Posted by: colin62 | November 13, 2008

Discover North Stradbroke Island

Catching the ferry to Stradbroke Island is an exciting part of the Straddie experience!

Catching the ferry to Straddie is an exciting part of the experience!getting

Getting to North Stradbroke Island can be a bit of a pain, so here it is in black and white!

North Stradbroke Island is accessible only by vehicular ferry or by water taxi. (I suppose you could sail or power boat over!). Either way, you need to travel to Toondah Harbour by car or public transport. Here’s how:

Getting to Cleveland, then on to Straddie by public transport:

Queensland rail operates a regular air conditioned train service to Cleveland (the last station on the line) from Roma Street Station  every 25 minutes or so. From the Cleveland station the ferry companies run free buses to the departure point with the buses timed to meet water taxi departures.

The Straddie water taxis take around 25 minutes and both boats have recently been upgraded with TV’s etc. Cost is $19 return.

Two water taxi companies leave Toondah Harbour, one going to Dunwich and other the “One Mile” jetty. Once again they have complimentary time tables and both water taxis are met by Stradbroke Buses (except the last boat  – normally around 7pm). In any case, you should probably book and it pays to confirm that a bus is available. There is also an island taxi service which can be expensive in small numbers but it is courteous, comfortable and reliable.

STRADBROKE BUSES TICKET PRICES COVERING 2 ZONES – DUNWICH TO POINT LOOKOUT

adult single $4.10
adult daily $8.20
adult weekly $32.80

child single $2.10
child daily $4.20
Child weekly $16.80

Qld only: pension, seniors and tertiary
same as child

Useful Public Transport links:

Train Time Table

Stradbroke Flyer Water Taxi

Big Red Cat Car and Passenger ferry

Stradbroke Buses

Getting to Straddie with a car:

Cruising to Straddie in the sunshine!

Cruising to Straddie in the sunshine!

From Brisbane City, travel down Old Cleveland Road to Cleveland and then follow the signs to the harbour via Middle street. It is dead easy with very clear signage. From the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, find the Gateway Motor Way exits and once again follow the signs to Cleveland.

Two Ferry companies operate with slightly different time tables that compliment each other. Costs are the same, so your only decision is which time table suits you. Both offer online booking and the trip takes around 50 minutes. Here are the links to book a car Ferry to Stradbroke Island online:

To book a barge, follow these links:

Big Red Cat

There you go, how to get to Straddie in a nut shell. Now you can enjoy this type of view!!!

Fishes Cafe for great food, views and bike and binocular hire.

 

Dolphins as seen from Point Lookout headland

Dolphins as seen from Point Lookout headland

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Posted by: colin62 | November 20, 2009

Straddie bush fire burned 19 hours

Straddie bush fire burned for 19 hours

BY DANI VOLKE

19 Nov, 2009 06:50 PM

Firefighters have contained a fire in bushland on North Stradbroke Island after a 19-hour battle.

A lightning strike during Tuesday nights fierce electrical storm is thought to have started the fire 10km south of Tazi Road.

Seven Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) crews, three QFRS helicopters, three Redland City Council vehicles, three Consolidated Rutile Limited vehicles and four Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) crews were involved in fighting the fire from 11am on Wednesday until 6am on Thursday.

South East Command Superintendent Mike Dwyer said no residential properties had been threatened.

He said emergency crews had to change response tactics because the area had experienced hotter and windier days in the past decade.

“The fire intensity and growth of the fire was getting to the point where it was controlling its own winds, which can be quite dangerous,” Superintendent Dwyer said.

“This summer we are taking different approaches to extinguishing fires due to hotter and windier days. We are spending a hell of a lot more on resources to extinguish fires very hard and very quick, so they dont build to an intensity where they crown to the tops of trees and take on their own winds.”

via Straddie bush fire burned for 19 hours – Local News – News – General – Bayside Bulletin / The Redland Times.

