8 Stradbroke Island Accommodation Choices For Your First Visit!

Are you planning your first trip to Stradbroke Island and not sure where to stay? Known locally as “Straddie,” this island is famous for its stunning beaches, whale watching, and laid-back vibe, but choosing the right accommodation “for you” can make or break your experience.

The challenge is knowing what suits your style of travel, location and budget. Stradbroke offers everything from beachfront resorts and to budget-friendly camping grounds, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you’re unfamiliar with the island.

This guide will help you understand my best recommendations for first-time visitors. So, whether you’re visiting as a couple, family, group of friends, or solo adventurer, I’ll break it all down for you.

This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Please read my disclaimer, T&C’s & privacy policy here.

Quick Picks & Map on Stradbroke Accommodation

North Stradbroke, or Minjerribah, is a sub-tropical island with crystal clear waters, located 30 kilometres southeast of Brisbane.

The native Quandamooka people have lived around the area for more than 20 thousand years, but today, there is an inbuilt community of 2000 people and perfectly set-up to service the Beachside destination tourists.

8 Places to stay for your first visit!

1. Anchorage on Straddie

I’ve had the chance to stay here and you can read my review of the Anchorage on Straddie Beach Resort. It’s really one of the best spots if you want easy access to Home Beach on the north side of the island. The resort even has its own private boardwalk that takes you straight onto the sand, a huge plus if you love those spontaneous beach walks.

➡  Book Anchorage On Straddie Resort here with Booking.com

The apartments are spacious, comfortable, and fully self-contained with everything you need for a relaxing stay. Ours overlooked the pool, which was lovely, although the trees and mangroves did block some of the beach views.

Rooms range from studios to one and two-bedroom apartments, making it a great option for couples, families, or small groups of up to four people.

Booking was quick and simple online, and check-in was a breeze thanks to the friendly, welcoming staff. Wi-Fi was also available and reliable, which is always handy if you’re mixing work with travel.

But honestly, my favourite part of the stay was heading down to Home Beach for a sunset walk every evening. It was peaceful, never too crowded, and the perfect way to end each day on Straddie.

Do you need help planning your trip to Queensland? Book a one-on-one consultation call with me, to get your questions answered & personalised help!

2. The Islander Resort

The Islander Resort offers accommodation from Studio rooms to one and two-bedroom apartments. It’s located on Dickson way (closest to Cylinder Beach), but you do have to cross the road to get there.

➡  Book Islander Resort HERE with Booking.com

The outdoor pool looks amazing here, even has a tennis court and free parking if you take a car over to the island.

Rooms come with a flat-screen TV, kitchen, bathroom, and laundry facilities. There is phone service around most the Island, but also free Wi-Fi in the public areas at the Islander Resort.

3. Manta Lodge YHA & Scuba Centre

Stradbroke Island is just one of the many Brisbane based scuba diving sites you can choose from, but admittingly – I find it one of the best. However, the Manta Lodge YHA is still suitable if you prefer the cheaper dorm-style accommodation.

➡  Book Manta Lodge YHA & Scuba here with Booking.com

This is where your action/ adventure trip starts and allows you the convenience to explore the Island differently (being underwater). However, you can certainly stay here and NOT dive, or stay somewhere else and still dive with them.

It’s located on Dickson Way, closest to Home beach on the North Side.

You have both Twin or double rooms available, as well as the Backpacker Dormitories. All fitted with Air-conditioning and some with a Bar fridge. Obviously, there is a shared kitchen and communal lounge, free table tennis, and billiards.

As for the diving, you have the opportunity to see large Manta Rays, Grey nurse Sharks, Blue Spotted Sting Rays, or hundreds of varieties of the tiny nudibranchs. All paired with accommodation and transporting to and from the dive sites.

4. Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel

If you’re planning your first getaway to North Stradbroke Island, the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel is one of the best places to stay. Perched high at Point Lookout, it overlooks the famous Cylinder Beach, one of the island’s most beautiful swimming and surfing spots.

The views alone are worth the visit, and having visited here several times for meals, I can say it’s the perfect place to relax with great food, refreshing drinks, and a front-row seat to the coastline.

The hotel offers a relaxed island vibe with comfortable rooms, a laid-back pub atmosphere, and plenty of space to unwind after a day of exploring. From casual dining with fresh, hearty meals to live music on Fridays and Sundays.

5. Whale Watch Ocean Beach Resort

Whale Watch Ocean Beach Resort is one of North Stradbroke Island’s most spectacular stays. With sweeping views stretching along Main Beach to the Gold Coast and out across the Coral Sea, this resort is the perfect blend of comfort, relaxation, and natural beauty.

➡  Book the Whale Watch Ocean Beach Resort here with Booking.com

The resort features 40 spacious, fully self-contained holiday apartments, each designed for a relaxed island escape. Every apartment comes with a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, open-plan lounge and dining areas, a flat-screen TV, and a private balcony (many with incredible ocean views).

When you’re not exploring the island, guests can enjoy the resort’s facilities including a heated outdoor pool, spa pool, BBQ area, games room, and a well-equipped fitness centre. You’ll also share the grounds with friendly locals like the kangaroos, bandicoots, and curlews are regular visitors, creating a truly unique wildlife experience.

