Discover North Stradbroke Island Day Tour
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Discover the natural wonders of North Stradbroke Island on this immersive full-day eco-adventure from Brisbane. As the second largest sand island in the world, 'Straddie' offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes – from pristine white beaches and crystal-clear lakes to dramatic coastal gorges and lush bush trails.
Our passionate local guides will take you to the island's most breathtaking spots, sharing fascinating insights about the local ecology, indigenous heritage, and island history. You'll have incredible opportunities to spot native wildlife in their natural habitats – kangaroos lounging on grassy headlands, koalas sleeping in eucalyptus trees, dolphins playing in the surf, and during migration season (June to November), majestic humpback whales breaching just offshore.
This carefully crafted tour includes return ferry transportation from Brisbane, guided nature walks, beach time for swimming or relaxation, and visits to spectacular lookout points. With small group sizes ensuring a personalized experience, this is the perfect way to experience the island paradise that locals have treasured for generations.
Tour Itinerary
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Brisbane Departure 8:30 AM
Board our comfortable, air-conditioned minibus at your selected pickup point in Brisbane. Meet your friendly guide and fellow adventurers as we head east toward the coast, with a brief introduction to the day's exciting itinerary. -
Ferry to Stradbroke Island 10:00 AM
Enjoy a scenic 30-minute ferry ride across Moreton Bay to North Stradbroke Island. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in the waters around the boat, and during migration season (June-November), you might even spot humpback whales. -
Point Lookout & Gorge Walk 11:15 AM
Arrive at spectacular Point Lookout for the stunning North Gorge Walk, one of Australia's best coastal walks. This 1.5km boardwalk trail offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, where you're almost guaranteed to spot turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and perhaps even whales (in season). -
Beach Time & Lunch 12:30 PM
Visit one of Straddie's pristine beaches for swimming, relaxation, and lunch. Enjoy free time to take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, stroll along the white sand, or simply relax and soak up the sun. -
Amity Point & Wildlife Spotting 2:30 PM
Visit the charming village of Amity Point, a perfect location for spotting wild koalas in eucalyptus trees. We'll also search for the island's resident kangaroos, often seen lounging on grassy areas during the afternoon. -
Island Lakes (Seasonal) 3:45 PM
Depending on the day and season, we may visit one of Straddie's stunning inland lakes – either Brown Lake (Bummiera) or Blue Lake (Karboora). These freshwater lakes are set among beautiful native bushland and have significant cultural importance to the local Quandamooka people. -
Sunset & Ferry Return 5:30 PM
Enjoy the spectacular sunset with a complimentary drink before catching the return ferry to the mainland and then back to your Brisbane pickup location, with arrival around 7:30 PM.
What's Included
Included in Your Tour
- Return transport from Brisbane in air-conditioned minibus
- Ferry tickets to and from North Stradbroke Island
- Expert local guide with commentary throughout the day
- National Park fees and entry costs
- Complimentary sunset drink on the beach
- Beach equipment (beach games, mats)
Not Included
- Meals and additional drinks (lunch is not provided)
- Optional activities or tour extensions
- Personal travel insurance
What to Bring
- Refillable water bottle
- Swimwear and towel
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera
- Light jacket or sweater (for cooler or windy conditions)
- Cash or card for lunch and souvenirs
Wildlife Guide
North Stradbroke Island is a wildlife paradise. Here's what you might encounter during your tour:
Kangaroos
Eastern Grey Kangaroos are abundant around Point Lookout's headlands, especially during early morning and late afternoon. These gentle marsupials are often seen relaxing in the shade or grazing on grassy areas, providing perfect photo opportunities.
Dolphins
Bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted from Point Lookout and around Amity Point. These playful mammals often ride the waves and frolic close to shore, making them easy to observe from the island's many vantage points.
Koalas
Wild koalas can be found in the eucalyptus trees around Amity Point. These iconic Australian animals are most active during early morning and late afternoon, though you'll often spot them sleeping in the forks of trees throughout the day.
Humpback Whales
Majestic humpback whales pass close to Stradbroke Island during their annual migration. From Point Lookout, you can often see them breaching, tail slapping, and playing with their calves in the protected waters off the island.
Sea Turtles
Green and loggerhead turtles are common in the waters around North Stradbroke Island. They can often be spotted swimming in the clear waters below the North Gorge Walk or coming up for air among the waves.
Manta Rays
Magnificent manta rays with wingspans of up to 7 meters glide through the waters off Point Lookout. The deep blue waters provide excellent visibility for spotting these graceful creatures from the headland.
Gallery
Reviews
Absolutely the best day trip from Brisbane! We saw dolphins, kangaroos, and even a koala. The guide's knowledge and energy made it so much fun. The beaches were pristine and the views from Point Lookout were breathtaking. Highly recommend this Stradbroke Island day tour!
An incredible day at North Stradbroke Island! The ferry ride was beautiful, and we were lucky enough to see whales breaching. Our guide Alex was extremely knowledgeable about the island's history and wildlife. The gorge walk was spectacular with amazing ocean views. Well worth the money!
Great tour with the perfect balance of guided activities and free time. The beaches were beautiful and we enjoyed swimming in the crystal clear water. Saw lots of dolphins and a koala sleeping in a tree! The guide was friendly and informative. Would have loved a bit more time at Brown Lake, but overall an excellent experience.
FAQ
Please bring comfortable clothes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, swimsuit and towel (if you plan to swim), a camera, and good walking shoes. You can also bring your own lunch or money to purchase food on the island. Don't forget a light jacket as it can be windy at the coastal lookouts even on warm days.
Yes, this tour is suitable for children of all ages. The walking is easy to moderate, and there's plenty of beach time that kids enjoy. We provide beach games and equipment, and the wildlife spotting is exciting for children. For very young children (under 4), please contact us before booking so we can ensure we have appropriate safety equipment.
While we have a very high success rate for wildlife sightings (especially kangaroos and dolphins), we cannot guarantee specific animal encounters as all wildlife is wild and free-roaming. Our experienced guides know the best locations and times to spot different species, maximizing your chances of amazing wildlife experiences.
The tour operates in light rain as many activities can still be enjoyed, and we provide umbrellas. In cases of severe weather, we may modify the itinerary for safety or offer the option to reschedule. If we cancel the tour due to extreme weather conditions, you'll receive a full refund or can reschedule for another day.
Yes, there is mobile (cell) phone reception in most areas of North Stradbroke Island, particularly in the townships and at Point Lookout. Coverage may be limited in some of the more remote parts of the island, but you'll generally be able to stay connected throughout the tour.