North Stradbroke Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Cylinder Beach
Cylinder Beach
North Gorge Walk
North Gorge Walk
Cylinder Beach

Gaze out at stunning coastal vistas, spot some iconic Australian wildlife or just soak up the relaxed vibe of this island just off Queensland’s southern coast.

Although just a short boat ride away from Australia’s third-largest city, North Stradbroke Island feels like a world away. It is the second-largest sand island in the world and a nature lover’s dream.

North Stradbroke Island, “Straddie” to the locals, is set in Moreton Bay. At roughly 24 miles (38 kilometers) long and 7 miles (11 kilometers) wide, the largely untouched sandy island has just three small settlements.

From the Brisbane suburb of Cleveland, catch the vehicle ferry or a water taxi over to the island. Public buses await those who come on foot at the ferry terminal in Dunwich. Grab a drink or get your supplies here and then head straight to Point Lookout on the northeast tip of the island. This tranquil village on a hilly headland has a good variety of accommodations and dining options with breathtaking ocean views.

Look for dolphins riding the turquoise waves, stingrays cruising in the shallows and kangaroos grazing on the green hillsides. From June to November, migrating humpback whales steal the show. The village’s Cylinder Beach has gentle waves and lifeguards on duty. Snorkel in the clear waters close to the headland for a chance to see colorful fish and sea turtles.

Follow the North Gorge Walk, an undulating path that takes you into the gorge and around the rocky headland with its crashing waves. The picturesque little cove at the end is a great swimming spot. On the other side of the Surf Life Saving Club is a seemingly endless beach with sets of large rolling waves that attract surfers.

Take a tour to the sandy interior of the island and walk around Blue Lake National Park to see the typical Australian eucalyptus, casuarina and banksia trees. Another highlight is Brown Lake, which is colored by tannins from the surrounding trees. Rest a while on its white-sand beach or wade in for a refreshing swim.

Drive or take the bus to Amity Point on the northernmost tip of the island. This sleepy village with small cafés has rocky beaches that are great for fishing and snorkeling. You may spot a koala in the surrounding eucalypts trees if you look closely.

Walking on soft sands slows you down and you can’t help but adapt to the relaxed pace of North Stradbroke Island, so instead of taking the ferry back the same day, stay for while to immerse yourself in its natural beauty.

Novotel Surfers Paradise

Novotel Surfers Paradise

4.5 out of 5
Cnr Surfers Paradise Blvd and Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is AU$179 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$179
per night
12 Oct - 13 Oct
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,257 reviews)
"Great location and comfortable"

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Novotel Surfers Paradise
voco Gold Coast by IHG

voco Gold Coast by IHG

4.5 out of 5
31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is AU$189 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$189
per night
12 Oct - 13 Oct
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Perfect spot great for the price!!"

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

voco Gold Coast by IHG
Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

5 out of 5
6 Orchid Ave Surfers Paradise, Surfers Paradise, QLD
The price is AU$299 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$299
per night
12 Oct - 13 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
First time at Hilton in Surfers Paradise QLD
"The staff were amazing and very helpful. The hotel is in a prime spot and is very safety conscious using Hotel Keycards as gain access to areas inside the hotel as well as the carpark. Ross, at front reception was friendly, helpful and approachable he was lovely. Buffet Breakfast was great and you ..."

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2025

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Allure Stradbroke Resort

Allure Stradbroke Resort

4 out of 5
43-57 East Coast Road, Point Lookout, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach vacation home in Point Lookout. Enjoy a fitness center, beach cabanas (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Home Beach and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (264 reviews)
"Fabulous location, friendly and helpful staff. We had a great time!"

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2025

Allure Stradbroke Resort
Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise

Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise

5 out of 5
86 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (939 reviews)
"All round excellent Restaurant was very pricy"

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise
Q1 Resort & Spa

Q1 Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,435 reviews)
"Great location and hotel"

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Q1 Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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