If you haven’t been over to Stradbroke Island in a while, you don’t know what you’re missing. It promises stellar fishing, cracker camping, and beautiful beach views second to none – especially at sunrise.
First thing is first though, you have to get a few things sorted before you depart.
If you’re camping on the beach or at one of the caravan parks, book your spot or camping permits with Minjerribah Camping. You may need to do a bit of beach driving to get to your site, so you’ll need beach driving permits for that too.
Finally you’ll need to book your ferry over, and SeaLink can help you do just that.
Departing from Cleveland, only 45 minutes from Brisbane and just over an hour from the Gold Coast.
The vehicle ferry then takes you cross in under 45 minutes. As an added bonus, come winter SeaLink have a ripper deal whereby you get 50 per cent off your fare if you’re in a motorhome or you’re towing a caravan or camper trailer so it’s well worth the visit.
NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND
North Stradbroke Island is the world’s second largest sand island at almost 40 kilometres long and over 10 kilometres wide.
There are cafes, shops and restaurants on the island but if you’re beach camping on Main Beach, you’ll need to be pretty self-sufficient.
The ferry will take you to Dunwich and to then access the Main Beach camping area which is on the south-eastern side, you can take Martin Way cutting across the middle of the island. If this road is closed for any reason, you can travel up to the northern most tip of the island, and access the beach along East Coast Road, then simply drive south along the beach.
BEACH DRIVING
As mentioned you will need to organise a beach driving permit which can be done so here.
There are also some very important rules to follow once you’re on the beach. Tyre pressure should be let down we recommend to about 22 to start with, potentially more if the sand is soft.
You should not be driving on the beach two hours either side of high tide so we cannot emphasis enough how important it is to check and know your tide times before you set foot… or wheel… on the sand.
CAMPING
Pets are allowed on North Stradbroke Island, and to Main Beach camp grounds, but they must be on a leash at all times.
You’re also allowed a fire, although it does need to be for cooking.
Of course, anything you have with you, fishing gear, rubbish, and the like please take away. Leave the area as you found it.
All the gear from Scott and Sammy’s winter camping set up can be found here:
- Wanderer Gazebo
- Sand Pegs
- XTM Double Swag
- Wanderer Tourer Extreme Super Wide Swag Stretcher
- Lifetime Blow Mould Folding Table
- Camping Chairs
FISHING
The winter months are ideal for your Tailor and Dart. The lures used on this trip can be found here:
So what are you waiting for? Get yourself over to North Stradbroke Island for a winter camping trip of your very own. You’ll find everything you need and more at your local BCF and at bcf.com.au
