Getting to Stradbroke Island – and Getting Around
For a holiday that ticks all the right boxes, there's nowhere quite like North Stradbroke Island. Straddie is a natural beauty, and one of Queensland's hidden gems. Not only does it boast a fabulous laidback atmosphere, stunning beaches and plenty to fill your days, it's also just a hop, skip and a jump from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, with easy access by plane, car, train and then ferry. Wherever you're heading from across Australia, you'll find Stradbroke within easy reach.
By Plane
Getting to Stradbroke Island is a breeze by plane. It's just an hour's drive from both the Gold Coast and Brisbane airports to the pretty seaside town of Cleveland. Join the ferry at Cleveland's Toondah Harbour for the short trip across to beautiful Stradbroke Island. You might take a hire car from the airport direct to Cleveland, or you can hop on a bus or train from the airport to Brisbane, and change for another train to the coast.
Train and Bus
Travelling by train? From Brisbane, buy a ticket and head south east to Cleveland Station, where you can board a local bus to the ferry terminal. Cleveland is a charming coastal village, so if you have time before your ferry departure, be sure to take a walk around, or stop for a harbour-side meal.
By Car
If you choose to bring your car, Cleveland is just a 50-minute drive from Brisbane city. You can drive straight onto a vehicle ferry. Both Stradbroke Ferries and the Big Red Cat run vehicle ferries on an almost hourly basis, from 5.30am until 6pm midweek, and 7pm on weekends. Ferries run between Toondah Harbour at Cleveland, and the Dunwich harbour terminal on Straddie. Simply one phone call or one email to Straddie Sales Rentals and we will take care of your ferry booking.
And Water taxi
Stradbroke Island is a leisurely 25-minute water taxi trip from Cleveland. It's a good idea to book beforehand, to ensure you aren't left waiting at the dock, especially in peak season.
As well as the vehicle ferries, for those without a car, Stradbroke Ferries and the Stradbroke Flyer are passenger-only water taxis that run hourly from 4.55am, until 7.25pm each day. They do take a mid-afternoon break, so be sure to check the timetable. You can join both water taxis at Toondah Harbour. Stradbroke Ferries docks at the Dunwich main terminal, and the Flyer heads to One Mile Jetty at Dunwich. Always note which terminal to head to on your return trip.
Getting Around
Once you're on Straddie, getting around is easy. Stradbroke Island Buses runs regular services from Dunwich to Point Lookout, and offers some services to Amity Point. There's just 20km between each of the three main towns on Stradbroke Island. You might also want to consider hiring a bike during your stay.
There's also a local taxi service, which is useful for late night arrivals or departures, or if you're just in a hurry to get to your Straddie holiday house. The number is 0408 193 685.
Useful Websites
So now that you know how easy getting to Stradbroke Island is, why not start perusing your holiday accommodation options. We have plenty of holiday houses suitable for families or couples, and there are even pet-friendly properties. When you're ready to book your travel, pay a visit to the following sites. You can of course try and just hop on the train, bus and ferry, but to ensure there are no delays, pre-booking is always recommended. It also makes it easy for you to time everything perfectly to reach your holiday destination sooner!
Translink coordinates bus, train and ferry services across South East Queensland.