North Stradbroke Island?

[ak]

Thinking of going to North Straddie for a few days and nights, been to Fraser always like to go somewhere different. Realize it's not as big as Fraser.

For those that's been what's it like?

Is there some decent off roading to be done how does it compare to Fraser in that department easier or harder?

[Outlaw]

Personally i love straddie but don't compare to fraser.

Good for beach camping (i stay at Flinders, just behind the dunes), townships are the place... a few nice trendy restaurants around Point Lookout nowadays.

Nothing difficult in terms of driving just normal beach with normal semi-soft entry/exits

[barryj]

Top half of the Island is open to the public although very limited off-road due to mining areas.

Bottom half is all mining areas apart from the Eastern Beach.

Beach permit is required to drive on any beaches so that is where most off-road will happen.

Some nice council run camping areas on the northern end and bush camping on the southern beach areas.

You will be disappointed compared to Fraser.

Moreton Island is just a little North of Straddie and is like a mini Fraser Island.

I can provide more info and web links if you like.

[mojo]

I went to Straddie a few weeks to go and had a great time - there's a couple of pics in this thread (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread.php't=43179&highlight=straddie&page=3) that give you an idea of what the beach and camp sites are like (these are down the south end of Main Beach). We only drove on the beach and the cuttings, but I think there are also a few sandy tracks around that you can explore.

No idea how it compares to Fraser, but I'll be able to tell you in about 2 weeks time :D

[mrapocalypse]

Campsites on Main beach behind the dunes about 10-15k South of Causeway are pretty remote and nice. Need camping permits.

There are tracks on northern areas of Island, get a topo map from BCF or somewhere like that. Also google earth is pretty handy for those too.

If you want extreme 4x4 forget it, if you want good fishing and a deseted feel, go main beach.

It is still posible to get stuck. Check out the keyholes, and swim in Brown lake is nice.

Seastradbroke is a lot nicer ferry than the big blue one.

We love it, great place to escape 40 mins out of Brissy!

[twitchy]

Thinking of going to North Straddie for a few days and nights, been to Fraser always like to go somewhere different. Realize it's not as big as Fraser.

For those that's been what's it like?

Is there some decent off roading to be done how does it compare to Fraser in that department easier or harder?

Nth straddie is just like a normal beach town now, not a lot of good 4x4 around.
As stated above there are some beautiful spots to see if you haven't been there before.

Moreton is the pick of the islands around Brissy, clicky here (http://www.moretonventure.com/) that will give you prices & times for getting there.

some nice stuff there like this.

[isuzu110]

Whilst you are there, do the Pylon track that cuts N-S down the middle of the island. Near the intersection of the Beehive Rd and the road to Pt Lookout, there is an unmarked turnoff 50m towards Dunwich on the southern side of the road. That takes you south and exits near Blue lake.

Some good lookouts there back to Brisbane.

Sand can be soft but no problem. Hard to get lost as most tracks are closed

[ak]

As above thanks for the replies all.

One other question what's Morten Island like? Is the off roading harder than Straddie? Is there a resort on Morten?

[defender90]

moreton is great fun much better than straddie and yes there is a resort it is http://www.tangalooma.com/

[FenianEel]

As above thanks for the replies all.

One other question what's Morten Island like? Is the off roading harder than Straddie? Is there a resort on Morten?

Moreton is larger, and IMHO much nicer than Straddie.
More to cover, more to see, more to do and millions less people. There are no roads, an awesome resort, pub at one end, 'shop' at the other, miles of cmaping spots.
And it's a longer barge ride:D (but more expensive):(
No bitumen, no 'latte sippers' or 'cafe/poser bars'.
I'll post up some pics, we go over every year.

Straddie is nice, but it's been tosser/yuppified too much:D Just look at what they did to the pub - Shame Straddie shame. lol

[barryj]

moreton is great fun much better than straddie and yes there is a resort it is http://www.tangalooma.com/


Moreton would be my choice.

