No sounds but the crashing of waves and kids happily splashing in the pool. Nothing to see except lush tropical gardens, golden sand and azure waters. Nothing to do but relax on the expansive deck with a book, take a long walk along the beach or a refreshing dip in the sea. Sound like heaven on earth? You and your Brisbane Kids can experience this piece of paradise at Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel.
This family-friendly hotel offers three and four-bedroom apartments with ocean views or smaller studio suites; a bistro serving up fresh seafood, burgers and pizza; a large swimming pool and kids’ activities over the school holidays. Plus there’s so much more for families to discover across North Stradbroke Island, also known by its indigenous name – Minjerribah – including beautiful lakes, bush walks, beaches, fishing and surfing.
Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel – family apartments at Point Lookout
The hotel is located at Point Lookout, which is a small coastal town on the island, situated on a picturesque headland, with a population of approximately 700 permanent residents. Our Brisbane Kids’ writer stayed in a three-bedroom apartment, which was well appointed with a full kitchen, laundry, two bathrooms (one with bath), and two decks, one of which had a BBQ and offered stunning views over the hotel’s swimming pool and out to the ocean.
The apartments are spacious, and there is lift access and free undercover parking. The pool and surrounding gardens are impeccably maintained and are the perfect place to sit and breathe in the salty sea air and enjoy the cooling coastal breezes. During school holidays, the hotel’s function room becomes a kids’ club – ask at reception for a timetable of activities.
Where to eat at Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel
The cheapest way to eat at Stradbroke Island is to self-cater, and it’s easy to do in these apartments. The most economical approach is to bring your groceries over from the mainland, to avoid paying island prices for food! However, if you need anything, there is a FoodWorks located at Point Lookout, not far from the hotel.
If you feel like a break from cooking, the onsite Manta-Ray Bistro has a tempting menu, including a kids’ menu offering fish and chips, nuggets and chips, calamari and chips and pizza. The kids’ meal deal also includes a soft drink and an ice-cream. For the adults, the lunch and dinner menu includes pizzas, surf and turf, local seafood and mouth-watering burgers.
Breakfast is a real treat at the Manta Ray Bistro, with options ranging from healthy acai bowls served with seasonal fruit, roasted almonds, chia seeds and berry coulis through to the popular smashed avocado served with poached eggs and halloumi bruschetta. Kids will love the banana pancakes or traditional bacon and eggs. Both the bistro and the adjacent bar look out onto the picture-perfect coral sea, making you want to linger a little longer over your meal. You can also ask for your meal to takeaway, and enjoy your feast in the comfort of your apartment, or as a picnic on the beachfront.
Getting to North Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel
To get to North Stradbroke Island, you can take your car over on a water taxi (there are sealed roads on the island so a 4WD is not necessary) or catch the passenger ferry with Stradbroke Ferries. Both services leave from Cleveland and drop you off in Dunwich, a small town on the western side of the island. From there, it is approximately a 20-minute drive to Point Lookout, where the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel is located. If you’re not bringing your vehicle, you can use the island’s bus service instead, to drop you at Point Lookout.
Things to do near Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel
The well-known Cylinder Beach is walking distance from the hotel and is patrolled by lifeguards. This is a popular spot for families, and a great surfing location too. The North Stradbroke Island Surf School operates here, and families can book in a group or private lesson. Prices start at $50 per person for a 90-minute group lesson and kids as young as five can have a go. Parents are welcome too!
Main Beach, which seemingly stretches forever, is only a short drive from the hotel and is also patrolled by lifeguards. This well-patronised beach is also home to the Point Lookout Surf Club, set in an enviable position on the headland overlooking the surf and sand. The bar opens from 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and although the club doesn’t offer meals, it is a pleasant spot to sit in the shade and enjoy a drink and the view.
A must-do for families is the North Gorge Walk at Point Lookout which is one of the most scenic walks in Queensland. The boardwalk is a 1.5km circuit which begins on Mooloomba Road, near the children’s playground. There are steps, so it would be tricky to navigate with a pram or wheelchair, but otherwise, it is a family-friendly walk offering multiple viewing platforms along the way. At these vantage points, you’re likely to see migrating whales, frolicking dolphins, swimming turtles, giant manta rays and plenty of sea birds. Alongside the track, you’ll probably encounter kangaroos or even koalas and echidnas. Take your camera, as the rugged beauty of the gorge and coastline is definitely photo-worthy.
For other things to do at North Stradbroke Island with kids, read our detailed review here.
Ready for some Vitamin Sea? You can find out more about the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel or make a booking at www.stradbrokehotel.com.au. The writer stayed courtesy of Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel.
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