Stradbroke Island for a Boy’s Own Adventure
If you're looking for a laidback destination to head to with the lads, look no further than stunning Stradbroke Island. Whether you're planning to surf your days away, get active with a 4WD adventure, or even try your hand at big game fishing, this is the perfect spot. Straddie, as it's known here, is also easily accessible, and with a wide range of quality and well-priced holiday rentals, it's a great alternative for small groups looking for a destination that won't break the bank.
Getting Here
Getting to Stradbroke Island is easy. It's just a 50-minute drive or train trip from Brisbane, and within an hour of both the Gold Coast and Brisbane International Airports by car. Both passenger and vehicle ferries run between the coastal village of Cleveland, and Dunwich, Straddie's gateway town.
Heading to the Beach
Stradbroke Island is a surfer's paradise. It boasts fantastic surf beaches, known the world over, which can be found at Point Lookout, and along the east coast of the island. Bring your board and you'll find great breaks at Cylinders Beach and Main Beach. Visit in October for the Straddie Assault surfing competition. If you're looking for other aquatic activities, there's plenty in store. Straddie boasts great snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming and kayaking.
The west coast is dotted with gentle bays so there are plenty of great spots to cast a line. Looking for fishing of a higher order? Then why not charter a boat or join a game fishing trip.
Active Adventures
Away from the water, there are a variety of active adventures. If you haven't brought your 4WD, it's easy to join a 4WD eco tour, which will take you across the island and through the interior. Here you'll find a protected wetlands area of lakes, lagoons and abundant wildlife. There are quite a few bushwalking trails and cycling tracks. Take your pick and get ready for a breath of fresh air and some truly incredible scenery.
Love your greens? Then hire some clubs and enjoy a few rounds at Stradbroke Island Golf Club in Dunwich. Enjoy a beer and game of lawn bowls at the Bowling Club at Point Lookout. Or for something different, try an Indigenous cultural tour. You can learn to throw a boomerang (or try to), or take a bush tucker tour and enjoy watching your mates tasting grubs!
Beers and Barbecues
Of course, no lad's holiday is worth its salt without a good barbecue. Plenty of Stradbroke rentals provide a BBQ just waiting to be fired up. Cook up your catch of the day, or if you've had no luck, head to the seafood store at Amity for the freshest local seafood. Then grab a beer and relax as the sun sets on another amazing day.
If you're looking to head out, there are several restaurants, cafes and takeaways dotted around the island. Why not enjoy a drink overlooking the wide, blue Pacific Ocean.
Where to Stay
Stradbroke holiday accommodation comes in all shapes or sizes with cottages, apartments and plenty of great waterfront options where you can swim from your own front yard. Simply choose the location you want, number of rooms, BBQ (of course) and you're ready to go.
So if you're looking for a holiday that's within easy reach, that's both laidback and adventurous, and ideal for a few mates, then don't hesitate in checking out our wide range of holiday rentals. Stradbroke Island may not get the lion's share of attention amongst Queensland's large number of islands, but that just helps keep it the relaxed, friendly and un-crowded destination that it is.