Red rock of discovery.
With an emerald fringe of lush bushland, Coochiemudlo, which means ‘red rock’, lies quietly in Moreton Bay, just a ten-minute passenger ferry ride from Victoria Point. Often affectionately called ‘Coochie’ by locals, this small, sub-tropical island is primarily residential but also boasts lush bushland, rich natural habitats, and abundant wildlife.
Migratory birds, dolphins, dugongs, and the fascinating sight of soldier crabs marching across the sand at low tide are just some of the island's natural highlights.
Coochie’s tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views have inspired many local artists, and visitors can browse a variety of arts and crafts at the island’s markets.
Pioneer Park, located just to the right of the jetty, is a delightful coastal playground with nature-themed elements, climbing frames, slides, and a tower perfect for little adventurers. Picnic tables, electric barbecues, and toilet facilities are available in the park, offering a peaceful spot to relax while enjoying the surrounding beauty.
With the island covering just 5 square kilometers, there's no need for cars – simply pack your swimmers and a picnic or visit the island store for food. Stroll to one of the island’s three beaches: Main, Morwong, or Norfolk.
Main Beach, where the ferry docks, offers calm, shallow waters ideal for children to swim, while the island's coastline provides plenty of opportunities for fishing and exploration. For land-based activities, visitors can enjoy a round of golf at the nine-hole Isle of Coochie Golf Course.
A highlight for Coochie and popular with visitors is the island community’s re-enactment of Matthew Flinders’ landing in July each year. Entertainment, markets and music are all part of the free event.
Coochie offers a range of accommodation options, including holiday homes, cottages and a resort.
Getting around
- Amity Trader: A water taxi and vehicular ferry run regularly between the island and Victoria Point; telephone +61 7 3820 6557.
- Train: The closest railway station is Cleveland, which is located at the end of the Cleveland line.
- Vehicle: Victoria Point is a 50 minute drive from the Brisbane CBD; 40 minute drive from Brisbane airport.
- Bike: On and off road recreational cycle ways run throughout.
- Bus: Transdev operates regular mainland bus services to Victoria Point.
A collage of sunshine, sand, surf and Quandamooka culture.
As the world’s second largest sand island, North Stradbroke Island – traditionally known as Minjerribah – offers a unique island getaway for all ages and budgets.
Ideal for day trips, weekend visits and longer stays 'Straddie' as the locals call it, has a range of accommodation options from camping and glamping to hostel, hotel, holiday homes and resort options.
The exciting range of adventures and discoveries awaiting you among the golden beaches, crystal clear ocean waters and natural, freshwater lakes include whale watching, 4WD tours, sandboarding, surfing, diving, snorkelling, golf, cultural activities and so much more.
Take in a game of barefoot bowls, go wildlife spotting, pack a picnic, browse the local markets, take a scenic walk, try your hand at beach fishing, or grab a 4WD permit and explore unspoiled beaches at your chosen pace.
Minjerribah also abounds with Quandamooka cultural activities and experiences, including talks, tours, art galleries and festivals.
With pristine beaches, beautiful scenery and picture-perfect backdrops, Straddie is an ideal location for special occasions and weddings.
There are a number of cafes and restaurants scattered across the island. Groceries and fresh produce can be purchased from general stores in each of island’s townships as well as fuel.
Passenger ferries and vehicle barges regularly depart Toondah Harbour, Cleveland for Dunwich, Minjerribah. The passenger ferry is about a 25-minute ride with the choice of two ferry operators. The vehicle barge is about a 45-minute trip.
The island townships of Dunwich, Amity and Point Lookout are connected by sealed roads. Check with hire car companies to ensure vehicles can be taken to the island.
There is a public bus service on the island that operates between the passenger ferries in Dunwich for transfers to and from Point Lookout and Amity Point.
North Stradbroke Island has kilometres of sandy beaches you can drive on. For off-road beach adventures, 4WD permits can be purchased through Minjerribah Camping. Permits are required for driving in designated areas on the island.
More information on travel to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).
