Recommendations

During the tours, I meet other operators and businesses alike. Below is a list of recommendations for trips, accommodations and places to eat.
Hopefully, it helps you plan your next a trip around the Brisbane area.

Accommodations

Bellthorpe Stays
Bellthorpe Stays is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors with your own rainforest, walking tracks,waterfalls and wilderness. We have a fantastic, secluded property for you to stay at, miles from anywhere but close enough to get here.

There is a choice of four self-contained cabin for your stay, amidst the 400 acres of lush greenery and rolling hills.

Clear Mountain Lodge
Just 35 mins from Brisbane CBD, the road to Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge, Spa & Vineyard runs along a high ridge, rising and falling though the forest before hugging the mountainside for the final climb to one of the most peaceful and tranquil hotels in Brisbane.

Once you arrive, the city has been left behind, and the stone and timber entrance to The Lodge beckons you to the solitude and serenity of your mountain top retreat.

Maiala Park Lodge
Maiala Park Lodge is a bespoke accommodation venue in Brisbane hinterland where you can just be you. We celebrate the diversity of our country, cultures, communities and, of course, guests.

Inspired by the surrounding landscape, Maiala Park Lodge is designed to make your visit unique,
comfortable and joyful.

Mt Nebo Railway Carriage
Our Railway Carriage and Chalet offer a well-groomed vintage experience in the gardens of Roselou Cottage at Mt Nebo. Suitably accommodated for two and only 45 minutes from Brisbane City, the scenic drive makes for an easy getaway. Set amongst a surrounding national park, the beautifully restored 1920’s Queensland Railway Carriage and cosy Chalet will cater for all your needs.

The Ridge at Maleny
Maleny’s newest, luxury, boutique development, The Ridge at Maleny, offers 16 contemporary Scandinavian inspired 1, 2 and 3 bedroom mountain villas and cabins, fully self-contained, air-conditioned and nestled amongst 300 acres of pristine Sunshine Coast hinterland. Architecturally designed and luxuriously appointed, the cabins are perched high on the ridge with breath-taking views across the valley.

Turkey’s Nest
Just 40km from Brisbane lies the sleepy village of Mount Glorious, surrounded by the magnificent environment of the D’Aguilar National Park. Within these tranquil surroundings is Turkey’s Nest Rainforest Cottages, an idyllic, peaceful retreat which offers visitors an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tour operators

Walk Goompi – Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island
Walk Goompi – Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island to view and experience public art forms and make your own art to take home. This walk and workshop are led by Quandamooka artist, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins.

Straddie Adventures
The tour business “Straddie Adventures”, specialise in Bay Kayaking, Sand Boarding, 4WD Tours and Kulcha with a difference. Our business is owned and operated by Original Sovereign Owners of the Quandamooka who live on a place people call Nth Stradbroke Island – “Cherrangaree” We will take you on an authentic experience into territory known as “Quandamooka”, sharing, demonstrating and teaching our Original Kulcha passed on through the generations.

Straddie Kingfisher Tours
Straddie Kingfisher Tours offers Eco touring, Kayaking, Sandboarding, Fishing and Tag Along Touring.

Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre
Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre is Brisbane’s premier dive facility for high quality, live-in scuba diving training. Located right on the beach at Point Lookout, we specialise in providing world-class scuba diving courses and dive trips to the Moreton Bay Marine Park on beautiful North Stradbroke Island.
As well as our full-service scuba centre, we are also North Stradbroke Island’s only backpacker YHA Hostel, offering comfortable dorm-style and private accommodation with full facilities for up to 56 guests.

Brisbane Whale Watching
Brisbane Whale Watching invites you to come on board the magnificent ‘Eye Spy’ for an encounter with the whales.

Eating out

Mount Glorious Cafe
This popular spot for motorcyclists, or anyone out for a drive or ride, is open to takeaway and dining. You can pop in for a coffee or food to take away from 6.30 am-3 pm.

Fishes at the Point
Situated opposite the stunning North Gorge Walk at Point Lookout, Fishes at the Point is your premier restaurant stop on North Stradbroke Island.
Fishes Cafe is the best place to eat on Straddie and provides a an all day cafe and takeaway menu. Offering a hearty range of breakfast options to suit, coffee fanatics, seafood addicts and brunch goers alike. Fishes at the Point serves breakfast, lunch and an alfresco evening dining experience specialising in fresh, local Straddie seafood, succulent steaks and several vegetarian and gluten free options.

Into the Blue Island
The cutest seaside cafe on the island. Delicious breakfast, ocean views, whales swimming past, friendly service & eclectic decor. The perfect family spot for breakfast & a great menu.

Oceanic Gelati Bar
Gelati with a view. Watch the whales and dolphins play in Frenchmans’ Bay while you enjoy our homemade Italian ice creams, espresso coffee, fresh juices and smoothies. We have refreshing dairy-free fruit sorbets, and luscious milk-based flavours like iced vovo, coffee almond, rosewater meringue and rich chocolate.

Stradbroke Hotel
Soak up the captivating Coral Sea views while enjoying a tasty selection of meals and snacks at our on-site bistro and bar.

From sensational seafood platters to a traditional salad and schnitzel, you will find plenty to tempt your taste buds.

Environmental Centres

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve comprises 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest overlooking the Glass House Mountains landscape. A remnant of the rainforests that once covered the Blackall Range, the reserve is a living museum of diverse plant and animal life that will delight with its tranquility and beauty.

Osprey House
Osprey House is open from 10am till 4pm every day, 7 days a week. Come on down for a visit, sit and meditate on our amphitheatre or just wander around our boardwalk.

Experiences

Tawny Trails
Tawny Trails is The Creative Living Experience. Mixing the beauty of nature and the magic of creativity into an art and lifestyle trail.