14 June 2024
8 mins Read
An unspoiled Queensland treasure just 30 kilometres east of Brisbane, Straddie, also known as Minjerribah to its traditional owners, is a rite of passage among Sunshine State campers. Stalking soldier crabs, catching yabbies and falling asleep salty and sun-kissed are what beach holidays are made of. For the more adventurous, surfing frothy idyllic waves and sandboarding in Dunwich, the gateway township to the island, also beckon. Here, we’ve crafted a guide to help you experience everything North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) camping has to offer, and best of all, it’s all entirely affordable.
Raided the aisles of Anaconda and ready to lock in your location? It’s wise to tick off a bit of location-specific housekeeping ahead of your North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) camping adventure.
Firstly, there are five main beachfront campsites to choose from across the 275 square-kilometre sand island and each of them are managed by Minjerribah Camping. A sixth campsite at Adam’s Beach, located very close to the island’s ferry terminal (more on the ferry situation soon), was also up and running but it’s currently closed.
A 4WD gives you access to remote camping locations like Flinders Beach.
If you’re camping with your 4WD, it’s a different story as there are literally hundreds of sites (also managed by Minjerribah Camping) scattered across Flinders Beach and Main Beach. But most visitors stick to the main, amenity-fitted campsites to scratch that outdoor adventuring itch in comfort.
Take advantage of your location and cast a line at Main Beach.
Because it’s an island, you’ll also need to lock down ferry tickets prior to departure. Passenger ferries and vehicle ferries run on limited schedules so don’t leave before booking what you require. All vehicles are transported from Toondah Harbour at Emmett Drive in Cleveland (a 45-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD) via SeaLink’s North Stradbroke Island Ferry, who also run a passenger ferry. The vehicle ferry takes about 50 minutes while the passenger ferry takes 25 minutes and connects with local bus services. Check the website in advance for all scheduling and pricing.
The beach at Adder Rock is sheltered for the most part. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
There’s also Stradbroke Flyer, a second company that takes visitors to the island via passenger ferries. Their ferries depart from the end of Middle Street in Cleveland. Check their website for up-to-date scheduling and pricing.
If you’re planning to beach camp with your 4WD, you’ll also need to purchase a Vehicle Access Permit through Minjerribah Camping before you go. Click here for all the details. Additionally, it’s worth noting that walking to these beach camping spots isn’t recommended. The access roads are long and you’ll have to carry all your gear the entire way.
Finally, an important note for fur parents. You can bring your four-legged friend with you, noting that there are two off-leash areas on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah): Home Beach and Dunwich Skate Park at Ron Stark Oval.
Pets are welcome but there are only two off-leash areas on the island.
Price: From about $49 per night for an unpowered site.
Families, this is your spot. Set against calm Moreton Bay waters, Amity Point is a dream for keeping little ones busy as you kick your feet up. If they’re not splashing at your feet, they’ll be keeping their eyes peeled for pelicans, koalas and dolphins, all of which frequent the site.
Keep your eyes peeled for koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
It’s also a top spot to drop a line and just a short drive to the island’s surf beaches. A cafe and convenience store (where you can also fill up on fuel) are also located nearby and the campsite is suitable for tents, campers and caravans. Glamping tents, cabins and a three-bedroom house are also up for grabs if you book early enough.
Find the perfect spot to camp by the beach.
Amenities: Toilets, hot showers, a coin-operated laundry, an undercover barbecue area and good mobile coverage.
Price: From about $49 per night for an unpowered site.
Soft sand relaxation comes on tap at Adder Rock, located in Point Lookout which is home to some of the island’s most stunning northern beaches. It’s a beautiful spot to swim safely and dabble in some whale watching if the timing’s right, as the beach is sheltered for the most part.
The views of the island from Point Lookout are breathtaking. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Expect crowds who choose this site due to its natural beauty (rocky headlands create serious drama) and proximity to the local bowls club, eateries and a service station.
Adder Rock offers good swells to surf. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Adder Rock is suitable for tents, camper trailers and caravans, plus there are cabins and glamping tents to snap up.
There are glamping tents to book for an elevated camping experience.
Amenities: Toilets, hot showers, a coin-operated laundry, several undercover barbecue areas and some mobile coverage.
Price: From about $59 per night for an unpowered site.
If you’re in town to chase waves, Cylinder Beach has your name all over it. A picture-perfect cove located between the Cylinder Beach and Home Beach headlands, the hot spot is patrolled by lifeguards so it’s also ideal for swimming.
Cylinder Beach is a patrolled beach that is ideal for swimming. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Once you’ve scored your beach fix, wander down to the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel for a great pub feed and sundowners, or any one of the nearby restaurants. The campsite is good for tents, camper trailers and caravans, plus there’s glamping tents and a three-bedroom house to seize.
The nearby campsite is a good spot to set up for a night or more.
Amenities: Toilets, hot showers, a coin-operated laundry and some mobile coverage.
Price: From about $49 per night for an unpowered site.
A simple yet ultra-lush spot to experience North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) camping, Home Beach is a quiet choice that welcomes tents, camper trailers and caravans. It’s perfect for a whole lot of nothing as the beach is unpatrolled and the nearby attractions are scarce, so brace yourself for a serious switch off. If you’re looking for action at any stage, there is a local bowls club and some eateries to visit.
Amenities: Toilets, hot showers, a coin-operated laundry, several undercover barbecue areas and good mobile coverage.
Price: From about $69 per night for a powered site.
Go for Bradbury’s Beach if you want to stick close to the ferry terminal as well as the surrounding Dunwich action. It’s a cosy but atmospheric campsite filled with 21 powered van sites and six glamping tents but the real drawcard here is the plethora of water activities to enjoy.
Bradbury’s Beach offers six glamping tents and waterfront views.
Boaties will take advantage of its proximity to One Mile Jetty while kayaking and fishing are also popular. It’s low-key and offers everything a sleepy beach holiday should.
Slip into one of the spacious glamping tents.
Amenities: Toilets, hot showers, a coin-operated laundry, an undercover barbecue area and good mobile coverage.
Price: From about $22 per night for an unpowered site.
North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) camping doesn’t get more beautifully basic than this. Set up shop within the sand dunes at Flinders Beach in Point Lookout where 12 beachfront camping spots (and hundreds of individual sites) are only accessible by 4WD vehicles.
Make Flinders Beach your camping base.
The eight-kilometre stretch between Amity Point and Adder Rock Headland is home to stunning sand bars and excellent surfing conditions. If you can manage without a few creature comforts, the serenity is worth it.
Drive your 4WD along the pristine white-sand beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Amenities: Some have composting toilets, there’s a toilet waste dump point at Area H (check the website for location details) and there’s some mobile coverage.
Price: From about $19 per night for an unpowered site.
One for the extreme 4WD campers. Hitting any one of the 11 beachfront camping areas (and 300 individual sites) at Main Beach will provide a sensational setting but you’ve got to be really prepared to rough it.
Set up at one of the 11 beachfront camping areas at Main Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Located on the eastern side of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), the 38-kilometre east-facing stretch is an epic spot to beach fish. Plus, there’s a patrolled swimming area to dip into between long sessions of uninterrupted Mother Nature marvelling.
Head to Main Beach for a refreshing morning dip. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Amenities: None. There’s no mobile coverage and the nearest showers and toilets can only be found at Adder Rock.
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