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 mre at "Straddie" - even the family pet can enjoy the adventure!

Photographer's 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 boast spectaculat sunsets over the McDonald Ranges, Mt Glorious even the Glass House Mountains. The population of wildlife far outweighs the humankind 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 Lookout 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 subtropical temperatures ensure you can enjoy off road adventuring all year round.  Access points to the beach include George Nothling Drive, Point Lookout and across the causeway south east of Dunwich. Remember saty 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 just contact Dave at Straddie Kingfisher Tours or on (07) 3409 9502.

 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 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. But 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 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 Little Ship 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 Ship 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 can't 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 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 on 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. The season highlight is the Straddie Assault surfing competition held in October each year - don't miss your chance to see the best surfing on 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 Main 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 perimeter.  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 kilometer 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 offering 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. 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 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 located in Welsby Street, Dunwich and is certainly weel worth the trip.  Straddie also boasts impressive art galleries:  

Salt Water Murris                                                                                                                                                                          3 Ballow Road, Dunwich open Fri to Mon 

Saltwater 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/Bar 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, facial treatments and therapies.  You can start your day with beach yoga and then allow yourself to be pampered under the supervision of experienced local teachers and therapists.

Picnic spots

Nothing beats an Aussie barbeque and a great game of family cricket!  On 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