Australia is a country with many beautiful islands, and around Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast each have their unique features and are more developed for tourism. However, the water quality on the offshore islands is truly unparalleled. North Stradbroke Island is an idyllic destination located off the southeast coast of Brisbane, easily accessible by transport. In this article, I will introduce in detail the world's second-largest sand island, which I have visited countless times, so you can learn more about this must-visit hidden gem!
(The geographical location of North Stradbroke Island, with the red box indicating the destination of this trip)
1. How to get to North Stradbroke Island?
In addition to driving a rental car, you can take a train from Brisbane city center to Cleveland station and then transfer to the 258 bus to reach the Cleveland port that provides ferry services to North Stradbroke Island (bus stop: Emmett Drive at Toondah Harbour Ferry). Detailed information on public transportation in the Brisbane area has been compiled in a previous article, which is also applicable to getting to the Cleveland port. This article will focus on "how to get from Cleveland port to the island" and "the transportation on the island".
(You can see the bus stop to the port just a 1-minute walk from Cleveland train station)
(View of the Cleveland port)
Upon arrival at the Cleveland port, there are two types of ferry ticket options to reach the island: Water Taxi and Vehicle Ferry. However, you cannot use Go Card or TransLink's cards or passes, and you can only purchase tickets by card or cash at the port counter or on board the ferry. You must buy a round-trip ticket, and for prices and related differences, please refer to the following image:
(The prices shown in the image are for round-trip tickets, not one-way tickets)
In short, the Water Taxi is a more convenient and time-saving option, taking only 25 minutes to reach the island. It directly cooperates with local buses to provide seamless connections upon arrival. It also offers discounts on student fares, making it suitable for tourists who need to use public transportation. The Vehicle Ferry doesn't have these advantages but offers cheaper fares. However, if you want to drive to the island, you must choose this option. So, if you don't plan to drive on the island, it's recommended to choose the Water Taxi.
As for the island's bus fares, please refer to the orange section in the image above. You cannot use Go Card or TransLink's cards or passes, and you can only purchase tickets with cash or card from the bus driver. You can choose to buy a one-way ticket (about AUD 5) or a round-trip ticket.
After understanding the prices and differences, the following are the ferry and bus schedules:
(The ferry schedule, with Dunwich being the location of North Stradbroke Island's port. The bus symbol indicates that the island's buses cooperate with the Water Taxi's arrival and departure times, saving waiting time.)
(The island's bus schedule, with Dunwich (port location), Amity Point, and Point Lookout being the three main tourist areas on the island, accessible by bus.)
- Note 1: Visitors who want to bring their own transportation to the island (such as cars or scooters) need to pay an additional fee. For prices, please click here.
- Note 2: If you lose your round-trip ticket, you can purchase another one on the ferry or bus.
(Due to the large number of tourists, there are often long lines when boarding and alighting. It is recommended to arrive at the bus stop a little earlier.)
2. What to do on North Stradbroke Island?
Now that you know how to get around, let's explore the island's 3 main tourist areas: Dunwich, Point Lookout, and Amity Point. Let's take a look at our island adventure!
(Although North Stradbroke Island is an island, it is vast, and the main tourist spots are concentrated in the three areas shown on the map)
1. Dunwich
This is the location of the island's port, a necessary transit point, but it is also the smallest settlement on the island and the least visited by tourists. After all, people come from afar to explore more remote locations or classic beaches. The port area mainly offers basic dining and accommodation facilities. If you have limited time, it is recommended to head to the other two locations as soon as possible to fully enjoy your visit!
◎ Address: North Stradbroke Island, Dunwich, Queensland
◎ Public restrooms: Yes (Bradbury Beach & Adams Beach)
◎ Washing facilities: Yes (Bradbury Beach & Adams Beach)
◎ Official website: North Stradbroke Island
◎ Nearby accommodation: Booking｜Agoda｜Hotels｜Expedia (Compare & Save)
(Port waiting area for visitors)
(The island's bus stop can be seen at the entrance and exit of Dunwich port)
2. Point Lookout
This area is the most famous and activity-rich tourist hotspot on the island, offering a variety of aquatic activities and attractions. Apart from the awe-inspiring natural beauty, there are vast and diverse beaches for visitors to enjoy. It is also the place where we spent most of our time. On the main street, you can find many businesses offering services for snorkeling, diving, sandboarding, and canoeing, as well as numerous restaurants with delicious food. While exploring this area, we occasionally spotted kangaroos "roaming the streets," which made for a unique travel experience!
