A wonderful island where animals, nature and man live together in perfect harmony: if you are a lover of natural landscapes and sports, do not miss this article. North Stradbroke Island awaits you!
In the Moreton Bay there is an island that Australians fondly call Straddie. We are talking about North Stradbroke Island.
Straddie is many things:
1. A perfect antidote from city life to find yourself in a tropical paradise in less than an hour.
2. The second largest sand island in the world
3. A reserve of history and tradition: it has always been the home of the Nunukul, Nughi and Goenpul clans.
4. The habitat of many native species, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, pelicans and many more.
The list could go on indefinitely or almost, but I believe that this is enough to pique your curiosity and convince you that you will have many good reasons to visit this wonderful place.
Let's see it in detail!
North Stradbroke Island: how to get there
North Stradbroke Island is located 30km southeast of Brisbane. As anticipated, it is the second largest island in the world: 38 kilometers long and 11 kilometers long.
To reach the island, the options are mainly two:
Ferry -> reach Cleveland (about three quarters of an hour from the center of Brisbane, perfectly connected by public transport) and from there you will find the ferries that will take you to Dunwich. There is also the possibility to board the car or the motorcycle. Journey time is 40/45 minutes. On the official website you will find the price list and also the timetable with daily departures.
Taxi Boat -> much faster (they take about 20/25 minutes) always depart from Cleveland and can only carry people.
Once you reach the island: how to get around
Being a mainly sandy island, not many concrete roads have been built there. However, there is a sort of thoroughfare that connects the three main cities: Dunwich, Amity and Point Lookout, which can be crossed by any means.
For the rest, it is advisable to travel the island with a 4 Ă— 4. Remember that in order to drive on the beaches and in some areas it is necessary to request permission in advance (you will find more info and the possibility of buying the ticket directly online).
If you decide to reach Straddie with your little legs, don't worry: you can move around easily on the island using the public transport (buses and shuttles, tickets can be purchased directly from the driver) or by renting a scooter or a bicycle and setting off on an adventure in exploring this wild and extraordinary place.
What to do on North Stradbroke Island
If I can give you some advice, give yourself at least a couple of days on the island. Believe me: however they will not be enough to make the most of every attraction it has to offer you!
If you are a lover of nature and adventure, Straddie certainly will not disappoint you. Below I list the 10 main activities in which you can try your hand at:
1. Snorkeling among the wonderful seabeds: the coral reefs of the island are teeming with life and it will not be difficult to meet turtles, dolphins, octopuses and hundreds of tropical fish (even some sharks to be honest:)
2. Watch the whale migration show: Point Lookout is among the best places in the world in this regard, boasting a privileged vantage point. Every year - from June to October - the phenomenon of northward migration of humpback whales occurs. I myself have seen dozens of them from this cliff (I would almost dare to say hundreds) leap from the water and perform in spectacular dances and songs of call. A unique emotion, one of those things that once in a lifetime must be lived and told to one's children one day.
3. Rent a 4X4 and drive along miles of wild beaches: if you land on Straddie, this is a must. Whether you decide to rent a vehicle or choose the “tour with driver” option, you cannot miss this unique experience. In addition, you can also decide to camp on the beach and thus experience total immersion in this tropical paradise. Remember, however, as I said a little while ago, that it is mandatory to request and purchase a special permit in order to do all this.
4. Bird Watching: the island is home to over 260 species of birds, being located in a strategic stopping point on the migratory routes. Among the many you will certainly be struck by the cormorants, the pelicans with their immense size, the elegant sea eagles, the ospreys always intent on scrutinizing the ocean waves.
5. Surfing: well, we're still in Australia :) I don't have to add anything else.
6. Take the scenic Gorge Walk: Located in Point Lookout, this scenic walk will leave anyone in awe. Very easy to navigate, it includes many points from which it is possible to spot some of the most extraordinary specimens of the local marine fauna: dolphins, turtles, manta rays and in the appropriate season ... even whales!
7. Have fun watching kangaroos, wallabies and koalas: it is true, you know ... in Australia the population of marsupials is practically double that of humans! However, it is not so immediate to spot them, especially if you are near big cities, and in any case… as soon as they see you… generally poof! disappear in the blink of an eye! In Straddie, however, you will not have these problems. Here indeed kangaroos and islanders live together in perfect harmony, so it is not uncommon for you to spot these cute animals grazing the grass next to the clothes hanging in the garden or relaxing lying in the shade of some bench in public parks.
On Straddie, moreover, it is not impossible to come across the tender ones too bears greedy for eucalyptus leaves: a unique opportunity if you consider that nowadays, koalas in the wild are increasingly a rarity even here in their homeland.
8. Excursion to the Blue Lake: along an easy walk of about 5 kilometers surrounded by eucalyptus forests and scrubland, you can reach this freshwater lake, a place of great importance also for the local Aboriginal culture.
9. Surf the dunes: yes, because they are avid surf lovers… Australians have found a way to ride the sand waves too! And what better place to try this fun activity than the second largest sandy island in the world?
10. Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture: Quandamooka people have lived on the island for millennia (scientists say they have lived there for at least 25000 years!). They define themselves as the people of sand and water as well as the keepers of this land. Some tours on the island include a direct meeting with the Aboriginal population and the possibility of visiting their villages, attending ceremonies and musical performances as well as being able to explore the surrounding lands together, discovering secrets and fascinating centuries-old stories.
In short, I would say that there are valid reasons to organize one escape to Straddie I have given you a lot ... now you just have to organize your next trip to Australia being very careful not to exclude this sensational island from your program!
For any information visit the official website of the island!
