The Redlands Coast is home to the second largest sand island in the world, but despite what you might think, Minjerribah, or North Stradbroke Island is anything but a deserted island oasis. In fact, it’s a bustling place with plenty of hidden gems to discover, including the charming seaside village of Amity Point.
- Getting there:
To access the island, you’re going to need a boat and that’s where SeaLink comes in. Getting to the island is a cinch with their daily passenger and vehicle ferries, which run between the mainland’s suburb of Cleveland and the island town of Dunwich.
Planning an island escape this Winter? SeaLink are offering 50% off your vehicle ferry fare if you’re travelling with a caravan, camper trailer or boat trailer. This deal also applies to motorhomes.
- Eat
It’s fair to say, you can’t visit Minjerribah without sampling the island’s incredible seafood and there’s no better place to do so than at Rufus King Seafoods. The team work closely with local trawlers and fishermen to stock their fridges full of the ocean’s cream of the crop.
While the crew have mastered fresh seafood, they also know a thing or two about coffee! Unlikely combo, we know, but stick with us! Owner, Bodean opened Bo Beans Coffee in 2018 and has grown it from a small coffee vendor out the front of Rufus King Seafoods, to a bustling community hub for locals and visitors alike! Oh, and did we mention, the coffee is to die-for.
- Drink:
It’s hardly thirst work exploring the island, but you’ll crave a refreshing ale the minute you step foot into the newly established Straddie Brewing Co. The brewery is a love letter to the island, paying homage to its picture-perfect sunsets, the natural environment and the wonderful local community.
- Stay:
Straddie Sales and Rentals has an abundance of accommodation options to choose from, no matter your group size, including boutique cabins to homes that can sleep large groups of people.
Amity Sands is the ultimate island abode, complete with a gorgeous garden out back that greets the edge of the sea. The main house can sleep up to eight guests and the bungalow next door can fit four more of your nearest and dearest.
If fishing is a favourite holiday pastime, Amity Shaws will have you hooked. You can practice your cast from the property’s private jetty or make yourself comfy on the day bed. And as the sun starts to settle down for the day, you can gather around the outdoor bar for Happy Hour.
Belles on Ballow is another great accommodation option in Amity that caters for a range of different group sizes. The resort’s boutique bungalows are surrounded by lush, tropical gardens but don’t be fooled, the bay is mere metres away. There are also communal spaces like the kitchen cabana, that overlook the beautiful bay.
