South Stradbroke Island
The Basics
Popular activities on the island include surfing, swimming, snorkeling, ocean fishing, bushwalking, and wildlife watching. Visitors looking to spend the whole day or stay overnight often base themselves out of the Couran Cove Island Resort, or one of the three public campsites around the island.
Those short on time can enjoy the island by taking a kayak tour from the Gold Coast, a scenic cruise, or even a romantic seaplane flight and picnic lunch. For the best value, combine a visit to the island with the Gold Coast Attractions Pass, good for more than 30 popular attractions and activities, including Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, surf school, a jet boat or Jet Ski ride, and more.
Things to Know Before You Go
Bring comfortable shoes for bushwalking, and swimwear for water sports.
Temperatures in the summer can reach over 86°F (30°C), so be sure to pack a hat and sunscreen.
Accommodations are limited on the island; book ahead if you plan to stay overnight.
Amenities at campgrounds include public and disabled restrooms, barbecues, and sometimes a small kiosk; it’s best to bring what you need from the mainland.
Wallabies have been known to steal food from campsites.
How to Get There
Located in Moreton Bay, north of the Gold Coast South, Stradbroke Island is only accessible by air or by boat. Most visitors travel to the island by ferry, local cruise boat, water taxi, private boat, chartered boat, or by Jet Ski or kayak from several locations along the Gold Coast. It’s also possible to arrive by seaplane.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
South Stradbroke Island can be visited year-round. July through September tend to be the most popular months to visit, coinciding with the humpback whale migration season (June through October), and crowds and prices will be at their highest then.
Wildlife on the Island
The golden swamp wallaby is native to the island. Other mammals include squirrel gliders, northern brown bandicoot, echidnas, and fawn-footed melomys. The island is also home to more than 200 species of birds (including kookaburras, lorikeets, cockatoos, egrets, and sea eagles), 17 species of lizards, 15 species of snake, and 6 species of turtles.
- Dreamworld
- WhiteWater World
- Warner Bros. Movie World
- Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast
- Story Bridge
- Eagle Street Pier
- Tamborine Mountain Distillery
- North Stradbroke Island (Straddie)
- Treasury Casino
- Lamington National Park
- North Gorge Walk
- The Gabba (Brisbane Cricket Ground)
- Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park
- Queensland Maritime Museum
- Streets Beach