Review: Is Anchorage On Straddie Beach Resort the Perfect Getaway?

If you’re planning a getaway to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), chances are you’re looking for a place that’s close to the beach, comfortable, and ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring. That’s exactly why many visitors consider staying at the Anchorage on Straddie Beach Resort.

But here’s the catch, with so many different styles of accommodation on the island, it can be tricky to know whether a resort-style stay is worth it. You might be asking: What are the rooms like? Is it really beachfront? Does it suit couples, families, or groups?

Matt and I loved our stay here, from the self-contained apartments, to the unbeatable location right across from Home Beach. In this review, I’ll cover everything you need to know about the Anchorage on Straddie Beach Resort, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your island escape.

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Review: Anchorage on Straddie Beach Resort

The Anchorage on Straddie Beachfront Resort left a very lasting impression on us and we would definitely stay here again. Every aspect, from the facilities, warm reception and the cosy ambiance and views from our room. Along with the reasonable pricing structure, all contributed to an experience that satisfied our expectations.

Its location on the island provided a serene escape, Not too close to the busy Point Lookout area, but close enough to get you there.

While it is advertised as a beachfront resort, there is a small creek with a short private boardwalk before reaching the beach. But the secluded path underlined the resort’s commitment to privacy, forest noises and tranquility.

➡  Find Anchorage on Straddie Rooms HERE with Booking.com

Our overall experience was so amazing that we would look into staying again before researching other options. However, it’s not to say there are plenty of other Straddie Accommodations to choose from.

In any case, it’s worth weighing up the pros and cons before booking. Here are a few key points to help you decide:

✅Pros

• beachfront location – walk straight from the resort to the sand.
• Self-contained apartments – complete with kitchens, laundry, and plenty of space.
• Swimming pool & BBQ area – great for families or groups wanting to relax on-site.
• Close to Point Lookout – handy for cafes, shops, and island attractions.
• Balcony views – many rooms overlook the ocean, perfect for sunrise spotting.

❌Cons

• Limited dining options – you’ll need to cook or head out to local eateries.
• Older-style décor in some apartments
• Wi-Fi can be patchy – not ideal if you rely on internet access.
• Seasonal price hikes – can get expensive during holidays and peak periods.
• Need a vehicle for convenience – public transport on the island is limited.

But, read on below as I dive deep into all the aspects.

How much did it cost?

When researching our stay at the Anchorage, I found all the hotel accommodation on the Island a bit higher in price. I guess this is expected on a high tourist Island! The Queen Studio Room we picked average between $200 to $300 per night (depending on dates and season), but they do have One & Two Bedroom Apartments that cost more.

➡  Book Anchorage on Straddie Rooms HERE with Booking.com

I tend to choose accommodation out of convenience, safety, facilities, and location. Although this one was away from Point Lookout, but we had our own car, so didn’t really matter.

Having a microwave was a big plus, so we could save a little money cooking our own food. Alternatively, the beachside view and boardwalk access was a big plus for us to watch the sunrise or sunset. 

In the end, we chose the Studio Apartment room (over 4 nights). A 50% deposit was required upfront, and we paid the rest on arrival. The price seemed to be cheaper than the standard ones listed online. Therefore, the out-of-school holiday period might have made the difference. 

My room was booked about 4 weeks out, and I suggest booking the ferry at the same time. Even out of peak times, accommodations like this seem to book out, so book as soon as you know your date of travel.

Prices for other hotels rooms on North Stradbroke Island seem to range between $300 to $600 per night, especially around the Point Lookout location. I even looked at Airbnb, and most were up to $150 per night or higher, but I have a lack of trust in the Airbnb platform these days. 

Where is the Anchorage located?

The Resort is located at 112 Dickson Way. To get there, take one of the SeaLink ferries from Cleveland in Brisbane. This arrives in Dunwich, on the west side of the island, and you need to drive 20 minutes to the North Side.