What time have you available for the holiday? A week at Moreton would be more than enough to see everything on offer. You can also climb the worlds tallest sand dune if you like.

Tangalooma Resort is nice but expect the usual out of the way expenses. Plenty of holiday houses on offer from fibro shacks to multi-million $ houses. Some family friends of ours have built a good one above Tangalooma Resort. It really depends on your expectations of a holiday.

As mentioned by others, no bitumen roads, all sand tracks which are fine to travel on.

Bush camping is also available if you want that. Also formed National Parks camping areas.

Nothing better than watching the sun go down over Moreton Bay with the hustle and bustle of Brisbane in the background.

Large ships go past on their way to and from the Port of Brisbane which are interesting to watch.

Dolphins around the western beaches add to the atmosphere.

Wow, I realise how much I miss the Island. Must go and book a trip :D.

[100I]

I'm actually heading for Moreton in the morning:p.
1 more sleep.

It's my favourite for reasons already given.
About 1995 there was a survey conducted asking what improvements or activities we would be interested in. I said leave Moreton the hell alone. There's plenty of other resorts around including the Gold & Sunshine coasts for people who need to 'be entertained'.

[RonMcGr]

Moreton would be my choice.

What time have you available for the holiday? A week at Moreton would be more than enough to see everything on offer. You can also climb the worlds tallest sand dune if you like.

Tangalooma Resort is nice but expect the usual out of the way expenses. Plenty of holiday houses on offer from fibro shacks to multi-million $ houses. Some family friends of ours have built a good one above Tangalooma Resort. It really depends on your expectations of a holiday.

As mentioned by others, no bitumen roads, all sand tracks which are fine to travel on.

Bush camping is also available if you want that. Also formed National Parks camping areas.

Nothing better than watching the sun go down over Moreton Bay with the hustle and bustle of Brisbane in the background.

Large ships go past on their way to and from the Port of Brisbane which are interesting to watch.

Dolphins around the western beaches add to the atmosphere.

Wow, I realise how much I miss the Island. Must go and book a trip :D.

Barry,

Many thanks for your post.
A few days ago, the QLD GOVT Water Tank Rebate of $1,000 arrived.
Today we blew most of it on a tent, beds and a three way fridge, all from Anaconda, so we can go to Moreton Island :D

Since we bought this Disco, then went on the Gold Coast Guys, trip last weekend.
I discovered that the Discovery is really great off road. :D

Now we are going back it time and camp on the beach!! A far cry from the Caravanning that we usually do.

The worst part is, Sylvia and I are really looking forward to it. Mind you, she has never been camping :p

It maybe the first and last, but I don't think so. The last comment was "You poetic description of camping on a remote Island sounds great. I hope you are right!"

So do I...:eek:

Cheers

[barryj]

Great choice Ron.

We have stayed at Ben-Ewa campground several times, but not recently.

http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/find_a_park_or_forest/moreton_island_national_park_and_recreation_area/

By this web site above they have closed some camping areas, one for cultural reasons and others due to erosion. I suppose that will be the way of the future as more people want to visit the Island.

First time we visited the Island there were very few people about. I still got sprung in the showers with my missus though :blush:.

Good flathead and whiting fishing anytime as well.

Enjoy the holiday :D.

[Bigbjorn]

: Just look at what they did to the pub - Shame Straddie shame. lol

Used to go there before there was a pub. Bert & Peggy Clayton had a shop and Post Office agency at Cylinder Beach alongside his cabins and used to sly grog.There was a 'phone booth there as well. Being the bootlegger meant Bert could keep Peggy on a ration but every so often he would lock himself in his electric generating room and go on a bender. A couple of shops opposite the bus shed at the Point, a few houses scattered in the bush and that was about it. Pensioners and shacks and the jetty at Amity. No road from Dunwich to The Point or Cylinder. No 4WD's other than an occasional WWII jeep, only 1920's cars used on the beach and sand tracks. A glorious place now ruined by excessive development.