The historic town of Dunwich is your first port of call when you arrive on North Stradbroke Island, and whilst there are not many places to stay, it is home to Straddie's largest population.
The town of Dunwich services the sand mining industry; it is the major thoroughfare for transport vehicles, and is used as a port for the loading and unloading of mineral sands for the mines. It is the island's commercial and industrial district. Dunwich has enjoyed a long and colorful history, you can read about it’s origins in our ‘ISLAND HISTORY' page on this site.
There are a variety of shops and services here including Queensland Transport‘s office, a Redlands Shire Council depot and a branch of Centrelink. Dunwich is mainly regarded as a stopping off place to get supplies before heading out to either Point Lookout or Amity Point, but it does have its own charms and attractions and is well worth exploring.
Accommodation
As the majority of accommodation in Dunwich is based on a permanent rental basis for mine workers and business owners, there are limited places to stay.
There are two camping grounds which are both on the waterfront making for a quiet, relaxing stay. There is another caravan park at Myora on the main road to Point Lookout.
Food and Dining
For a quick bite or takeaway, head for the First Stop Café or the Stradbroke Bakery in the main street, or if you are looking for lunch or dinner with a bay view, the Little Ship Club in Yabby Street has all that and more.
Things to Buy
Dunwich has all the conveniences of a mainland town; here you will find anything you require for your holiday. The sports store has leisure and water sport equipment, and if you hang around for chat, Jim might give you some inside knowledge on where the fish are biting.
The service station sells fuel and auto accessories as well as being home to Straddie Hardware. Two small supermarkets stock a wide range of food stuffs, and the butchery sells their own smoked smallgoods as well as quality meat.
Fresh fruit and vegetables abound at the Island Fruit Barn, and they sell plants, pots and coffee too!
You can get prescriptions filled or buy souvenirs and gifts at the pharmacy, and if you are looking for art, there are three galleries in Dunwich. The Salt Water Murri's - Quandamooka Group Art Gallery have a fantastic array of paintings by local indigenous artists as does the Impeei Goompi Gallery; and The Zoo showcases the talents of owner/artist Ken Stubblety.
If you plan on putting your feet up with a good book this holiday, the newsagency sells newspapers, books and stationery as well as souvenir items. There is ample choice for shopping in Dunwich and all of the shops and services are listed on this site.
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Foreshore Dunwich |
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Tourist Information
For an informative view of the Islands past, make sure you visit the Museum; it is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 10am and 2pm.
If the Museum itself sparks your interest in the heritage of the Island, you can pick up a copy of the North Stradbroke Island Heritage Trail guidebook from the Museum and follow the trail of thirty important historical sites across the Island.
Another way to experience some of the rich cultural history of the Noonuccal people is the newly completed “TERRA-BULLA-LEAUMEAH” reserve near the Myora Caravan Park developed by the Moorgumpin Minjerribah Elders in Council. This is a nature reserve complete with informative signs about the history of the site and the bountiful array of fruit trees and native plants.
You can walk through Terra-Bulla-Leaumeah independently, or if you would like a more informative exploration, you can arrange to be escorted by Aunty Margaret Iselin who will delight you with her astounding knowledge of the Aboriginal culture and their use of native plants for food and medicine. Contact the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders directly on 3409 9723 for bookings and information.
(The name Terra-Bulla-Leaumeah means, “A beautiful land – I sleep here.”)
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Dunwich |
Currency and banking: There are no banks on North Stradbroke Island. Australian Dollars, Major Credit and Debit Cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants and accommodation places. Travellers Cheques can be cashed at the Post Office with appropriate identification. You can only make a withdrawal on your credit card at the Post Office. There is an ATM at the RSL Club and Straddie Cellars and EFTPOS is available at most shops, restaurants, clubs and transport facilities.
Post Office: The Dunwich Post Office at located at 3 Welsby Street, Dunwich. It is open Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm (except Public Holidays) and Saturday morning from 9.00am to 12.00pm. You can pay bills, make Credit Card withdrawals, and conduct general banking as well as having all your postal requirements met in the one place.
Fuel: Petrol and Diesel can be purchased at the Dunwich Servo on the main road. Fuel is also available at Point Lookout and Amity. There is no LPG available on the Island, so if your car runs on gas you will need to fill up before coming to Straddie.
Library: The Dunwich branch of the Redland Shire Council Library is in Ballow Road and is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am – 12.30pm & 3.00pm – 6.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am – 11.30am.
Electricity: Standard 240 volts with three point plugs.
Public toilets: Are located near the ferry terminal and jetty in the park.
Telephones: Public coin and card operated phones can be found near the shops in the main street.
Shop business hours: The majority of shops in Dunwich are open from 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
Disabled travellers: The majority of shops and restaurants have wheelchair access and the water taxis are very helpful and accommodating with assisting people with wheelchairs on and off the boats .
Water: All the tap water on the Island is safe to drink unless otherwise signposted. Bottled water is readily available at the stores. Water is the Redland Shires most invaluable resource and there are a number of restrictions currently in place regarding its use for gardening and domestic purposes, please use it sparingly and responsibly.
Public Areas: Dunwich Oval - corner Ballow Road and Cunningham Streets. Waterfront areas, near the swimming enclosure in Dunwich and the jetty at One Mile.
Dangers: Crime is almost insignificant on the Island, but the usual vigilance with belongings and being aware of your surroundings applies as much as anywhere else.
Dunwich has a number of jetties and it is strongly recommended that you do not dive or jump off the jetties at any time. There is a safe swimming enclosure in the parkland near the ferry terminal.