The resort is ideally located on Samarinda Drive, just minutes from the North Gorge Walk and the popular Point Lookout Surf Club, making it a perfect base for couples, families, and groups.

6. Allure Stradbroke Resort

Tucked away in a peaceful bushland setting and just a short 2-minute stroll from Home Beach, Allure Stradbroke Resort is the perfect blend of nature, comfort, and convenience. The resort offers fantastic facilities including a heated outdoor pool, fitness centre, and a children’s playground, making it a great choice for both families and couples.

➡  Book Allure Stradbroke Resort here with Booking.com

Located only 4 minutes’ drive from the famous Gorge Walk at Point Lookout, where you can take in the coastal views and spot migrating whales. The resort is also just 20 minutes from Dunwich Ferry Terminal and the freshwater lakes.

The self-contained villas and apartments come with either a full kitchen or kitchenette, air-conditioning, laundry facilities, and open-plan lounge and dining areas with a TV. Each features a private patio with BBQ facilities and outdoor furniture, perfect for relaxed island evenings.

While every unit is uniquely furnished, they all provide the same comfortable essentials, with bedding configurations varying slightly across the villas.

7. Samarinda Jewel by the Sea

Samarinda Jewel by the Sea is a boutique escape at Point Lookout, offering self-contained apartments with the best ocean views. Set among lush gardens, the property features an outdoor swimming pool, BBQ facilities, free on-site parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi in every apartment.

➡  Book Samarinda Jewel by The Sea

Perfectly located, Samarinda is just a 5-minute walk to the beach, local cafés, and shops, while the iconic North Gorge Walk sits right across the road. From your private balcony, you can soak up the sweeping coastal outlook and, during the season, even catch sight of migrating whales.

Each apartment is fully equipped, with a modern kitchen (including dishwasher and oven), laundry facilities, spacious lounge and dining areas, and flat-screen TV.

This charming property is perfectly positioned to enjoy everything Stradbroke Island has to offer. Whether you’re preparing a home-cooked meal or enjoying sundowners on the balcony, Samarinda makes it easy to settle into the relaxed island lifestyle.

8. The Point Lookout Beach Resort

Location is key on this one, and the Point Lookout Beach Resort is where I would send anyone wanting to be in the high profile or popular area of Straddie. Perfect for any beach swimming, relaxing on the sand or surfing activities.

➡  Book the Point Lookout Beach Resort

To get the basic’s down, you have a balcony, Kitchen, Microwave, Fridge and Washing Machine. It’s located on Kennedy Drive and only a short 1 kilometre walk to the beach or the surf club for dinner.

Best Things to do where your there?

Stradbroke is the second biggest of the worlds largest sand islands, (this comes behind Fraser Island), which is also located off the Queensland Coast.

It has a length of about 38 kilometres and is 11 kilometres wide and about 50% of the Island is protected as Naree Budjong Djara National Park.

Getting around Stradbroke Island is easy, with sealed roads connecting the main towns and attractions. Public transport buses run regularly, circling the main streets and making it simple to get between Dunwich, Amity Point, and Point Lookout without a car.

In order to explore the more rugged parts of the national park, a 4WD is necessary. It gives you access to remote beaches and sandy tracks that aren’t accessible by standard vehicles, making it perfect for a true island adventure.

Here are just a few of the best things to do when you’re exploring North Stradbroke Island:

• Amity Point beach for swimming and Fishing.
• Take a short boardwalk path to Myora Springs for a swim .
• Brown Lake for swimming.
• Hiking to Blue Lake (there is no swimming allowed here).
• Lay in the Rock Pools at Deadman’s Beach.
• Visit the many Beaches across Stradbroke Island.
• Find the Kangaroos in the early morning on the beaches or Point Lookout.
• Whale Watching from the Headland walk.
• Strolling along the North Gorge Walk / South Gorge Walk.
• Surfing or Body Boarding off Main Beach.
• Sand Tobogganing down the dunes off Cylinder Beach.
• Beach Camping at Flinders Beach.
• Four-wheel Driving on the beach.
• Point Lookout for cafe’s, local shops and main areas of the Island.
• Scuba Diving at Manta Bommie / Shag Rock & Flat Rock.
• Stop in at the Straddie Brewing Co for a taste of their local beer.
• Sunrise/ Sunset watching from the beach or Gorge walk.
• Learn about the Quandamooka People at the Historical museum.

Wrap up!

While there are plenty more choices of accommodation on North Stradbroke Island, than what’s listed in todays post. I hope that I’ve been able to round down your options and help find one that suitable for you.

With that said, after picking your accommodation, please see my other articles sourounding the Brisbane areas. This will help with research and planning activities or other locations to stay.

Other Related Articles:

• Best Things to do on Bribie Island
• Best Areas to Stay in Brisbane: Neighbourhood Breakdown
• Closest Motels/Hotels to Brisbane Airport
• Reasons Moreton Island is worth visiting in Queensland
• Cheapest way to get to Moreton Island
• Moreton Island Vs Stradbroke Island – Which is better to visit?
• Plan A North Stradbroke Island Day Trip
• Cheapest Way to get to North Stradbroke Island
• Is Brisbane worth visiting & the best things to do?
• One Day in Brisbane: Choices for your Itinerary
• 5 Day Brisbane Itinerary in South East Queensland
• Island Hopping Southern Moreton Bay from Brisbane