4 Unmissable Tours On Stradbroke Island
The following four tours are quite varied
The following four tours are quite varied. One thing they have in common is that they all allow the visitor to appreciate
North Stradbroke Island's wonderful natural endowments. Be daring enough to take all four tours, and you will be gasping for superlatives.
Whale Watching
June to late October is the main period for watching Humpback, Southern Wright and the rarer Blue whales, however they can be seen outside these times. Whales trek north into warmer waters to breed, and then return south, past Stradbroke Island again, now with calves in tow, on their way to the Antarctic for feeding. Local tour operators can provide more details and ferry you around to the best vantage points. You may be fortunate enough to also see other local marine life at some locations, including dolphins, turtles, manta rays and sharks.
Fishing Charters
Fish species including bream, whiting, flathead, tailor and dart are kind enough to frequent the waters around Stradbroke Island for a full twelve months of the year. Thankfully, they can be caught at accessible locations like Main Beach and Flinders Beach.
For those keen to try and snare other types of fish, reef species such as snapper, sweetlip, jew and parrot can also be caught from nearby Moreton Bay's calm waters. Shared charters are available to take you there. For groups of friends keen to compete on who will return with this biggest catch, private charters of up to eight people can also be arranged. Great offshore fishing can be had at South Passage Bar, with Marlin, Sailfish and Yellowfin Tuna for sports fishing in deeper waters further offshore.
Sea Kayaking & Snorkelling
What an idyllic backdrop for a pleasant paddle. Trained operators will give you a rundown on operating these stable canoes (though life-jackets are provided) on the beach before you venture out. Shag Rock, an offshore rock formation is a great spot to stop and appreciate North Stradbroke Island's marine life, and it's here where sea kayaking tours stop for some snorkelling. You may even spot a turtle if you are lucky. Return by canoe, with the help of a wave, pushing you back towards terra firma.
Island Tours
Local authorities allow 4WD enthusiasts to bring their own transport to drive along Main beach. Local operators can assist those without a 4WD, and also have special license to cover parts of the beach not accessible to the general public. This opens up the island to full exploration. Visit beaches for a pleasant swim, take in some of the island's flora and fauna and visit some inland lakes. A guide can also take you to historical spots and share a few local anecdotes. Some tours include a picnic, beach barbeque lunch, or local fish and chips.
Other tours include exploration of the island by bicycle. Others still include surfing or sandboarding, where one flies down sand dunes at exhilarating speed.
That's a lot of
Stradbroke Island tours to pack in. Did I mention that they were unmissable? Oh well, there's always next time!
by: Milton Kemp