North & South Gorge Walk at Point Lookout: Full Guide!

If you’re heading to Straddie, one of the absolute must-dos is the North Gorge Walk at Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island. This short but spectacular coastal track gives you some of the best views on the island, including sweeping lookouts over Main Beach and South Gorge beach.

The common question for first-time visitors is, how long does it take, how difficult is the walk, and is it really worth adding to your itinerary? With so many beautiful beaches and places to explore on Straddie, it can be tricky to decide what to prioritise, especially if you’re short on time.

I’ve done the North & South Gorge Walk a few times, I found it not only easy and accessible but also one of the most rewarding short walks in Queensland. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before you set off and why it’s one of my favourite experiences on the island.

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Where is the North & South Gorge Walk?

The North Gorge Walk is located on the North-Eastern side of Stradbroke Island (please see location Map HERE), off the coast of Brisbane, Queensland. This is in the Point Lookout District and one of the more popular locations on the Island.

There are two different entrances to the walk (both on Mooloomba Road), which are only 150 metres apart from each other. This determines if you start either the North Gorge or South Gorge section first.

However, each is the same walk and will merge into the same track. Therefore, it really doesn’t matter where you start, and it will eventually loop back around to get back to your car.

Note: Straddie is the second-largest sand island in the world, out of the four sand islands located in Queensland, which in itself is pretty cool.

Where is the Car parking?

Street parking is available on Mooloomba Road, which can sometimes get pretty busy. Although there is an official car park located on the southern end (See map here). This is also where you’ll find some nice clean bathrooms, which are handy before you set out on the track.

Apart from that, your eateries and Coffee shops are also straight across the road, so this is a nice stop after you walk. 

How long does it take & Difficulty?

Completing the North & South Gorge walk is roughly 1.2 Kilometres long, and it took us about 30 to 40 minutes. Obviously, while it’s a shorter walk, bringing your hat, sunscreen, and a water supply still makes sense. 

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The time will depend on how many stops you make and how long you sit around watching for creatures in the water. That being said, I’ve known people to hand around for longer than an hour watching the whale migrate in the distance. 

As a whole, the Gorge track is relatively easy and you can see that first hand here by watching my You Tube Video. There is a small amount of elevation, a mix of dirt tracks, and a boardwalk with intermittent stairs.

A deep wave-formed inlet separates the areas, which is fun to watch with the crashing waves. It’s also perfect for any kind of traveller looking for a bit of adventure without overexerting themselves. 

Although there are some stairs and inclines, most of the track is fairly flat and suitable for those with a novice level of fitness. I also found wearing thongs or flip-flops was sufficient, but some of the dirt areas would be more suitable in closed-in shoes. 

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The South Gorge section will be your ideal viewpoint for Main Beach, which stretches 21 kilometres down the east side of the Island. This is one of the best beaches on Straddie, so make sure you check it out after your walk. 

What to Expect & See?

This headland walk takes you along the rugged coastline around two rocky outcrops that encompass the Gorge. Along the way, you’ll witness where the bush meets the ocean and be able to spot plenty of iconic Aussie animals on land. 

Make sure to take advantage of the various viewing points along the way, and don’t forget to walk out onto the rocks for a closer look. Although, in the same instance, be very careful and don’t get too close to the edge!

You can look out and see crystal-clear water crashing against the rocks, creating a magnificent display of nature’s power. If you’re lucky, a pod of dolphins could emerge from the waves, leaping and frolicking in the surf. 

But don’t take your eyes off the bushland either! This is a hot spot for local Kangaroos, and you could find them nibbling on nearby grass. This is almost guaranteed if you visit around sunrise or sunset. 

Apart from that, you could see some lace monitors, echidnas, sea eagles, turtles, sharks, and even giant manta rays. Don’t forget to look up or down the edges of the cliff face for some of these.

But remember the Whale watching season between June and November, and the humpbacks often make an appearance as they are passing by the east coast of Queensland.

I personally found it acceptable to walk in thongs. But this will not be the same for everyone! While it’s true that closed shoes are recommended for many reasons, including protection from sharp objects and the elements, sometimes we just want to let our feet breathe! 

This is where the trusty thong comes in. Sure, they might not offer the same level of coverage as closed shoes, but they definitely have their advantages.

Where to Stay?

Stradbroke Island has a population of 2,000 people, which primarily sustains Tourism. Therefore, you can find accommodation everywhere and suitable for anyone’s budget.

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On our last visit, we stayed on the north side of the Island and you can read my review of the Anchorage Beach Resort, in front of Home Beach. Alternatively, you have budget-friendly Hostels, hotels overlooking the water, and convenient Caravan Parks.

Other Things to do on Straddie?

If you’re planning a trip to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) and want to know the best activities to add to your itinerary, here’s a list of things to do. And if you’re still deciding whether it’s worth the visit, make sure you check out my post on why Stradbroke Island is worth visiting.

• Swim at Brown Lake (Bummiera) – This naturally tea-tree stained lake is perfect for a refreshing swim and is surrounded by picnic areas.

• Discover Moyra Springs – A lesser-known natural spring, Moyra Springs is a peaceful area with walking trails and local wildlife. I
• Relax on Home Beach, a wide, sandy expanse perfect for swimming, beach walks, and soaking up the coastal vibe.

• Enjoy Lunch at Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel – Known as the “Straddie Pub,” this spot has unbeatable ocean views and serves hearty meals.
• Have a Drink at Straddie Brewing Co. – This local craft brewery in Dunwich offers fresh beers and a rooftop terrace with stunning water views.

• Learn About Aboriginal History and Culture – Stradbroke Island is home to the Quandamooka People, and cultural tours or visits to local art galleries are a powerful way to connect with the island’s deep heritage.
• Go 4WD Driving on the Beaches – With a permit, you can take your 4WD along stretches of sand like Main Beach or Flinders Beach.
• Camp at Flinders Beach – Pitch a tent right on the sand or set up a camper with ocean views.
• Spot Wildlife at Amity Point – A peaceful fishing village, Amity Point is known for its calm waters, great fishing, and regular dolphin visits near the jetty at sunset.

Wrap up!

Thanks for reading today’s blog post on the North & South Gorge Walk on North Stradbroke Island. I hope you found what you were looking for!

However, If you’re still researching, you can explore more Islands HERE for inspiration and planning. Alternatively, you can explore more Brisbane Blogs HERE.

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