Dog-Friendly North Stradbroke Island: Visiting with a Dog

North Stradbroke Island lies just off the coast of Brisbane, and is a great Queensland island destination to visit with your dog. Find out more about visiting North Stradbroke Island, or “Straddie” as it’s often called, from how to get to the island to dog-friendly places to stay and dine out.

Are Dogs Allowed on North Stradbroke Island?

Yes, dogs are allowed on North Stradbroke Island, although there are places on this large island where they are not allowed. As well as being prohibited from many beaches, dogs are not allowed in the Naree Budjong Djara National Park, including Blue Lake, plus at Brown Lake.

On the other hand, dogs are generally not allowed on South Stradbroke Island to the south. The majority of the island is contained within the South Stradbroke Island Island Conservation Park where pets are prohibited, plus dogs are not allowed at any of the other campsites.

How to Get to North Stradbroke Island

There are multiple ways to get to North Stradbroke Island with your dog. The main option is the car ferry operated by Sealink. This ferry operates multiple times per day, departing Toondah Harbour in Cleveland. The trip takes 45 minutes, once the ferry is fully loaded. Advance bookings are essential.

There are also two passenger ferries (also called water taxis) that operate to North Stradbroke Island: the Stradbroke Flyer and a second ferry operated by Sealink. These ferries also depart regularly from Toondah Harbour in Cleveland, taking about 25 minutes for the crossing.

Each of the three ferries permit dogs on board, for no additional fee. Sealink stipulates that dogs need to either travel in your car, or otherwise be leashed and muzzled (although I noticed this is not always enforced, but be prepared). On the Stradbroke Flyer dogs need to be leashed but not muzzled.

Do You Need to Take a Car to North Stradbroke Island?

When visiting North Stradbroke Island, it’s easiest if you take your car across, particularly if you are visiting Stradbroke with a dog. The island is quite large and spread out. For instance, the off-leash dog beach is a 20 minute drive (not walk!) from the ferry terminal.

There is a bus that operates on Stradbroke Island. Dogs were previously allowed on board, at the discretion of the driver, but this is no longer permitted. In any case, the bus services are rather limited and the buses are often full on busy weekends and holiday periods.

Some accommodation providers also provide a pick-up service, which may or may not be dog-friendly. But you’re still restricted where you can visit once you get to your accommodation.

Dog-Friendly Beaches on North Stradbroke Island

One of the main attractions of North Stradbroke Island are its beaches, and dogs visiting the island haven’t been overlooked, with a large off-leash dog beach on the island – Home Beach at Point Lookout.

The off-leash section of Home Beach is about 1km long, in between Rocky Point and Rocky Headland. The off-leash section ends at the wooden stairs leading up the headland to the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel, before your round the headland to the patrolled Cylinder Beach.

Home Beach is an easy 20-minute drive from the ferry terminal on sealed roads, with plenty of nearby accommodation within walking distance of the beach.

Pet dogs are also allowed on-leash on a number of other beaches, including most of Main Beach, most of Flinders Beach, Deadmans Beach and Frenchmans Beach. Check the signs at the beach for the exact locations. Also be aware some of these beaches are not suitable for swimming – there are multiple warning signs at Frenchmans Beach.

Note that dogs are prohibited from these sections of beach:

• Cylinder Beach and the adjacent reserve (to the east of Home Beach)
• Main Beach between the access road adjacent to the Point Lookout Surf Lifesaving Club and  a point northeast of Plant 7 Road
• Flinders Beach between Geeera Street and the Amity Point access
• Plus in front of the swimming enclosures

Dog-Friendly Parks on North Stradbroke Island

North Stradbroke Island is also home to one off-leash dog park, great for if you want your dog to burn off some energy but not get covered in sand, such as before you take the return ferry off the island.

The dog park is located at the Barton Street Park in Dunwich, at the northern end of the park. Look out for the sign next to the newly constructed parking spots. For more information, refer to the Redland City Council website. 

Dog-Friendly Walks on North Stradbroke Island

In addition to dog-friendly beaches, both off-leash and on-leash, there are some great dog-friendly walks that you can do when visiting North Stradbroke Island with your dog. Take your pick from these walks…

#1 Gorge Walk

One of the most popular attractions on North Stradbroke Island, especially for day trippers, is the Gorge Walk. This easy walk offers spectacular views of the so-called gorges near the start of Main Beach in Point Lookout.

