North Stradbroke Island

## The spot North Stradbroke Island (Straddie) is a sand island off Brisbane with multiple beach breaks along its eastern coast. Point Lookout at the northern end offers a powerful beach and point setup. The beaches face east into the Coral Sea and receive consistent swell. Warm water, fewer people than the Gold Coast, and quality waves make it a favourite Brisbane escape. ## When it works Picks up east and south-east groundswells. A westerly wind is offshore. Works on all tides. The 3-6ft range is ideal. Consistent year-round with cyclone swells in summer and groundswells in winter. Point Lookout is most consistent. ## Where to sit Point Lookout has multiple breaks: Cylinder, Deadman's, Main Beach. Each works at different sizes. Main Beach is the most accessible. Cylinder is a heavy right on bigger swells. Choose based on conditions. ## Hazards Sharks (bull sharks and tiger sharks in the warm waters). Rocky headland at Point Lookout. Powerful waves at Cylinder on bigger days. Strong currents. Isolation (island access only). ## Parking and access Ferry from Brisbane to Straddie (vehicle or foot passenger). Drive to Point Lookout. Car parks at the various breaks. The island has basic facilities. ## The crowd Less crowded than the Gold Coast. The ferry crossing acts as a natural filter. Good days see 10-20 people at Point Lookout. Weekends are busier. A friendly, relaxed atmosphere. ## Local tips Straddie offers Gold Coast quality with a fraction of the crowd. The ferry is the key barrier; plan your trip around conditions. Point Lookout has excellent viewing platforms for whale watching (June-November). The island has a laid-back atmosphere completely different from the mainland. Bring supplies; the island shops are limited.