A few things to do while you're on the island:
Spotting Stradbroke Island Wildlife.
Dolphin spotting tips:
Be patient and scan the water.
Here are a few places we often see dolphins -
- The North Gorge Walk - especially on the 2 rocky look outs and the view over Main Beach.
- Point Lookout - across from the shops is a little grassy patch with benches where people like to sit and eat their gelati and fish and chips and spot dolphins.
- Early morning walks around the headland are good times to spot dolphins too!
- Amity Point Jetty - If you have a car, a good time to spot a few dolphins up close is at dusk. We've only done it once and some dolphins popped up right next to the jetty.
(Tip: Lather yourself in insect repellent if you go here. I got eaten alive by sandflies. Also, don't jump in to swim with them... there are sharks here and some one was taken by a shark at Amity Point.)
Seal spotting tips:
You might spot the island seal at Main Beach. He hangs around the rocks near the Surf Life Saving Club.
Other Wildlife:
You might also spot turtles and manta rays, koalas and kangaroos. I've never seen a shark - but I've heard of sightings.
Swimming:
Please be careful and swim at the patrolled beaches.
And pleeaase don't swim at dusk/after 5!
There are sharks around the island and dolphins, seals, sting rays and other wild animals.
Please don't die at our wedding.
Cylinder Beach - A more sheltered beach and a good one to take little ones. This is our favourite swimming beach.
Main Beach - Depending on the wind Main beach can be a bit rough or super calm. It's a good beach for a surf/boogie board.
Nice walks:
North Gorge Walk - A beautiful walk around the headland where you can spot beautiful views, dolphins and other marine life. Access to the Gorge Walk is on Moloomba Rd at Point Lookout, opposite Fishes Cafe and the Oceanic Gelati Shop. The walk is easy-medium hard and includes boardwalks, but also a few lots of stairs. Definitely tricky for a stroller, so carry your baby in a harness!
Main Beach - A really amazing long beach for looooong walks on the beach.
For a big walk, you can start walking at Home Beach and follow the beach trails all the way around the island up to Frenchman's beach. The stairs at Frenchman's Beach are a killer!!!!!
Beach Yoga:
Starts 6.30am and 7am in Summer.
Look for the beach yoga board at the entrance to Home Beach or contact Linda on 0409 538 972 for more info.
Brown Lake:
If you have a car visit the Brown Lake for some sightseeing and a swim. It gets its brown colour from the tea trees that surround the lake.
Oceanic Gelato:
19 Mooloomba Rd, Point Lookout.
So delicious! There will be a long line in summer. Pick weird gelati times if you don't want to wait.
Or wait... it's worth it!