The Prime spot seems to be around Point Lookout and where most of the shops, restaurants are, and the tourists congregate. This resort is not located at Point Lookout, but the facilities and price made up for the location.

Accommodation Types & Our Room?

There are three types of accommodation styles or apartment rooms available:

• Studio Apartment ( 1 Queen bed in an open-plan room), Maximum 2 guests.
• One-Bedroom Apartment ( 1 Queen Bed), Maximum 3 guests with an extra charge and bed supplied.
• Two-Bedroom Apartment ( 1 Queens Bed and 2 singles), Maximum 5 Guests.

On this occasion, we choose to stay in the Studio Apartment for two people, and we were located on the second floor of the middle building. There is stair access between each building, and you’re able to walk around from one side to the next. 

Note: Check-in is at 1.30pm & check-out is 9.30am.

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First thoughts on the room?

You walk straight into the kitchen with the bathroom to the right. As a Studio Apartment, it’s an open-plan room with a separate door only to the bathroom. I sometimes prefer the open plan, making the room look larger and easier to manoeuvre our luggage.

The kitchen was supplied with everything you needed to cook your own meals, along with a small bar fridge for your food. We had a Kettle, toaster, Microwave saucepans, plates, cups, and cutlery were supplied for the two guests.

Additionally, there was a small dining table with two chairs and another outside on the balcony. And, a couch on the right-hand side, facing the wall TV, and a possibility for adjoining room access.

The balcony was the size of the room and separate from anyone else, but you could easily see your neighbours. The view was brilliant with the pool right in front of us, the mangrove, and then the beach. I did love how close it was to the beach.

Note: that there were only fans in the rooms, no Air-conditioning. This was fine for the time of year we visited ( March) but could be an issue in the summertime.

Bedroom

The bed was pretty comfortable, and there were two pillows provided each. We sometimes like our own pillows and often bring them along with us. This gave us extra for the couch!

The room only advertised a queen bed, but there was a single bed as well. I’m guessing with the 2 person limit on the room, it supports a twin configuration.

Additionally, there was a couch and a small coffee table. It was nice sitting there to watch TV, than on the bed. However, keep in mind there is no daily make-up room servicing, but if you need more towels, etc, you can talk to reception.

Bathroom

There was enough room in the Bathroom, especially for me needing bench space for my toiletries. Along with a large mirror, PowerPoint, and a hairdryer under the sink. The shower head was a little worn, but I certainly enjoyed the hot showers after touring the island all day.

Note: A couple of soaps were provided, along with 2 towels, a bath mat, and a hand towel.

Most importantly, there is a broom and dustpan available in the closet. You’re on an island, and you will bring the sand home with you. Therefore, I had to sweep the floors every day to keep the sand out of our bed.

Other Resort Facilities!

There are four floors in total – ground floor, with three floors of accommodation. The top floor has ocean views, being able to look over the top of the trees. Although. you can see the beach fine, from the 2nd floor through the trees. Besides, I’m not living in the hotel room the whole time anyway!

There are no lifts, so carrying the luggage up the flights of stairs was a little challenging, but the views made up for it.

➡  Compare prices for Anchorage on Straddie Rooms HERE with Booking.com

What was the Pool Area like?

It’s only a small pool, but it didn’t seem to get too busy. I guess the tourists were out and about exploring the island most of the time.

The gates are only open during the day, I think from 8am to 5pm(could be slightly different). The area is fitted with some sun tanning beds, tables and chairs, and a barbeque. Overall, it seemed like a nice little area for a small gathering of friends or family.

Note: It’s from here that you will find the boardwalk and private access to the beach.

Is there Car Parking?

Car parking is available, but it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. Know this FREE parking is out in the open, on the street side of the resort. However, once it’s filled up, your only other options is a few angle parks on the street.

Note: I did see a few undercover spaces, but I think these are reserved for long-term or the higher paying rooms – not really sure.

Was Wi-Fi available?

There was Free WIFI available, included in the cost of the room. However, I found the service intermittent and couldn’t always gain access. In the end, I had enough data on my phone and used that most of the time.

