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Stay in Paradise
- By Craig Cleal
- Published 27th November, 2011
- Accommodation , Recommended Travel , Beaches of Australia
- Unrated
Craig Cleal
Im just here to help travellers to Australia, have the best , most memorable experiences in our great country. If i can assist, please contact me.
View all articles by Craig ClealGet away to unspoilt North Stradbroke Island and take a break in one of our holiday rental properties. Just off the coast of South East Queensland right on Brisbane's doorstep is Straddie¯ where you can choose from our extensive range of accommodation from bungalows, family houses, classic cottages, units to absolute waterfront properties to suit your needs and budget.

Nestled on the NW tip of North Stradbroke Island (Straddie¯) just off the coast of South East Queensland, Amity Point is unique. Surrounded by the calm waters of Moreton Bay Marine Park, the Pacific Ocean and native dune forests, Amity Point is a tranquil uncrowded seaside village with a rich and colourful history, a relic of simpler times appealing to families and anyone looking to escape, relax, wet a line and rejuvenate. Could all this be less than an hour ferry ride from suburban Brisbane?
The calm crystal clear bay water, where dolphins play and pelicans glide, offers safe swimming, great snorkeling and a variety of good fishing and boating. The Amity jetty, adjacent to the boat ramp and swimming enclosure, is a fantastic fishing spot for kids. Surfing beaches at Amity East and Flinders Beach are only 3 minutes by car and Point Lookout is 10 minutes away.
The Old School House Park has BBQs, tennis court, childrens playground and a min basketball court. There is a skate board rink near the camping area.
Fresh seafood outlets offer local fish, prawns, oysters and crabs for you to enjoy while relaxing in Cabarita Park bathing in the sublime sunsets across Moreton Bay. Indulge yourself at Seashells Cafe offering sumptuous alfresco all-day dining, coffee and take-away or chill out at the fully licensed Amity Sport & Recreation Club.
Straddie boasts a warm temperate climate all year round ensuring the perfect holiday destination.
Our friendly staff at Straddie Sales Rentals are skilled at taking care of all your holiday arrangements with our convenient one-stop holiday booking service including:
* your choice of accommodation inclusive of linen/towels (seasonal tariffs available on-line or upon request)
* vehicular ferry bookings at discounted rates
Things to do on North Straddie
Travel one hour out of Brisbane and you will find yourself immersed in another world! North Stradbroke Island has something for everyone. Whether you want to sit back, relax, and soak in the pristine surrounds; or hit the beaches and experience some serious off road terrain you will find what you are looking for and more at “Straddie  – even the family pet can enjoy the adventure!
Photographers Delight
This unspoiled community is rich in Indigenous and European historical sites. The three towns are located on the northern end of the island, an easy 20 minute drive on sealed roads. Dunwich is the gateway to Straddie and the residential hub of the local community. Amity is located on the north western tip of the island and boasts spectacular sunsets over the McDonald Ranges, Mt Glorious and even the Glass House Mountains. The population of wildlife far outweighs the human kind so don't miss the chance to photograph the amazing marine life that thrives in this natural haven. Pods of dolphins visit regularly and our koala colony make fantastic subjects. Point Look Out boasts some of the most stunning surf beaches in all of Queensland that are sure to provide some incredible dawn and dusk images.
Beaches & 4WD Adventuring
If you are looking for a serious 4 wheel driving adventure then you have come to the right place! North Stradbroke Island has over 17 miles of untouched sandy beaches waiting for you. The sub tropical temperatures ensure you can enjoy off road adventuring all year round. Access points to the beach include Goerge Nothling Drive, Point Lookout and across the causeway south east of Dunwich. Remember stay safe and travel at low tide; and a tip from the locals – the best fishing is on the incoming tide.
4 Wheel Drive Tours
No 4WD? Some of the best scenery on offer at Straddie is not accessible by car. Why not take in a scenic tour of the beaches and fresh water lakes with friendly and experienced 4 wheel drive operators. For an eco tour contact Margy or Dave at Straddie Kingfisher Tours or call 07 3409 9502. Straddie Guides also offer daily tours and can be contacted on 07 3415 3106.
Fishing
The avid angler will love the chance to come and fish in this natural haven all year round. Amity is known for its great fishing spots and regardless of your angling prowess you are almost guaranteed to kiss a fish or two! During September to February large snapper and squire are known to frequent the rock walls with bream and summer whiting caught on lines from the jetty. Mackerel and Tuna can be found in the Rainbow Channel and surf beach fishing is popular on Main and Flinders beaches at Point Lookout. For the die-hard anglers in search of catching the big one, off shore fishing charters are also available.
