You simply can’t visit Queensland without also visiting North Stradbroke Island, only 1 Hour from Brisbane North Stradbroke Island is picturesque fusion of pristine beaches, rugged coastline landscapes and peaceful inland lakes.
One of the largest Sand Islands in the world, North Stradbroke Island is hugely popular with locals and provides a great opportunity to get away for a Queensland Holiday. There are all styles of accommodation on North Stradbroke Island including camping sites on the foreshore B&B stays as well as resort style accommodation.
The inland freshwater lakes of North Stradbroke Island are absolutely beautiful and provide a great relaxing venue for a picnic with ready made swimming hole. It is important to remember that these lakes are environmentally fragile so care must be taken not to dump rubbish or use soap etc in or around them.
Camping sites on the foreshore are only accessible by 4WD vehicle and permits must be purchased prior to arrival. Campsites are limited in number to 200 so as to reduce human impact, but with the fishing and views on offer, these permits are well worth the effort.
Hiking is popular on North Stradbroke Island as well and with trails like The North Gorge Walk, you can’t go wrong as you’ll see some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. Going from dirt track to wooden boardwalk, the trail takes you to many great vantage points where you might also catch sight of a migrating humpback whale.
A holiday on North Stradbroke Island is fantastic any time of year but especially during the Whale Watching Season which runs from mid July to early November as the Humpback Whales return to their summer feeding grounds in Antarctica after giving birth in the tropical waters of northern Queensland.
Humpback whales are the most acrobatic and indeed playful of all the large whale species and regularly give breathtaking displays by leaping out of the ocean (called breaching), tail and pectoral fin slapping to the absolute delight on their human admirers.
Getting to North Stradbroke Island couldn’t be easier, vehicle ferries and water taxis depart from Cleveland (just north of Brisbane) hourly just about every day of the year.
