Are you staying on the Gold Coast but looking to change scenery for a day?
Located in Southeast Queensland, the Gold Coast is surrounded by beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and tropical islands, so there are plenty of day trip destinations to choose from!
If you want to swap the Gold Coast beaches for island beaches and lakes, why not spend the day on North Stradbroke Island (Straddie)?
How to Get to North Stradbroke Island
To get to North Stradbroke Island from the Gold Coast, you must have a car and ferry ticket.
Take advantage of Bargain Car Rental’s unlimited kilometres and hire a car to drive from the Gold Coast to Cleveland in Brisbane. Following the Pacific Motorway (M1) north, it’ll take about an hour to reach the ferry terminal at Toondah Harbour.
SeaLink North Stradbroke Island departs from Toondah Harbour and takes around 45 minutes to reach Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island. The cost of a ticket for a standard car starts from $79. It’s best to book your ticket in advance as the ferries get busy!
Once you arrive on North Stradbroke Island, getting around on the paved roads is easy.
Best Things to Do on North Stradbroke Island
Now that you’re on Straddie for the day, the world is your oyster! There are plenty of exciting things to do on North Stradbroke Island, including:
Explore Point Lookout
Located on the island’s northern tip, Point Lookout is arguably Straddie’s most popular destination. It’s home to a range of cafes, bars, and restaurants, as well as stunning beaches and accommodations.
One of the best things to do in Point Lookout is the North Gorge Walk. This scenic 1.2km trail winds around cliffs and offers breathtaking ocean views. Along the way, you may be lucky enough to spot manta rays, dolphins, and turtles!
Swim at Cylinder Beach
Fancy going for a swim after exploring Point Lookout? Cylinder Beach is the best place for it!
Located in Point Lookout, Cylinder Beach is one of North Stradbroke Island’s most famous swimming spots.
Boasting soft white sand and gentle waters, the swimming here is unmatched. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat at Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel.
Go whale watching
If you plan to visit North Stradbroke Island from June to November, you’ll be pleased to know it’s peak whale-watching season!
During these months, humpback whales complete their yearly migration past the island, with Point Lookout providing some of the best land-based whale-watching in the country!
Whether sitting on Cylinder Beach or walking along the North Gorge Walk, you can expect to see these whales breaching and playing in the waters during the winter months.
Visit Brown Lake
Just a short drive inland from Dunwich, Brown Lake is a tranquil freshwater lake known for its brown-coloured waters, stained by the tea trees surrounding it.
Since it is a freshwater lake, Brown Lake is a fantastic place to go swimming and paddleboarding, and the grasslands surrounding it provide the perfect place for a picnic.
If you’re not a fan of the ocean and want to swim somewhere peaceful, add Brown Lake to your list.
Learn about Indigenous culture
North Stradbroke Island is rich in Indigenous culture, and if you’re interested in learning about the island’s traditional owners, the Quandamooka people, you can join a cultural tour.
These tours offer insight into the island’s history, natural environment, and Aboriginal traditions, including bush tucker, didgeridoo playing, and the island’s connection to the land and sea.
As one of the island’s most popular and insightful activities, joining a cultural tour is a must.
Go surfing at Main Beach
If you’re an avid surfer and packed your board into the car for your day trip, surfing at Main Beach is a must!
Stretching for 32 kilometres along the island’s east coast, Main Beach is a popular surf spot due to its consistent breaks.
If you aren’t a surfer but appreciate the sport, why not park up at the beach’s northern end and see the surfers catch some waves?
From swimming in freshwater lakes to learning about the island’s Indigenous culture, there are so many things to do on North Stradbroke Island. Only two hours from the Gold Coast, North Stradbroke Island and all its incredible things to do make it the ultimate place for a day trip!
Unlock Your Stradbroke Island Adventure with Bargain Car Rentals
For those flying into the Gold Coast, a rental car lets you embrace island time at your speed. Enjoy the flexibility to drop a towel at South Gorge Beach, unwind at Bummiera or whet your palette at Straddie Brewing Co. – all at your own pace.
From Gold Coast Airport, choose from our fantastic range of fresh rental cars at unbeatable prices. Whether you want something compact and zippy, a family-friendly car, or a luxurious ride, we’ve got the perfect car for your adventure.
FAQ:
What are the best things to do on North Stradbroke Island?
Straddie Island offers a treasure trove of Aussie adventure – from scenic to cultural, this is a day trip from the Gold Coast that’s well worth the journey. This little sandy isle has it all: heavenly beaches, peaceful lagoons and an abundance of coastal and bush walks. Beyond the soul-stirring landscapes, the island is rich in Indigenous culture and history, with a booming dining and arts scene to boot.
Where is Stradbroke Island?
Straddie lies within Moreton Bay in Queensland, just 30 kilometres southeast of Brisbane City.
Do you need a 4WD for Stradbroke Island?
Standard cars are welcome on Straddie but are limited to the main roads. If you’re planning to drive on the sandy highway (Flinders Beach or Main Beach), a 4WD is a must, and don’t forget to grab a beach permit before you go!
How to get to Stradbroke Island from the Gold Coast?
Stradbroke Island is approximately a 1 hour and 20-minute drive from the Gold Coast. Simply head north on the Pacific Motorway and take exit 30 to catch the ferry.
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