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Posted in Weather

Posted by: colin62 | November 20, 2009

Straddie’s marine research centre worth a visit

Straddie marine research centre worth visit

Article from: The Courier-Mail

Phil Hammond

November 19, 2009 11:00pm

FIND out what tickles a manta ray, where great white sharks hang out, what keeps humpback whales healthy and how your rubbish can kill a sea turtle.

North Stradbroke is always worth a visit, but especially this weekend. Its open day at the University of Queenslands Moreton Bay Research Station on North Stradbroke Island tomorrow.

Families can check out the busiest marine research station in the southern hemisphere at the annual UQ Bay Fest.

Theres free access to see first-hand what research is being undertaken and to hear talks about the work.

Make it a full day out or stay over on Straddie and enjoy a wonderful place.

Marine biologist Dr Kathy Townsend, the station's manager of research and education, wants the public to have a look at the station.

“Its a really fantastic asset,” she says.

“Last year 20,000 people came through on tours. We are bringing lots of people from around the world to see this island from a low-impact scientific point of view.”

The island community is encouraged to visit and local schoolchildren are monitoring a shark egg they found on the shore and brought to the research station, which is incubating it.

via North Stradbrokes marine research centre is worth a visit | The Courier-Mail.

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Posted by: colin62 | November 19, 2009

Oyster lovers off to Straddie

Oyster lovers off to Straddie

BY JENNA DAROCZY

19 Nov, 2009 03:56 PM

AN oyster lover will travel far for a fresh Dunwich dozen and local growers admit to sampling their fare “just to check”, but grower Marilyn Hall rarely indulges.

Straddie Wild Rock Oysters

Straddie Wild Rock Oysters

The oysters she grows will be in abundance at this Sundays Staddie Oyster Fest, but Marilyn said her husband and fellow grower, Kevin, did not have to worry about her pinching the produce.

“I dont really like oysters,” she said, amidst laughter from fellow growers preparing their wares for the festival, to be held at the Sharks Allsports Club at Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island.

“But I do know a good oyster when I see one and ours are by far the best, grown in the pristine waters of Straddie where weve never had a pollution scare, like some other places.”

While not competing in the oyster eating or shucking competitions, Marilyn keeps the records for fastest times going back to the beginning of the competition.

“The record at the moment is two minutes, 39 seconds to open 30 oysters, which is a lot faster than any of us growers can do,” she said.

The free festival boasts rides, a jumping castle, live music from local band Shag Rock and mountains and mountains of Straddie seafood as far as the eye can see, with bargains like a fresh dozen going for as little as $11 and bottles of 30 oysters and a variety of other local seafood for sale as well.

The Straddie Oyster Festival will start at 10am, running until about 6pm. Entry to the festival is free, but festival-goers are encouraged to book their Stradbroke Ferries tickets in advance on 3488 5300 to avoid disappointment.

Residents of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands can also book tickets for a special BITS service on the day, stopping at Russell at 9.30am, Lamb at 9.40am, Macleay at 9.45am, Karragarra at 9.50am and Coochiemudlo islands at 10.10am.

The return ferry will leave Dunwich at about 4pm, with tickets $12 and bookings through the club on 3409 9216 or by contacting Jan on 0428 357 976.

via Oyster lovers off to Straddie – Local News – News – General – Bayside Bulletin / The Redland Times.

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Posted by: colin62 | November 18, 2009

Firies battling large Straddie bushfire

Firies battling large bushfire on North Straddie

BY DANI VOLKE

18 Nov, 2009 04:22 PM

A large fire is currently burning dense bushland 10km south of the Tazi Road on North Stradbroke Island.

Fire crews were called out around 9am today and South East Command Superintendent Mike Dwyer said the fire may have been started by lightning strikes during the electrical storm last night.

Four Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) trucks, three Redland City Council vehicles, three Consolidated Rutile Limited vehicles and three QFRS helicopters are currently battling the fire.

According to Superintendent Dwyer the fire was not threatening any residential areas at the moment, but the fire would be monitored throughout the night.

via Firies battling large bushfire on North Straddie – Local News – News – General – Bayside Bulletin / The Redland Times.

