Things To Do¶

For beaches, swimming, and surfing, see Beaches & Swimming.

Things To Know¶

Walks & Nature¶

North Gorge Walk (1.2km, 30–45 min) — a scenic boardwalk with breathtaking ocean views. Spot humpback whales (May–November), dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles. Starts opposite the shops on Mooloomba Road.

Whale Watching (May–November) — one of Queensland's best land-based whale-watching spots. Try the whale-watching platform, Norm's Seat, or Whale Rock on the North Gorge Walk. Best in September/October. Bring binoculars.

Hike to Blue Lake (5.2km return, 2–3 hours) — a moderate hike through Blue Lake National Park to a freshwater lake known as Karboora to the Quandamooka people. Trail starts near Dunwich. You can swim here. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, avoid the midday heat, and check trail conditions with Queensland Parks before heading out.

Drive to Brown Lake (Bummiera) — a perched freshwater lake with tea-coloured water, about 15km from Dunwich (2WD or 4WD). Good for a swim, picnic, or kayaking. Arrive early for a calm atmosphere.

Myora Springs — near Dunwich, a sacred Quandamooka site with crystal-clear springs flowing into Moreton Bay. Easy 500m walk. Swimming is not permitted, to preserve the site.

Wildlife¶

Kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas are often seen near Main Beach or along the North Gorge Walk — koalas particularly north of Amity Point, near Ballot Street.

Goannas & snakes: lace monitors (goannas) are harmless but curious. Carpet pythons (non-venomous) and the occasional eastern brown snake (venomous) may be seen in warmer months. Keep your distance; if you encounter a snake, stay calm and back away slowly — don't handle it.

Water Activities¶

Diving at Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre (mantalodge.com.au, (07) 3409 8888 — book a dive) — beachfront at Point Lookout, trips into Moreton Bay Marine Park including Manta Bommie (a top-10 Australian dive site). Manta rays and leopard sharks (October–March), grey nurse sharks (April–September), turtles. For certified divers; courses and equipment hire available. Book ahead — morning trips usually have better visibility.

Fishing — Flinders Beach, Main Beach, and Amity Point Jetty are prime spots. Target species: tailor, bream, flathead. Best early morning or dusk; check tide times.

4WD & Beach Driving¶

A Vehicle Access Permit is required for beach driving — get one online, or at Minjerribah Camping in Dunwich (minjerribahcamping.com.au, (07) 3059 4042) — see Practical Info → Four-Wheel-Drive Tracks for tracks and tide rules.

Arts, Culture & History¶

Straddie History Museum (North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum, Dunwich — stradbrokemuseum.com.au, (07) 3409 9699) — exhibits on the Quandamooka people, early European settlement, and the island's maritime and mining history.

QUAMPI — Quandamooka Arts and Cultural Centre (Dunwich — quampi.com.au, 1300 004 183) — art exhibitions, storytelling, and cultural workshops. Worth booking a workshop or tour in advance by phone, especially for groups — no online booking found.

Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Art Gallery (Dunwich — saltwatermurris.com, +61 484 501 268) — Indigenous art gallery: paintings, ceramics, textiles, prints.

Delvene Cockatoo-Collins Studio (7 Stradbroke Place, Dunwich — cockatoocollins.com, +61 476 791 692) — art studio and retail store by Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins; handprinted textiles, ceramics, sculptures. Notable works include the 2018 Commonwealth Games medal designs. Workshops available.

Starfish Studio (Point Lookout — starfishstudio.com.au, 0429 852 701) and Linen Caravan (Point Lookout — see Shopping & Essentials) — homewares, textiles, and gifts, good for souvenirs.

Straddie Tees (Point Lookout) — island-themed apparel. Trading name unconfirmed as of an August 2026 check — may now trade as "Straddie T-Shirts" or under a different shop name; no website or phone found under either name — worth confirming next visit.

More Things To Do¶

• Golf — North Stradbroke Island Golf Club (see Watering Holes for contact details), a scenic 9-hole course near Dunwich with Moreton Bay views. All skill levels. Book tee times ahead by phone — no online booking found; bring cash (card facilities may be limited).
• Tennis — public courts in Point Lookout, open to visitors and locals. Bring your own rackets and balls.
• Barefoot Bowls — Point Lookout Bowls Club, 75 Dickson Way, Point Lookout (see Watering Holes for contact details). Call ahead, bring flat-soled shoes.
• Geocaching — GPS treasure hunting around Point Lookout, including the North Gorge Walk and Cylinder Beach. Download the Geocaching app and check for caches before heading out — mobile signal can be patchy.
• Stargazing — minimal light pollution makes this a great stargazing spot. Bring binoculars or a telescope to a dark area away from town lights on a clear night.
• Afternoon drink on the Surf Club deck — Point Lookout Surf Lifesaving Club, overlooking Main Beach (see Watering Holes for contact details).