The Queensland island that gives you luxury vibes on a budget
North Stradbroke Island is often overlooked when it comes to Queensland holiday spots, but it packs a punch if you're after a great beach holiday.
Affectionately known as Straddie, it is perfect for anyone who has Champagne tastes and a beer budget. It's great for camping and adventure, it's a short ferry ride from Brisbane, and there are plenty of places to stay, from campgrounds to luxury rentals.
Here's everything you need to know before booking your trip.
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North Stradbroke Island is a short ferry ride from Brisbane. Tourism and Events Queensland
Where to stay on North Stradbroke Island
There are four main areas to stay on the island:
- Dunwich, the main town, and where the ferry from Brisbane pulls in
- Point Lookout (referred to locally as "the point"), where most tourist accomodation is found
- Amity Point, a small community that's popular for fishing
- Flinders Beach, on the north coast, where there are a few campgrounds and holiday homes
There are also campgrounds all down the island's west coast, if you're keen to rough it a little.
In early 2025, North Stradbroke Island was hit hard by Cyclone Alfred - in fact, the island acted as a natural barrier that protected millions of people living in Brisbane from feeling the full force of the storm.
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Many people camp along the beaches. Discover Stradbroke
Residents had widespread power outages and severe flooding, with some properties engulfed in water.
"While there has been significant erosion to some of our spectacular beaches... it is important that we don't let this affect our tourism sector," Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said in the wake of the cyclone.
"There are a lot of tourism operators on our bay islands, many of whom are small business owners, and it would be great as a community to support them at this time."
That's why now is the best time for you to take a trip to Stradbroke Island.
There's a great walking trail along the Point Lookout headland Tourism and Events Queensland
Luxury accommodation on North Stradbroke Island
Allure Stradbroke Resort is the closest to a luxury hotel you'll get on Straddie.
It's a two-minute walk from the beach, tucked into the foothills of Point Lookout on the north-eastern tip of the island. With spacious villas that sleep anywhere from two to ten, plus a heated pool, it's perfect for families or couples looking for a bit more room.
Allure Stradbroke Resort is surrounded by bushland. Allure
Holiday rentals on North Stradbroke Island
If you're travelling in a group, a rental home is the way to go.
Look for something around Point Lookout or Amity Point if you want to be able to walk to shops and restaurants. There are tons of places to choose from, from small one-bedroom units to sprawling homes that'll fit three families.
Like this cute beach shack, Norm's Place, at Amity Point, complete with bunk beds, a ping pong table, and stunning views of the water.
Norm's Place is right on the beach. Airbnb
Camping on North Stradbroke Island
Most people come to Straddie to camp. There are six beachfront campgrounds around the island, and two foreshore campgrounds that need a 4WD to access.
Keen to camp but aren't a huge fan of sleeping on the ground? Adder Rock campground will save you. This sprawling beachfront area covered in native pandanus and tea tree forests has everything from unpowered tent sites to family cabins.
Their island eco tents are a great compromise if you want the vibe of camping but the comfort of a real bed.
The eco tents have real beds inside. Minjerribah Camping
How to get to North Stradbroke Island
You can catch a boat to Straddie from Cleveland, which is a 50 minute drive from Brisbane's CBD.
From there, the ferry takes about 25 minutes to get to the island.
If you're bringing a car, you'll need to take the vehicle barge, which takes around 45 minutes.
