Stradbroke Island Eco Tour: Koalas & Beaches from Brisbane

Ferry across Moreton Bay to wild koalas resting in gum trees and kangaroos on coastal cliffs

A small-group eco day tour from Brisbane to North Stradbroke Island combines a scenic ferry ride across Moreton Bay with guided wildlife viewing, coastal walks and beach swimming. The operator is Ecotourism Australia Certified, meaning the tour prioritizes conservation and supports the island's cultural heritage. You'll spot wild koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and dolphins year-round, with humpback whales visible from June to October at Amity Point, one of the world's best land-based whale-watching sites. The day runs 11 hours and includes ferry tickets, an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, and free time for swimming at Cylinder Beach.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Stradbroke Island wildlife and beaches

• Ferry ride across Moreton Bay
• Coastal walk along dramatic cliffs
• View from Queensland’s easterly point
• Relax and swim at Cylinder Beach
• Visit coastal reserve to spot koalas
• Ferry ride back to Brisbane

The Experience

The day starts with a ferry crossing of Moreton Bay, where seabirds and marine life often appear before you reach Stradbroke Island. Once there, a local guide leads the group through North Gorge Walk, a boardwalk along dramatic coastal cliffs where kangaroos and wallabies graze near the path. The walk opens onto Amity Point, Queensland's most easterly point and a prime spot for whale-watching between June and October—humpback migrations make this one of the world's best land-based viewing locations during those months.

Cylinder Beach comes next, a white-sand swimming beach where you have free time to swim, play beach games or simply rest by the water. The tour then moves to a coastal reserve ringed by native gum trees, where wild koalas often rest in the treetops and dolphins frequently appear close to shore. The return ferry ride across Moreton Bay at sunset gives you a final chance to spot dolphins while you reflect on the day.

The group stays small, and your guide is trained to point out wildlife and explain the island's ecology and conservation efforts. Ferry tickets, transport in an air-conditioned minibus, and the guide are all included. If you'd prefer a guide who speaks French or Spanish, you can request one when booking—the operator will do its best to arrange it, though it cannot guarantee availability.

What’s included

• Ferry tickets to and from Stradbroke Island.
• air-conditioned minibus transport.
• professional local guide.
• North Gorge Walk and coastal exploration.
• Amity Point whale-watching site access.
• Cylinder Beach swimming time.
• wildlife viewing opportunities.
• beach games.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Stradbroke Island Tours

Is this one for you?The 11-hour day includes coastal walks and beach time, so come ready for a full day on your feet and in the water. Small-group travel with a local guide means you move at a pace that lets wildlife viewing happen naturally—no rushing between stops—which is what makes spotting koalas in the treetops and dolphins close to shore possible.

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Top questions

What wildlife can I actually expect to see on Stradbroke Island?

Wild koalas rest in gum trees year-round at the coastal reserve, and kangaroos and wallabies graze along the North Gorge Walk cliffs. Dolphins are frequently spotted close to shore, and humpback whales migrate past Amity Point from June to October, making it one of the world's best land-based whale-watching sites during those months.

How long is the North Gorge Walk and what's the terrain like?

The walk follows a boardwalk along dramatic coastal cliffs, so it's a guided coastal walk rather than a hiking trail. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the boardwalk keeps the terrain accessible while letting you spot kangaroos, wallabies and seabirds along the way.

Is swimming included, and how much free time do I get at the beach?

Cylinder Beach is a swimming stop with free time built into the day. You can swim, play beach games or relax on the white sand—the exact duration depends on the day's schedule, but beach time is a core part of the itinerary.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Ferry tickets, transport in an air-conditioned minibus, a professional guide and beach time are all included. Lunch is not included, so bring food or plan to purchase it. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat and water for the coastal walks and beach time.

Does the tour operate year-round, and when is the best time to go?

The tour runs year-round, and wildlife viewing is consistent throughout. If whale-watching is your priority, book between June and October when humpback whales migrate past Amity Point. Koalas, kangaroos and dolphins are visible every month.

Can I request a guide who speaks French or Spanish?

Yes, you can request a French or Spanish-speaking guide when you book. The operator will do its best to schedule your preferred language guide, though it cannot guarantee availability—advance notice improves the chances.