The new Straddie Hotel is coming in hot this summer!
The new Straddie Hotel is coming in hot this summer!
There’s something magical about that moment when the Brisbane skyline melts behind you, the ferry hums across Moreton Bay, and North Stradbroke Island starts to work its slow-down sorcery. Kids on bikes wave like you’re long-lost mates, pandanus palms lean into the breeze like they’re welcoming you home, and just as you around the bend – boom. Perched above the waves like Margot Robbie in pub form, The Straddie Hotel appears.
And this summer, she’s back. Better. Brighter. Beachier. And serving more nostalgia than a 90s lunchbox.
After a multimillion-dollar glow-up, the iconic local formerly known as Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel has been reimagined for a new era, without losing a skerrick of the laid-back, sandy-feet charm that made generations of Queenslanders fall in love with her in the first place. She’s still the island’s beating heart, but with a fresh coat of seawater and sunshine.
The Straddie Hotel has slipped straight back into its rightful role: the epicentre of salty hair and perfect pours. The kind of place where mornings are slow and sun-kissed, and cold beers clink in the afternoon as sunscreen and serotonin covered surfers, families and weekenders drift in. And when the sun dips, the evenings turn electric with live music, bustling dinners, and that unmistakable Straddie energy that floats straight off the deck and into the night.
For Jordan Hazel, Director of Moreton Hospitality, bringing the hotel back to life has been an “absolute privilege”, which is business-speak for “we loved her too much to let her stay closed.” He describes the project as a chance to honour the spirit of the island: relaxed, welcoming, a little nostalgic, and full of community soul.
The interiors are picture perfect, designed by KP Architects with culture legends Example. The space boasts mosaic tables, rattan lounges, vintage posters, and lovingly preserved surf and pub memorabilia. Think terracotta, greens, bamboo blinds, crochet details, blending effortlessly to create the ultimate coastal swagger.
The hospitality gives the same energy: chilled but switched on, with the sort of warmth that makes strangers feel like locals, and locals feel like royalty. And yes, the food is exactly what a beach pub should be: generous, unfussy, delicious, and proudly Queensland. Expect plenty of fresh seafood, and classic pub favourites which hit differently when paired with million-dollar views that would make the Selling Sunset crew swoon.
For starters, how about a Prawn and Bug Cocktail with chilled king prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, lettuce, avocado, cocktail sauce, lemon, and melba toasts? Then move into a Chicken Schnitzel with hand crumbed chicken breast, fried golden, topped with sage and lemon butter and rich beef gravy, served with house salad and chips.
Or perhaps the Straddie Seafood Tower is more your vibe (and ours!) with natural and Kilpatrick oysters, chilled Moreton Bay bugs, king and coconut prawns, pink pepper calamari, battered fish, chips, seasonal fresh fruit, summer leaves, and dipping sauces. There are also a variety of burgers, hand-stretched pizzas, summer bowls, and kids’ meals for the mini-me’s.
Of course, the math just wouldn’t be mathing if there wasn’t a sensational selection of wines, beers, classic cocktail and signature cocktails served with an island twist on offer. Our pick? The Strawberry Surf Smash with gin, fresh strawberries, mint, and soda.
Straddie itself is frothing for its comeback era. After quieter seasons thanks to recent cyclone impacts (we’re looking at you, Alfred), the hotel’s reopening brings a much-needed boost for tourism, jobs and local businesses. The Chamber of Commerce calls the return “vital,” celebrating the investment as a win for community, culture and sustainable growth.
So tell your mates, your mister or missus, your ankle-biters, and your fury friends (yep, they’re welcome too!) to get ready to rediscover a home away from home. A place to gather, sip, feast, reminisce, celebrate simpler times, and toast to the comeback kid of Queensland pubs.
Where: 158 E Coast Rd, Point Lookout
When: Bistro: 11am-3pm & 5pm-9pm, Bar: 10am until late
Words by Bianca Trathen.
An oceanside brew heals all ale-ments
If there’s one thing we can’t get enough of – besides shirt’n’short sets and binging Wednesday on Netflix – it’s breweries. We’d happily spend our days bouncing from one to the next and it would be more of a wobbly stagger than a bounce, but our point remains. Well, this particular brewery involves a ferry and shut up, it must be somewhere #HighKeyGoals if a boat ride is involved (it is).
