North Stradbroke Island, or “Straddie”, is the world’s second largest sand island and a must-visit destination for those in Brisbane. Just a short ferry ride from the city, North Stradbroke Island is perfect for a day trip to explore Queensland’s beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife and unique lakes.
In this guide, we’ll share the best itinerary for a day trip to North Stradbroke Island, and all the reasons why it should be at the top of your Brisbane itinerary. Whether you’re looking for adventure—like hiking and surfing—or simply want to unwind on a pristine beach, this island has something to offer everyone.
Short Video Overview
How to get to North Stradbroke Island from Brisbane?
Getting to North Stradbroke Island from Brisbane is straightforward and can be done by car, public transport or you can join an organised tour.
By Car and Ferry
One of the most convenient ways to reach North Stradbroke Island is by car, which gives you the most flexibility in exploring the island once you arrive.
Drive to Cleveland:
From Brisbane, it’s a 30-minute drive to the coastal suburb of Cleveland, where the ferry terminals are located. Follow signs for the Stradbroke Ferries or Straddie Ferries terminals, depending on which service you choose.
Vehicle Ferry to Dunwich:
Ferries depart regularly from Cleveland to Dunwich, the main entry point on North Stradbroke Island. There are two types of ferries, a vehicle ferry and passenger ferry.
If you’re bringing your car, you’ll need to book a spot on the vehicle ferry. The crossing takes about 45 minutes, and it’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
By Public Transport
If you don’t have access to a car or prefer not to drive, it’s easy and affordable to reach North Stradbroke Island from Brisbane. This is the option we took as we didn’t have a car.
Train and Bus to Cleveland:
Start by taking a train from Brisbane’s Central, Roma Street, or SouthBank stations to Cleveland station, which takes roughly an hour. From Cleveland station, catch the bus (the 271 or 274) that will take you directly to the ferry terminal in roughly 15 minutes.
Passenger Ferry:
Once at the ferry terminal, you can board the passenger ferry to Dunwich, which is faster than the vehicle ferry, taking around 25 minutes.
By Tour Operators
If you prefer to let someone else do the planning, consider booking a guided day tour from Brisbane. These tours typically include transport, ferry fares, and guided activities on the island, which takes the stress out of planning and guarantees you don’t miss any of the island’s highlights.
Tips for the Journey
- Check Your Ferry: Make sure you board the correct ferry both to and from the island, as there are two companies, Stradbroke Flyer and Sealink. Without clear signage, it’s easy to accidentally board the wrong one and end up paying twice—something we learned the hard way!
- Ferry Timing: To make the most of your day trip, aim to catch one of the first ferries in the morning and return on a late afternoon or early evening ferry. This will give you plenty of time to explore the island.
- Booking in Advance: It’s advisable to book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during weekends, school holidays and summer months, as ferries can fill up quickly.
How to get around North Stradbroke Island?
Driving on the Island:
If you’ve brought your car to the Island, you’ll be able to drive and explore the island at your own pace. The roads are well-maintained, but a 4WD is required to drive on Flinders Beach and Main Beach.
Public Transport on the Island:
There is a local bus on the Island that connects Dunwich to Point Lookout and Amity Point. It’s worth getting a day pass which is $10 for adults, as a single ticket is $5 and you’ll be getting it at least twice. The buses are also timed to meet the ferry arrivals.
Cycling on the Island:
Cycling is a great way to explore the island, with relatively flat roads ideal for riding from Dunwich to Point Lookout. You can bring your own or rent one on the island, but be ready for some hilly sections. It’s 22 km from Dunwich to Amity Point, Point Lookout or to the Causeway Access to Main Beach.
Best time to visit North Stradbroke Island
North Stradbroke Island is beautiful year-round, thanks to its subtropical climate. We visited in June, which is mid-winter, and it was around 23°C, hot enough for swimming and ice-cream!
Summer (December to February):
Ideal for beach activities, with average temperatures ranging from 21°C to 29°C. It’s perfect for swimming and surfing, but expect it to be busy as it’s the peak season.
Autumn (March to May):
With average temperatures between 18°C and 26°C (64°F to 79°F), this season still has warm weather to enjoy the beaches, but fewer tourists.
Winter (June to August):
Cooler temperatures, averaging 13°C to 21°C (55°F to 70°F), create perfect conditions for outdoor activities and whale watching as humpback whales migrate along the coast.
