Situated at the southern end of Moreton Bay, North Stradbroke Island is one of the world’s largest sand islands. One of south-east Queensland’s hidden treasures, it is less than one hour from Brisbane city and airport. North Stradbroke Island is an exciting destination for families, but finding children-friendly accommodation can be challenging. North Stradbroke Island’s hotels are often relaxed, adult places; a haven for the weary business traveller. Picturesque Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island is an enticing and spectacular blend of rugged coastal landscape, tranquil inland lakes, and pristine beaches just one hour from Brisbane in Queensland Australia. There are the white sandy beaches that stretch into an endless horizon fringed by the aqua blue ocean, while a system of freshwater lakes in the island’s centre provides beautiful picnic and swimming spots.

One of the great sand islands that protect the inner waters of Moreton Bay from the surging tides of the Coral Sea, North Stradbroke Island is located at the southern end of the bay. It is home to 3,000 permanent residents and in the summer months the population doubles with the influx of tourists. North Stradbroke Island is serviced by its own bus system, with buses meeting almost every water taxi. The island is also serviced by taxi. North Stradbroke Island is actually a large mass of sand sitting atop a base of bedrock. The layer of bedrock below sea level is about 30 metres deep, but some of it rises above sea level forming the impressive headlands at Point Lookout and the lower rocky outcrops in Dunwich.

Many people tend to think that the coast bends eastward north of Brisbane but in fact North Stradbroke Island is the state’s most easterly island. In recent times, with whale watching becoming one of Queensland’s major attractions, Point Lookout has become a popular destination. The most pleasant way to get to North Stradbroke Island is by the high speed catamarans from Cleveland. You can catch the Airtrain train from Brisbane airport to Roma Street station, then change for the Cleveland line.

Make the most of your visit to North Stradbroke Island and participate in one of the many activities the Island has to offer. For those who like a bit of adventure and fun there are 4WD tours, diving, golf, and a spectrum of aquatic activities. Some also offer tagalong tours for less experienced four wheel drive enthusiastists. Eerily, the cemetery at Dunwich includes the graves of shipwreck and typhoid victims from the early 1800s. An ecological wonder, marvel at whale watching, dolphins, dugongs, turtles, native bird life and an untouched wilderness that offers inland lakes and wetlands, clear sheltered bays and miles of white, sandy surf beaches. There’s so much to do - from four wheel driving and camping, diving, golf, surfing, snorkelling, swimming, fishing, dining out, beach rambling, picnics and nature trails.

Whales, dolphins, turtles and manta rays can often be spotted from the spectacular Point Lookout at the northern tip of the island. Humpback whales can be seen between June and November from a number of vantage points. Each year in the Southern Hemisphere humpback whales migrate from their summer Antarctic feeding grounds, along Australia’s continental coastline to tropical regions to breed and calve in winter. Another “must” for visitors is the North Gorge Headlands Walk, for breathtaking views and for spotting turtles, dolphins, and whales.

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