Introduction
If you are looking for an unforgettable island camping experience in South East Queensland, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)—often called “Straddie”—is well worth considering.
While the island has several camping areas and accommodation options, Amity Point has become one of our family’s favourite places to visit.
Located on the northwestern side of the island, Amity Point offers a very different experience from the more exposed surf beaches around Point Lookout. The area is popular with families because of its calmer waterfront, camping facilities, fishing opportunities and easy access to other parts of the island.
We have taken our family and 4WD across to Straddie and learned a few practical lessons along the way.
From choosing the right ferry time and securing your campsite to beach driving, fishing, dealing with horseflies and staying safe while collecting pipis, here are the things I wish I had known before our first trip.
1. Getting to Amity Point: Ferry Logistics & Saving Money
If you are taking a vehicle to North Stradbroke Island, you will need to use a vehicle ferry from Cleveland to Dunwich.
The ferry trip itself is straightforward, but the cost can become a significant part of a family camping trip, particularly when travelling with a 4WD and a trailer or additional equipment.
Check Ferry Times Carefully
Ferry pricing can vary depending on factors such as the travel date, departure time, vehicle type and booking conditions.
When planning our trips, we found that being flexible with departure and return times could make a noticeable difference to the overall cost.
Rather than automatically choosing the most convenient sailing time, compare the available options before booking.
A little flexibility can potentially save a significant amount on a return trip.
It is also worth checking the latest ferry operator pricing and conditions before your trip, as fares and schedules can change.
Do You Need a 4WD?
Not necessarily.
Amity Point itself can be reached by normal sealed roads, so you do not need a 4WD simply to stay at the campground.
However, if you want to explore the island’s designated beach-driving areas, a suitable 4WD becomes much more useful.
If you are planning to drive on the beach, make sure you understand the current access requirements, permits and local driving conditions before setting off.
2. Setting Up Camp at Amity Point
One of the great things about Amity Point is the variety of camping locations and the relaxed coastal atmosphere.
However, being close to the water also means you need to think about wind.
Waterfront vs. More Sheltered Sites
If you choose a campsite closer to the waterfront, the views can be fantastic, but you may also be more exposed to coastal wind.
This is where good-quality sand pegs become extremely important.
We learned this lesson during one of our earlier camping trips. Strong coastal gusts can put considerable pressure on a large family tent and gazebo.
For sandy or soft ground, I recommend using proper heavy-duty sand pegs rather than relying on standard lightweight tent pegs.
If you are interested in the other camping equipment we actually use, check out our [Family Camping Checklist for Australia] https://aussiekim.com/family-camping-checklist-australia/
Secure Your Food and Loose Equipment
This is another habit we developed through experience.
Before going to bed, we make sure that food, rubbish, cooking equipment and other loose items are properly secured.
Do not leave food sitting around your campsite overnight.
Apart from preventing animals from being attracted to your campsite, securing loose equipment also protects it from sudden coastal wind.
A good routine is to do a quick campsite check before everyone goes to bed:
Food → Rubbish → Cooking equipment → Loose items → Tent/Gazebo
It takes only a few minutes and can save you from dealing with a mess in the morning.
3. Amity Point Jetty: Fishing & Family Activities
The Amity Point jetty is one of the area’s most recognisable landmarks and a popular spot for fishing.
Try Your Luck for Bream
We have enjoyed fishing from the jetty and nearby areas, and bream are among the fish that anglers may encounter.
One of the most convenient features for people who catch a fish is the nearby fish cleaning area, which makes preparing your catch much easier than trying to do everything back at the campsite.
Always follow the current Queensland recreational fishing rules, including any applicable size, possession and seasonal restrictions.
Dolphins and Waterfront Wildlife
One of the memorable things about Amity Point is the wildlife.
Depending on the season, tide and conditions, you may see wild bottlenose dolphins around the waterfront and near the jetty.
Seeing them from the shore can be a fantastic family experience.
However, they are wild animals, so it is important to watch from a safe distance and avoid feeding or attempting to interact with them.
Exploring Beyond Amity Point
Amity Point is a great base for exploring more of North Stradbroke Island.
If you have a vehicle, consider making time for places such as:
- Brown Lake (Bummiera) – a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by natural bushland.
- Point Lookout – spectacular coastal scenery and walking opportunities.
- North Gorge Walk – one of the island’s best-known coastal walks.
- Main Beach – a great place to experience the island’s more exposed surf coastline.
If you are visiting during whale season, Point Lookout can also provide excellent opportunities for spotting migrating whales from the coastline.
