simply e book and rock up able to go!

Journey tip: E-book early in the course of the peak summer time season, we tried to e book initially of Jan for our go to 2 weeks later and there was no availability! If it’s prime of your listing, get that reserving in!

8. Wild tenting on Flinders Seaside

Get pleasure from spacious beachfront tenting with ocean views and nights underneath a transparent starry skies (hopefully). With gentle air pollution low on the island, you get some completely insane evening sky to gaze up at out of your camp chair or tent.

Flinders Seaside is accessible solely by 4WD, providing a distant and peaceable expertise for these on the lookout for a particular tenting expertise on North Stradbroke Island!

Bear in mind, in case you’re planning to entry the 4WD tracks and seashore tenting spots, you’ll must e book your 4WD allow and e book your camp spot! Info and hyperlinks famous in earlier part on your comfort.

9. Dolphin Watching at Amity Level

Wild dolphins usually method the shore at Amity Level within the late afternoon, making it a favorite spot for wildlife fanatics to assemble. Chill out by the calm waters and preserve your eyes peeled or get on the water and discover by kayak.

10. Cultural Excursions with Quandamooka Individuals

To dive into the Indigenous historical past and to attach with the land right here on Minjerribah, I extremely suggest reserving a tour with Yura Excursions.

This tour firm is 100% owned by First Nations and is fantastic alternative to open up your journey with respect and take care of Quandamooka Nation. I don’t learn about you however I like listening to tales from the those that have lived and cherished this land for years earlier than we step foot there. That is journey at its most genuine.

11. Breakfast at The Blue Room Cafe

This spot appears to be a staple on the island, it was thriving with enterprise and with individuals grabbing a espresso and fuelling with an acai bowl earlier than browsing on the close by Principal Seaside.

The menu is proscribed for savoury snacks however affords all your coffees, matcha variations, smoothies, acai bowls and candy treats on show (alongside a savoury tart or two). The acai bowls had been scrumptious and we fell in love with the uplifting vibe and views out to the horizon.

There’s additionally a extremely cute e book store subsequent door, the right spot to choose up a brand new learn or to discover a memento to take off the island with you!

12. Decide up contemporary prawns and sourdough from The Prawn Shack

Nothing screams an island journey extra for me than contemporary fish on the campstove with a view. And so forth our final day on North Stradbroke Island we did precisely that.

Subsequent to the Blue Room Cafe is the beautiful Prawn Shack the place they’ve quite a lot of contemporary fish and greens on provide. Alongside our half kilo of contemporary prawns we additionally picked up some garlic and a few contemporary sourdough which, the proprietor proudly claimed, is the one place on the island to get LEGIT fresly baked sourdough.

I can verify our garlic prawns and contemporary sourdough was each bits as dreamy as I envisioned. The enterprise proprietor was additionally so grateful for the enterprise, we each left that change with a smile on our faces!

Packing ideas for North Stradbroke Island

Normal ideas and reminders

Although you’ll be able to certainly cease off at one of many many retailers on the island, its good to be ready so you’ll be able to maximise leisure if you get to Straddie! Right here’s a couple of issues you’ll be able to put together by getting:

Sunscreen, hat, and sun shades
Swimwear and durable strolling footwear
Reusable waterbottle and snacks
Fridge or cool field for these seashore day and to improve your tenting expertise!
First-aid equipment

For 4WD travellers and campers

Restoration gear, air compressor, and shovel
Tenting gear and transportable fridge
Offline maps or GPS system
Get your 4WD allow and tenting tags bought!

Oh and to improve your North Stradbroke expertise, keep in mind you’ll be able to entry my Australia Google Map legend. This can prevent a lot time researching and also you’ll be capable to open up the map in your cellphone and see all my close by ideas and proposals on the go!

Eeeek that’s every thing!

Get pleasure from your journey to North Stradbroke Island! Whether or not driving a 4WD or exploring as a passenger, Straddie’s magnificence goes to depart a mark in your coronary heart and reminiscence financial institution!

I can not wait to see the way you get pleasure from it!

Have you ever been to North Stradbroke Island?

What, in your opinion, are the most effective issues to do on North Stradbroke Island? Something you’d add to this bucket listing? Any questions for me? Pop them under!

Love as at all times and comfortable adventuring…