Holiday houses in North Stradbroke Island

North Stradbroke Island is a sub-tropical island, located just off the coast of Brisbane. At 38 kilometres long and 11 kilometres wide, it is the second largest sand island in the world. It is just 30 kilometres from the hustle of Brisbane’s city centre but feels a million miles away, with its scenic headlands, freshwater lakes, rolling surf, and long stretches of white sandy beaches. There are three small townships on the island offering a relaxed village atmosphere, with shops, restaurants and cafes, and many places to stay.

The island boasts many wonderful beaches, the most famous of which is Cylinder Beach, with its picture-perfect cove and fine white sand. The beach is patrolled, making it ideal for swimmers and body surfers of all abilities. It also offers beautiful views of neighbouring Moreton Island. Other stretches of sand worth visiting include Flinders Beach, Main Beach, and Frenchman’s Beach.

Stradbroke Island is on Australia’s “Humpback Highway” — the route taken by Humpback whales migrating between their feeding and breeding grounds. Point Lookout is known for being one of the best land-based whale watching sites in the world.

Any time is a great time to visit North Stradbroke Island. The climate is subtropical with hot humid summers and mild winters. The most pleasant time to be on the Island is the spring and autumn months, which offer warm and sunny days, perfect for enjoying the outdoor activities on offer. In October the Island Vibe festival celebrates local culture through art exhibitions, stalls, eco-food and craft markets, with three stages of music and Indigenous and Pacific Islander dance groups. In May the popular Stradbroke Chamber Music Festival draws fans from near and far, for a series of six concerts held over three days at intimate venues around the island, featuring world class musicians. Whenever you decide to visit, you’ll find a great range of Stradbroke Island holiday houses and holiday rentals to suit all tastes and budgets.

North Gorge Walk

Take a gentle stroll along North Stradbroke Island's iconic 1.2-kilometre North Gorge walk and get a true appreciation of just how pristine and unspoiled the Island is. Follow the boardwalk from the headland of Point Lookout with breathtaking views everywhere you look. The water is clear here, making it easy to spot marine life including turtles, dolphins, and manta rays. It is also the best vantage point on the island to see the migrating humpback whales pass between June and November.

Point Lookout Markets

Spend a lazy Sunday morning wandering through the stalls at the Point Lookout Markets. It’s a great place to pick up a local souvenir as here you’ll find a range of handmade goods, pickles and preserves, soaps, locally made clothes, plants, and home furnishings. You can also enjoy breakfast while you're here, with a selection of food options available. The Markets take place every Sunday from morning until mid day.

Wildlife Spotting

There is native wildlife everywhere on North Stradbroke Island — including dolphins that come right up to the jetty at Amity Point at sunrise and sunset, and the kangaroos at the top of the North Gorge walk. There are several well-known locations for spotting koalas, including the Amity Point Camping Ground and the Little Ship Club at Dunwich. And from June to November, you can watch the whale migration from several vantage points on shore.