North Stradbroke Island: Wildlife Day Tour & Koala Walk

Summary

Gorge Walk views, koalas in the wild and secret beaches on Straddie

You’ll cross by ferry from Brisbane to North Stradbroke Island for a day full of wildlife moments—swimming in Brown Lake, walking coastal cliffs on the Gorge Walk, searching for wild koalas with your guide, and relaxing at Amity Point Beach. Expect small group energy and space to linger in each place—plus that sunset ride back across Moreton Bay stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped off the ferry to North Stradbroke Island when I caught that salty, eucalyptus smell—like sunscreen and tea trees mixed together. Our guide, Paulo, handed out bottled water and grinned like he already knew what we were about to see. The drive was short but somehow felt like a reset button; city noise faded fast. At Brown Lake (locals call it Bummiera), I dipped my toes in—cooler than I expected—and watched sunlight flicker through paperbark trees. Paulo talked about Quandamooka traditions here, his voice soft but proud. It’s strange how quickly you feel far away from everything.

The Gorge Walk is the part I keep replaying in my head. Wind whipped at my hat, and every few steps someone would spot something—a turtle bobbing in the waves or a flash of silver that might’ve been a manta ray (Paulo said sometimes dolphins show up too). There’s this one lookout where everyone just went quiet for a minute, staring out at the Coral Sea. Not sure if it was awe or just trying to process all that blue. Lunch was casual—some grabbed takeaway fish and chips, others unpacked sandwiches on the grass at Point Lookout. No pressure either way.

Later on we wandered down to Amity Point Beach. Paulo led us off the main path (“secret spot,” he winked) and pointed up at a sleepy koala wedged between branches—harder to spot than you’d think! Someone tried snapping a selfie with it (not easy), and we all ended up laughing about our terrible camera angles. Some folks swam instead; I just sat on the sand for a while, letting my feet dry and listening to kids yelling somewhere downshore. On the ferry back, sun low behind us, there was this golden haze over Moreton Bay—I didn’t expect to feel so mellow about going home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — North Stradbroke Island wildlife tour

• Take ferry and enjoy Moreton Bay views
• Visit Brown Lake and learn local culture
• Walk and take photos at paradisiac beach
• Walk the Gorge Walk and spot marine life
• Have lunch at Point Lookout
• Relax at Amity Point and spot koalas

Top questions

How long does the North Stradbroke Island wildlife tour last?

The tour is a full-day experience including ferry crossings and activities on the island.

Is lunch included on this day trip from Brisbane?

No lunch is provided but you can bring your own or buy takeaway at Point Lookout for a picnic.

Will I see koalas in the wild?

Your guide leads you to a spot with good chances of seeing wild koalas near Amity Point Beach.

How big are the groups on this wildlife adventure?

The maximum group size is 11 people for a more intimate experience.

Is swimming possible during this North Stradbroke Island tour?

Yes—you’ll have time for swimming at Brown Lake and Amity Point Beach if you want.

Are there options if I don’t want to do all walks?

You can skip certain walks and relax at the beach instead—the pace is relaxed with options.

What’s included in this tour from Brisbane?

The price covers bottled water, return ferry tickets, air-conditioned vehicle transport, and guiding throughout.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water throughout, round-trip ferry tickets between Brisbane and North Stradbroke Island, comfortable air-conditioned vehicle transfers across Straddie itself, plus guidance from someone who actually knows where those elusive koalas hang out—and enough time built in for swims or slow wandering before heading back as sunset hits Moreton Bay.