Stradbroke Island
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Stradbroke Island
There are way too many reasons to visit Stradbroke Island and so we have decided to list 10 of the best reasons to come and see this wonderful tourist destination. North Stradbroke Island really has it all in terms of an Island getaway!
Number 10 – The Sand
Because Straddie is a sand island it is obvious that this would make the top ten. It is great for four wheel driving or just for a great walk along almost deserted stretches of beaches. Despite the sand mining operations the island is phasing out, most of the island is pristine and amazing to experience.
Number 9 – The Surf
The surf is bountiful on Straddie and if you just love swimming or want to catch some waves it is the perfect place to enjoy it. There are lots of varying surf breaks on the islands and it is best to ask the locals which spots are really pumping.
A Short History of Stradbroke Island
Stradbroke Island is located just thirty kilometres north east of Brisbane in Queensland Australia. In 1896 the island separated in a large storm in what later become known as North Stradbroke Island and South Stradbroke Island. It is a popular tourist destination for both Australian and overseas visitors. Previously, the island was used primarily for sand mining (being a sand island) but this practice has been wound back and will disappear soon as the island becomes predominately managed national parkland.
A beautiful picturesque island that is located south of the great barrier reef which makes it perfect for whale watching. Also, because of all the natural beauty, it is a perfect place to catch some fish. Many visitors also come for the amazing and consistent waves that are available.
Early History of Stradbroke Island
Stradbroke Island Accommodation Review
A holiday on Stradbroke Island can easily become the trip of a lifetime, especially with the wide variety of accommodation on offer. Not only can you stay in traditional style motels but you can find much better, individually styled, bungalow and house accommodation. This is perfect for families or large groups of friends looking to unwind or even to celebrate a wedding. If you think this is a little tame then you can even spend a few nights out four wheel driving a and camping under the stars with the sound of the surf in your ears!
Bungalow Accommodation
Some of the best accommodation on North Stradbroke Island is the bungalow. A bit smaller than a standard house, these very individual dwellings allow you to have a very customised stay. It can also save you money if you are going with a group as you can have more than one family stay in the same dwelling depending on the size.
A Visitor’s Guide to Stradbroke Island
Stradbroke Island is an amazing and popular tourist destination just north of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia. It has on offer both the wonders of the ocean as well as relaxation on land. Accommodation on North Stradbroke island is great and usually entails staying in a rented cabin that is similar to taking your own house on holiday!
With the sand mining industry on the island being wound down the island is also becoming a perfect spot for nature lovers. The large sand island will soon feature a massive national park which will encompass all of the old sand mining areas as well as the current national parks.
Getting There
Getting to Stradbroke is very easy and it is only an hour or two from Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, Australia. You can take the passenger and vehicle ferries (there are a few to choose) from Cleveland through to Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island. The cost is not too high and you can take a car, 4WD or even a bus if you needed to. Be aware that the costs for vehicles is higher than just going on the ferry without a car.
Boating Adventures Around Stradbroke Island
North Stradbroke Island is very close to Brisbane and offers a great chance to relax. While you may like to run around on the beach for a bit there are great opportunities to get out on the water. If you just want to get out onto the water there are cruises and charter boats or you could get in a spot of fishing as well.
The beautiful waters around Stradbroke Island are also home to a great variety of creatures including majestic whales! If you head there at the right time of year you can do some whale watching either on or off shore. If boats are not your style then you could choose from windsurfing, kayaking or one of the other amazing water sports on offer.
Fishing by Boat on Stradbroke
You can’t go to Straddie without getting a line wet. There is a great variety of fish to catch from both onshore and off. Getting on a boat is a better idea as it is a holiday so you want to target bigger fish offshore. Moreton Bay and beyond offers a great chance to catch a great variety of fish like:
Best Islands to Visit In Australia
Australia itself is just a great big island so its residents and visitors do enjoy visiting the smaller islands that surround it. Most of Australia’s spectacular islands are located in Queensland which is also home to the Great Barrier Reef, the main reason the islands are so amazing! We have picked four fantastic islands that are definitely worth a visit but when coming to Australia you will want to see as many as possible as they all have something great to offer.
Four of the most magnificent Islands in Australia:
- NorthStradbroke Island
- Magnetic Island
- Fraser Island
- Kangaroo Island
National Parks on Stradbroke Island
Blue Lake national park is located on North Stradbroke Island in Queensland, Australia. The island itself is home to some fabulous beaches, small towns and villages as well as some great flora and fauna. While Blue Lake is the original National Park on the island it is now being incorporated into a much larger park called Naree Budjong Djara National Park.
Stradbroke Island is currently home to a large sand mining operation that has been fast tracked for closure. This is great news for the island as approximately 50% of the island (by 2021) will now be declared a National Park. This will be further increased as the island is protected by having 75% of the land declared a national park by 2026!
Where Is It?
Hiking and Daytrips on Stradbroke Island
Stradbroke Island is all about having some fun in the sun and there is no better way to enjoy your holiday than by taking some day-trips. Because of the size of the island it is easy to head out for a quick day hiking or driving on the sand. Being a holiday island it is a good idea to ask around for some of the best spots or just head out on your own.
Here are the main activities that you can enjoy on your holiday on Straddie:
- Four Wheel Driving.
- Swimming.
- Bush Walking (Hiking).
- Surfing and other water sports.
- Whale Watching.
- Fishing
Surfing Stradbroke Island
Whether your an Australian or international tourist visiting North Stradbroke Island chances are you want to do some surfing. Stradbroke island is perfect for the beginner and professional alike as it offers a variety of spots for some great surfing. You can also book yourself in with one of the local surf schools on straddie or just hire a board and do it yourself!
Where to Surf On Stradbroke
Main Beach – A popular spot for surfing and you can check the best spots to take your board to from the headland.
Cylinder Beach – A bit calmer than Main Beach it usually has quieter surf but is fantastic under the right conditions.
Home Beach – A lot more secluded and accessed via 4WD.
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Planning a Perfect Wedding on Stradbroke Island
Looking forward to your dream wedding? You may have considered a beach wedding and there are a lot of fantastic options on Stradbroke Island in Queensland. The island offers scenic views, fantastic accommodation as well as romantic settings for your wedding photos. It is hard to divide where to have a wedding so you will probably have to travel there to see if you like it.
What is a ‘Destination Wedding’?
Destination weddings have become increasingly popular as a way to combine the wedding with the honeymoon. Essentially, it is a wedding where bride, groom and guests all travel and stay at a location (usually beaches and islands) to have the ceremony and reception. Because of their popularity you will find that places like Straddie will have ample facilities to cater to your wedding needs.
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