Nature, culture and history

Natural environment

Minjerribah is a picturesque island featuring spectacular rocky headlands—great for viewing whales—with stunning ocean views and long stretches of white sandy beaches.

Photo credit: Queensland Government

Minjerribah's wetlands, foreshore swamps and interconnecting land are listed as part of the Moreton Bay Ramsar site.

Photo credit: Queensland Government

The best way to explore the coastal habitats of Minjerribah is on foot.

Photo credit: Queensland Government

Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), the second largest sand island in the world, is a picturesque island, featuring spectacular rocky headlands with stunning ocean views, long stretches of white sandy beaches, freshwater lakes, rolling surf and tranquil bayside waters.

The island has a diversity of habitats including mangroves, wetlands, endangered heathlands, freshwater lakes, rainforests, old growth forests and woodlands. These are home to threatened species including the Cooloola sedgefrog Litoria cooloolensis and black-necked stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, the endangered swift parrot Lathamus discolor and little tern Sternula albifrons, as well as a genetically distinct population of koala Phascolarctus cinereus. In addition, the island’s wetlands, foreshore swamps and interconnecting land are listed as part of the Moreton Bay Ramsar site, acknowledging the rich biodiversity of the area and the role it plays in providing a habitat for vulnerable, endangered and near threatened species.

Minjerribah is surrounded by the waters of Moreton Bay Marine Park, a popular spot for boating, diving, fishing, surfing and tourism. From the island’s rocky headlands, humpback whales, manta rays and marine turtles are regularly seen, while threatened species such as the dugong and grey nurse shark rest and feed in nearby waters.

The ancient topography of the island preserves evidence of climatic changes over thousands of years along with remnants of some of the earliest human habitation in South East Queensland.

Culture and history

Quandamooka dancers share their stories about Minjerribah during the native title determination celebrations on Minjerribah.

Photo credit: Queensland Government

Indigenous culture

Quandamooka people (‘people of the bay’) know North Stradbroke Island as Minjerribah meaning ‘place of many mosquitoes’. Our relationship with the island dates back thousands of years and as such the island is rich in our traditional culture. Archaeological sites show evidence of countless generations of our people using the island and the rich surrounding waters for food, work and recreation. Our connection to the land, sea and country is still as strong today.

Kaboora (deep silent pool) is an area of special cultural significance to the Quandamooka people. Please respect their culture by not swimming in the lake.

Photo credit: Queensland Government

Blue Lake is an area of special cultural significance for our people who call the lake Kaboora, meaning ‘deep silent pool’. Other places of cultural significance include Eighteen Mile Swamp, midden and bora ring sites and Moongalba (Myora) Mission and springs. Please respect our culture and places—enjoy the experience and leave only footprints.

Restricted Access Area

Stingaree Island and lands adjacent to Swan Bay

A restricted access area covers the southern end of North Stradbroke Island where the national park coincides with the marine park, including Stingaree Island and the lands adjacent to Swan Bay.

The purpose of the restricted access area is to protect the natural and cultural heritage values of the area.

Signs have been put in place in the area to let people know about the restricted access.

Boaties can still enjoy the waters around Stingaree Island, along Duck Creek and Swan Bay as per the existing provisions of the marine park green zone.

Main Beach will remain open for driving and fishing—the closure does not restrict access to any designated tracks or through-routes.

See the restricted access area notice (PDF, 445.1KB) for a map and further information.

Showcasing local Indigenous artwork, the gallery is located on the main street of Dunwich.

Photo credit: Queensland Government

Located in the original and replica Benevolent Asylum buildings the North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum gives and insight into early life on the island.

Photo credit: Queensland Government

Visit one of the many centres to help reveal the Indigenous and non-Indigenous history of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).

North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum
15–17 Welsby Street, Dunwich Qld 4183
Ph (07) 3409 9699
Email info@stradbrokemuseum.com.au
www.stradbrokemuseum.com.au
Open 10am to 2pm Tuesday to Saturday
Admission fees apply.

North Stradbroke Island Aboriginal and Islander Housing Co-operative Society Ltd
18 Welsby Street, Dunwich Qld 4183
Ph (07) 3409 9340
Email nsiiho@bigpond.com
This centre has a photo gallery and artefacts display.

Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders in Council
2 Mitchell Crescent, Dunwich Qld 4183
Ph (07) 3409 9723

Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Art Gallery
3 Ballow Road, Dunwich Qld 4183
Ph (07) 3415 2373

European history

European contact with Minjerribah dates back to 1770 when Captain Cook recorded the sighting of a rocky headland, which he named Point Lookout. Flinders Beach and the towns of Dunwich, Amity and Point Lookout are all sites of historical significance.