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Things to do on Stradbroke Island for a Serene Stay
Escape to island time with our edit of things to do on Stradbroke Island.
A trip to Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) or “Straddie”, as it’s affectionately referred to, is a rite of passage for many Brisbane residents. A popular holiday destination for families or friend groups, it’s the perfect place to escape the busyness of your daily routine and plonk yourself in the middle of paradise.
If you’re yet to make the pilgrimage and are not sure what it entails, we’ve got a guide to get you started. So, pack your SPF and grab a good book, it’s time to take a holiday!
Things to do on Stradbroke Island: Eat & Drink
The Straddie Hotel
After a quality revamp, The Straddie Hotel has reopened just in time for Christmas with a new look and refreshed offering. Overlooking the island’s iconic Cylinder Beach, The Straddie continues to be a hub for locals and visitors, with a menu of bistro classics and seafood staples. You can even score island-sourced oysters — it doesn’t get fresher!
For early risers, the kiosk is back for summer with coffee and breaky, whilst those looking to unwind of an evening can make the most of the rotating slushie of the month, local beers and easy-drinking wines. We recommend grabbing your drinks and heading to the breezy upper deck for the best views in the house.
158 E Coast Road, Point Lookout
The Blue Room Cafe
For a healthy, island-style breakfast or lunch, head to The Blue Room Cafe. It’s soon to become your morning haunt for delicious coffee, banana bread baked in-house or a refreshing acai bowl.
Sip on a delicious smoothie or a fresh juice as you tuck into the freshly baked goodies here at this friendly cafe, and soak up the fresh sea breeze with gorgeous water views.
27 Mooloomba Road, Point Lookout
Whale Tail Gealti & Coffee Bar
It’s not quite a beach holiday without a nightly scoop of gelato. Head to Whale Tail when the cravings hit for all kinds of inviting tropical flavours. Swing by for your daily coffee and smoothie whilst you’re in town, and you’ll be considered a regular in no time.
1/19 Mooloomba Road, Point Lookout
Things to do on Stradbroke Island: Activities
Hit the Beach
The biggest drawcard to Stradbroke Island is the array of soft, sandy beaches and the crystalline waters. If you’re after a patrolled beach with rolling waves and proximity to cafes and restaurants, head to Cylinder Beach. Fancy trying your hand at wave riding? North Stradbroke Island Surf School operates beginner lessons nearby.
South Gorge Beach is another lovely pick if you’re after something a little quieter but equally picturesque. As for the sunset seekers, Amity Point Beach is it!
Take a Hike
With kilometres of wild coastlines and an abundance of wildlife to spot, Stradbroke Island is a wanderer’s paradise.
North Gorge Walk is a must-do whilst on the island, offering scenic vistas along a gentle 1.5km trail. If you’re visiting between June and November, you might even get to spot whales. Those after more hiking ops should head to Naree Budjong Djara National Park for a 10km network of trails.
Explore the Cultural History of the Island
Yura Tours, run by Elisha, a proud Quandamooka woman, offer a range of tours that showcase the incredible cultural significance of Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) and the plants, animals and people that call it home. Choose from a range of walking and driving tours, full of creation stories and knowledge from the generous guides.
Diving at Manta Bommie
With so much incredible sea life flourishing in the waters around Stradbroke Island, it’d be rude not to pop your head under the waves and say hi. For the ultimate experience, head to Manta Bommie, one of Australia’s highest-ranked dive sites. Expect to spot giant rays drifting through the aqua sea, alongside leopard sharks, wobbegongs, eagle rays, fish and even turtles.
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Things to do on Stradbroke Island: Camping
With so many glorious camp grounds, it’s no wonder sleeping under the stars is a popular option on Straddie. If you’re planning to sleep in your swag on your trip, it’s important to note that you can only camp in designated locations.
Cylinder Beach Campgrounds is a popular destination for travellers who plan to surf, this camping ground looks out to one of Straddie’s most popular surf beaches. The site also boasts convenience, with nearby shops, cafes and restaurants.
Amity Point Campgrounds is a great pick for families. With gorgeous sunset views at your disposal, you also might be lucky enough to spot some more wildlife–think dolphins, koalas and pelicans! It’s a great spot to situate yourself if fishing and boating are your jam, and you’ll have easy access to some of the Island’s best surf beaches. There’s a boat ramp nearby for those looking to get out on the water, and close-by convenience stores and cafe to keep you fuelled up and ready for adventure.
Suitable only for those with a 4WD, Main Beach is the place to be for an authentic Stradbroke Island camping adventure. Main Beach occupies 38 whole kilometres of the Eastern side of the Island, and there are eleven camping areas at the Southern end. Set yourself up here for a slow weekend of swimming, fishing, four-wheel driving and soaking up the serenity, as you embrace the slower pace of island time.
Things to do on Stradbroke Island: Accommodation
Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel
If you’re looking for a little touch of luxury on your stay, book a room at the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel. With modern and comfortable rooms to suit couples, families or friend groups, this four-star hotel has water views and all the amenities to make your stay a sea breeze.
Plus, you can pop down to The Straddie with ease!
Book your stay with Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel
158 E Coast Road, Point Lookout
Allure Stradbroke Resort
Opposite Home Beach and a short stroll from Point Lookout, Allure Stradbroke Resort is an excellent place to call home on your holiday to Stradbroke Island.
Stay in a beach shack, deluxe beach shack or a roomy villa, and enjoy access to the Straddie Eats cafe, a solar-heated outdoor pool, a gym and a children’s playground.
You can also hire beach carts from reception that are stocked with a beach cabana, beach chairs, towels and a beach ball for just $25, meaning you can pack a little lighter.
Sitchu Tip: You can score a 20% discount on your vehicle ferry fares mid-week with Sealink with your reservation at Allure.
43-57 East Coast Road, Point Lookout
Now that you’re up to speed on the best things to do on Stradbroke Island, keep the island vibes coming with our guide to escaping to Cairns. Looking for more inspiration? Explore our top recommendations for group getaways across Queensland here.
