Stradbroke Island Wildlife Calendar: When to Spot Whales, Kangaroos,Koalas
Why Stradbroke Island Is a Wildlife Haven
North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) is one of Australia’s best destinations for wildlife lovers. Just a short ferry ride from Brisbane, the island offers the chance to see kangaroos on the beach, koalas in the treetops, dolphins in the surf, and humpback whales breaching offshore.
But when is the best time to see them? This month-by-month calendar will help you plan your visit and make the most of your Straddie adventure.
📅 Month-by-Month Wildlife Calendar
| Month | Wildlife Highlights | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January – March | Sea turtles in coastal waters, migratory birds, goannas sunbaking | Warm summer days, great for birdwatching |
| April – May | Koalas, kangaroos, freshwater birdlife at Brown Lake & Blue Lake | Quieter season, less crowded |
| June – July | Start of whale migration, dolphins, kangaroos at sunrise & sunset | Perfect cooler weather for hiking |
| August – September | Peak whale season, dolphins, wallabies, Quandamooka Festival | Best mix of wildlife + culture |
| October – November | Whales returning south, turtles, shorebirds | Excellent time for marine encounters |
| December | Kangaroos, koalas, summer birds | Hot but lively season |
Whale Watching (June – November)
Straddie is one of Australia’s best land-based whale-watching spots. From Point Lookout and the North Gorge Walk, you can see up to 30,000 humpback whales migrating past the island.
In Quandamooka culture, whales (yalingbila) are sacred, representing ancestors and sea spirits. Watching them from the headlands is more than a natural spectacle – it’s a spiritual connection.
Dolphins – Year-Round
Pods of dolphins are spotted almost daily around Amity Point Jetty and Cylinder Beach. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to see them play in the surf.
Kangaroos & Koalas – Year-Round
- Kangaroos: Common around Point Lookout, especially at sunrise and sunset when they graze near the beach.
- Koalas: Found in eucalyptus trees near Dunwich and Amity. A guide can help spot them high in the branches.
Turtles (November – March)
Sea turtles are often seen close to shore during the warmer months. Some beaches may also have nesting activity – always observe from a distance and respect wildlife protection zones.
Birdlife – All Year
Stradbroke Island is a birdwatcher’s paradise with wetlands, bushland, and beaches attracting migratory and native birds. Look out for pelicans, ospreys, kites, and kingfishers, especially around Brown Lake and Eighteen Mile Swamp.
Quandamooka Cultural Knowledge
The Quandamooka People have cared for this land for thousands of years, guided by seasonal cycles that connect wildlife, plants, and climate.
- Whales mark the start of the cooler months.
- Turtles and migratory birds signal summer.
- Kangaroos and wallabies are seen as guides to changes in the land.
Learning these connections adds deeper meaning to every wildlife encounter on Straddie.
Experience It All in One Day
Even if you only have one day, you can see an incredible variety of wildlife on a Stradbroke Island Day Tour:
- Scenic ferry ride across Moreton Bay
- Kangaroos at Point Lookout
- Koalas in the trees
- Dolphins playing in the surf
- Whales breaching during migration season
- Guided commentary with cultural insights
👉 Book your Stradbroke Island Day Tour today and discover why Straddie is Brisbane’s ultimate wildlife escape.
Final Tip – When’s the Best Time to Visit?
If you want it all – whales, dolphins, kangaroos, and culture – visit between July and September, when the Quandamooka Festival also takes place.
But truth is, Stradbroke Island is a year-round wildlife wonderland. No matter when you come, nature always puts on a show.