South Stradbroke Island

South Stradbroke Island

Escaping to a secluded island paradise in the heart of the Gold Coast might seem like an impossible feat, but South Stradbroke Island offers visitors exactly this. Fondly known as “South Straddie” by locals, this sand island boasts 21 kilometres of white sand beaches and is an undisturbed natural wonder located just a stone’s throw from bustling Main Beach.

While a comparatively smaller island, visitors to South Stradbroke Island will still be spoilt for choice for things to do here. The island is popular amongst surfers, but it is also perfect for a range of other water and non–water-based activities, such as long beach walks, hiking/bush walks, paddleboarding, swimming, kayaking, jetskiing, wildlife spotting and camping – to name just a few.

South Stradbroke Island is also the perfect destination for families, with the island’s sand dunes providing hours of entertainment for kids (and kids-at-heart). The island is home to a range of native wildlife, including wallabies, kangaroos, and marine life, including whales and dolphins, as well as a wide variety of bird species, so keep your eyes peeled!

A relatively narrow island between Jumpinpin Inlet and the training walls of the Gold Coast Seaway, South Stradbroke Island is the smaller one of the two Stradbroke islands and lies very close to the mainland and can only be accessed by water transfer as there is no bridge to access it. Private vehicles are not permitted and the best way to explore this pristine and picturesque island is by foot, biking, or boating.

Get Directions

South Stradbroke Island is a popular destination for surfing. With the help of the discharged sand from the Sand Bypass System, a world class break called (TOS) which stands for ‘the other side’,  has formed on the southern end of the island, just on ‘the other side’ of the north Seaway training wall. However, the island is also perfect for boating, jetskiiing and other water-based activities.

Picnics: Several treed beaches are located on the sheltered western side of the island.

Walks: The endless white sands of the island are perfect for long beach walks, while the rainforests provide a tranquil option for bush walks and hikes.

Camping facilities are available at several locations and more information about campgrounds is available here:

https://www.tipplers.au/camping-and-kiosk/

https://goldcoasttouristparks.com.au/parks/south-currigee-south-stradbroke-island

https://goldcoasttouristparks.com.au/parks/north-currigee-south-stradbroke-island

Access to the island is only available over water, with several sheltered bays on the western side of the island suitable for anchoring and shore-based activities. Many tourist operator tours involve stops on South Stradbroke Island.

Please keep the Gold Coast waterways clean by discharging boat sewage responsibly and legally. A map displaying pump out facilities can be found here:

Sewage Pump out Facilities Gold Coast

Who’s Who in the Blue

Who’s Who in the Blue explains who is responsible for managing, protecting and
regulating Queensland’s waterways, particularly on the Gold Coast.

It clarifies agency roles across safety, environmental protection, pollution response,
compliance and infrastructure, helping avoid confusion and duplication.

Overall, it’s a quick reference guide that supports coordination, accountability and
effective waterway stewardship.

Download Who’s Who in the Blue

Acknowledgement of Country

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority acknowledges and pays respect to the traditional custodians, the Yugambeh peoples of South East Queensland, including the Kombumerri, Mununjali, Wangerriburra, Bullongin and other clans, and their Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise their unique and ongoing spiritual and cultural connection with the land and waters of the Gold Coast area.

Any damaged or missing aids to navigation such as beacons, buoys, markers or signs, should be reported as soon as possible on 07 5539 7350.
For community engagement, communications or media enquiries please contact mail@gcwa.qld.gov.au

Access, Management & Destinations

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    GCWA managed multi-use destinations, building infrastructure for commercial and recreation use of Gold Coast waterways.

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