North Stradbroke Island – The Gorge Walk

One of my favourite places for walking is North Stradbroke Island.  Locals refer to the island as “Straddie”.

Gorge Walk - Stradbroke Island

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While it’s not part of Brisbane (it’s in the Redland’s City Council area), Straddie is close to Brisbane and a favourite with locals for camping, swimming, surfing and fishing.

To get to Straddie, you take a car or passenger ferry from Cleveland across to the small township of Dunwich.  On the far side of the island is Point Lookout, another small township.  Here you’ll find surf beaches, spectacular coastal scenery, accommodation from camp grounds to resorts and places to eat. 

From June until late November, Humpback Whales pass close to Point Lookout.  One of our favourite activities at Point Lookout is to take a picnic lunch and watch for whales (opposite the shops at 19 Mooloomba Rd).  And if you need a post lunch treat, try Oceanic Gelati which has some of the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted.  Apart from whales you might see pods of dolphins surfing the waves below, along with human surfers.

The Gorge Walk

North Gorge Lookout - Stradbroke Island

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This walk starts on the opposite side of the road from the Gelati shop.  The path begins just beside the public toilet block.  There are quite a few steps on this path (but it’s worth it) and small children will have to be closely supervised.

Simply keep the coastline on your left and follow the well-defined track. There are plenty of places to stop and admire the view.  At North Gorge, you can walk out onto the rocks.  This is a great place to sit and look for Stradbroke Island’s Big Five – whales, dolphins, sharks, sea turtles and manta rays.

Brahminy Kite

On the opposite side of the Gorge you may hear Whale Rock Blowhole.

The path follows the contour of North Gorge.  After rounding Point Lookout, you’ll see South Gorge and views beyond of Main Beach.

Look out for Brahminy Kites, hunting in the skies above.  These birds have a white head and chest with brown wings. Follow the path to the road, turn right and after a short time, you’ll be back at your starting point.