Can I drive my rental car to Stradbroke Island?
Famous for its pristine beaches, excellent surf conditions, and diving, Stradbroke Island is a popular family-friendly destination, ideal for exploring by hire car from Brisbane.
Read on to find out more about how to get there in your rental car.
Situated off the coast of Brisbane, Stradbroke Island is a very popular spot for surfing, snorkelling, and whale watching. See for yourself what the island has to offer by exploring it in a rental car.
Taking a rental car to Stradbroke Island
Not all car rental providers allow their vehicles to be taken to Stradbroke Island, so it’s best to check with your prospective provider before booking a car. In any case, you’ll need to get authorisation from your rental provider if you’re planning on taking your rental car on the Stradbroke Island ferry.
SeaLink operates two vehicle ferries between Cleveland on the Queensland mainland and Dunwich on Stradbroke Island. With almost a dozen services a day, the journey takes about 45 minutes depending on weather conditions.
For further info on renting a car, check out our guide to renting in Australia.
Travelling around Stradbroke Island
When you arrive at Stradbroke Island by vehicle ferry, you’ll disembark at Dunwich. The East Coast Road is the primary sealed road that will take you across the island. On the east side of the island, you’ll find the town of Point Lookout, which offers an array of amenities and activities to visitors.
Top attractions on Stradbroke Island
Point Lookout
Not only is Point Lookout one of Queensland’s best spots for whale watching, it also provides some of the best coastal views from the island.
Diving
Anyone interested in diving will love Stradbroke Island. The reef is abundant with unique marine life, and some of the island’s dive sites are considered among the best in Australia.
Cycling
Stradbroke Island has many kilometres of cycling trails well exploring. Pick up a bike and cycle through parts of Stradbroke Island which form a prt of the beautiful Naree Budjong Djara National Park (previously known as Blue Lake National Park).
