Go where the locals go - The Beach
About North Stradbroke Island
Maps & Directions
Things to do
Samarinda - Jewel by the Sea
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About North Stradbroke Island
Refreshing, relaxing, and simply beautiful, North Stradbroke Island, or "Straddie", as the locals call it, is one of Moreton Bay's best loved getaway spots.
Located at the southern end of Moreton Bay, it is one of the largest sand islands in the world, and is a popular escape destination for couples, nature lovers and adventure-seekers.
Stretches of white sandy beach line the island's ocean side making it ideal for swimming, surfing, and fishing, while the sheltered western edge offers a calm environment for those after a more relaxing experience.
North Stradbroke Island is rich in Aboriginal and European historical sites. Visit the North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum at Dunwich for a fascinating history of the island. Eerily, the cemetery at Dunwich includes the graves of shipwreck and typhoid victims from the early 1800s.
Aboriginal shell middens can be found throughout the island. You can also attend indigenous cultural and bush tucker talks organised by the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders.
North Stradbroke Island can be accessed by ferry from Cleveland.
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Maps & Directions
Things to do
Wildlife - Point Lookout is arguably one of the best land-based whale-watching sites. The stately migration of the Southern Humpback whale to warmer waters in the north is a true wonder of nature and can be enjoyed at Point Lookout during the months of winter.
Dolphins, sea turtles and graceful manta rays are also frequent visitors to the crystal clear waters that surround Point Lookout and can be easily spied from several rocky outcrops. Get a little closer to the action with some snorkelling or a sea kayak adventure.
Walks - Point Lookout is a great place to start on one of the many nature walks around the island. The walk to North Gorge is a must with a picture-postcard scene around every corner. The walk leads you past North Gorge to Whale Rock. When the tide and sea conditions are right, air whistles through a blowhole in the rock giving the uncanny effect of a spouting whale. Be sure that you take a camera as there is a photo opportunity at every turn.
Whale watching - One of the favourite past times at Stradbroke island. Whales can be seen from a number of vantage points at Point Lookout. On the North Gorge Walk, excellent views are obtained from Norm’s Seat and above Whale Rock. At the Frenchman’s Bay end of Bambara street and Timbin Road, elevated timber platforms have been provided, for views over Boat Rock and The Group rocks just offshore.
The season for the Humpback Whales is between the months of June and late November. Although this is not always the case, as sometimes the Whales can be seen into the New Year and as early as May. They move to the warmer waters to breed. They then migrate south after giving birth to their calves.
Dinning - Point Lookout's first-class eateries are strictly a casual affair, with most welcoming barefoot dining during the day. Don't pack your dinner suit but do bring your taste buds as many establishments serve succulent seafood straight from the fisherman to you.
Brown Lake, - Is a perched lake, is easily accessible by conventional vehicle and has amenities such as picnic tables, BBQs and a composting toilet. The clear "tea" colour comes from the surrounding trees and reeds and from the layer of organic matter, which forms the bed of the lake. The natural bushland surrounding the lake is home to many delicate wildflowers, including small ground orchids. The Aboriginal name for Brown Lake is "Bummeira". To access the Lake, drive 3.5kms from Dunwich along the sealed Trans Island Road. Brown Lake is the perfect place to stop for lunch.
Myora Springs - Just a few kilometres out of Dunwich on the road to Point Lookout, Myora Springs is a beautiful spot and source of fresh water for the wildlife of the Dunwich area. Myora Springs (meeting place) has a pure fresh water spring that is running today, just as it has done for thousands of years. In the forest surrounding the Myora Springs there is an abundance of freshwater crayfish, prawns, bungwal fern and other plant foods and so it is no surprise to learn this was a favoured camping place of the Aboriginal people. It is possible to see parts of the large middens on the banks, which contain, amongst other things, cockle, oyster and whelk shells. Nearby lived a descendent of the Nunukul people, Oodgeroo. She was well known as an author and poet who wrote such books as "Stradbroke Dreamtime". In 1978 it was discovered that Myora is home to a rare nocturnal mammal that was thought to be extinct, the False Water Rat.
Main Beach - Point Lookout, - Stretches for 32kms of unspoilt sand, dunes and surf. It is popular with board riders and body surfers who enjoy the big swells. The waves are large and powerful and the views are spectacular. The headland is the best vantage point for watching the surfing action and spotting dolphins. Lifeguards and lifesavers patrol the beach next to the Surf Lifesaving Club.
Cylinder Beach - Point Lookout, - A picturesque cove between Cylinder and Home Beach Headlands. It is popular with families because it is easily accessible with a carpark situated only metres from the beach. The waves at Cylinder are often smaller and therefore it is perfect for sun bathing and swimming during good weather conditions. Cylinder Beach is also a favourite with surfers when the conditions are right. Lifeguards and lifesavers patrol this beach.
Deadman's & Frenchman's Beach - Point Lookout, - Secluded spots, nestled between North Gorge and Cylinder Beach. These beaches are great places to explore the rock pools where you can see small fish, anemones, shells and crabs. There are no lifesaving patrols on these beaches.
Home Beach - Point Lookout, - Just over a kilometre of beach stretching from the Cylinder Beach Headland to Adder Rock and is a perfect spot for those relaxing strolls along the beach. Home Beach is not a patrolled beach.
Amity Point & Dunwich - On the western side of the island, Amity Point and Dunwich offer sandy beaches and calm water for swimming and great fishing. Amity and Dunwich both have swimming enclosures however these beaches are not patrolled.
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Go where the locals go tour Beach accommodation: Samarinda - Jewel by the Sea
Samarinda boasts spectacular views overlooking the magnificent white sands of Main Beach and is the perfect secluded holiday destination to take that someone special. Close to the Surf Club and patrolled beach swimming, you can go for leisurely walks, fish or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere.
Samarinda apartments are spacious and comfortable with fully self contained apartments, large verandas, foxtel and full laundry facilities.
National Park walks are close by, with the famous North Gorge walk just moments away. The board walk offers superb viewing of whales and our spectacular coast line. Just up the hill only a few minutes walk you will find a selection of dine dining restaurants, shops and cafes.
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Contact Us - If you have any questions, would like more information or would like to make a booking, then please use our contact form and we will get back to you promptly. Alternatively you may like to call Daniela or David directly on +61 7 5545 4411.
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Your personal Invitation to visit Witches Falls Cottages on Tamborine Mountain
David and Daniela your hosts, welcome your enquiries and we invite you to visit Witches Falls Cottages on beautiful Tamborine Mountain. Delightfully different private accommodation for couples. Come on up and try us, and stay for awhile. Let our Cottages and Tamborine Mountain put you under a spell and charm and captivate you.
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