Straddie Day Trip from Brisbane by Public Transport
Want a beach day without a car? North Stradbroke Island, called Minjerribah by its Traditional Owners and Straddie by locals, is an easy day trip from Brisbane by public transport. Here's how to do it on a budget.
Getting there
Train to Cleveland. Plan your trip with the Translink Journey Planner.
Shuttle or bus to Toondah Harbour. The Stradbroke Flyer water taxi runs a free shuttle from Cleveland Station about 10 minutes before departures, and a Transdev bus also connects the station with the ferries (some early and late services aren't covered).
Water taxi or passenger ferry to Dunwich. The crossing is about 25 minutes. The SeaLink vehicle ferry takes 45 to 50 minutes.
Island bus. Buses meet the water taxis and run through Dunwich to Amity Point or Point Lookout. Some very early and late sailings aren't met, so check before you go.
Point Lookout is about 22 km from Dunwich, so most day-trippers take the bus straight there.
What to do at Point Lookout
North Gorge Walk: a 1.5 km boardwalk with views of beaches and the Blow Hole rock formation. It's one of the best land-based spots to see migrating humpback whales (roughly June to November), and dolphins and turtles can be seen year-round.
Beaches: Cylinder Beach is popular for surfing, Main Beach stretches for kilometres, and Flinders Beach is a local favourite.
Amity Point: a relaxed spot for fish and chips at sunset if you have time.
Budget and safety tips
Check ferry timetables and fares with the operators before you travel. Timetables can change without notice.
Swim only between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches.
Bring water, a hat and SPF 50+ sunscreen.
4WD driving on the beaches needs a Vehicle Access Permit, and driving isn't allowed around high tide.
Respect wildlife and Country: take your rubbish with you.
Useful links
Redland City Council: North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)
stradbrokeisland.com: getting here and getting around
Translink Journey Planner
Planning more than a holiday?
If you're also thinking about studying in Australia, browse our course areas or read our Blue Mountains day trip guide for another budget adventure.
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Sources: Redland City Council (redland.qld.gov.au), North Stradbroke Island page; stradbrokeisland.com, Getting Here, Getting Around and passenger water taxi timetable pages. Details checked October 2026 and may change.
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