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Posted by: colin62 | November 6, 2009

Point Lookout lifesaver raising funds

LOUISA Jones is only 18 but the volunteer lifesaver at Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club already has her sights set on helping the community.

Point Lookout Life Saver Ms Jones

Ms Jones hopes to raise $5000 in 7 months

As the club’s Conrad Jupiters Miss Summer Surf Girl, Ms Jones hopes to raise $50,000 during the next seven months for life saving and training equipment on North Stradbroke Island.

“Point Lookout lifesavers are fairly isolated because of our location on Stradbroke,’’ Ms Jones said. “We don’t have the life saving support services or quick response times from the emergency services like they have on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

“We need to be fairly independent and we rely heavily on our gear if it’s not up to standard it can mean the difference between someone living or dying on our beaches.’’

Ms Jones is planning several fundraising events, including Up the Tower at the Chandler Markets on November 29 and Prawns at the Point on January 9 at the Point Lookout club.

The Summer Surf Girl program is run by Surf Life Saving Queensland to give women in the movement a chance to act as ambassadors for the organisation and their club.

Email Louisa at surfgirl@pt lookoutslsc.com or for club details phone Natasha Dennis on 0409895086.

via Point Lookout lifesaver raising funds – Local News – News | Wynnum Herald.

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Posted by: colin62 | November 6, 2009

Straddie Camping

Thursday, November 5, 2009

North Stradbroke Island Camping

Posted By : Rhonda Budden

So you’ve just taken delivery of a new off road trailer tent and you’re itching to give it a whirl. Where are you going to take it to test out its off road handling capabilities?

Look no further than Queensland’s beautiful Moreton Bay Islands. For those that enjoy the peace and quiet of natural surroundings, both Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island offer the chance to get back to nature. As the second and third largest sand islands in the world respectively, they offer stunning, white sandy beaches, clear, crystal waters and plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds with an off road camper trailer tent.

North Stradbroke Island ‘affectionately known as ‘Straddie’ – offers amenities and things to do for all the family. The island is only accessible to visitors in the north; the southern part of the island is privately owned. However, there is plenty to do and see. From safe swimming and boating to fishing and whale watching (from June to November), there will never be a shortage of activities.

A couple of off road camping options await you on Straddie: Flinders Beach Foreshore and Main Beach Foreshore – both of which are only accessible from the beach. A 4WD permit is required for camping at both locations and the cost of this is in addition to the cost of camping there. Except for a few composting toilets at Flinders beach, there are no facilities at either location so it’s best to come with a fully kitted out camper trailer tent.

Main Beach offers 35km of unspoilt sandy beach, patrolled at one end and overlooking the Pacific Ocean. From this beach you can fish for your supper and from the nearby North Gorge Headland walk you can get a great view of the annual whale migration. Of course, if you don’t want to be too far from civilization, the restaurants and cafes of Point Lookout are only a few minutes’ drive away. Bookings are essential for camping at Flinders Beach, especially during school holidays and it’s worth remembering that this beach is not patrolled.

via Moreton Bay Camping in SE Queensland Posted By : Rhonda Budden.

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Posted by: colin62 | November 4, 2009

“Quandamooka Country” – 150 Years in 150 Minutes

“Quandamooka Country” – 150 Years in 150 Minutes

04 November 2009

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF Q150 PROJECT “QUANDAMOOKA COUNTRY” – 150 YEARS IN 150 MINUTES”

An audio/visual collage from the land and waters of Moreton Bay.

Redlands Tourism with funding from the Premier’s Dept Q150 Unit is proud to announce the launch of the 2 dvd set which will be available as a free resource for schools, libraries, museums and tourism operators…

“This 2 dvd set is a regional collection of oral history, anecdotes, yarns and future aspirations from a broad cross section of the community” said Mr Robin Cain, Chairman, Redlands Tourism.

He went on to say “Redlands Tourism as the local tourism authority has produced the collection of facts, fiction, humour, personal interest stories, a ‘food for thought’ along with a few laughs intertwined through images past and present.”

via “Quandamooka Country” – 150 Years in 150 Minutes.