Spring (September to November):
Temperatures range from 16°C to 26°C (61°F to 79°F), offering warm weather that’s ideal for all activities and with fewer crowds compared to summer.
Things to Do on North Stradbroke Island – 1 Day Itinerary
North Gorge Walk
Start your day at Point Lookout with the North Gorge Walk, a 1.2 km coastal trail that offers beautiful views over the ocean, beaches, cliffs and rugged coastline. This easy walk is perfect for spotting dolphins, turtles, and, during winter, migrating humpback whales.
Relax at Frenchmans Beach
After your walk, head to Frenchmans Beach, which is a secluded beach tucked away between North Gorge and Deadman’s Beach. To reach the beach, take the wooden stairs along East Coast Rd.
This beach is great for experienced surfers, but it’s not ideal for swimming or beginner surfers as the wind is strong and waves are big, and there’s no lifeguards.
Lunch at Point Lookout
Point Lookout is the perfect spot for lunch, whether you bring a picnic or try one of the several cafes or restaurants. You can try some local seafood at Fins ‘n’ Fries or enjoy a meal at The Whales Way restaurant, both offering beautiful ocean views. This is also a great place to grab an ice cream or coffee, we recommend the Whale Tail Gelati & Coffee Bar.
Relax at Main Beach or Cylinder Beach
Cylinder Beach is one of the most popular and family-friendly beaches on the Island, due to its crystal-clear waters and calm waves. It’s also patrolled by lifeguards 365 days a year, so it’s the safest beach for swimming, snorkelling and other water activities; such as surfing and body-boarding.
Main Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on North Stradbroke Island, with a long 32 km stretch of golden sand and turquoise water. It’s another popular beach that is great for swimming and surfing, but it is dependent on weather conditions and wind directions.
The waves here are larger and more powerful than Cylinder Beach, so it’s best for experienced surfers only. You can also drive along Main Beach if you have a 4WD, but make sure you have the correct permit.
Whale Watching (June to November)
If you’re visiting during whale season, be sure to include some time for whale watching. The North Gorge Walk and Point Lookout are prime spots to see these majestic creatures up close. We visited at the end of June and spotted Whales from Point Lookout!
Sunset at Point Lookout
End your day by watching the sunset from Point Lookout, it’s one of the best spots for sunset on the Island, with the beautiful colours reflecting over the ocean. After the sun has set, hop on the last bus to go and catch the ferry back to Brisbane. Make sure to check the last bus and ferry times, as they can vary between summer and winter seasons.
Water Sports
If you’re looking to try a new activity, you can do snorkelling or scuba diving sessions at Manta Bommie, one of Australia’s top dive sites, known for its rich marine life, including manta rays, turtles, and colourful coral reefs. You can also get surfing lessons at North Stradbroke Island Surf School, which offers private or group surf lessons.
Optional: Amity Point
This section is optional, as getting to Amity Point via the island bus can be challenging. To get there, you’ll need to take two separate buses: one from Point Lookout to the Bus Interchange (located at the junction for Amity Point), and another from the interchange to Amity Point.
The bus schedules don’t align perfectly, so you might face a wait of around 40 minutes, with only five services running per day.
If you’re driving, the journey is much simpler—just a 15-minute drive from Point Lookout. I’d recommend visiting Amity Point if you have access to a car or if you don’t mind the wait. However, if convenience is a priority, it may be best to stay around Point Lookout.
Explore Amity Point
After Lunch, drive or take the bus to Amity Point, a quiet village known for its laid back vibe and wildlife. It’s a great spot for fishing off the jetty or kayaking on the calm waters. If you’re lucky you might see koalas in the trees and dolphins playing near the shore! If you have taken the bus to Amity Point, be sure to catch the last bus out at 5.05pm.
Visit Brown Lake (Lake Bummiera)
If you’re driving, make your way to Brown Lake, a freshwater lake surrounded by tea trees. The water gets its unique tea colour from the leaves, and it’s a serene spot for a swim or picnic, with picnic tables and bbq facilities.
Accommodation Options for Those Who Want to Extend Their Stay
If you decide you want to extend your visit to North Stradbroke Island, there are a variety of accommodation options to suit your budget and style. You can choose from beachfront resorts and hotels, holiday rentals, and campsites if you’re in a car or campervan.
PLACES TO STAY
Top Rated Accommodation
Float on Cylinder