4. 4WD Beach Driving: Preparation Matters
Driving on the beach is one of the reasons we enjoy taking our 4WD to Straddie.
However, beach driving should not be treated like normal road driving.
Conditions can change quickly because of tides, weather and sand conditions.
Check the Tide Before Driving
Before entering a beach-driving area, check the tide times and plan your trip accordingly.
Driving on firm sand around the appropriate part of the tide is generally much easier than trying to navigate soft sand at the wrong time.
Never assume that yesterday’s conditions will be the same today.
Reduce Your Tyre Pressure
Reducing tyre pressure is one of the most important preparations for beach driving.
Lower tyre pressure increases the tyre’s footprint and can help the vehicle travel across soft sand more effectively.
However, the correct pressure depends on your vehicle, tyres, load and conditions.
Carry a reliable tyre pressure gauge, deflator and compressor so you can adjust your pressures and reinflate your tyres before returning to sealed roads.
If you are travelling with friends, having recovery equipment available within the group can also provide valuable peace of mind.
Watch Out for Horseflies
One unexpected lesson we learned was how aggressive horseflies (march flies) can be in certain areas and seasons.
If you stop to lower your tyre pressure or prepare your vehicle, you may suddenly find yourself surrounded by them.
Keep insect repellent somewhere easily accessible rather than buried at the bottom of your camping box.
It can make a surprisingly big difference.
5. Collecting Pipis: Know the Rules and Stay Safe
One of the memorable beach activities around Straddie can be looking for pipis in suitable sandy areas.
However, recreational fishing and shellfish collection in Queensland are subject to rules that can change, including restrictions around species, size, possession limits, locations and methods.
Always check the current Queensland recreational fishing rules before collecting anything.
Only collect what you are legally allowed to take and leave undersized or protected specimens where you find them.
A Safety Lesson We Learned
There is one safety point that I would particularly emphasise.
Never become so focused on digging for pipis that you stop paying attention to the beach traffic around you.
When you are standing near the shoreline, the sound of breaking waves can make it surprisingly difficult to hear a vehicle approaching along the beach.
If you are collecting pipis in an area where 4WDs are permitted, continuously check both directions and keep children well away from moving vehicles.
Do not assume you will hear an approaching vehicle.
Look up, look around and stay aware of your surroundings.
Preparing Pipis
If you legally collect pipis, follow the current food-safety and handling guidance for shellfish.
Keeping them cool and clean after collection is important. If you plan to cook them, clean and prepare them appropriately before cooking.
We have enjoyed simply sautéing fresh pipis with butter and keeping the preparation simple.
Fresh seafood, cooked outdoors after a day at the beach, is one of those small camping experiences that makes a trip memorable.
6. Our Essential Amity Point Camping Tips
After several trips, these are the practical lessons we would pass on to another family visiting Amity Point:
Before leaving home:
- Book your ferry and campsite early.
- Check the latest ferry fares and sailing times.
- Check whether you need a beach-driving permit.
- Check tide times if you plan to drive on the beach.
- Pack heavy-duty sand pegs.
- Bring a tyre deflator, pressure gauge and compressor.
- Pack insect repellent.
- Bring enough food and drinking water for your planned activities.
- Check the current recreational fishing and pipi collection rules.
At the campsite:
- Secure food and rubbish before going to bed.
- Secure tents and gazebos properly, especially in exposed areas.
- Keep children supervised near the waterfront.
- Store loose camping equipment securely when you are away from the site.
On the beach:
- Reduce tyre pressure before driving on soft sand.
- Drive according to the conditions and tide.
- Keep recovery equipment available.
- Watch for other vehicles.
- Be particularly careful when stopping near the shoreline.
- Never allow children to wander near moving beach traffic.
Conclusion
Amity Point on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) offers a fantastic combination of family camping, fishing, wildlife and 4WD adventure.
For our family, some of the best memories have come from the simple things—setting up the tent near the water, fishing from the jetty, exploring the island, watching wildlife and enjoying fresh seafood after a day outdoors.
At the same time, Straddie has taught us that good preparation matters.
The right sand pegs can keep your tent secure. Checking the tide can make beach driving much easier. A tyre deflator and compressor can save a lot of trouble. Insect repellent can make a roadside stop much more comfortable. And when collecting pipis, simply staying aware of your surroundings can prevent a serious accident.
That combination of relaxation, preparation and adventure is what keeps bringing our family back to Amity Point.
If you are planning your first family camping trip to Straddie, take the time to check the current ferry information, camping conditions, beach-driving requirements and Queensland recreational fishing rules before you go.
A little preparation can make the difference between a stressful weekend and an unforgettable island adventure.
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