Things to do on North Straddie
Straddie is a fragile eco system that requires our continued protection so conserve water and only leave your footprints behind! Yawa (thank you)
Sunsets
Amity Point boasts some of the most spectacular sunsets over the McDonald Ranges, Mt Glorious and even the Glass House Mountains. We have seen firsthand sky colors from purple, to pink, to orange, yellow and red. It is not hard to wonder why Amity is so incredibly popular all year round.
Beaches & 4WDing
Fortunately the Eastern side of North Stradbroke island has over 17 miles of unspoilt sandy beaches primed for 4WDing, beach fishing, worming and collecting Pipis all year round. Access points to the beach include Goerge Nothling Drive, Point Lookout and across the causeway south east of Dunwich. For safe travel and best fishing travel is recommended on the low tide and fish the incoming tide.
4 Wheel Drive Tours
As some of North Straddie is land is not accessible by car don't miss out on the scenery. Why not take in a scenic tour of Straddie beaches and fresh water lakes with friendly and experienced 4 wheel drive operators. For an eco tour just contact Margy or Dave at Straddie Kingfisher Tours or on (07) 3409 9502. Straddie Guides also offer daily tours and can be contacted on 07 3415 3106.
Fishing
North Stradbroke Island boasts some of the best fishing all year round. Amity offers great spots for those holidayers who love to fish. The rock wall, jetty and ocean beaches are places where you can caste your line and from September to February Mackerel and Tuna are caught in the Rainbow Channel. Large snapper and squire are known to frequent the rock walls with bream and summer whiting caught on lines caste from the jetty. Surf beach fishing is popular on main and Flinders beaches at Point Lookout but for those who like the challenge of catching the big one off shore fishing charters are available. Worms and pipis abound on main beach. Stores in Dunwich, Amity and Point Lookout sell bait and tackle.
With the welcoming of each of the 4 seasons, fisherman and families can expect to capture a variety of species of fish with the summer months typically seeing more sport fish caught off the shelf, crabs in pots, juvenile snapper in the channel off Amity, bream off the rock wall and jetties and Dart, Bream and whiting in the gutters along main beach. The months leading into winter see the arrival of the migratory sea mullet, winter bream and tailor along with 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
Straddie offers the boating enthusiast a range of adventures. Bring your boat and launch it at the Amity boat ramp or jump on your jet ski take advantage of the calm bay waters. If you like sailing then the prevailing south easterly and north easterly breezes will power you around the bay. 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. Anchorage for overnighters can be found 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 is a must at Amity along the rock wall and guided snorkelling in the sheltered waters off Amity is available. Why not combine your snorkelling adventure with a guided sea kayaking tour around Shag rock. The natural and artificial reefs around Straddie 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. Water temperatures average 25-27 degrees in summer and 19-22 degrees in winter.
Surfing
Straddie commands some of the best waves in the world and many international surfers visit us. The Straddie Assault competition is held in October each year and is a chance to see on display the best surfing Straddie has to offer. Whether you are a body boarder or surfer you are guaranteed 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
Perched above the artesian basin, North Stradbroke has a unique freshwater lake system. 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. The walk to the lake is 2.6 km and early morning or late afternoon is recommended to see the incredible array of wildflowers and other wildlife. 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
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 binoculars!
Museum and Art Galleries
Straddie has an amazing Indigenous and European history. The North Stradbroke Island Historical Muesum 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 and well worth a trip to its location in Welsby Street, Dunwich. Straddie also boasts impressive art galleries: Mookin Bibonmari Aboriginal Art Gallery located at 7 Ballow Road, Dunwich featuring art of the Goenpul culture of Nth Stradbroke Island by Aboriginal artist Brendan Coghill; Salt Water Murris Indigenous art gallery featuring the work of local artists located at 3 Ballow Road, Dunwich open Fri - Mon; Coral Sea Gallery at Pandanus Palms resort in Cumming Parade, Point Lookout open daily from 9.30am to 4.30 pm displaying the work of local artists .
Markets
For those wishing to take a little something of Straddie home with them we recommend 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 awaits 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 try the bistro atmosphere of the Amity Point Community Club.
Health & Well Being
Need to be pampered during your holiday look no further than Straddie Day Spa at the Beach Hotel at Point Lookout offering a range of massages and facial treatments. Start your day with beach yoga under the supervision of experienced local teachers, notices for locations and times are usually placed within local stores.
Picnic spots
Family picnics are a must on Straddie and there are plenty of spots to enjoy. 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.