POINT
LOOKOUT attracts
the bulk of the tourist visitors. Situated on Queenslands
most easterly point, it is a memorable place with white
sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, some of the best
surf and diving spots in Australia and a beautiful coast
line. With a Hotel, Bowls Club, Masonic Lodge, numerous
restaurants and shops, it is a small beach town metropolis.
The
views from the North Gorge Headlands walk is stunning, and
the perfect spot for seeing Dolphins, Whales, Turtles and
manta rays. There are 6 main beaches at Point Lookout, Main
Beach which is 32 km of pure white sand, Frenchman's beach,
a secluded cove that 4WD cannot get to Deadman's Beach,
a popular swimming spot, Cylinder Cove one of the most popular
beaches on the Island, Home beach and Flinders Beach which
runs all the way to Amity Point. The Point turns into a
hub of activity in holiday seasons when people of all ages
arrive to experience the beauty of the Island.
MAIN BEACH
is one of two beaches on the island that will allow your
pets. And with 32 km of white beach, it is the perfect place
to watch you furry friend run and play to their hearts content.
Redland Shire Council allows camping from the causeway south
to Jumpinpin. Kangaroos are a common sight feeding on the
spinafex grass on the frontal dunes. Sea Eagles are frequently
spotted by Islanders and Tourists alike when driving to
Jumpinpin. For those who like to fish, there is usually
a plentiful supply of Eugaries for those who haven't yet
mastered the art of catching worms.
FRENCHMANS BEACH
is a secluded spot tucked in between the North Gorge and
Deadman's Beach. There is no 4WD access to this beach. Sand
worming is very successful on this stretch, and if you go
down early enough in the morning you will see the die hard
fishers collecting their worms which can be up to 2 metres
long. It is a great place to go for a run, lie around in
the sun, or go for a surf and take advantage of the great
waves frequently seen at this spot. The views from the cliff
top above this beach are spectacular. From June to October
the Hump Back Whales can be seen on their migration from
the Antarctic to the Northern spawning grounds.
DEADMANS BEACH
is a secluded spot, nestled between Cylinder and Frenchmans
Beach. A great place to go swimming, or go for a run. There
are rock pools at either end of the beach to explore and
the rocks are a popular place for fishermen. Deadmans Beach
is not manned by Life guards and is a quiet place to lie
in the sun or just do your own thing. Dolphin Real Estate
recently sold a small 2 bedroom cottage on the beach front
here for $970 000.
CYLINDER BEACH
is where Matthew Flinders landed to replenish water supplies
in 1803. This Beach derived its name from 1932 as an embarkation
point for the supply of gas cylinders for the Point Lookout
lighthouse. Cylinder Cove is one of the prettiest beaches
that you will find anywhere in the world, and one of the
most popular on the Island. It is extremely sheltered, so
perfect for swimming. It is vehicle free and regularly patrolled
by the Surf Lifesavers. The water is so clear that you see
the tiny fish riding the waves in. The sea eagles fly over
head, their nests being in the trees surrounding the pure
white sand. This is a popular family swimming spot, and
is handy to all restaurants and the hotel. A council controlled
camping area with a resident ranger is located on the edge
the water.
HOME BEACH
is a short white sandy beach facing North. It is vehicle
free except for the permitted use by some commercial fishermen.
Home Beach is ideal fro swimming, sunbathing and picnicking.
With so many isolated beaches on the Island, one can wonder
where all of the visitors have gone to!
DUNWICH
is
the first stop on North Stradbroke Island where all of the
vehicular and passenger ferries land. It is the oldest township
with a long and interesting history. There are many significant
Australian Aboriginal sites in and around the township of
Dunwich. There is fishing of the jetty, swimming on the
calms water beaches, or in the beautiful lakes, Blue and
Brown Lake - Brown Lake so called because of all of the
tea trees that line the edge of the water and drop their
leaves into the water.
There is also the Beautiful Myora Springs, a pure source
of natural spring water surrounded by tropical forest. North
Stradbroke Island Historical Museum is situated in Dunwich,
and offers a great insight into early settlement of the
Island from around 1850. There are a number of shops in
the township, including a cafe, bottle shop, art galleries,
a bakery famous for its pies, chemist etc. There is also
the well known little ships club with great calm water anchorage,
the RSL club and Sports Club. Views from Rainbow Crescent
and Illawarra Street are some of the best views to be found
in the world, looking out over Moreton Bay, the Islands,
towards the NSW Mountains and in the other direction, the
Glasshouse Mountains of the Sunshine Coast, not to mention,
directly to Brisbane.
AMITY POINT is
a quaint sleepy fishing village is fast becoming a large
holiday attraction of its own, with great moorings for boats
and calm white beaches, as well as great protected
swimming areas for the children.
With a council owned camping area, cabins and holiday homes
Amity Point offers a range of choices for holiday goers.
Snorkelling is a great way to enjoy Amities clear waters
teeming with marine life. Dolphins and Turtles and numerous
Pelicans are a common site along Amities foreshores.
Trawlers arrive regularly at Amities jetty to offload the
evenings catch. Fresh seafood abounds in the fish shops
scattered through the township.
FLINDERS BEACH
is one of only two beaches on the Island where dogs are
welcome. It is the beach connecting Amity Point to Point
Lookout. It is named after the famous navigator, Matthew
Flinders. This beach is accessible by 4WD vehicles, however
a permit must be obtained from the Redland Shire Council
prior to its use. Camping is allowed between Amity Point
and Point Lookout along Flinders Beach in some pleasant
spots under the she-oaks can be used as secluded camp sites.
During calm conditions boat launching is possible. Flinders
Beach provides both good fishing and a great place for family
swimming.
