North Stradbroke Island – nicknamed Straddie – is a popular getaway due to its proximity to Brisbane in Queensland. It’s a short ferry over from Cleveland, and full of incredible beaches, coastline, and wildlife. It’s also an East Coast island trip you can definitely do without a car! While having your own set of wheels will give you SO much more freedom (particularly with accommodation, camping, and some sights), it’s still possible to visit Straddie using public transport. Here’s my guide for a two-day trip to North Stradbroke Island in Australia without a car!
How to Get to North Stradbroke Island
If you’re traveling from Brisbane, you’ll need to get yourself to Cleveland – this is where the SeaLink ferry departs for Straddie. The nearest airport is Brisbane airport; I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. You can take a train from Brisbane to Cleveland station, and then Bus #258 to the ferry terminal. I drove to the ferry terminal in Cleveland and left my car in the free parking without any issue. Bringing a car over onto Straddie is really pricey (nearly $200 more!), so I chose to go as a foot passenger and use public transportation on the island. The SeaLink ferry only costs about $20 return as a foot passenger! Bus tickets on North Stradbroke Island are $5 one-way or $10 for an unlimited day ticket. You can pay the driver with cash or card. Check the bus timetables here – screenshot it for later!
Where to Stay on North Stradbroke Island
If you don’t have a car, you likely won’t be able to access the beach campsites around the island. If you’re after cheap accommodation, I recommend staying at YHA Manta Lodge in Point Lookout. This hostel has a huge kitchen and common area, and shares the space with the diving center. The staff were super friendly and while my 6-bed dorm room was on the small side, I had everything I needed for my one-night stay. They have private rooms, too. I’d stay here again!
Day 1 on North Stradbroke Island
You’ll arrive on North Stradbroke Island at the ferry terminal in Dunwich. I recommend getting Bus #880 from Dunwich to the last bus stop at Point Lookout (my bus ticket cost $5).
Walk the North Gorge Walk
One of my favorite things on North Stradbroke Island was doing the North Gorge Walk. You can make a quick detour down to see Main Beach, but then head along the boardwalk to enjoy the coastal views. The walk isn’t long or hard. The trail is just over 1 mile, and took me 40 minutes to complete with a LOT of photo stops (including setting up my tripod).
Have Lunch in Point Lookout
There are a few places to eat at Point Lookout. Loaves at the Point is a popular spot – with very affordable avocado on toast! – and treat yourself to Oceanic Gelati afterwards. My ice cream here was perfect on a warm sunny day.
Walk Past Frenchman’s Bay and Deadman’s Beach
Follow the road and footpaths past Frenchman’s Bay, and soak up the beautiful coastal views. This really is a beautiful place to explore! If you’re visiting in the right season, stop at the whale watching platform – you might get lucky and see some gentle giants on their migration up the coast. Then head towards Deadman’s Beach, a gorgeous stretch of sand. Unfortunately, neither Frenchman’s Bay or Deadman’s Beach are noted as safe for swimming. But if you’re just wanting to relax and sunbathe, Deadman’s Beach is a great pick!
Swim at Cylinder Beach
Cylinder Beach is the only place on Straddie that is safe for swimming – they have lifeguards here, always swim between the flags. The beach is really long, so even if there’s a lot of people it won’t feel crowded. I spent a few hours here reading my book and relaxing in the sun; it was total perfection.
Catch the Sunset From Adder Rock
Head back along the beach to Adder Rock (conveniently located just a few minutes away from YHA Manta Lodge). Head over the rocks and settle in for a magnificent show! This is the perfect spot to watch the sunset – I felt so at peace watching the sun drop down below the horizon.
Dinner on Day 1
If you’re staying at YHA Manta Lodge and you don’t have a car, you’ll be a bit limited on food options. There’s a highly recommended Mexican restaurant, Oasis, which is within easy walking distance. There is also a gas station/roadhouse just next door, that does some hot food like burgers, chips, curries, etc. This is what I did for my dinner! You can also bring your own food and cook in the hostel kitchen – the kitchen is massive and has everything you might need.
Day 2 on North Stradbroke Island
Start your day early by taking the bus from YHA Manta Lodge to Amity Point. You’ll need to connect and change buses to get here. I recommend buying a day ticket ($10) for the buses, as you’ll need to take more than one bus!
Spot Koalas and Kangaroos at Cabarita Park
Cabarita Park is one of the best spots for seeing wildlife on Straddie. This was the first place I saw a koala in the wild during my time in Australia! There are some kangaroos around too, but definitely try to spot a koala. There are gorgeous views from the park over the water to Moreton Bay.
Refuel at Bo Beans Coffee
You might want to find some breakfast if you haven’t eaten already. Sealevel 21 is meant to be a good option, but they are only open from lunchtime, and unfortunately it was closed when I visited. Walk through Amity Point and stop at Bo Beans Coffee – they do excellent baked goodies to satisfy your sweet tooth! Bo Beans Coffee is located at Rufus King Seafoods.
Stroll along Minjerribah/Flinders Beach
While it’s easiest to access Minjerribah/Flinders Beach with a car, if you don’t mind a walk you can see the beach on foot. The beach really is massive – I had it pretty much all to myself for the morning! This is one of the popular camping areas (4WD only) on Straddie.
Head to Dunwich for Lunch
Make your way from the beach back into Amity Point, and take the bus to Dunwich. Again, you’ll need to connect and switch buses to get there. Learn about the history of the island at the North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum, and stop for a pint at Straddie Brewing. They have brewery tours on Saturdays, and also do food at the brewery. But there are other options in Dunwich for lunch, including a bakery, cafes, and a pizza place!
If you were really ambitious and are planning on catching a very late ferry, you could maybe walk to Brown Lake. However, it’s a bit of a ways to get to the lake from the bus stop. And a bit tricky to get yourself back to the ferry in time. I’m bummed I missed this, but also just didn’t have the time!
Planning Your Trip to North Stradbroke Island
You can see a lot on North Stradbroke Island without a car! Yes, you’ll be able to see a lot more with your own vehicle, but it’s definitely doable using the buses. Make sure you check the timetable for the buses in advance. There are two ferry companies that go from Cleveland to Dunwich, but SeaLink is the most popular of the two. You don’t need to book your foot passenger ticket in advance (online), but I think you can save $1 if you do. If you’re following this itinerary, and after budget accommodation that isn’t camping, I definitely recommend staying at YHA Manta Lodge. You can search for other accommodation options using the map below!
Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. If you’re after a tour of North Stradbroke Island, check out these options!
Straddie is an awesome destination, and very easily accessible from Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast. You can see incredible beaches and wildlife here! If you’re visiting the area and don’t have a car (or don’t want to pay to take your car on the ferry – I feel you!), use the bus system to get around the island. I hope this post helps planning a two-day adventure to North Stradbroke Island without a car!
Have you been to Straddie – with or without a vehicle?
You might also like my posts:
What to See in the Byron Bay Hinterland
The Best Hikes in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales
A Guide to Jervis Bay, New South Wales
Exploring the Waterfall Way: Bellingen to Wollomombi, New South Wales
How to Get a Work & Holiday Visa (WHV 462) for Australia in 2023
Moving to Oz on a Working Holiday Visa: How to Start Your Life in Australia
Australia Budget: Month 3 (May 2023)
All of my Australia posts!
Like this post? Pin it for later!
