Australia Travel Tips

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT STRADBROKE ISLAND

November 4, 2019
South Stradbroke Island

1. It’s not accessible by car.

Got a private boat? That works. Don’t have access to your own boat or someone else’s? A charter boat works too. A water taxi is available as well, although we’ve heard that it’s quite pricey to take. We decided on taking the ferry to South Stradbroke island because it took us right up to the reception desk of the resort that we stayed at which took about 35 minutes.

South Stradbroke Island

2. There are three campgrounds and one resort for accommodation.

We stayed at the Couran Cove Island Resort during our time on the island, but also found our way to Tipplers where there was a lovely café and beautiful campground next to the water.

South Stradbroke Island

3. There are more wallabies than people.

Is this a fact? I’m not entirely sure…but I can say that it seriously felt like that! (which was super cool)

I was amazed at how many wallabies were just out in the open. Even Matt said that he had hardly ever seen so many friendly wallabies in his lifetime. Maybe it was just a slow season for the island and there just weren’t many people out and about, but I’m convinced that more wallabies are on that island than people. Pretty freaking cool if you ask me.

4. Outdoor excursions await you on the island.

Want to drive your own 4WD Buggy? You can book a tour that takes you through the bush, down the magnificent sand dunes, and onto the beautiful beach. Other optional outdoor expeditions include segway rentals, bike rentals, and kayak and SUP rentals if you’re staying at the resort.

South Stradbroke Island

5. Be prepared!

Facilities are limited on the island so make sure to pack everything you need. Need help with a list of things to bring? We can help with that! There isn’t a pharmacy or doctor on the island so bring a first-aid kit and any prescription medication that may be needed. There are also a few places to eat and drink on the island, but I would suggest bringing snacks just in case…don’t end up like us where we went two for two with places being closed when they were listed as open online!

6 Shares
  • Reply
    Jackie S.
    February 27, 2020 at 4:04 pm

    Stradbroke Island sounds like my kind of place! You caught my attention with the friendly wallabies. I love Australian wildlife and have planned trips just to see wildlife (such as quokkas on Rottnest Island). Would love to see the wallabies in person. I would also love exploring the sand dunes and outdoor activities.

    • Reply
      Cherrod and Matt
      February 28, 2020 at 6:12 am

      Hi Jackie, Cherrod here. Stradbroke Island is so full of wildlife! I also absolutely adore quokkas. What were your thoughts on Rottnest Island? Is it a must-see if we visit Perth?

      • Reply
        Jackie S.
        February 28, 2020 at 2:31 pm

        We love Perth and Rottnest Island. Rottenest Island is a fabulous day trip or weekend spot. The beaches and water are jaw-droppingly gorgeous and clean. The quokkas are so adorable too!

  • Reply
    Iuliana Marchian
    February 27, 2020 at 8:00 pm

    I would love to visit Stradbroke Island. Not being accessible by car and having campgrounds is a fairytale for me. I usually prefer to stay in campgrounds in the middle of nature and save some money this way.

    • Reply
      Cherrod and Matt
      February 28, 2020 at 6:14 am

      You sound like us! haha This was a special occasion weekend for us, and we ended up staying at the resort BUT we definitely want to go back for some camping. 🙂

  • Reply
    Sara
    February 28, 2020 at 12:00 am

    Stradbroke Island looks like it could be a movie setting. I really like the idea of going somewhere that’s not accessible by car. Good tip as well regarding being prepared – for an island like this you’d probably need to research in advance to ensure you know when things will be open, what the island has and if you need to bring any additional supplied for the trip.

    • Reply
      Cherrod and Matt
      February 28, 2020 at 6:16 am

      And this is why we wrote this post! So that others can be prepared, when we definitely were not. 🙂

  • Reply
    Namita
    February 28, 2020 at 11:14 pm

    You had me at more wallabies than people! That has to a great enough reason in itself to visit this island. And a tour through the sand dunes and onto the beach would make for some great memories. Had no idea about this island. Thank you for your tips!

    • Reply
      Cherrod and Matt
      March 25, 2020 at 7:54 am

      You are very welcome Namita. 🙂

  • Reply
    April
    March 2, 2020 at 5:16 pm

    This sounds so cool I will try to put this in our lists for Australia my son enjoy animals and as you mentioned above that more of this kind animal live here than people. How long it takes you to get here by boat?

    • Reply
      Cherrod and Matt
      March 25, 2020 at 7:54 am

      About 30-40 minutes I would say.

  • Reply
    Mike
    March 17, 2020 at 9:24 am

    We really want to visit Australia but there is so much to see there. We could spent a full month there and not see everything.

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