Discover the top things to do on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

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Three friends exploring the Minjerribah Panorama Coastal Walk, a scenic walkway along the coastline at Point Lookout, Minjerribah

By Jess Pridmore

Published 3 months ago

Queenslanders have been keeping North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) in their back pocket for years—and honestly, who can blame them? Just 38km long and a breezy 90-minute trip from Brisbane, this place is all about big adventures on a small(ish) island: think dreamy beaches, serene lagoons, and enough coastal and bush walks to keep your legs busy for days.

They call it “Straddie”—we call it the kind of magic you can swim in, hike through, and kick back with. It's got deep Indigenous roots, a growing arts and dining scene, and a chilled pace that hits just right.

Ready to explore? Here’s your go-to list for soaking up the best of Straddie.

Learn about Minjerribah’s Aboriginal heritage

Tap into Straddie’s rich Aboriginal heritage along the famous Goompi Trail with Matt Burns. Join a local elder from the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation, as they guide you on this historical island trail down the Goompi (Dunwich) foreshore. You’ll hear stories of the Quandamooka people, learn ancient hunting and medicinal practices, as well as taste a little bush tucker from the native garden along the way.

Or to immerse yourself in the white sands, fresh air, spectacular coastal scenery and most of all, Quandamooka Culture, pick an experience with Yura Tours.

Taste the local flavours

Couple enjoying the famous prawn roll at The Prawn Shack, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) — The Prawn Shack, Minjerribah

To get a real taste of the island, head to The Prawn Shack; a tiny pastel blue-hued beach shack at Mulumba (Point Lookout). Serving up same-day fresh, locally caught oysters, Moreton Bay bugs and prawns, this quaint ‘no-frills’ lunch spot also moonlights as a grocer-come-providore, its roadside shelves stock some choice pantry essentials and fresh fruit and veg. It’s their famous prawn and avocado roll, however, that draws the crowds. Freshly caught, juicy prawns and thick chunks of avocado tossed in a secret sauce then generously stuffed into a fresh bread sub made on the island. It’s the perfect post-ocean swim snack.

Enjoy an ocean dip at South Gorge Beach

Couple relaxing on South Gorge Beach, the small secluded beach below the North Gorge Walk on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) — South Gorge Beach, Minjerribah

Drop a towel at South Gorge Beach. A stunning sandy cove just north of Main Beach, this picturesque spot is protected from the island’s infamous northerly winds, making it ideal for a tranquil dip in the sea, beach picnic, round of beach cricket…

Soak up the coastal views

Friends exploring North Gorge Walk near Point Lookout, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) — North Gorge Walk, Minjerribah

If all that beach lounging has you feeling well-rested, take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful North Gorge Walk trail. At only 1.2 kms long, it hugs the coastline along Point Lookout headland and rewards you with unrivalled views of the Pacific Ocean and the breathtaking North Gorge.

Wake up in nature

Couple relaxing with a morning coffee outside Minjerribah Camping's glamping tents at the Adder Rock Camping Ground, Minjerrbah (North Stradbroke Island) — Minjerribah Camping, Adder Rock Camping Ground, Minjerrbah (North Stradbroke Island)

For those seeking to rest and recharge in nature, BYO the swag and pitch a tent at one of Minjerribah Camping’s campsites. Camping on North Stradbroke Island caters to every type of adventurer; from the camping novice to the seasoned pro, with six beachfront camping grounds to choose from in the townships of Dunwich, Amity Point and Point Lookout.

Coming to Straddie with a 4WD? Take your pick of beachfront sites on Flinders Beach foreshore or beachfront at the southern end of Main Beach – each only accessible via 4WD. If traditional camping isn’t your idea of island dreaming, Minjerribah Camping even offers glamping and Eco Island tents at Cylinder Beach, Adder Rock, Amity Point and Bradbury’s Beach.

Cool off at Bummiera

Friends splashing in Bummeria (Brown Lake) on Minjerribah, a naturally perched freshwater lake found just outside the township of Dunwich — Bummeria (Brown Lake), Minjerribah

Mother Nature’s spa treatment, Bummiera (Brown Lake) is named after the surrounding tea tree leaves that colour its waters. Culturally significant to the local Quandamooka people, this hidden freshwater gem in Dunwich is a local’s favourite for a swim (note: the island’s equally breathtaking Blue Lake is another significant site; however, swimming is prohibited here). Take a dip in the crisp, naturally perched freshwater lake, take a deep breath, and feel those aches and pains melt away.

Take a sunrise stroll

Friends enjoying sunrise at Frenchmans Beach, accessible by stairs at Point Lookout, Minjerribah — Frenchmans Beach, Point Lookout, Minjerribah

Set your alarm and head straight to Frenchman’s Beach for an unforgettable sunrise beach walk. Surrounded end-to-end by rocky headlands and rockpools, descent the wooden staircase of this secluded stretch of sand just as the sun rises – if you’re lucky you might get the place all to yourself. North Stradbroke Island is home to an abundance of wildlife, and many species found in and around Frenchman’s Beach; look out for eastern grey kangaroos in the vegetation or bounding along the sand. Dolphins are also often sighted here, leaping from the waves, as are humpback whales during the winter months, as they migrate north to warmer waters.

Note: while you may be tempted to take a quick dip at Frenchman’s Beach, swimming is prohibited due to the intense rips that dominate the coastline at the top of the island.

Cruise the beach highway

Woman looking out 4WD vehicle window while travelling along Main Beach, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) — 4WDing along Main Beach, Minjerribah

Stretching over 8kms from Straddie’s Amity Point to Adder Rock headland, cruising along the golden sand of Flinders Beach (Point Lookout) is a rite of passage for any visitor to the island. With golden sand, dense bushland and turquoise waters as far as the eye can see, hit the 4WD track from the east at Flinders Beach Road or at the eastern end near Adder Rock.

Uncover the local craft beer scene

Friends dining on the rooftop at Straddie Brewing Co, North Stradbroke Island — Straddie Brewing Co, North Stradbroke Island

Craft beer mania has hit the islands – and the team behind Straddie Brewing Co. have nailed the brief. A three-storey brewhouse and taproom, Straddie Brewing Co. is located minutes from the water, in the beautiful township of Dunwich. Order a tasting paddle straight from brewery to glass, maybe even join the brewery tour, but whatever you do, make sure it’s kicking back on the rooftop at sunset for GORGEOUS views across Moreton Bay.

Visit a gallery

Woman perusing the Made on Minjerribah gallery by Delvene Cockatoo Collins, North Stradbroke Island — Cockatoo-Collins Studio, Minjerribah

Minjerribah has long been revered for its rich arts scene, with many of the local artists having lived and worked on the island for decades. Art lovers should head to the township of Goompi where you’ll find Island Arts Gallery and Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Art Gallery, both representing some of the finest local artists from the region, and Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo Collins’ Made on Minjerribah studio among others. Next, hit the little hub of Mulumba, where you’ll find Starfish Studio, Seascape, and Fever – great for picking up locally made homewares and jewellery.

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