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Point Lookout, perched on the eastern tip of North Stradbroke Island, offers some of the most stunning vistas on the island. Renowned for its dramatic cliffs and panoramic ocean views, it’s a prime spot for both relaxation and adventure. The highlight of Point Lookout is the Gorge Walk, a scenic 1.2-kilometer trail that meanders along the rugged coastline, providing breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the chance to spot marine life such as dolphins, manta rays, and during the winter months, migrating humpback whales. The area also features several lookout points, where you can enjoy spectacular sunsets and the ever-changing seascape. With its combination of natural beauty and vibrant marine activity, Point Lookout is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring North Stradbroke Island.

Point Lookout

To reach Stradbroke Island, take a 45-minute ferry ride that accommodates cars, though bringing one is optional. The ferry features comfortable indoor seating where you can relax and enjoy the views, with food and drinks available for purchase. It’s wise to book your ferry tickets a few days in advance, particularly for weekends when it can get busy, especially in good weather. Arriving at the ferry port 30 minutes early is recommended to avoid any traffic delays and to give yourself time to collect your tickets and grab a bite from the Departure Lounge Cafe. For our trip, we opted for the 8 a.m. ferry to the island and the 6 p.m. return, which allowed us ample time to explore and enjoy a beautiful sunset while waiting for our return ferry.

Location: SeaLink ferry leaves from Emmett Drive Cleveland

Website for ferry: https://www.sealink.com.au/

The images below showcase both the ferry terminal and the stunning views enjoyed during the ferry ride.

Australia boasts a myriad of beautiful destinations, but one gem often overlooked is Point Lookout on Stradbroke Island. This idyllic coastal haven offers a unique blend of natural wonders, outdoor adventures, and relaxation. Join me as I explore this slice of paradise Down Under.

North Stradbroke Island’s stunning Gorge Walk is an absolute must-see! This 1.2-kilometre boardwalk winds along the headland of Point Lookout, providing breathtaking views. The clear waters below make it easy to spot marine life such as turtles, dolphins, and manta rays—a true delight. There is a playground with toilets at the start of the walk.

I parked where the playground and toilets are and started the walk from there, its a easy walk with some steps, we stopped lots to take photos and videos and to enjoy the amazing views. I saw a kangaroo eating grass next to the board walk, so keep an eye out for animals while walking.

AMENITIES

Adventure
Beaches & Surf
Birdwatching
Camping
Family
Fishing
Food & Wine
Four Wheel Driving
Nature & Wildlife
Scuba Diving
Snorkelling
Surfing
Swimming
Walks

A Beach Lover’s Dream

Point Lookout is a dream destination for beach enthusiasts. With pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to sunbathing and swimming. Popular beaches like Cylinder Beach and Frenchman’s Beach are perfect for family outings, while Deadman’s Beach offers a more secluded escape.

Whale Watching Extravaganza

One of the highlights of visiting Point Lookout is the incredible whale-watching opportunities. Between June and November, humpback whales migrate along the coast, and Point Lookout provides front-row seats to this spectacular show. Grab your binoculars and witness these majestic creatures breach and play in the turquoise waters.

Striking Natural Beauty

If you’re a nature enthusiast, you’ll be captivated by the island’s rugged landscapes. Take a stroll along North Gorge Walk, a scenic trail that offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the chance to spot dolphins, turtles, and manta rays. The diverse ecosystem of the island also makes it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Outdoor Adventures

Point Lookout is more than just beaches and wildlife. Adventure-seekers can indulge in activities like surfing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. The island’s waves cater to both beginners and experienced surfers, making it an ideal place to ride the waves.

Cultural Exploration

For those interested in culture and history, Stradbroke Island has a rich indigenous heritage. Explore the local art galleries and cultural centers to learn about the island’s Aboriginal history and contemporary art scene.

Fresh Seafood Delights

After a day of exploring, satisfy your taste buds with some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever encounter. The island boasts excellent dining options, including seafood shacks serving up delicious fish and chips. Enjoy your meal with a view of the ocean for a truly unforgettable experience.

Sunset Spectacle

No trip to Point Lookout is complete without witnessing a mesmerizing sunset. Find a cozy spot on one of the beaches or cliffs, and watch as the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, casting a magical spell over this coastal paradise.

