If you are organizing a weekend in Brisbane you cannot fail to consider the luxuriant in your travel itinerary North Stradbroke Island (Straddie for Australians).
The island boasts beautiful white sand beaches, but also numerous freshwater lakes, and is suitable for various sporting activities.
From Brisbane, expect 2 hours of travel, including train, bus, ferry and one more bus, and a budget of around $ 60 each.
The train can be taken from Brisbane Central Station, towards Cleveland (price 19 $ A / R, about 13 euros). Once you arrive at the terminus you can board the comfortable bus that will take you straight to the pier where the Stradbroke Fast Ferry (19 $ return) depart.
The ferry reaches the town of Dunwich. We, consulting various guides and the trusted Lonely Planet, decided to get on yet another bus ($ 9,80 return) and go straight to Point Lookout.
At this point, equipped with a map, we did not miss the North Gorge Headlands Walk, a panoramic trail from which you can see dolphins and whales from June to November. We were lucky and were able to see a group of dolphins who were dedicated to surfing, and a group of kangaroos near the trail. It didn't go so well with the whales, even if the time was right.
After the journey we stopped for a quick fish and chips, and then we headed to the beach, or rather, the beaches! Here you are really spoiled for choice, even if the only ones that are safe and supervised by lifeguards are Main Beach and Cylinder Beach.
Main Beach stretches for 32 km, ideal for surfing, diving and also for swimming. Cylinder Beach is more intimate and secluded, and its crystal clear waters will make you give in even if you didn't plan on a swim!
At this point it will be time to go back!
I advise you to inform yourself well about the timetables of the vehicles before leaving, in order to avoid downtime and be sure to take the last available vehicle of the day.
If, however, once you return to Dunwich, you have some time left before taking the ferry and do all the reverse, take a look at the small English cemetery near the port and remember to take a look at the towering eucalyptus trees. there next, that maybe you also spot a koala!
