Visitors Guide

	Point Lookout

Planning - When to Go

Point Lookout enjoys a mild sub tropical climate year round. The summers are generally hot and humid with temperatures ranging between 25° and 35°C during the day and 22° and 27°C overnight.

Accommodation is often booked up for the Christmas and New Year periods as well as the Easter holidays, so if you are planning your visit around these times you would be well advised to get in early – sometimes as much as twelve months ahead!

Spring, autumn and winter are all favorable times to stay on the Island, with winter temperatures ranging between 15° and 24°C during the day and dropping to 12° to 17°C at night. Spring is a delightful time of the year to enjoy Straddie, the native trees are in bloom, the birds are out in force and the days are clear and warm. Winter heralds the coming of the Southern Humpback whales to our shores, and it is an ideal time to visit the Island to witness the majesty of these magnificent creatures.

Humpback whale © Manta Lodge Scuba Centre

Point Lookout is the best land based whale watching site in Australia.

In short, anytime is a good time on Straddie!

What to Bring
In the summer months you will need little more than a swimsuit and a sarong, with some cool casual clothes for dining out in the evenings. Most places at Point Lookout take a “barefoot” view by day so you can be as casual and comfortable as you like. Spring still has few cooler evenings so pack a light jacket and long pants. Winter can be very cool so a heavier weight jacket and layers are the answer.

There are two main grocery shops at Point Lookout where you can buy food, toiletries, fishing gear and anything you may have forgotten to pack, so you don’t need to bring it all with you.

If you are camping you will need your basic kit, but bags of ice and camping equipment can be purchased on the Island. Foodworks at Point Lookout has a gas bottle exchange service.

Accommodation
Point Lookout accommodation caters to every budget and taste. From campsites to backpacker’s guesthouses and B&B’s with sweeping views, through to luxury units and houses, you will find something to suit you here.

Food and Dining
Whether you are looking for a night of fine dining or just a barbeque with friends, Point Lookout has it all. Succulent local seafood freshly caught from the crystal clear waters of the Coral Sea is available direct to you from the fishermen, as well as gracing the menus of Point Lookout’s restaurants.

There are gas barbecues available at the Cylinder Beach Park for impromptu get-togethers with family and friends.


Things to Buy
Visitors to Point Lookout can buy gifts, local arts and crafts from a variety of locations. Original artwork, paintings, cards, and prints by local artists can be found at The Coral Sea Gallery and other paintings and prints at Alan McKinnon’s gallery at Anchorage Village.

A range of clothing, resort wear, jewellery and gifts are available at Noreen’s Seaside Shop in the same complex. If you are looking for printed T-shirts, swimwear and souvenirs go to Island Souvenirs in Meegera Place. Stradegy in Endeavour Street stocks fashion and accessories as well.

Newspapers, books and magazines can be found at Point Lookout News as well as a range of T-shirts, clothes and souvenir items.

Straddie Surfstreet near Main Beach has surf wear, hats and sunscreen as well as general pharmaceutical goods.

Check the What’s On page for dates of the Sunday Markets and pick up a unique gift or bargain!

General Facts for the Visitor

	Home Beach and Shag Rock

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. ATM’s are located at the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel & Spa Resort, Point Lookout Bowls Club, The Masonic Club and the Look Café. FOODWORKS now has an ATM which is the only ATM where you can withdraw cash on your Credit Card. EFTPOS is available at most shops, restaurants, clubs and transport facilities.

Post Office: The Point Lookout Post Office at located at Shop 3, Centrepoint Shopping Village, Meegera Place. It is open Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm (except Public Holidays).

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.

Library: The Point Lookout branch of the Redland Shire Council Library is in the Public Hall building on East Coast Road and is open on Tuesdays from 1.00pm – 5.00pm, Wednesdays from 3.30pm – 7.30pm and Fridays from 1.00pm – 5.00pm.

Electricity: Standard 240 volts with three point plugs.

Public toilets: Are located at Main Beach, the Point Lookout Headland, Cylinder Beach and Adder Rock.

Telephones: Public coin and card operated phones can be found at regular intervals on the main road.

Shop business hours: Most of the shops at Point Lookout are open between 9.00am and 5.00pm every day. Exceptions to these are:

Foodworks is open from 7.00am – 9.00pm daily,

Point Lookout Store closes at 6.00pm Monday – Saturday and 4.00pm on Sundays;

Point Lookout News is open from 7.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday and from 7.00am to 2.00pm on Sundays.

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.

Fuel: Petrol and Diesel can be purchased from the Roadhouse on Dickson Way. There is no LPG available on the Island, so if your car runs on gas make sure to fill up before you come to Straddie.

Public Areas: Endeavour Park - across from the Foodworks store, Point Lookout Oval - across from the Bowls Club

Dangers: Crime is usually insignificant on the Island, but the usual vigilance should be taken into account at all times. Keep an eye on your valuables and belongings in public places and be aware of your surroundings and all should be well. Beach swimming presents its own hazards, be aware and swim between the flags.