After a 12-month build and much anticipation from #e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e, Straddie Brewing Co opened its doors to their Island Brewery at Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island. Two months young, this architecturally designed showstopper is collecting fans as quickly as we collected Jonathon Taylor Thomas posters in the mid-90s.
Located mere minutes from the Sealink Ferry Terminal, let’s take a moment to applaud founders Kylie Taylor, Troy Beaven and Andrew Sydes. The ground floor of the three-level brewery welcomes you with double-height glass windows revealing stainless steel fermentation tanks, and a 10hl brewhouse. Get your steps up and venture to the 90-seat taproom on the first floor, which also houses eye-popping art installations like the 3.6 metre wall mural by Queensland artist Jarad Danby #artyfarty.
The working brewery feel certainly aren’t compromised, as you look down into the brewhouse and speaking of looking down, a visit to the top floor is a highlight. We’re talking a deck situation friends, seating another hunji or so bods with panoramic views of the BrisVegas CBD skyline, the Glasshouse Mountains, and the stunning Redlands Coast. The sunsets here are simply beyond, and we love nothing more than an amber sundowner with our amber sundowner.
Speaking of the top floor and epic views, it also boasts an exclusive ‘Brewery Caretakers Unit’ which can be booked by the night on AirBnB! Taking into consideration the obvious (a brewery downstairs) and the breathtaking outlook to Moreton Bay and Russell Island, this place is as sought after as the Kmart air fryer.
Now let’s unpack the most important information: the frosty Bronsons. The brewery’s two bars both have 12 taps pouring the six core ranges of Straddie beers: Point Lookout Lager, Amity Pale Ale, Myora Springs Gose, Manta Dark Lager, Jumpinpin IPA, and Mid Track Session Ale with taproom only ‘Sandpit Series’ beers constantly rotating. Now pouring Sandpit Series #1 – Rock Stout and Sandpit Series #2 – Super Pale, plus a couple of craft beer guest taps, the sand-filtered water that flows from Straddie’s aquifer is perfect for brewing and is an important part of the soul of Straddie beer. Non-beer drinkers don’t fret, coz there are hand-picked artisanal spirits, non-alcoholic spirits, and a stellar wine list, ensuring no-one exits without adequate hydration.
We all like a snack…or feast…with our refreshments and thanks to Chef Casey Burke, there’s both in abundance. The mostly sharing-style menu includes plenty of Straddie’s iconic seafood eats like Market Fish Ceviche with fennel and caper remoulade, and Handmade Fettuccine a la Marinara with pipis, black mussels, prawns, capers chilli and garlic. Perhaps a chow down of Beef Tataki with barrel aged Tamari and house made ponzu is more up your alley, or Smoked Kangaroo loin with chilli Quandong jus. Or, get stuck into the ultimate beer partner fare; one of the drool-worthy neo-Neapolitan style hand-stretched pizzas.
So join us and say G’day (and cheers…on repeat) to the brews, fresh food, brewery tours, and mint ocean views at the island home of Straddie Brewing Co.
Where: 5 Junner Street, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island
When: Taproom: 11am – 9pm Monday, 4pm – 9pm Thursday, 11am – late Friday to Sunday. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday.
Kitchen: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5pm – 8:30pm Monday & Thursday to Sunday. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Bring two minute noodles and your very best sense of adventure.
As the year draws to a close, any break from the daily routine is a welcome one. In today’s economic landscape, opting for budget-friendly getaways is the trend, and camping emerges as the perfect choice, my friends.
Luckily for us, there are numerous beautiful spots nearby to satisfy your wanderlust, and the best part is, all you need is a tent, some two-minute noodles, and a keen sense of adventure.
Bigriggen Park
Nestled in the breathtaking Scenic Rim, Bigriggen Park is incredibly family-friendly, and your furry companions are welcome to join, providing them a reprieve from their routine of napping and eating. Just an hour and a half from the Gold Coast, it’s just far enough to feel like you’ve escaped the city. Spanning 55 hectares, the park offers abundant spaces for hiking, exploration, and simply basking in the serenity. If you fancy fishing and watersports, the nearby Maroon Dam lake is a short drive away.
Get there: Head out toward Beaudesert and follow the signs toward Rathdowney and onto Bigriggen from there.
The Settlement
Another immerse-yourself-in-nature gem, The Settlement is the only place you can camp in the Springbrook National Park. There’s no electricity or WiFi so you will certainly be escaping all the creature comforts you know and love (RIP Insta stories). Never fear though, you can amuse yourself by trekking to Purling Brook Falls and sizzling some snags at the BBQ area. Take a book or get involved in a good old-fashioned conversation.