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Posted by: colin62 | November 2, 2009

Hysteria over shark risk unfounded

Hysteria over shark risk to swimmers unfounded

Article from: The Courier-Mail

By Rory Gibson

November 03, 2009 12:00am

THERE appears to be a VERY BIG shark out there.

We know this because it made a snack out of just a BIG shark, a 3m white pointer, off Stradbroke Island last week.

Photos of what was left of the hapless great white, huge chunks of flesh torn from its once streamlined body, flashed around the world.

The size of the bigger shark was estimated to be at least 5m, causing the sphincters of Straddie’s surfers to get very watertight indeed.

Shark photos and stories always elicit fascination but this particular photo should have caused cheering. It should have sparked a celebration that an animal that big still roams our seas.

via Hysteria over shark risk to swimmers unfounded | The Courier-Mail.

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Posted by: colin62 | November 2, 2009

Claims of high shark numbers off Stradbroke dismissed

Claims of high shark numbers off Straddie dismissed

AM – Tuesday, 30 December , 2008 08:15:00

Reporter: Nicole Butler

ELEANOR HALL: Queensland’s marketing slogan used to be “Beautiful one day, perfect the next!”

But it seems the Sunshine State is no longer the place for a carefree holiday.

Tourists are being warned about shark numbers, and for the first time, visitors to the idyllic Fraser Island will be greeted by crocodile warning signs.

In Brisbane, Nicole Butler reports.

NICOLE BUTLER: Queenslanders started the week reading newspaper headlines like “Jaws terror grips the coast”, “Marauding shark packs spark panic”.

The stories followed the closure of popular beaches on Stradbroke Island over the weekend after several shark sightings. There were also reports packs of sharks in the area, and some were within 20 metres of swimmers.

But experts say many of the sightings weren’t real – they were imagined.

Peter Miller is a senior Queensland lifeguard.

PETER MILLER: I think at the moment there’s quite a bit of hysteria with that poor man being taken by a shark in Western Australia.

NICOLE BUTLER: Fifty-one-year-old Brian Guest was taken by a shark south of Perth on Saturday. The Queensland lifeguard says beachgoers have been jumpy ever since.

PETER MILLER: At the moment, I think every shadow, every dolphin from every stick in the water can be mistaken for a shark, so we have board riders coming up to us and saying, “Look, I’m sure I saw a shark”, and for a couple of weeks thereafter, there was quite a large hammerhead shark caught in the nets. We had board riders coming up and saying, “I just saw a hammerhead shark”.

Now, I don’t know that prior to that I’d ever really had a specific sighting of a hammerhead shark, so it can get a little of the better of you I think, and people do see things that perhaps aren’t there sometimes.

via AM – Claims of high shark numbers off Stradbroke Island dismissed.

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Posted by: colin62 | November 2, 2009

First Australians Offer Key to Tourism

First Australians Offer Key to Tourism

AAP Nov 1, 2009

Straddie not Uluru but still has an amazing heritage

Straddie's not Uluru but still has an amazing heritage

Uluru, a popular spot for tourists to experience in Australia and experience nature-based tourism in action. (Torsten Blackwood/Getty Images)

BRISBANE—For overseas tourists, an Australian holiday conjures up all types of images.

Among them might be visions of famous beaches, landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Uluru and dry, red desert lands.

Almost certainly they’ll wonder at the ancient culture and mystique of the land’s first inhabitants – Aboriginal Australians.

And while many who come Down Under will take home seaside, bush and city snaps, many will not fulfil their urge to engage with indigenous Australians.

For those in the industry, this missing link is of concern as Australia battles against cheaper and emerging overseas destinations to lure international tourists.

It’s a problem that will be discussed at next week’s Global Eco (Global Eco) tourism conference in Alice Springs (EDS: starting November 9), where the industry will examine tourists’ growing demand for nature-based tourism and how indigenous Australia can help fill this gap.

The answer, many say, is to engage indigenous Australians to work in the tourism field, but not in the stereotypical roles many would initially think of.

via Epoch Times – First Australians Offer Key to Tourism. Read on Straddie guys…….

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