North Stradbroke Island, Australia: Exploring the History and Wildlife of Queensland’s Island Gem
- Inga
- Jun 11
- 4 min read
North Stradbroke Island, affectionately known as Straddie or by its Aboriginal name Minjerribah ("island in the sun"), is a remarkable destination located just 30 kilometres southeast of Brisbane, Queensland. It is the world’s second largest sand island, spanning about 38 kilometres in length and 11 kilometres in width, covering roughly 275 square kilometres of diverse landscapes including pristine beaches, freshwater lakes, native bushland, and rocky outcrops.
A Short History of North Stradbroke Island
The island holds one of the earliest records of human occupation in southeast Queensland, with the Quandamooka people, the traditional owners, having lived on and around the island for at least 21,000 years. The island was a traditional meeting place for the Quandamooka peoples, including the Nunukul and Goenpul groups, with archaeological surveys revealing numerous pre-European dwelling sites and evidence of substantial wooden huts.
European contact began in 1802 when explorer Matthew Flinders visited the island seeking fresh water. He was impressed by the health and hospitality of the Aboriginal people. There are also local Aboriginal oral traditions suggesting earlier contact with shipwreck survivors from unknown vessels. In 1823, three shipwrecked sailors from Sydney were cared for by the local Aboriginal people, an event that drew further European interest to the Moreton Bay area. By 1827, the island was named Stradbroke Island by Governor Ralph Darling in honour of the Earl of Stradbroke, and Dunwich was named after a Viscount Dunwich.
Originally, there was only one large Stradbroke Island, but in 1896 a violent storm and the detonation of explosives from the wrecked barque Cambus Wallace caused a permanent breach, splitting the island into two: North Stradbroke Island and South Stradbroke Island, separated by the Jumpinpin Channel.
Over the years, the island has seen various uses including oyster farming, which was once Queensland’s biggest seafood industry, and sand mining, which has been a major industry for over sixty years. Today, tourism is a growing and vital part of the island’s economy alongside mining. Sand mining on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) was a major industry for decades, but is now ending. The mining leases, primarily operated by Sibelco Australia, have expired or are expiring, with the most recent mines like Enterprise and Vance closing in 2019 and 2025 respectively. This has led to discussions about the future of the island, including a return of land to traditional owners and the development of tourism.
Wildlife and Natural Beauty
North Stradbroke Island is a sanctuary for a rich variety of wildlife, both on land and in the surrounding waters. The island’s diverse habitats - from open beaches and frontal dunes to mangroves, tidal swamps, and freshwater lakes - support many unique species.
Land Animals
Kangaroos and Wallabies: Grey kangaroos are commonly seen grazing near the North Gorge walk, especially during early morning and late afternoon. They are accustomed to humans and can be observed closely if approached quietly. The island is also home to the rare and shy Golden Stradbroke Wallaby, a unique color variant of the swamp wallaby found only on North and South Stradbroke Islands.
Koalas: The island supports its own population of koalas, primarily found near the western swamps, Swan Bay, and around the towns. Their habitats are carefully protected to preserve this special population.
Other Native Wildlife: Goannas and echidnas are also part of the island’s native fauna, adding to the rich biodiversity visitors might encounter.
Koalas and kangaroos have been native to North Stradbroke Island for a very long time, likely since the island became separated from the mainland around 8,000 years ago due to rising sea levels.
Marine Life
The waters surrounding North Stradbroke Island are teeming with marine life, making it a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts and snorkelers.
Dolphins: Both bottlenose and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins inhabit the waters, with Point Lookout hosting a large seasonal population of bottlenose dolphins numbering between 700 and 1000 individuals. These dolphins can be seen feeding, sleeping, and riding waves in Frenchman’s Bay and off Cylinder Beach.
Whales: The island offers some of the best land-based whale watching in Australia, with migratory whales passing by during their seasonal journeys.
Turtles: North Stradbroke Island’s beaches are nesting grounds for six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles. These ancient creatures come ashore in spring to lay eggs, and hatchlings make their way to the sea to begin their life cycle.
Other Marine Species: The surrounding reefs and seagrass beds support a colorful array of fish species, as well as dugongs, which can sometimes be spotted grazing in the shallow waters.
Visiting North Stradbroke Island
The island offers something for everyone, from adventurous activities to relaxing escapes. Visitors can enjoy 4WD tours, sandboarding, surfing lessons, diving, and snorkeling. For those seeking a more laid-back experience, there are scenic coastal walks, bird-watching, picnicking, golf, barefoot bowls, and beach fishing.
There are three main townships on the island:
Dunwich: The largest town, with essential services including a school, medical centre, local museum, and the University of Queensland’s Moreton Bay Research Station.
Point Lookout: Known locally as "the point," it is the island’s main tourist hub, famous for its surf beaches and whale watching.
Amity Point: A smaller, quieter fishing village popular with locals and visitors alike.
Accommodation ranges from beachfront apartments and family resorts to camping sites and backpacker hostels, making it easy to tailor your stay to your preferences.
North Stradbroke Island is a unique blend of rich Indigenous heritage, fascinating history, and incredible natural beauty. Its vast sand dunes, lush bushland, freshwater lakes, and vibrant wildlife create an unforgettable experience for visitors. Whether you are drawn by its cultural stories, keen to spot koalas and kangaroos, or eager to explore the underwater world of dolphins, turtles, and colorful fish, Minjerribah offers a captivating escape just a short ferry ride from Brisbane.
This island truly is a treasure of Queensland, where the past and present meet in harmony with nature.
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