How to spend two days exploring Dunwich (Goompi) on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

There has never been a better time to explore Dunwich (Goompi) on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah). Whether you enjoy long walks in nature, dining out on fresh seafood, discovering local art or immersing yourself in First Nations culture, Dunwich (Goompi) has something for everyone. Spend a day, visit for the weekend, or get away for a week and you will quickly see why this icon of Redlands Coast (Quandamooka Country) is held in such high regard among locals and visitors. Dunwich (Goompi) is a walkable township, making it easy to travel between experiences, while nearby tourist towns like Point Lookout (Mulumba) are accessible by car.

North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) is a one-stop shop for all visitors, but in this instance, we offer the top locations to visit when travelling to Dunwich (Goompi) as a family or couple.

Day 1

Morning and Lunch

After arriving at the Dunwich (Goompi) ferry terminal, take a short trip into town and join an Indigenous cultural immersion experience with Yura Tours. Here you can experience a Welcome to Country at Brown Lake (Bummiera) walk in the footsteps of the island’s Quandamooka ancestors at Point Lookout (Mulumba) and visit Delvene Cockatoo-Collins’ art studio. Pick up a unique gift reminiscent of your travels as you browse beautifully crafted homewares, exquisite clothing, and artwork. The full tour lasts about three hours and is led by a First Nations guide, making it the ideal experience for guests wanting to immerse themselves in Indigenous culture during their travels.

Before moving onto the afternoon’s activities, take a stroll along the bay, past the Polka Point Midden on the water’s edge (don’t forget to take a photo), and continue to lunch at the Little Ship Club’s iconic waterfront bistro. The menu is packed with fresh seafood, burgers, parmies, salads and desserts – but the view of the bay is what will win you over. Perry’s Seafood, a locally owned and operated island business in the centre of town, offers takeaway options for the busy traveller who would prefer to keep moving. Try a local favourite, the mullet burger.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum – which is open Wednesday to Sunday – or visit the old leper colony station and asylum for a taste of what island life was like during the 1800s.

Sunset Drinks

There is no better sight on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) than watching the sunset over Moreton Bay – and there are plenty of places to take it all in with family and friends. Within walking distance of the Dunwich (Goompi) ferry terminal and other visitor hot spots is Straddie Brewing, a locally owned venue serving pizzas, tacos, sliders, seafood and locally brewed beer. The brewery’s viewing deck, which has panoramic views of Moreton Bay, is among the most popular spots to watch the sunset. The brewery also has a ‘behind-the-tanks tour’, but you will need to arrive a little earlier to join the fun as these tours take place in sessions between 10:30am and 3:00pm on Saturdays.

Stay

Become the Brewery Custodian for the night at Straddie Brewing staying overnight in your private oasis with a rooftop view. Or enjoy camping and glamping at Bradbury’s Beach – near the Little Ship Club.

There are also a variety of holiday houses elevated above the Goompi township.  

You’ll find more accommodation options to choose from within the neighbouring townships of Amity Point (Pulan) and Point Lookout (Mulumba).

Day 2

Morning

Wake up early to enjoy the island in all its glory at dawn, then venture into town for breakfast. The Barn Cafe on Bingle Road gets the tick of approval from locals and is open for breakfast and lunch. The food is delicious offering you a taste of island hospitality.

A tour of the island is not complete without a visit to Myora Springs, a serene freshwater sanctuary located along East Coast Rd. Stop here for a leisurely stroll and allow yourself to soak up the tranquility of island life.

Continue your journey to the iconic Gorge Walk at Point Lookout (Mulumba), one of the most picturesque locations on the island. The headland provides unrivalled views of the Pacific Ocean and is located close to coastal bushland for visitors who would like to experience some of Australia’s native wildlife up close. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars – marine life like dolphins, whales, turtles, manta rays and dugongs are known to frequent the coastline in this area. Other attractions in Point Lookout (Mulumba) include the Panorama Coastal Walk offering spectacular views over Frenchmans Beach. Before you start your walk, or after, enjoy a treat with a view from Whale Tail Gelati & Coffee Shop.

Lunch

Soak up the captivating views while enjoying a refreshing beverage and a seasonal menu at the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel.

Afternoon

Visit Cylinder Beach, one of the most popular surfing spots in South East Queensland, located just a short 4-minute drive from the Gorge Walk. This stunning beach cove is consistently rated among the top 10 beaches in Australia thanks to its soft golden sands and spectacular views.

Explore the Moreton Bay Marine Park

Join the Stradbroke Island Sailing Charter, your own private luxury catamaran departing from One Mile Jetty near the Little Ship Club. On-board morning tea options include antipasto boards and seasonal fruit platters. Charters are for four or five hours, so you may want to ensure you have at least half the day available. 

Before boarding the ferry in the late afternoon and enjoying a ride back across the bay to Cleveland (Nandeebie/Indillie), drop into CJ’s Pizza in the heart of Dunwich (Goompi) for an early dinner or enjoy a sunset beverage or wine tasting at St Stradbroke.