North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)
$The world's second-largest sand island, a ferry ride from the city
Catch a ferry to the world's second-largest sand island for coastal walks, wildlife spotting, and uncrowded beaches. The North Gorge Walk at Point Lookout is a 1.5km boardwalk with near-guaranteed sightings of dolphins, turtles, and kangaroos. Cylinder Beach is the main patrolled swimming beach. Whale watching from the headlands runs June to November. Accessible by public transport (train to Cleveland + 25-minute passenger ferry) or car (vehicle ferry, 50 minutes, bookings essential).
Step by step
From start to finish, what to expect.
Catch an early ferry from Cleveland (SeaLink passenger ferry, 25 min)
Bus or drive to Point Lookout
North Gorge Walk (1.5km boardwalk, easy)
Swim at Cylinder Beach
Lunch at the Point Lookout shops
Explore more beaches or walk the headlands
Catch the afternoon ferry back
Cost breakdown
Estimated per person, in AUD.
How you get there
Your options for the trip.
Public transport
Drive yourself
Local tips
Stuff your mates would tell you.
Catch the first ferry to maximise your time on the island
Passenger ferry tickets are valid for 365 days from purchase, buy online for the best price
If taking a car on the vehicle ferry, book well in advance as it only carries ~25 vehicles per sailing
The island bus meets the ferry schedule, check timetables and plan connections ahead
Whale watching season is June to November, Point Lookout is one of Australia's best land-based spots