Coastal Island Safaris Queensland Australia

North Stradbroke Island, the second largest sand island in the world, lies within easy reach of tourists visiting Brisbane and the coast. It offers Coral Sea beaches of pristine white sand, wildlife and rich forests, wetlands and spring fed lakes. Coastal Island Safaris, based on the Gold Coast, run a day tour of the island.

Guests are picked up in air conditioned Toyota Landcruiser. Experienced guides are able to look after guests from many non-English speaking countries and give informative commentary on route to Redland Bay to meet the island’s ferry.

After leaving Cleveland, as the ferry crosses Moreton Bay, spot whales in season, dugongs and dolphins, pelicans and sea eagles. Morning tea is served on the ferry.

After arrival at Dunwich, the exciting four wheel drive component of the tour is exhilarating but safe, and the first sand track drive ends with guests enjoying a sweeping panorama of the coastal islands, distant Brisbane, the hinterlands and border mountains.

The tour visits spring-fed lakes, teaming with bird life. Via 18 Mile Swamp, a gorgeous wetland of water lilies, to Main Beach, 24 kilometres of unspoilt white sand – a prime whale-watching spot in June-July and October-November each year.

A popular stop near Point Lookout is the North Gorge Walk, a maintained track through native flora, filled with birdsong, to a rocky outcrop with views far out to sea, and south to New South Wales.

Next stop is Flinder’s Beach, to spend a relaxed hour and a half fishing (all equipment and bait provided), swimming or simply lunching. Lunch is a barbecue feast after which, guests are driven through a forest of Cyprus Pines to the bitumen road. The pleasant drive home winds past a tree-sheltered cove where local boats anchor, to meet the ferry at Dunwich for the return crossing.

Touring Options

Stradbroke Tour from Brisbane

Visit spring-fed lakes, teaming with bird life. Via 18 Mile Swamp, a gorgeous wetland of water lilies, to Main Beach, a prime whale-watching spot in June-July and October-November each year.

Stop near Point Lookout at the North Gorge Walk, a maintained track through native flora, filled with birdsong, to a rocky outcrop with views far out to sea.

Next stop is Flinder’s Beach, for some fishing, swimming or simply enjoy the barbecue feast for lunch. The pleasant drive home winds past a tree-sheltered cove where local boats anchor, to meet the ferry at Dunwich for the return crossing.

Stradbroke Tour from Cleveland

Visit spring-fed lakes, teaming with bird life. Via 18 Mile Swamp, a gorgeous wetland of water lilies, to Main Beach, a prime whale-watching spot in June-July and October-November each year.

Stop near Point Lookout at the North Gorge Walk, a maintained track through native flora, filled with birdsong, to a rocky outcrop with views far out to sea.

Next stop is Flinder’s Beach, for some fishing, swimming or simply enjoy the barbecue feast for lunch. The pleasant drive home winds past a tree-sheltered cove where local boats anchor, to meet the ferry at Dunwich for the return crossing.

Stradbroke Tour from Dunwich

Visit spring-fed lakes, teaming with bird life. Via 18 Mile Swamp, a gorgeous wetland of water lilies, to Main Beach, a prime whale-watching spot in June-July and October-November each year.

Stop near Point Lookout at the North Gorge Walk, a maintained track through native flora, filled with birdsong, to a rocky outcrop with views far out to sea.

Next stop is Flinder’s Beach, for some fishing, swimming or simply enjoy the barbecue feast for lunch. The pleasant drive home winds past a tree-sheltered cove where local boats anchor, to meet the ferry at Dunwich for the return crossing.

Website: www.coastalislandsafaris.com