Camping, hiking, and snorkelling on the world’s second-largest sand island.
Known as "Straddie" by locals and also increasingly by its Aboriginal name, Minjerribah, this popular holiday spot for Brisbane families is more than 25,000 hectares of wilderness and long beaches. The island vibe is laid-back with an emphasis on nature—think scenic gorges, bushwalking, and wildlife. The three townships—Dunwich, Amity, and Point Lookout—sit about 20 kilometres apart and are linked by sealed roads. Surfers love Point Lookout for the closest surf breaks to Brisbane, while the other side of the island is almost entirely covered by Naree Budjong Djara National Park’s sand dunes, freshwater lakes, wetlands, and heathland. Camping is available within the park, but most other island camping is managed by Minjerribah Camping, including beach camping. For remote beach camping, a 4WD vehicle is needed (along with a vehicle access permit).
This walk is not to be missed, as the boardwalk offers stunning views of the gorge, and is a great place for spotting turtles, dolphins, and whales (between May and November).
Six walking tracks run through the park, five of which start in the car park at Blue Lake (Kaboora), about 9 km from Dunwich. Some tracks have limited shade, so early morning walks are best, especially in summer. The most challenging track is Kabul (carpet snake), which has long steep sections. The Jarlo (fire beetle) track offers views to the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and the Glass House Mountains to the north.
Brown Lake is stained by the tannin from the leaves of surrounding tea trees and paperbarks. It is only 3.5 km from Dunwich and a great place for birdwatching and wildflowers, while waterside trails allow you to walk the lake’s perimeter.
Snorkel or scuba dive with giant manta rays and lazy leopard sharks in Moreton Bay Marine Park on a tour with a local outfitter. At Manta Bommie, off the island’s northeast corner, these amazing creatures are unfazed by swimmers above them. The excursion might also include sightings of turtles, dolphins, and bull sharks.
North Stradbroke Island’s subtropical climate makes it a year-round destination. Summers are warm and sometimes rainy, while winters are mild. Temperatures range from 22–30°C in summer (December to February), and in winter (June to August), you can expect 12–20°C.