North Stradbroke Island

Refreshing, relaxing, and simply beautiful, North Stradbroke Island, or ""Straddie"", as the locals call it, is one of Moreton Bay's best loved getaway spots. The resident community, some 3,000 lucky people, will welcome you, and they will also expect you to look after this spectacular natural environment. (For your information, plastic bags are banned on the island, so any you bring with you, you will have to take away when you leave.)

Located at the southern end of Moreton Bay, it is one of the largest sand islands in the world, and is a popular escape destination for couples, families, nature lovers and adventure-seekers.

Stretches of white sandy beach line the island's ocean side making it ideal for swimming, surfing, and fishing, while the sheltered western edge offer a calm environment for those after a more relaxing experience.

Straddie is the perfect destination for a four wheel drive or bush adventure. While there are paved roadways around the island, much of the hinterland, including the lakes, are only accessible by four wheel drive, and these areas are fascinating sanctuaries for local flora and fauna. Bring your own four wheel drive or book a tour with an experienced Straddie operator. Some also offer tagalong tours for less experienced four wheel drive enthusiasts.

North Stradbroke Island is rich in Aboriginal and European historical sites. Visit the North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum at Dunwich for a fascinating history of the island. Eerily, the cemetery at Dunwich includes the graves of shipwreck and typhoid victims from the early 1800s.

Aboriginal shell middens can be found throughout the island. You can also attend indigenous cultural and bush tucker talks organised by the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders.

North Stradbroke Island can be accessed by ferry from Cleveland.