Minjerribah: More Than Beaches

When most people think of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), they picture endless beaches, wild kangaroos, and humpback whales breaching offshore. But the heart of Straddie lies in its people and stories.

For more than 25,000 years, the Quandamooka People – made up of the Ngugi, Nunukul, and Goenpul clans – have cared for this land and sea Country. Their connection is celebrated each year during the Quandamooka Festival, a gathering that shares song, dance, art, food, and storytelling with locals and visitors alike.

This year, September 2025 brings an extra reason to visit: the opening of the new Quandamooka Cultural Centre, a permanent home for learning, culture, and celebration.

Quandamooka Festival 2025 – What to Expect

• Dates: 13 & 14 September 2025
• Location: Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), Queensland
• Entry: Free, all ages welcome

The Quandamooka Festival is one of Southeast Queensland’s most vibrant cultural events. Over two days, visitors can experience:

Cultural Highlights

• Kunjiel (Corroboree): Traditional dance ceremonies where stories are told through movement, music, and fire. These performances are both powerful and deeply moving, offering a rare chance to witness living culture in action.
• Storytelling: Elders and community members share stories that connect past, present, and future, teaching visitors about the land, sea, and sky.
• Bush Food & Cooking Demonstrations: Taste native ingredients and learn how the Quandamooka People have used bush tucker for thousands of years.
• Arts & Crafts: Hands-on workshops in weaving, painting, and carving, where visitors can create and take home a unique memory of the island.

Music & Performance

The festival blends tradition with the contemporary. Alongside corroborees, expect live bands, singers, and spoken word artists, showcasing the creativity and resilience of Aboriginal culture today.

 Markets & Community

Local stalls sell Indigenous art, handmade crafts, jewellery, and food. It’s not just a festival it’s a community gathering, welcoming everyone to connect, learn, and celebrate.

 The New Quandamooka Cultural Centre

This year marks the historic opening of the Quandamooka Cultural Centre, a space designed to honour and share the island’s heritage all year round.

Inside, visitors will find:

• Exhibitions exploring Quandamooka history, culture, and connection to Country.
• Educational programs for schools, families, and international visitors.
• Performance spaces for dance, music, and storytelling.
• Art galleries showcasing local Indigenous artists.
• Cultural experiences led by Quandamooka guides, offering deeper insights into the island’s wildlife, plants, and seasons.

The Centre will be a gateway to understanding Minjerribah beyond the beaches, creating opportunities for visitors to engage with Indigenous culture in meaningful ways.

Why September is the Best Time to Visit

The festival coincides with whale watching season (June to November). From the cliffs of Point Lookout, visitors can often see humpback whales (yalingbila) breaching just offshore. In Quandamooka culture, whales are deeply significant, representing ancestors and sea spirits.

This means September is a unique moment when:

• You can experience culture and ceremony at the festival.
• You can spot whales, dolphins, and kangaroos on the same day.
• You can explore the brand-new Cultural Centre.

Why This Festival Matters

Events like the Quandamooka Festival are more than entertainment – they are opportunities for reconciliation, learning, and respect. For many visitors, it’s the first time experiencing Aboriginal culture directly through the voices of Traditional Custodians.

By attending, you support the local community, celebrate living traditions, and take part in preserving stories that have been passed down for millennia.

How to Experience the Festival on a Day Trip

Coming from Brisbane? Visiting Stradbroke Island for the festival is easier than you think.

A Stradbroke Island Day Tour includes:

• Return transport from Brisbane to Cleveland + ferry tickets.
• A scenic ride across Moreton Bay.
• Guided commentary about the island’s wildlife and history.
• Wildlife spotting: koalas, kangaroos, dolphins, and whales.
• Visit to key island highlights such as Point Lookout and much more.

👉 This means you don’t need to worry about ferries, buses, or parking – everything is organised for you.

➡️ Book your Festival Day Tour now

📌 Final Tips for Visitors

• Bring cash: While many stalls have EFTPOS, some local markets are cash-only.
• Sun protection: Even in September, the Queensland sun is strong.
• Respect Country: Stay on marked paths, take your rubbish with you, and follow guidance from Quandamooka Elders and volunteers.
• Arrive early: Performances and markets get busy, and the best whale-spotting happens in the morning.

Experience Minjerribah in 2025

With the Quandamooka Festival and the opening of the new Cultural Centre, September 2025 is the perfect time to visit North Stradbroke Island. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the island’s living culture, connect with nature, and celebrate a milestone in community history.

👉 Don’t miss it – join a Stradbroke Island Day Tour for a seamless, unforgettable experience.

✨ Reserve your spot today