Over the summer months you can expect to find a variety of species, typically seeing more sport fish caught off the shelf, crabs in pots and juvenile snapper in the channel off Amity. Bream and Dart can be found off the rock wall, jetties and gutters along main beach. The months leading into winter see the arrival of the migratory sea mullet, winter bream, tailor, snapper and tuna caught off the shelf. For more information on chartered fishing, please contact Ian at the Straddie Sales & Rentals office.
Power boating and sailing
If you’d rather travel by sea than sand the boating enthusiast will not be disappointed. Straddie offers the sea faring traveller a range of adventures. Bring your boat and launch it at the Amity boat ramp or jump on your jet-ski and take advantage of the calm bay waters. All boatees are welcome at the small ships club and its adjoining marina in Dunwich.
Boat ramp locations can be found at Amity Point, One Mile Jetty and Dunwich. Overnight anchorage is available at the Little Ships Club, round the corner at the beacon or just off the Amity Point camping ground.
Swimming, Snorkelling, Kayaking and Diving
Take your pick of swimming locations either in the fresh water lakes and springs, the calm waters of the bay or in the rolling surf on a range of beaches. Snorkelling along the rock wall at Amity cannott be missed and guided tours in the sheltered waters off Amity are also available. Don't end your adventure there! Combine your snorkelling adventure with a guided sea kayaking tour around Shag rock.
Divers will not want to miss the natural and artificial reefs around Straddie that offer a breathtaking experience for the novice and experienced diver. Five popular dive sites include: Shag Rock Manta Bommie, Middle Rock, Boat Rock and South Gorge. Visibility in these pristine waters averages 15 to 20 metres year round and up to 30 metres in summer. Dive all year round with water temperatures averaging 25-27 degrees in summer and 19-22 degrees in winter.
Surfing
The surf is always up in Straddie! Not only is this pristine coastline home to some of Queensland’s most stunning beaches, it is known internationally for some of the best waves. Surfers come from all over the world for the experience. The season highlight is the Straddie Assault surfing competition held in October each year - don’t miss your chance to see the best surfing in Straddie. Whether you are a body boarder or surfer you'll find quality waves all year round. Popular breaks include right hand sliders at Cylinders Beach and left hand point breaks at Mains Beach.
Bush Walking & Freshwater Lakes
North Stradbroke has a unique freshwater lake system and a wonderful way to experience it is on foot. Two of the largest lakes are Brown Lake (Bummiera) and Blue Lake (Kaboora). Brown Lake is accessible by car and visitors can take a leisurely walk around most of its parameter. A highly recommended walk is in the Blue Lake National Park, known as the Kaboora Trail. Vehicles are not permitted and must be left in the allocated car park. Enjoy the 2.6 kilometre walk to the lake at early morning or late afternoon to experience the incredible array of wildflowers and wildlife along the way. The Key Holes fresh water lakes are located behind the dunes on Main Beach a short distance south of Point Lookout. Another walking trail is around the gorge at Point Lookout which offers outstanding views of the ocean and the whales. For those who wish to take in some of the historic aspects of North Stradbroke there is a free self guided tour around Dunwich which takes in convict relics and grave sites.
Whale Watching
Ever wanted to experience whale watching and keep your feet on dry land? The annual migration of Humpback whales takes place between June and November each year. Visitors can gain one of the best land-based views of these majestic animals from the headland at Point Lookout so bring your cameras and binoculars!
Museum and Art Galleries
Straddie has an amazing Indigenous and European history. The North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum offers a journey back in time and in 2009 was voted the best little museum in Australia. It is open 10am to 2pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays located in Welsby Street, Dunwich and it is certainly well worth the trip. Straddie also boasts impressive art galleries:
Mookin Bibonmari Aboriginal Art Gallery
7 Ballow Road, Dunwich
Featuring art of the Goenpul culture of North Stradbroke Island by Aboriginal artist Brendan Coghill;
Salt Water Murris
3 Ballow Road, Dunwich
Open Fri - Mon
Salt Water Murris is a delightful gallery featuring the work of local indigenous artists.
Coral Sea Gallery
Pandanus Palms resort
Cumming Parade, Point Lookout
Open daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm
Displaying the work of local artists
Markets
Those in need of a little retail therapy and wanting to take a bit of Straddie home with them won't want to miss the Point Lookout Sunday markets where art and crafts and local produce are on sale. The markets are held at the Point Lookout community hall and dates are usually placed on notice boards in local shops.
Dining
On Straddie a range of dining experiences await you - from local eateries, outdoor cafes to five star fully licensed restaurants in spectacular settings. Amity boasts its own Seashells cafe with al la carte dining; or you might like to try the bistro atmosphere of the Amity Point Community Club.