Private Access Boardwalk to the beach

Who doesn’t like Private access to the beach! While the Resort is advertised as beachfront, know it’s only a short 50-100 metre boardwalk over the mangrove tree area to get there.

The home beach foreshore is long enough for that morning walk and short enough to have it fully explored on your visit. The Boardwalk is well maintained and a great way to look out for ducks and other animals on your way to the beach.

While Home beach is the only one access from this resort, there are plenty of other beaches on the island that you can check out. Some of my favourites was Main Beach and Flinders Beach, although I think Cylinder Beach is popular for the families.

➡  Compare prices for Anchorage on Straddie Rooms HERE with Booking.com

What about Food and Drinks?

The Apartment rooms are self-contained and therefore you choices are making your own food, Takeaway or dining out. Any groceries on the island is supplied by the Foodworks supermarket (8 Meegera Pl, Point Lookout) or you can get food and drinks from any of the local cafes, restaurants, or bakeries.

I recommend spending at least a few meals tasting the local delicacies on the Island, especially the seafood. Otherwise, I do bring most my food with me and save some money for other activities.

Things to do on Straddie?

North Stradbroke Island is beaming with natural beauty, and having a place to stay is just the beginning of your escapade. The activities you pursue during your holiday will largely depend on whether you have access to a four-wheel drive/High clearance vehicle.

However, the island has a well-developed network of sealed roads which link the small towns and key attractions, making it possible to enjoy much of what ‘Straddie’ offers even without a 4WD. Some of these include:

➡  Compare Straddie Tours HERE with GYG, Or HERE with Viator.

• Kangaroos morning feeding at the North Gorge Walk
• Sunrise walks on Home Beach Foreshore
• Fishing off Amity Point Jetty
• Brown Lake fresh water swimming

• Hike through Blue Lake National Park ( no Swimming allowed here)
• Meander through the North & South Gorge walk, either whale watching off the headland, or seeing dolphins, or turtles swimming around.
• Surfing at Point Lookout or Deadman’s beach
• indulging in the fresh seafood
• Rock pool Swimming at Frenchman’s Beach
• Check out the Myora Springs conservation Area
• Diving Manta Bommie or Flat Rock
• Sunsets on the Beach
• Swimming at Cylinder Beach

Additionally, if you’re keen on a more structured exploration or prefer to not handle the logistics yourself. There are numerous organized tours available from Brisbane. These excursions blend essential highlights with deep local insights.

➡  Compare prices for Straddie Tours HERE with Get Your Guide, Or HERE with Viator.

However, if you’re looking for the ways to get to Straddie, you can do that by boarding the passenger ferry and using the Public Bus Transport, tours or taking your vehicle over on the car ferry.

Significantly, it’s also steeped in a rich aboriginal heritage, having been home to the Quandamooka people for thousands of years, promising a day trip that offers both natural splendour and a deep cultural tapestry.

Wrap Up!

Overall, The Anchorage on Straddie Resort presents an amazing retreat for those seeking to unwind amidst the island’s serene setting. Its amenities, coupled with their pursuit of guest satisfaction, make it a must-consider option for your vacation itinerary.

However, while I hold this resort in high regard, I encourage you to explore a variety of accommodations to find the perfect match for your taste and needs. Although, for those still navigating through choices, I invite you to peruse my other Queensland Island additions to enrich your selection.

Furthermore, remember that your experience in Brisbane need not be confined and there’s a wealth of exploration awaiting there too. So, be sure to check out my comprehensive Brisbane features for broader insights and recommendations.

• Reasons Great Keppel Island is worth Visiting
• Is Hamilton Island Worth Visiting & the Best things to do?
• Lady Musgrave Island Vs Lady Elliot Island – Which to visit?
• Is Fraser Island worth visiting & the best things to see and do?
• Best Place to Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
• Things to see on a Brisbane to Cairns Road trip
• Exposing the Downsides to a Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Tour
• Tips to know BEFORE planning a Queensland Road Trip