By Rahat Minhaz
After reaching North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, it’s hard not to think of William Wordsworth. His famous lines from Daffodils, “For oft, when on my couch I lie, in vacant or in pensive mood. They flash upon that inward eye, which is the bliss of solitude; and then my heart with pleasure fills, and dances with the daffodils.” This feels oddly fitting here. The island’s beauty truly dances within you. Standing on the edge of this subtropical paradise, where lush green grass rolls into forests and the sea breeze greets you like an old friend, you feel exactly what he meant.
Then the road journey will start. You will see a few cottages styled homes beside the roads with sea scooters and other water vehicles. This is like heaven to live. But very few people live here. According to the 2021 census, around 2,000 people live here permanently.
Point Lookout is one of the most popular spots on the island. It is located right on the north-eastern point of Stradbroke Island. It has an abundance of local bars, cafes and independent boutiques, which attract many visitors. With its great ambience and friendly atmosphere, it’s definitely the place to go when you are in Straddie. It is also one of the best land-based vantage points in the whole of Australia to watch the native sea life. As you walk along the route of the North Gorge Walk, you can see dolphins, manta rays and turtles.
From June to November, migrating whales swim in the Pacific Ocean. If you are lucky enough, you can meet the sea giant in the water. On the other hand, you will have stunning views across the rainforest. From the car park, there’s a wheelchair-friendly track that means that everyone can enjoy the magnificent views from this truly spectacular location.
There is so much to do on the island. You can simply relax on the sand and soak up the sun, or if you love surfing, you can try it over the water. You can read books just sitting idly a little far from the beach. If diving is more your thing, you’ll find several dive sites just waiting to be explored beneath the blue waters.
When hunger strikes, the island offers plenty of options. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood dishes. And when you’ve finished eating, take some time to explore the galleries and boutique shops that abound here. There’s also a wide range of accommodation, ranging from budget to ultra-luxurious accommodation on Stradbroke Island. One more piece of advice, bring essentials like sunglasses, towels, swimwear and hats. Buying these on the island can be pricey.
As the day gently transitions into evening and the sky shifts to shades of orange and lilac, North Stradbroke Island reveals another aspect of itself. The air cools further, the waves settle, and the laughter from the beaches gradually fades into the hum of the ocean. Memories of Stradbroke will flash upon your inward eye, filling your heart with pleasure once again.