Health & Well Being
Holidays are all about relaxation of the body, mind and spirit. What better way to invigorate the tired body and soul than a visit to a luxurious day spa. Straddie Day Spa at the Beach Hotel, Point Lookout offers a range of massages and facial treatments and therapies. You can start your day with beach yoga and then allow yourself to be pampered under the supervision of experienced teachers and therapists.
Picnic spots
Nothing beats an Aussie barbeque and a great game of family cricket! In Straddie there is no shortage of great spots to take in the amazing scenery and enjoy a family gathering or an intimate picnic for two. Picnic tables, BBQ facilities and toilets are available in Dunwich at Old Ballow Park, in Amity at Cabarita Park and Point Lookout has four sites: Adder Rock, Headlands Park, Point Lookout Oval and Cylinder Beach picnic area. Brown Lake has picnic facilities but take your own drinking water.
North Stradbroke Island offers the ideal holiday location for everyone - couples looking for a romantic getaway, the adventurer looking for thrills, or the family wanting a holiday to remember. Straddie can cater to all tastes and budgets with a range of options from luxury waterfront accommodation to units, cottages and even pet-friendly options. This piece of paradise, only one hour out of Brisbane, is a gem just waiting to be explored.
North Stradbroke Island
North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) is one of Queensland's best kept holiday secrets. Drive for one hour from the Brisbane CBD and lose yourself in the most beautiful natural surrounds in Queensland.
Stradbroke Island is the second largest sand island in the world located within Moreton Bay, also known as Quandamooka by the Indigenous land owners, but more affectionately known as “Straddie  by the locals. You will be quickly immersed into the local culture and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of small village life.
The Island's wetlands have been world listed under RAMSAR which means they have been recognised for their significant environmental value and must be protected for future generations to enjoy.
The area is surrounded by long white beaches perfect for swimming, surfing and fishing. The sub-tropical climate can be enjoyed all year round and is the ideal location for all types of holidays from a relaxing romantic getaway, to a fun-filled family trip.
Stradbroke Island can cater to all your accommodation needs and budgets. There is ample opportunity to enjoy breathtaking waterfront accommodation with plenty of houses and units available. Looking for a romantic cottage or a luxury home with water views? You will find it here.
Not even your four legged friend needs to miss out on the Straddie experience! Pet friendly accommodation is also available. Pet–friendly houses will generally have a fenced yard or enclosure, and offer all the amenities that discerning couples and families are looking for. Look through the delightful homes and units on our accommodation pages for more details on your options.
The area is rich in culture and has been home to the Goenpul, Ngugi and Noonuccal tribes for about 22,000 years. These skilled fishermen have been known for their generosity throughout history. Matthew Flinders even wrote about them offering his crew water when they landed at Point Lookout in the early nineteenth century. History buffs will want to visit the local museum to find out more about Straddie's fascinating history.
The Quandamooka women were famous for their weaving and those traditional skills are still practiced today.
Townships
The area is made up of three main towns located on the northern end of the island, Dunwich, Amity and Point Look out. They are all easily accessed by sealed road in a leisurely 20 minute drive.
Dunwich is the gateway to Straddie with the local tourist centre and where most of the locals live. The town is known for its rich Indigenous and European historical sites.
Dunwich is a small and friendly centre great for camping, fishing and swimming. There are a range of services on offer and you will have no problem stocking up for a great camping adventure or to feed your hungry tribe! There is also room for a little retail therapy.
Amity is located on the north western tip of the island. It is a quaint village with a permanent population of around 100 people. You can dine out in the sports club or seashells café or you can buy from one of the two fresh seafood outlets to whip up your own culinary delights.
Snorkelling is the absolute must do in Amity and a fantastic stop for the avid fisherman. If you want to experience wildlife at its best, Amity is the scenic spot for you. A pod of dolphins will greet you almost every afternoon at the jetty and a koala colony lives on the nature strip between the ocean beach and town so bring your cameras to catch the wildlife in action.
Sightseeing is made easy in the nice flat surrounds. Take a leisurely walk or bike ride to enjoy all that Amity has on offer. It’s a great place for the young and for the young at heart.
Point Lookout is located on the north eastern tip of the island and boasts some of the most stunning surf beaches in Queensland. Dine out at a number of local restaurants and cafes and enjoy fresh treats from the local bakery. The one stop convenience store will also come in handy when you need to refuel between tourist attractions and shops.
Point Lookout is home to the only hotel located on the island. For more information visit our accommodation pages where you’ll find a range of options including waterfront homes, units and pet-friendly accommodation options.
Everything you want in a holiday and more is waiting for you at North Stradbroke Island. Whether you want relax and enjoy the laid back atmosphere, take the family on an outdoor adventure or enjoy a nature-filled pristine romantic interlude, Straddie¯ will bring your holiday dreams to life.