For those who love the outdoors, there is an abundance of experiences awaiting your discovery on Minjerribah. Surf some of the best beaches in Australia, snorkel and dive with Manta Rays, enjoy land-based whale watching, go 4wding, spot for koalas, browse art galleries and museums, bush walk to a freshwater lake or hire a scooter and explore the island at your leisure. There are endless opportunities to relax, discover and have fun on North Stradbroke Island.
Immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle and stay a little longer. Minjerribah is lucky to have unique camping and glamping experiences as well as resorts, apartments, cottages, a hostel and an abundance of holiday homes where the welcome mat is always out. With balmy afternoon coastal breezes in summer or a cosy fire in winter on offer, whenever you decide to visit Minjerribah there is a special getaway waiting just for you.
There are a number of pet friendly accommodation options available from camping and cottages to holiday homes.
On North Stradbroke Islands north-eastern tip are some of the best views for whale watching in Australia.
Take the 1.2km Gorge Walk for stunning surf, beach and sea panoramas and watch the sea spurt high through Straddie’s renowned blowhole.
The North Gorge Walk offers the finest vantage points on the island for spotting dolphins and turtles all year round and the migrating humpback whales as they pass by from May to November each year.
The unspoiled natural environment includes 30kms of pristine surf beach and towering, rocky headlands at Main Beach, hidden rock pools at Deadman's Beach, safe swimming and white sandy beach at Cylinder and hidden caves at the end of Frenchman's Beach.
Enjoy safe swimming at Main and Cylinder Beach where they are patrolled. One of the world's top dive sites,with an artifiial reef and Manta Bommie - access only with Manta Lodge and Scuba Centre is a must do. Afterwards a multitude of dining options and boutique stores await featuring resort wear and gifts, Sunday markets.
The white sand dunes near Point Lookout are perfect for sand boarding – a favourite activity among visitors and locals alike.
With a range of accommodation options, from camping and backpacker to luxury units and holiday homes, Point Lookout is ideal for a short stay or an extended, sub-tropical island escape.
On the island side of the bay a trip to North Stradbroke Island by passenger ferry begins and ends at Dunwich – a small, relaxed and friendly town steeped in history and culture.
Follow the heritage trail and visit the sites of a former leper colony, Dunwich Benevolent Asylum and old military sites.
North Stradbroke Island Museum on Minjerribah is a particular highlight and local artists galleries.
Housed in a combination of both original and replica Benevolent Asylum buildings, the museum documents the island’s social history from Aboriginal traditions to early colonial history, shipwrecks, the island’s sand mining story and more.
Enjoy swimming at the local swimming enclosure and a short trip up to Brown Lake and enjoy the nurturing effects of the native tea trees that give the lake its brown colour and hence its name, then relax at the Little Ship Club over a drink and meal.
Discover the history of the Noonuccal people at the Terra Bulla Leaumeah Reserve with a guided tour with the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-In-Council Aboriginal Coproration . Afterwards delight in the Aboriginal artwork at the Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Art Gallery.
Dunwich is Straddie’s main service centre and offers waterfront camping grounds at Adams Beach and Bradburys Beach,other accommodation options are also available.
Indulge in some of South-East Queensland’s finest fresh seafood as you watch the sunset over Redlands Coast mainland while enjoying stunning views across the bay to Moreton, Peel and Green islands.
Located on the island’s north-west coast, Amity Point (Pulan) exudes a laid back, fishing village charm that draws people who love the calmness of the outdoors.
Take your romantic getaway or relaxed holiday to this quaint village and enjoy boating, angling and spot a koala or two.
Watch dolphins at play and sometimes dugongs from the landmark jetty and swim in the safe and protected coastal swimming enclosure.
The smallest of North Stradbroke Island's (Minjerribah) three residential communities, Amity Point offers a range of accommodation from camping and other budget accommodation to holiday homes, and a general store and the Amity Point Community Club with licenced bar and bistro.
Other supplies are available from Dunwich (Goompie) – 17km away, while Point Lookout (Mulumba) boutique shopping and dining options are just 14km away.
