South Stradbroke Island
Australia’s Gold Coast has got the lot – rainforest, beaches, nightlife – and even tropical islands.
South Stradbroke Island is a beautiful getaway, accessible for the day – or longer stays – via services from Runaway Bay or through self cruising.
North and South Stradbroke Islands extend from the Gold Coast north to Brisbane’s bayside suburbs.
Around 6000 years ago sand around the rocky outcrop known as Point Lookout formed what is now Stradbroke Island. The island separated in the 1800s.
Captain Cook approached within six miles of Point Lookout which he named and believed was part of the mainland.
The island was named Stradbroke in honour of the second son of the Earl of Stradbroke – an aristocratic title truly worthy of this superb natural reserve.
What’s to see?
- More than 20km of open ocean beach with melaleuca wetland and Livistona rainforest.
- Look for 160 bird species or see the agile wallaby or golden swamp wallaby.
- Be dazzled by 35 species of butterflies – even the native bees don’t sting in this island paradise.
There’s camping, resorts, a marina, self-catering accommodation and water taxis provide links from Marina Mirage.
Try sea kayaking or the many sports offered through the resorts – tennis, a sprint track, rock climbing, canoeing, windsurfing, parasailing, surf fishing or pampering.