North Stradbroke Island: Minjerribah is the most eye-opening island adventure you’ve never heard of

North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) is a hidden island oasis off the coast of Brisbane. Photo / Supplied

With stunning natural features and top-notch hospitality, this Queensland island should be top of your Aussie bucket list, writes Mitchell Hageman

Just a 50-minute ferry ride from Brisbane, the hidden island oasis of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island or “Straddie” as the locals call it) takes all the best bits of Australia and blends them into one.

From its deep-rooted First Nations history to its diverse ecosystems, the island is a treasure trove for authentic local experiences and regionally sourced food. Who knows, you might even witness some unexpected animal encounters!

You're bound to encounter plenty of wildlife on the island. Photo / Supplied

Getting there

Stradbroke Flyer and Sealink both operate 50-odd minute water taxi, passenger, and vehicle ferry services to the island. All depart from Toondah Harbour, Cleveland (on the Brisbane mainland), and go directly to the small port town of Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island.

I took the Sealink car ferry because a vehicle is a handy commodity due to the 275.2 sq km island and, once onboard, enjoyed the incredible coastal vistas from the deck.

A warm welcome

The charming town of Dunwich may be small, but it’s packed with personality. It’s got everything you’d need, like a health centre and a food mart, as well as cool little cafes and craft shops selling authentic Aboriginal art.

One of them is the studio of Quandamooka (the Aboriginal people of Minjerribah) artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, who utilises the natural surroundings of her home to create beautiful works based on the traditional art form of her people.

The studio of Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins. Photo / Mitchell Hageman

Cockatoo-Collins has an impressive resume and an even bigger heart, apparent when we discussed her mission to champion Aboriginal artists and art on the world stage.

When walking the streets, don’t forget to say hi to the other friendly locals, who are always willing to tell you about the island and what makes it so special.

Shack up by the beach

Wanting a place just across from the ocean? Look no further than the Allure Stradbroke Resort. A 20-minute drive from Dunwich, the resort’s self-contained beach shacks are perfect for those who want to soak up the island vibes.

Perfectly situated by the picturesque Cylinder Beach and just shy of the small settlement of Point Lookout, the shacks are walking distance to many dining and shopping options with distinct island flair.

The Allure Stradbroke beach shacks have everything you need for your island adventure. Photo / Supplied

My loft-style unit contained everything I needed and more, including a small fully stocked kitchen and outdoor patio with a BBQ. The resort also has an in-house restaurant where you can get a hearty brunch, plus a pool for when the beach is too rough.

If you’re looking for other great places for a bite (and a brew), don’t miss the Stradbroke Hotel up the road for a fantastic night watching the footy, slamming back a delicious prawn pizza, or even dancing the night away because this place knows how to party after dark.

The tour of a lifetime

In all my years of travelling, I’ve never had a more authentic and enjoyable tour experience than my one with Elisha, the proud Quandamooka woman behind Yura Tours.

Forget the pretentious storytelling and awkward periods of standing around, this was an authentic local adventure of epic proportions from someone who lives and breathes the culture.

Local Quandamooka woman Elisha was one of the best tour guides I've ever met. Photo / Supplied

During the three-hour trek, you’ll traverse the island in one of Elisha’s hulking utes as she shows you the hidden highlights of the island.

We started at the Point Lookout (Berarngutta) walking track, where Elisha explained how her people have lived off the land for generations and picked some plants and herbs for us to try. Any questions, no matter how silly, Elisha answered, and the conversational nature of the tour was a highlight in an unfamiliar territory.

Mitchell Hageman explores Point Lookout. Photo / Mitchell Hageman

After spotting some wild kangaroos and even some beautiful sea turtles, it was time to lunch at the Six Beaches Fish Grill and Bar, a locally owned joint with stellar views of the rugged coast and unbelievably tender grilled snapper. An off-road drive on the seamlessly never-ending Main Beach also saw Elisha run into her brother-in-law, and legendary Aussie bloke collecting black coral for handmade jewellery.

We also spotted a sea eagle perched high on a branch as we made our way to the famous Brown Lake (Bummiera). Described as a “natural day spa,” the melaleuca and tea-tree bushland surrounding the lake has both given it a distinct brown look and blessed it with natural healing properties (think the mud pools in Rotorua-type vibe). Don’t skip rubbing the quartz sand on your hands to feel some of the lake’s revitalising properties.

The Brown Lake is a sight to behold. Photo / Mitchell Hageman

An ancient midden was our last stop, but a surprise interruption became one of the most incredible things I’ve ever witnessed. A koala sat stationary in the middle of the road, blocking our path, initially not looking like it was in a good state. In the pouring rain, Elisha and I wrapped it in a jacket and shepherded it off the road until the island’s animal team came to take it away for assessment.

Rescuing a koala on North Stradbroke Island. Photo / Mitchell Hageman

Sopping wet, but with a full heart and belly, I returned to my shack and reflected on the incredible day. You truly won’t get an experience like you do on Straddie anywhere else in the world, so even if just for a day, make sure you break from the big city and give it a go.

Mitchell Hageman joined the Herald’s entertainment and lifestyle team in 2024. He previously worked as a multimedia journalist for Hawke’s Bay Today.