Point Lookout Gorge Walk Brisbane
A breathtaking coastal walk on North Stradbroke Island, offering spectacular ocean views and abundant wildlife, including whales.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peak whale migration season
Point Lookout Gorge Walk Brisbane
Best Time
Peak whale migration season

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking coastal walk on North Stradbroke Island, offering spectacular ocean views and abundant wildlife, including whales.
"This island gem offers unparalleled whale watching and stunning coastal trails, easily accessible from Brisbane."
🚗 Ferry & Bus Access
Take the ferry from Cleveland to North Stradbroke Island, then catch the 880 bus to Point Lookout.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Essential for spotting whales, dolphins, and other marine life from shore.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

North Gorge Walk
Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island
A scenic 1.2km loop with breathtaking ocean views, perfect for spotting whales, dolphins, and turtles.

Whale Watching
Lookout points along the Gorge Walk
Prime location for observing humpback whale migrations from June to November.

Cylinder Beach
Near Point Lookout
A beautiful, sheltered beach ideal for swimming and relaxing after your walk.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Island Escape from Brisbane
Whale Watching Hotspot
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ferry & Bus Access
Take the ferry from Cleveland to North Stradbroke Island, then catch the 880 bus to Point Lookout.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Essential for spotting whales, dolphins, and other marine life from shore.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The gorge walk is well-maintained but requires sturdy footwear. [:athletic_shoe:]
☀️ Sun Protection
Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses; the sun can be intense. [:sunwithface:]
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ferry & Bus Access
Take the ferry from Cleveland to North Stradbroke Island, then catch the 880 bus to Point Lookout.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Essential for spotting whales, dolphins, and other marine life from shore.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The gorge walk is well-maintained but requires sturdy footwear. [:athletic_shoe:]
☀️ Sun Protection
Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses; the sun can be intense. [:sunwithface:]
🐢 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for kangaroos, koalas, turtles, and dolphins along the walk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning coastal scenery and abundant wildlife, particularly the whale and dolphin sightings from the Gorge Walk. The accessibility from Brisbane via public transport is a major plus, making it a perfect day trip. Some note that dining options can be limited, especially for dinner, and advise planning ahead.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach the Point Lookout Gorge Walk from Brisbane, you'll need to take a ferry from Cleveland to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah). From the ferry terminal, catch the 880 bus directly to Point Lookout. The journey is well-served by public transport and is a popular day trip option.
Yes, you can drive your car onto the ferry to North Stradbroke Island. The roads to Point Lookout village are sealed, and there is parking available. However, a 4WD is not necessary for accessing the main village and the gorge walk.
The ferry ride from Cleveland to North Stradbroke Island takes approximately 45-60 minutes. Factor in travel time to Cleveland and waiting for the ferry.
Absolutely! Point Lookout Gorge Walk is a fantastic day trip from Brisbane. The ferry and bus system makes it very accessible for a full day of exploring the island's natural beauty.
Yes, several tour operators offer day trips from Brisbane to North Stradbroke Island, often including the Point Lookout Gorge Walk and whale watching opportunities. This can be a convenient option if you prefer not to navigate public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Point Lookout Gorge Walk is a public access area and does not have an entry fee. You only need to pay for the ferry to North Stradbroke Island and potentially bus fares.
The Point Lookout Gorge Walk is open 24/7 as it's an outdoor natural attraction. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and optimal wildlife viewing.
It's recommended to book your ferry tickets in advance, especially if you are traveling with a vehicle or during peak seasons, to secure your spot and potentially get better rates.
No permits are required for general access to North Stradbroke Island or the Point Lookout Gorge Walk. Permits are only needed for specific activities like 4WD beach driving.
Most establishments on North Stradbroke Island accept credit/debit cards. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in case of any connectivity issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The North Gorge Walk is a relatively short loop, approximately 1.2 km, and typically takes about 30-60 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace, allowing time for photos and wildlife spotting.
You have a great chance of spotting humpback whales (during migration season), dolphins, turtles, and various seabirds. Kangaroos are also often seen grazing near the walking paths.
Yes, Cylinder Beach is located very close to the Gorge Walk and is a popular, sheltered spot for swimming. There are also other beautiful beaches along the eastern edge of the island.
The Gorge Walk is generally suitable for families. The path is well-maintained, though there are some stairs and uneven sections. It's a manageable length for most children.
Point Lookout has public toilets, picnic areas, and a few cafes and shops. There are also lookout platforms and information boards along the Gorge Walk.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. However, the views are stunning throughout the day, especially for capturing wildlife.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. For wildlife, a telephoto lens will be beneficial. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance ocean colors and reduce glare. [:camerawithflash:]
The various lookout points along the loop offer unique perspectives. The rocky outcrops and the sweeping views of the ocean are particularly photogenic. Look for areas where kangaroos are grazing for a classic Straddie shot.
Drone usage is subject to regulations. It's essential to check the latest rules and restrictions from the relevant authorities before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
Focus on the ocean for whales, dolphins, and turtles. Keep an eye on the grassy areas for kangaroos. Early mornings and late afternoons often yield the best light and animal activity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Encounters at Point Lookout
Beyond the ocean, the island's headlands and grassy areas are home to a healthy population of kangaroos, which are often seen grazing peacefully near the walking paths. Keep an eye out for koalas in the eucalyptus trees, though they can be more elusive. The diverse ecosystem ensures that almost every visit offers a chance for a memorable wildlife encounter.
Navigating North Stradbroke Island
Once on the island, public transport is quite efficient. The 880 bus route connects the main ferry terminal at Dunwich with key locations like Amity Point and Point Lookout. This bus is the primary mode of transport for visitors without a car, making the Gorge Walk easily accessible. For those with a vehicle, driving on the island is straightforward on the sealed roads leading to the main villages. However, accessing many of the pristine beaches requires a 4WD vehicle and a permit, so plan accordingly if beach driving is your goal.




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