When travelling to North Stradbroke Island we have always taken the vehicle ferry to enable us to travel around the island easily and quickly by car.
Two main companies operate the ferries – Stradbroke Ferries and SeaLink. The ferries leave from Toondah Harbour in Cleveland, south of Brisbane. There are two types of ferries available– passenger and vehicle. The crossing itself is enjoyable with views of the islands and the possible sighting of a turtle or dolphin. The passenger ferry takes about 25 mins to cross, and the vehicle ferry about 45 minutes. Fares start from $10 for passenger ferries and $63.50 for vehicle ferries.
Although there is a bus service on the island, we favour taking our own vehicle and find it well worth the extra cost.
There are numerous places to stay on the island, depending on individual taste. We prefer to stay in a holiday unit and, having stayed there on several occasions, we can’t go past “Samarinda Jewel by the Sea” at Point lookout. As we always holiday on Stradbroke during the whale watching season, we are able to see whales breaching and passing by in the distance from our holiday apartment balcony.
Humpback whales in Moreton Bay breed during their migration period, which occurs between June and October. Sightings in the bay occur during this time. There is no greater joy than watching the males breach (leap from the water). The best places to watch are along the North/South Gorge track, which crosses the cliffs bordering the bay. There are various points with safety rails to do so.
The gorges themselves are spectacular, and there are kangaroos feeding on the grassy areas near the track. As we have visited over the years, the rooshave gradually become less afraid, and now visitors have to walk around them! They too had been breeding, and the mums had young joeys at foot or peaking from their pouch. This year, we saw several koalas, including a Mum and her baby in the eucalyptus trees near Amity Point. The point is also noted for its pelicans, each with their own resting post.
The North/South Gorge walking track is a short walk from Samarinda and other holiday apartments. There is also a camping ground/caravan park close by and a children’s playground.
There are plenty of beaches to visit, and many great fishing spots. Beach fishing is a must for many visitors to the island. Flinders Beach and Main Beach are recommended, and the Rainbow Channel, which runs just off the shore at Amity Point. It is a great spot to cast from the beach or jetty straight into deep water. Two public boat ramps can be accessed at Amity Point and at One Mile, Dunwich, to launch your boat.
High above the beaches Sea Eagles, Brahminy Kites and Osprey soar majestically as they catch the rising air currents. On the cliffs and amongst the trees, other species of birds can be seen. We were particularly taken with the Bush Stone Curlews, who walk into the local cafes and pubs as if they own them! We gathered they are a local menace, but to us, they only added to the charm of this beautiful island.
Straddie has been isolated from the mainland for an estimated 8,000 years since the last sea level rise. Ithas been very sparsely built upon and there remains large areas of uninterrupted habitat for the local wildlife. As well as the various bird species, there is a plethora of marine wildlife. The beaches provide a haven for the female turtles to lay their eggs during the summer months and, according to locals, seals have been spotted there occasionally too!
A visit is highly recommended, and the islanders will welcome you too. Many have businesses that need your support, and are well worth a visit. There are many locally and beautifully made items to buy, particularly those handmade by the local Aboriginal community. Enjoy the beauty, the peace and quiet and absorb the culture. But watch out for the Bush Stone Curlews!!
Quandamooka people, the Stradbroke Island Traditional Owners
The Quandamooka people have a long and rich history of occupation on the island dating back at least 21,000 years. They represent three distinct tribes. These are the Nughie of Moorgumpin (Moreton Island) and the Noonuccal and Gorenpul of Minjerribah.
Their ongoing custodianship of the island and its waters is recognized through native title agreements and cultural heritage protection. The Quandamooka people continue to play a significant role in the management and preservation of their traditional lands and cultural heritage.
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