Itinerary:
North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah in a day

28 JANUARY 2025

Your next island daytrip is just a short boat trip to North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah, only 30 minutes from the mainland. Think white sandy beaches, horizon ocean views, and local produce to fill your day. Keep reading to find the perfect itinerary for your next day trip to paradise.

Get on Island Time

Your morning commute never looked so good! Escape to the crystal-clear waters of North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah with ease. Simply catch a SeaLink ferry from Cleveland to Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah, then take the North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah bus service up to Point Lookout to start your adventure.

Mid-morning snack

As you arrive at Point Lookout, head straight to one of the local favourite cafes to grab a bite to eat or a coffee to pair with your own snacks. The Blue Room Café, The Kiosk or Whale Tail Gelati & Coffee bar are perfect. There are a number of tables and grassy areas around the lookout to take in the stunning view out to sea while you enjoy your mid-morning snack.

Aerial of Three Humpback Whales at North Stradbroke Island / Minjerribah
Whale migration, North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah

Take a stroll

From the top of Point Lookout, you can immerse yourself in nature and spot local wildlife by doing the North Gorge Walk. Keep your eyes peeled for the local kangaroos, turtles, manta rays and whales (from June to November) that frequent this area of the coast. You can also head to Amity Point, where you can spot dolphins at the jetty and koalas throughout the camping ground.

Watch out for whales

After completing the Gorge Walk, start to make your way towards Cylinder Beach and on the way, look for the bushwalks that trail off the main road. The Whale Trail is a peaceful and shaded walk that has raised platforms and vantage points to spot whales during the whale migration season (June to November). The walk is only a short 950 metres and ends at Deadman’s Beach.

Lunch

As you continue to make your way to Cylinder Beach, take a moment to marvel at the blue and green colours of the ocean from afar at the Stradbroke Hotel as you stop for a bite for lunch. Enjoy a classic pub feast or a delicious seafood platter for two with an ice-cold beverage in hand, of course.

North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah Cylinder Beach with white sand and turquoise waves rolling ashore
Cylinder Beach, North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah

Take a dip

Keep following the beaches until you reach the picture-perfect Cylinder Beach. The waves at this patrolled surf beach are usually quite calm, making it an ideal place for a swim for all levels for swimmers. There are also barbecue and playground facilities here for you to spend as long as your heart desires.

Learn to surf

Want to hit the waves, but don’t know how? North Stradbroke Island Surf School can get you out there providing everything you need to know to ride your first wave. Keep an eye out for dolphins while you’re in their playground!

Take a tour

For a North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah tour with a difference, sign up for a full day experience with River to Bay or Kiff and Culture. Looking for a truly unique experience? Book a Yura Tour with local Quandamooka tour guide, Elisha Kissick, where you’ll learn about the island’s rich indigenous culture, history, diverse wildlife, and breath taking coastal scenery.

Afternoon

Say cheers to the sunset at Straddie Brewing Co. in Dunwich which is conveniently located near the ferry, with local island brews and a rooftop view. Or from noon on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the Point Lookout Surf Lifesaving club opens its doors for the best sunset tipple we know of.

A distant shot of a couple sitting on a tree trunk on a beach