Things to do

Swimming

Note: The beaches are not patrolled. Please swim carefully and monitor all kids and adults alike!

Surfing

South Stradbroke Island offers one of the best open beach breaks along the Australian east coast. It's fast paced and attracts experienced board riders. The wave at the southern tip of the island, on the northern side of the Gold Coast Seaway, is known as ‘TOS’ (The Other Side). Surfers should always assess conditions. If in doubt, don't paddle out.

Tipplers swimming enclosure

The Tipplers swimming enclosure is located along the pristine beach at the Tipplers camping grounds, South Stradbroke Island. Dogs are prohibited in this area and in other parts of the island.

Jumpinpin

Jumpinpin also incorrectly known as Jumpin Pin and Jumping Pin it is simply called The Pin by local boaties.

This area is great for fishing or to anchor up and enjoy the beautiful beach and sand. However, the Jumpinpin Bar can be quiet treacherous so beware if you don't know the area or are inexperienced on the water.

There are tours that can take you to this beach, either by water, air or by 4WD from where you are staying on the island.

It is a stunning location and very popular on the weekend with the local boaties!

Ocean Surf Beaches

If you are after idyllic Surf Beaches you can't go wrong with 21kms of surf beach on the ocean side of South Stradbroke Island.

They aren't patrolled and are full of rips, so we don't recommend swimming on this side. The swell can be quite large and plenty of rips. But it is an awesome beach to walk along.

From the property, it is about 2.5 kms through to the ocean beach - you can ride a bike over or walk. You can walk along the entire 21kms of surf beach, but that might be a bit epic with a 42km round trip! There are spectacular views to the north and south, back to the Gold Coast seaway.

The surf beach is particularly stunning at day break. You can easily make your way over in the pre-dawn light - you'll have about 30 minutes of good light before the sun actually comes up - be sure to check the sunrise times - and set off around 30 minutes beforehand.

If you decide to go on a long beach walk, be sure to check your bearings to get back to where you started, let people know where you plan to go, check in when you get back, take water and food just in case.

Water Sunrises & Water Sunsets

It's not that common to get to see both Water Sunrises and Sunsets when you are staying in Australia! But an island such as South Straddie provides the perfect spot.

There is something magical about seeing the sun rise, especially over water and it's also quite soothing to watch the sun go down. There are many great spots to watch the sun rise over the water in the east and set over the water in the west.

Obviously you will need to be staying on the island to see these two amazing sights.

Local Wildlife

South Stradbroke Island has some fantastic wildlife. Both in the water and out of it.

There is nothing quite like something you can only find in that location...

Golden Wallaby

This rare wallaby is only found in this area, spotting one can be a real treat. Staying here, you are bound to spot a few if you stay over.

Whales

Another fantastic opportunity is during whale watching season (early June to late October). Just off the ocean beach is a favourite haunt of the migrating whales, called by locals "Whale Alley".

During the season you will often see the whale watching tour boats in this area, as the whales love it. If you are lucky, you might be able to spot the whales from the shoreline - their spouts, a whale tail, a fin or even them jumping (also known as breeching).

Fishing

There are several options for fishing on South Stradbroke Island. There's the estuary fish on the broadwater side, and you can also fish from the beach on the ocean side.

Fishing off boats or kayaks on the eastern broadwater side you will typically find estuary fish such as bream, flathead, luderkick, tailor, whiting and jewfish. Occassionally you may be lucky and find the larger mangrove jack or trevally. There are also bountiful sandcrabs to be had.

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