Accommodation Options

Whether you’re seeking luxury, budget-friendly, or eco-friendly accommodations, Point Lookout has it all. Choose from beachfront resorts, charming cottages, or campsites amidst nature – there’s something for every traveler.

Point Lookout on Stradbroke Island is a hidden Australian gem that offers an array of experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration, this coastal haven has it all. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the beauty and tranquility of this remarkable destination. Plan your trip to Point Lookout today, and let the magic of Stradbroke Island enchant you.

Attractions and Highlights Around Stradbroke Island

Jumpinpin

The southeastern tip of North Stradbroke Island is situated at the southern end of Main Beach. Just south of Jumpinpin, you’ll find the channel that separates North Stradbroke Island from South Stradbroke Island. This channel is known for its fast-moving, deep waters, making it unsuitable for swimming but a favorite spot for fishing. Access to Jumpinpin is restricted to four-wheel-drive vehicles only. Before heading out, ensure you have a valid permit, understand the permit requirements, are comfortable with the 33 km beach drive, check the tide times for safe arrival and departure, and confirm that ocean swells and dune conditions are manageable for beach access.

For more information click on the link provided https://stradbrokeisland.com/jumpinpin/

Home Beach

The beach stretches north-northeast towards Shag Rock, which is located 1.5 km offshore. Over time, the sand formations and shoreline characteristics change, affecting the sandbars and surf conditions. You can access the beach from Adder Rock, various tracks along the shoreline, and the eastern end near the headland by the Point Lookout Hotel.

For more information click on the link provided https://stradbrokeisland.com/home-beach/

Frenchman’s Beach

Frenchman’s Beach faces eastward and receives little protection from the prevailing southeast waves. Spanning over 500 meters, the beach is flanked by steep, densely vegetated bluffs. You can access the beach either by navigating around Dune Rocks from Deadmans Beach or via a marked steep walking track from the main road. The waves usually range from 1 to 1.5 meters and often form an inner bar with two rips, including a permanent rip near Dune Rocks.

For more information click on the link provided https://stradbrokeisland.com/frenchmans-beach/

Flinders Beach (Point Lookout)

Flinders Beach stretches 8 kilometers from Amity Point to the Adder Rock headland at Point Lookout, facing northeast to north. Vehicle access is available at the western end via Flinders Beach Road, which leads to a camping area and car park. On the eastern side, access is available at Adder Rock, where a beachfront camping ground is also situated. The beach features a gentle slope and is usually barless or has a narrow, continuous bar, particularly towards the eastern end. Beyond the bar, sand movement creates elongated sand waves and bars, resulting in a variable outer surf zone. During high swell periods, a strong westerly drift flows along and off the beach.

For more information click on the link provided https://stradbrokeisland.com/flinders-beach-point-lookout/

Flinders Beach (Amity Point)

The western edge of Flinders Beach borders the charming village of Flinders and provides a route to Amity Point. Note that access for 4WD vehicles onto or off Flinders Beach at this western end may sometimes be restricted. Additionally, dogs are not allowed between Amity Point and Geera Street in Amity Point.

Location: Amity Point, QLD 4183

Eighteen Mile Swamp

Eighteen Mile Swamp, a notable part of Naree Budjong Djara National Park, is a vast, shallow freshwater coastal wetland stretching nearly the entire eastern coast of the island. It is recognized as the largest wetland of its type in the world, covering around 30 square kilometers and extending southward to Swan Bay. The swamp is rich in dense vegetation and serves as a habitat for many rare and endangered species. Local legend suggests that a mysterious shipwreck, believed to be that of Pamphlett and Finnegan—the explorers who discovered the Brisbane River—lies hidden within its waters.

Location: Fishermans Road, North Stradbroke Island, QLD 4183

Deadman’s Beach

The beach extends 600 meters, facing directly north. Cylinder Head includes a lookout and parking area, with a trail descending to the center of the beach. The shoreline is bordered by points and rocky platforms, including central rocks. Waves, averaging 1 meter, originate near Point Lookout and interact with shifting sands to form a dynamic surf zone that usually spans 100 meters wide, often featuring a noticeable trough between the beach and the outer sandbars.

