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From the ferry |
North Stradbroke Island lies 30km south east of Brisbane City and is only 13km from the bayside suburb of Cleveland. With an area of 27,530 hectares, it is 38km long and 12km across at its widest point. It is the second largest sand island in the world! North Stradbroke Island is actually a large mass of sand sitting atop a base of bedrock. The layer of bedrock below sea level is about 30 metres deep, but some of it rises above sea level forming the impressive headlands at Point Lookout and the lower rocky outcrops in Dunwich.
The island has a static population of around 3000, but at holiday times this figure rises considerably to encompass around 30,000 people. There are three townships on the island; the first of these is Dunwich where you will arrive by ferry or water taxi on the western side of the island. Amity Point is on the northern tip, and Point Lookout sits on both the Island's, and Queensland’s, most easterly point.
North Stradbroke Island, or “Straddie” as it is commonly known by visitors and locals alike, has a rich diversity of flora and fauna and an interesting range of habitats. It is noted for its clean, long white sandy beaches on the eastern coastline and its secluded, get away from it all ambience.
From the Domestic or International Airport in Brisbane
By car: If you are planning on hiring a car for your visit to North Stradbroke Island, there are several companies based at the airport for your convenience. However, we suggest you try Cleveland Auto Rentals who will meet you with a hire car at the airport and also in Cleveland for around $30 a day. Contact them on +61 1800 100 607 or +61 7 4022 87140. Thrifty Car Rentals has a depot in Cleveland and at Brisbane airport.
By train: Catch the Air Train service from the airport into Brisbane City and get out at Roma Street Station. You may have to change platforms at Roma Street Station to catch a train to Cleveland Station. Buy your ticket through to Cleveland at the airport station. A courtesy bus will be waiting at the Cleveland Station to take you to the STRADDIE FLYER GOLD CATS water taxi.
This is a free service. The buses park around to your right as you leave the station.
From Brisbane City
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Water Taxi |
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By car: Follow the directions in your street directory to Cleveland and follow the signs to the ferry or water taxi terminals. The STRADDIE FLYER GOLD CATS terminal will be the first you come to at the end of Middle Street, turn right here if you want to travel with SEA STRADBROKE vehicular ferry. Timetables for all services are posted on this site.
By train: Catch a Cleveland train from either Roma Street, Central Station or Southbank Station in the city and stay on the train to the end of the line at Cleveland. The journey will take around 50 minutes. You will find a STRADDIE FLYER courtesy bus waiting to take you to catch the next available water taxi.
Ferries and Water Taxi Information
Timetables and links for all services are available on this site. There are two companies that operate vehicular ferry services to North Stradbroke Island from Cleveland – See SEA STRADBROKE . They each run regular trips across the bay seven days a week.
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Vehicle Ferries |
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A trip on either vehicle ferry will have you on the island is less than 50 minutes.
There are also two Water Taxi services to the island in Cleveland – the first you will come to is STRADDIE FLYER GOLD CATS . Each run at convenient and regular intervals to get you to Straddie quickly! A water taxi trip is usually around 15 – 20 minutes and will run in most weather conditions.
Island Transport - see Transport Updates Page for the Latest Timetable
Bus: North Stradbroke Island Bus Service has adapted their runs between Dunwich, Amity Point and Point Lookout around the arrival and departure of the water taxis. This is a great service, which means there is a bus to meet every boat and get you to where you want to go.
The bus journey from Dunwich to Point Lookout takes about 20 minutes and costs $5.00AU one way for adults and $2.50AU one way for students and pensioners. This service is great for day trippers who want to see as much of the island as possible in one day. If your time is limited we recommend that you take the bus all the way to the end of the line and take in the Gorge Walk where the headland of Point Lookout will enchant you with its rugged landscape and beauty, and will delight you with glimpses of dolphins, rays and turtles in the waves below you. In the winter months the Southern Humpback whales come close by the headland affording you an up close view of these majestic creatures.
Taxi: Stradbroke Cab Service has two maxi taxis available for your convenience. Travel in air-conditioned comfort to your accommodation or destination. The taxis meet all of the arriving water taxis and will take you on a tour of the island if you request it. The price for an average trip to Point Lookout or Amity Point from Dunwich is $35.00AU. If you have a group this cost is split between the passengers. Prices for tours can be obtained from the drivers. Stradbroke Cab Service can be contacted on 0408 193 685.
Car: You will arrive by ferry at Dunwich on the western side of the island. Follow the signs to East Coast Road that will take you to Point Lookout and Amity Point. The turnoff to Amity Point is well signposted so you won’t miss it! It will take you about 20 minutes to arrive at either destination. Leaving Dunwich heading eastward you will arrive at a Four Wheel Drive entry/exit track to Main Beach, along the way you will pass Airport Drive and the turnoff to the Island's airstrip.
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From Straddie to the Mainland |
Bicycle: Cycling has become very popular in recent years. The ferry companies will accommodate you and your bikes on board. The road to Point Lookout and Amity is bitumen and in good condition. Depending on your level of fitness and skill, it will either be a long, leisurely cycle over varying gradients or a fast track dash! It is up to you, but either way, bring lots of water and sunscreen and enjoy the ride!
Arriving by air: There is an airstrip near Dunwich that can be accessed by small planes. It is situated at 1 Airport Drive, and the contact phone number for all enquiries and information is +61 7 3409 9727 or visit www.stradair.com
Arriving by private boat or yacht: The Little Ship Club at One Mile in Dunwich is a well equipped and welcoming Club for the seafaring visitor. It has all the conveniences and facilities you would expect and anticipate after a sail across the bay or the world! Relax with a cold beer in the bar and take in the expansive scenery.
There is a floating pontoon to tie up to with a ramp access up to the Club. It is the ideal place to pull in to for a visit to Straddie. Check out the Island Transport section to see how to get from the Little Ship Club to Point Lookout or Amity by land transport. Alternatively, try your luck with a line from your boat in the many fishing grounds off Point Lookout. There is only beach landing on suitable beaches at Point Lookout, as there are no boat ramps or jetties.
Amity Point has a boat ramp and jetty for your convenience and calm water to make a day out fishing in the boat very enjoyable and often bountiful!