◎ Address: North Stradbroke Island, Point Lookout, Queensland
◎ Public restrooms: Available
◎ Washing facilities: Available
◎ Official website: North Stradbroke Island
◎ Nearby accommodation: Booking｜Agoda｜Hotels｜Expedia (Compare & Save)
(Point Lookout is the final stop of the island's public bus.)
(As soon as you get off the bus at Point Lookout, there is a small park next to the bus stop. We saw kangaroos passing by here two or three times, but unfortunately, we couldn't capture the moment in time. If you have the chance to visit, you might unexpectedly discover a kangaroo right beside you!)
(The "Point Lookout Beach Resort" was our chosen accommodation for this trip. It was well-equipped, clean, and the owner was very friendly. The room rates were relatively cheap compared to other places on the island. For those planning to visit, it's worth considering. Regarding whether or not you need accommodation on the island, if you're driving, you can cover everything in a day trip. However, if you're taking public transport, it's more rushed, so staying overnight is recommended. Personally, even if you're driving, a two-day trip allows you to better enjoy the island's scenery.)
(My favorite place on the island is South Gorge. It's a classic landmark often featured in North Stradbroke Island travel information. In addition to its great water quality and beaches, it is surrounded by towering and unique landforms. When you visit, you'll definitely feel its natural and pristine charm. If you come to this island, I highly recommend visiting this place first!)
(By chance, we encountered an Australian couple getting married here. It was a simple wedding with friends and family holding flowers, drinking wine, and taking pictures - just like the scenes we've seen in Western movies since childhood!)
(Not far south of South Gorge is the island's longest beach, "Main Beach". Compared to the Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast, this place is more natural and less crowded. The expansive views and beauty experienced here instantly release all your stress!)
(Next, we went to "The North Gorge Walk" near South Gorge. Although it's called a hiking trail, it's actually a very easy and comfortable walk. You can stroll along the roughly one-kilometer-long path, and there are many viewing platforms along the way for visitors to admire the magnificent scenery and ocean. I highly recommend walking this trail – don't be scared off by the name and miss out!)
(At the midway point of "The North Gorge Walk," you'll see the famous North Gorge Point Lookout, a must-see attraction in every North Stradbroke Island travel guide. The incredible natural landscape and the vast ocean beside it make the visit truly worthwhile!)
(On this trip, we traveled with friends from China, Hong Kong, and Japan. I wonder, can people really tell where we're from just by looking at us? Ha!)
To sum up this sightseeing area, "Main Beach," "South Gorge," "The North Gorge Walk," and "North Gorge Point Lookout" are all highly concentrated and worthwhile attractions. They are all within walking distance of each other, making them convenient and highly recommended in terms of both time and quality of the sights!
3. Amity Point
This is the second-largest tourist area on the island, after "Point Lookout." The main highlights here are "wild dolphins," "sunsets," and "camping." It is a popular vacation spot for many locals and is also home to numerous "wild koalas." Here, you can see many camper vans, children playing in the water, and people fishing along the coast to add fresh catches to their meals. More importantly, you can get an up-close view of many wild dolphins. Upon arrival, it's easy to experience the quintessential Australian lifestyle. If time permits, be sure to take a stroll around this area!
◎ Address: North Stradbroke Island, Amity Point, Queensland
◎ Public restrooms: Available
◎ Washing facilities: Available
◎ Official website: North Stradbroke Island
◎ Nearby accommodation: Booking｜Agoda｜Hotels｜Expedia (Compare & Save)
(The beaches in the Amity Point area may not be as large as those in other regions, but they are relatively safe, and the water quality is still good, making it suitable for children to play.)
(As it is located on the western side of the island, you can also watch the sunset by the shore.)
(We were lucky to see two wild dolphins swimming under the bridge piers and quickly took some pictures to remember the moment!)
(Next, we played with some lovely Australian children for a while before wrapping up our two-day, one-night trip! This is a very relaxing place, and if given the opportunity, I would visit this laid-back island again. Thanks for the beautiful memories!)
(Lastly, there is another attraction on North Stradbroke Island - "Brown Lake" in the center of the island. However, unlike the previously mentioned attractions, it cannot be reached by public transport and can only be accessed by car. It's also a beautiful sight, and I recommend visiting if you have the time!)