The walk starts close to the end of Mooloomba Road. The 1.2km long loop walk mainly consists of a beautifully constructed boardwalk, with some stairs, along with sections of dirt and gravel path at the start and the end. Dogs are welcome to join you on the walk, with signs reminding you to keep your dog leashed.

Between the months of June and November, keep a look out for whales off the coast. At the southern headland, there is also a blowhole that whistles – I could hear it on the stormy day that I visited!

#2 Whale Track

For a quieter dog-friendly walk on North Stradbroke Island, I recommend also following the Whale Track. This trail starts at the carpark at Deadmans Beach and ends at Snapper Street, near two whale watching platforms – hence the name.

The dirt but well constructed track with some wooden steps is about 900m one-way. It meanders up under the trees, with glimpses of the nearby beaches. Return by the same route, or else return by a longer route along Frenchmans and Deadmans Beaches, which are connected by a short track over the headland.

#3 Boardwalks Above Frenchmans Beach

This walk in between the end of the Whale Track at Snapper Street and the Gorge Walk is not an official walking track, but it’s still a great walk to do, especially to connect together the two other walks.

Located above Frenchmans Beach, there are multiple sections of boardwalk that snake alongside the road, connected by sections of paved footpath. The entire stretch is about 700m one-way, but allow plenty of time to stop at the multiple lookouts.

There are also stairs leading down to Frenchmans Beach, where dogs are allowed on-leash. Note though that there are also signs warning of the dangers of swimming at Frenchmans Beach (there have been multiple drownings), so it’s best to just walk on this beach.

More Dog-Friendly Activities on North Stradbroke Island

Some of the other popular activities on North Stradbroke Island are 4WDing on the beach and fishing from the beaches, with dogs welcome to join you as long as they aren’t prohibited from the beach. Make sure you also purchase a 4WD permit.

Dog-Friendly Cafes & Pubs on North Stradbroke Island

There’s plenty of dog-friendly dining options that you can choose from when staying on North Stradbroke Island, if a BBQ at your campsite or accommodation isn’t planned.

One of my top recommendations is the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel. While not previously dog-friendly, dogs are now allowed on the lowest seating area, near the carpark. There are also plentiful dog bowls supplied. The hotel is conveniently located at one end of the off-leash dog beach – great for a visit before or after.

Just outside of Dunwich, a great dog-friendly option is the Little Ship Club. The same sign about the club’s dress code (including when and where swimwear is accepted) also states that dogs must be leashed. There’s plenty of room on its wide grassy waterfront lawn to sit outside with your pup, perhaps while you enjoy the sunset.

A newer venue in Dunwich is the Straddie Brewing Co, located not far from the ferry terminal. However, the two dining areas at the venue are located upstairs, where dogs are not permitted. Instead, there is a small pooch-friendly dining area downstairs. QR codes are supplied for orders, but curiously beers were not listed on the online menu at the time of my visit.

Another top recommendation for a take-away option is The Prawn Shack at Point Lookout. Located just off the waterfront, grab one of their delicious prawn and avocado rolls to enjoy at a seat overlooking the sea nearby. While there wasn’t much avocado on my roll (perhaps due to the season?), the prawns were fat, juice and plentiful.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation on North Stradbroke Island

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There’s a range of dog-friendly accommodation options on North Stradbroke Island. 

One of the classic options is camping along the foreshore. Dogs are allowed in two foreshore camping areas: Flinders Beach (at the north of the island) and Main Beach (along the east of the island).

Both of these camping areas are only accessible by 4WD. In addition to your campground reservation, you need to purchase a 4WD permit, valid for either one month or one year. There’s a limit of two dogs per site, and dogs must be kept on leash.

If camping isn’t your thing or you don’t have a 4WD, instead consider Sea Shanties at Amity Point. Also a waterfront option, they have eight basic cabins with ensuites and kitchens, sleeping between two and six guests. About half of the cabins are pet-friendly, with well-behaved dogs permitted. 

There’s also plenty of holiday rentals on North Stradbroke Island, some that are listed as pet-friendly. However, many rentals only allow pets outside, so always double check the rules in advance, especially if your dog is an inside dog.

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