NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND - TOWNSHIPS

 

The first glimpse most visitors get of Stradbroke Island is Dunwich - a small coastal village with a big history.

 

You can explore the past by taking a free self-guided historical walk around Dunwich.  The walk winds its ways past convict relics and graves dating back to shipwrecks in the 1800s.  The Dunwich Cemetery gives visitors a fascinating insight into the island's past.  The self guided walk map is available from the Visitor Information Centre or the Dunwich Museum.

 

The Dunwich Museum on Welsby Street offers an impressive display of photographs, items retrieved from shipwrecks, and information about early tourist ventures and the sand mining industry.  The Museum is open on Wednesday and Saturday from 10am to 2pm.  A small entry fee applies.

 

For a relaxing day out, Dunwich has a lot to offer.  A picnic beneath the massive camphor-laurel trees on the foreshore is an ideal way to spend an afternoon.  There are also several eateries and shops within walking distance from the ferry.

 

Fishing off the jetty and swimming in the safe, salt water enclosure are favourite pastimes among both locals and holiday makers.

 

Myora Springs, 4kms along East Coast Road, is a site with significant aboriginal heritage and well worth a visit for an afternoon swim.  Myora Springs is a pristine source of natural spring water surrounded by a small tropical forest.

 

 

 

For those who like to throw in a line or just relax, Amity Point may be just the place you're looking for.

 

Amity Point has the tranquil atmosphere of a small seaside fishing village. Trawlers still tie up at the jetty to offload the night's catch of fresh prawns, crabs and fish ready for the tables of local restaurants and shops.

 

Anglers, boat owners and families love Amity Point's relaxing atmosphere, sandy beaches, shade and easy access to the glistening waters and fantastic fishing in Moreton Bay. 

 

Friendly pelicans come in close to shore, but care must be taken to avoid getting the large birds tangled in fishing line and tackle.

 

A swimming enclosure offers safe swimming at all times, and the crystal clear water is ideal for snorkelling.

 

At sunset, enjoy the spectacular views of Moreton Bay and the surrounding islands of Peel, Green and Moreton.

 

Amity Point has a range of family and budget accommodation, and a beachfront camping area which runs along the foreshore towards the sand spit. 

 

The local community centre has a great bar and popular restaurant open for lunch and dinner. 

 

Everyday items are available from the local store.

 

Point Lookout is not only the resort centre of Stradbroke, it also boasts outstanding surfing beaches and spectacular seascape views.

 

Situated at the northern tip of the island, Point Lookout is 20km from Dunwich and 19km from Amity Point.  It is also Queensland's most easterly point.

 

The township of Point Lookout is actually a series of beaches and headlands that can be easily explored by foot.  Many enjoy the simple pleasure of walking the stretch of beach between Frenchman's Beach and Main Beach.  The fine, white sand of the beaches is punctuated by rocky outcrops and headlands, some with tidal rockpools.

 

A highlight and a must for all visitors, is the North Gorge Headlands Walk.  The view over the Gorge can only be described as breathtaking.  The rocky outcrops of Point Lookout which overlook the Pacific Ocean are the perfect spots for land-based whale watching.

 

From June to October each year, the majestic humpback whales pass the North Gorge Headland on their annual migration from Antarctica to their calving grounds near the Great Barrier Reef.  While the calves are still quite young, they begin their southern return journey passing close to the coast.

 

You can also spot dolphins, turtles and Manta rays from the North Gorge Headlands all year round.  North Gorge offers a breathtaking seascape and when the tide and sea conditions are right, air whistles through a blowhole just like a spouting whale!

 

The view to the island's southern tip Jumpinpin showcases Main Beach's 32km stretch of wide sand beaches and surf, idea for island-style camping, swimming and fishing.

 

Accommodation at Point Lookout ranges from resorts, houses and holiday units to backpacker hostels, cabins, bed and breakfast and camping grounds.  Most accommodation is within easy walking distance of superb beaches. 

 

There is a range of restaurants and relaxed outdoor cafes and eateries. 

 

Everyday items are available from the chemist, newsagent and convenience stores.