By Rahat Minhaz
Deep blue sky in the backyard, shining sunshine over the head and fresh air all around; this is the trademark landscape of Queensland. That is why this land is called the Sunshine State of Australia. This northeastern state of Australia is a lucrative destination for holidaymakers. Many attractions in this state, both on land and sea, are always drawing people from all around the world. North Stardbroke Island of Queensland is one of those locations.
Once this island was named Minjerribah. It has been the home of the Quandamooka people for more than 21,000 years. Another popular and most used name of this island is Straddie. The Aborigines of Stradbroke Island became well known for their hospitality. This is one of the weekend or other holiday destinations for Queenslanders and overseas tourists.
North Stradbroke Island is the second-largest sand beach in the world after Praia do Cassino Beach in Brazil. This iconic island is approximately 300 square kilometres long and divided into three parts named Dunwich, Amity and Pointlookout. This land is governed by the City of Redland Council. Moreton Bay separated this land from mainland Queensland. It is 30 kilometres away from southeast of the centre of Brisbane.
Mainly, there was only one Stradbroke Island in the past, but in 1896 it split into North Stradbroke Island and South Stradbroke Island, separated by a sea channel. This sandy island offers white sand, sunshine, blue sky, surf and Quandamooka culture to the world.
It is ideal for a day trip, weekend visit, excursion, long stay and medical refreshment. Main attractions of this land are the breathtakingly beautiful beaches, blue ocean waters and freshwater creeks and lakes, fishing, sandboarding, surfing, diving and the chance to meet a koala or kangaroo on the roadside.
Starting the journey from Brisbane Street in Saint Lucia, you can reach Cleveland jetty by bus within one and a half hours. Then the amazing sea journey started on the ferry of Sealink. This ferry journey is significantly different from the ferry journey of Mawa Ghat from Shimulia to Kathaibari or Teknaf to St. Martin’s, the only coral island of Bangladesh.
First of all, you will notice a smoking-free and fresh environment on the ferry. You will also notice a lot of holiday destination hunters with cars, speed motorboats, sea scooters, fishing rods and nets, surfing boards, etc. On the first floor of the ferry, there is a well-decorated cafe, where you can enjoy snacks, coffee and watching TV is an extra privilege.
Net and clean washrooms will help you to be refreshed. At the top, you will find benches to sit in under the sunshine, and the blue water will welcome you from all around. Then the spectacular view of Moreton Bay will astonish you. Little cold fresh air, blue water will take you to the other world of beauty and tranquillity. Around one hour of ferry journey will end at the edge of North Stradbroke Island’s Harold Walker jetty of Dunwich in a flash.
(For Part Two: Keep up with Aloha)
