The Redlands Coast takes in several islands off coast of southeast Queensland, including the second largest sand island in the world, North Stradbroke Island. The traditional owners of this land are the Quandamooka people.
Each year they celebrate Minjerriba and their culture during the Quandamooka Festival. The festival runs from June through to August with a great lineup of events.
One of the festival highlights is Yura Yalingbila or Welcome of the Whales. It’s a full day event that celebrates the migrating humpback whales off the coast of Straddie. For the Quandamooka people, whale season is a reminder to honour three sacred laws within their culture: you must never fight with your in-laws, you should never swear in their presence and you can never say ‘no’ to them.
To mark the arrival of the whales Headland Park at Point Lookout comes alive with traditional dancing, singing, storytelling and workshops and if you’d like to do some whale spotting, why not take a stroll along the Gorge Walk.
It’s truly a special part of the world so you’ll most likely want to extend your stay. We recommend the Whale Watch Ocean Resort, which overlooks Main Beach and the whales passing by.
Be sure to book your accommodation through Discover Stradbroke.
