subject: Top 5 Beaches On North Stradbroke Island [print this page] North Stradbroke Island's top beaches cater for surfers, swimmers, campers, nature lovers and those just looking for a scenic stroll. Let's check them out:
Main Beach
There's plenty of room here to lay your towel - 32 kilometres infact. Big swells make it a popular choice for surfers and bodyboarders. Rips and currents can occur, so swimmers should take advantage of lifeguards' support and swim between the flags. The north wall provides snorkelling and scuba diving options when northerly winds prevail. To take it all in, sweeping views can be enjoyed from the headland, as can parading dolphins when they have the inclination.
Driving on Main Beach, along with some other Stradbroke Island Beaches is permitted, but a 4WD permit is required. Given Main Beach's length, it's the perfect stretch to enjoy driving so close to the ocean, an experience forbidden in most other parts of Australia. Be alert to other beach users, including resident sea birds, and a good time will be had by all.
Cylinder Beach
This beautiful little cove allows access by car. Cylinder Beach's conditions may also be more protected than Main Beach. This is a boon for swimmers, however do be aware of side sweeps when strong southerly winds make their presence felt. If conditions are right, swells can also attract the surfers. The beach is patrolled for limited daytime hours every day for most periods outside winter, but surf life savers are on hand year round. Matthew Flinders visited here in 1803, after a shipwreck, and was assisted by local Aborigines in finding water.
Flinders Beach
Flinders Beach sits between Amity Point and Point Lookout. One will need 4WD transport to get there, but once there, you don't need to go anywhere, as visitors are allowed to pitch a tent in the foreshore campground. To preserve this pristine environment, facilities are limited to compost toilets, so bring all essentials like water with you. Leashed dogs are allowed to enjoy this 5km strip of magic with their owners.
Adder Rock
Adder Rock is a fantastic location for camping, with shady sites close to the ocean. It makes a great family friendly getaway, with a large, safe, swimming lagoon on the beach. The lovely cove located here looks out towards Moreton Island to the north-west, and the Pacific Ocean to the north-east.
Frenchman's Beach
The rock pools here are a living science lesson with sea anemones, crabs and the like. This may keep the children busy, along with all the pretty shells strewn across the shore. If exploring the rock-pools, shoes may be advisable for tender feet. Frenchman's Beach is a quiet, secluded spot. This is an advantage for romantic walks along the beach, but be careful if swimming, as the beach is not patrolled by life savers. Deadman's Beach next door is accessible from here, with native forest on one side, and the ocean on the other.
Remember to not disturb the vegetation covering sand dunes, as this keeps the beaches in place. This will help ensure the beauty of these Stradbroke Island beaches remains intact, perfect for your next visit.