For more information click on the link provided https://stradbrokeisland.com/deadmans-beach/

Causeway Beach Access

Permits are required for 4WD access to the beach. Driving on the beach is not allowed within one hour before and after high tide. Avoid parking or driving within one meter of dune vegetation. Ensure you follow all posted signs and adhere to speed limits. This area is part of the Naree Budjong Djara National Park, also known as ‘My Mother Earth,’ so it’s crucial to respect this important environment.

Permits for beach access are available from Straddie Camping.

Address: Alfred Martin Way (Trans-Island Road), North Stradbroke Island, QLD 4183

Bradbury’s Beach

This charming tidal beach offers a range of activities. At low tide, you can explore the mud flats, catch yabbies, and watch clusters of soldier crabs. As the tide rises, the bay water gently covers the white sand. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, take in the sunset, and unwind.

Address: Flinders Avenue, Dunwich, QLD 4183

Blue Lake

Blue Lake, or Karboora, meaning ‘deep silent pool’, holds profound cultural importance for the Quandamooka people. Situated within Naree Budjong Djara National Park, this sacred site is deeply respected by the local indigenous community. Visitors are encouraged to honor this heritage by leaving only footprints. The 5.2 km return trail meanders through wallum woodlands, flowering heath, and stunted eucalypts. It’s recommended to wear sturdy walking shoes, bring a hat, and carry water, as the hike requires moderate fitness

Adam’s Beach

Adams Beach, located on the western side of Straddie, faces the southern portion of Moreton Bay. This 700-meter sandy stretch, situated just south of Dunwich, is usually peaceful, though it can be affected by south-westerly winds. The beach is flanked by seagrass-covered sand flats, which widen from 100 meters in the north to 300 meters in the south. Towards the southern end, the beach gradually transitions into a mangrove-fringed shoreline. At the northern end, the beach is adjacent to Dunwich’s port facilities and the ferry and shipping jetty.

Address: Dunwich, QLD 4183

Key Packing List

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Tours and Activities:

Places To Get Food

Accommodation

Frequently Asked Questions

What island is Point Lookout on?

Point Lookout (Mulumba), situated on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), provides a welcoming coastal ambiance with plenty of attractions and activities. Here, you can enjoy days surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including expansive surf beaches, diverse Australian wildlife, and impressive rocky headlands to discover.

How long is the Gorge Walk on North Stradbroke Island?

The Gorge Walk on North Stradbroke Island is a must-experience! This 1.2-kilometre boardwalk hugs the Point Lookout headland, offering breathtaking views. Crystal-clear waters allow for easy sightings of marine life like turtles, dolphins, and manta rays—an absolute delight for nature enthusiasts.

What are the characteristics of Point Lookout?

To the south of these beaches lies a prominent headland that defines Point Lookout’s landscape. This feature is dominated by tall rhyolitic cliffs extending into the ocean, creating a dramatic terrain of steep-sided gorges, rock shelves, and rocky coves. The primary inlets here are North Gorge and South Gorge.

Is Point Lookout north or south Stradbroke Island?

Point Lookout is a headland, quaint coastal town, and locality situated on the eastern coast of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), within Redland City, Queensland, Australia. According to the 2021 census, Point Lookout had a population of 785 residents.

Can you take dogs on the Gorge Walk at Straddie?

The trail is accessible throughout the year and offers scenic views at any time. Dogs are permitted and can be off-leash in designated areas.

Can dogs go on Straddie ferry?

Are pets allowed on North Stradbroke Island? While there are pet-friendly areas on Straddie where you can enjoy your time with your dog, it’s important to ensure your pet is either inside your vehicle during the ferry ride or wearing a muzzle if outside your vehicle or on the passenger ferry.

If you find this article valuable, you’ll likely discover my other works just as captivating.

Dunwich: Exploring the Charms of Stradbroke Island

Main Beach, Stradbroke Island: A Serene Coastal Escape

Exploring the Tranquil Beauty of Stradbroke Island’s Brown Lake

Amity Point: A Tranquil Escape on Stradbroke Island

Cylinder Beach: Pristine Sands and Gentle Waves on Stradbroke Island

Discover Capembah Creek (Myora Springs) on Stradbroke Island

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Point Lookout, Stradbroke Island: Nature’s Spectacular Viewpoint