Get there: Head towards Mudgeeraba and follow the signs to Springbrook then follow the signs to Carricks Rd.
Binna Burra
Found in the Lamington National Park, it’s only an hour but it feels like a lifetime away. There are full shower and toilet facilities, coin-operated washing machines and dryers, barbeque stoves and hotplates, plus milk and ice available at the on-site Lamington Teahouse. It’s an eco-friendly spot and you can spend as much time as you please exploring the surrounding national park. There are stunning views of the hinterland and the Tweed region beyond and you can choose from two and four-man tent sites, unpowered and powered drive-on sites, two, four and six-bed permanent Safari Tents and brand new Tiny Wild Houses. So all the things.
Get there: Find it on Binna Burra Rd, out toward Beechmont.
Mount Barney Lodge Campground
Here you’ll get full creek frontage, a swimming hole, open campfires (love) and a kid’s holiday adventure program. How good. Mount Barney Lodge Campground is a grassy and shaded spot complete with stunning views of Mt Barney, which is just across the road should you wish to embark on a climbing adventure. You can drive directly onto shady, unpowered and grassed campsites with designated fire circles. Camper trailers, motorhomes, RV’s and caravans are welcome. There is also a non-vehicle area that is suitable for tents and families with children.
Get there: Pop Upper Logan Rd into your GPS and head toward the big old mountain.
Thunderbird Park
Adventure is the name of the game at Thunderbird Park with plenty of activities for the kids both big and small. Play laser skirmish in the jungle, tackle the high ropes course at TreeTop Challenge, boost the adrenaline with a thrilling ride on the Canyon Flyer, enjoy a horse trail ride or play a round on the championship mini golf course. See, adventure. It’s not a quiet camping adventure but it’s definitely a fun one. If you want a bit more glamp in your camp the Woodlands Tents are calling your name.
Get there: Head on out to Mount Tamborine and you’ll find Thunderbird Park on the corner of Cedar Creek Falls and Tamborine Mountain Roads
South Stradbroke Island
The wild southern sibling of far-more-populated North Stradbroke Island (name creativity is off the charts), South Straddy is always a good time. Getting there is an adventure in itself and the campground is surrounded by scrub so you’ll need to be self sufficient (you can’t drive on the island either). There are bathrooms and the like at Tipplers Kiosk so don’t despair but it’s definitely a down and dirty nature-lovers paradise.
Get there: By private boat or water taxi or hire a seaplane if you’re not short of a dollar.
Canungra
The Sharp Park Bush Camping is strategically nestled on the scenic banks of the Coomera River. It’s a big old grassy area with plenty of blessed shade (how’s the heatwave) and enough river for swimming, fishing, canoeing and whatever else floats your boat. Oh AND, you can bring your doggo (or cat if you must) and open fires are permitted because these good people understand the magical allure of toasting marshmallows under the starlit sky. If you’ve got a family, this spot might be your best bet.
Get there: Drive to Nerang and follow the signs to Canungra then turn off onto Beechmont Rd toward Witheren.
Nightfall Camp
Okay so this place definitely doesn’t qualify as camping but diversity is key right. Nightfall Wilderness Camp is a five star glamping (best word) experience found in the Lamington National Park and it is F A N C Y. There’s bathtubs, food cooked over coals, comfy beds and the prettiest of furnishings. Also, the crew at Nightfall are dedicated to ecotourism so they protect the local wildlife and watch the creeks water quality. It’s an absolutely beautiful place and you should definitely spend some hard earned pennies here.
Get there: Head out toward Canungra then Beaudesert and follow the signs to Lamington National Park.
O’Reilly’s Campground
Nestled in the lap of nature within the lush World Heritage Lamington National Park at O’Reilly’s, this camping haven is the ultimate getaway. Your camping facilities include an open space communal camp kitchen with stunning views overlooking the McPherson Range, a fire-pit and gathering area and an amenities building – with pathways and ramping to enable accessibility for all guests. There are 24 campsites featuring Altitude and Basecamp sites, but 17 powered safari tents are also available if that’s more your jam.
Get there: Head out toward Canungra, once you reach The Canungra Hotel, turn onto Kidston Street off the main road in Canungra (Nerang-Beaudesert Road) as it turns into Lamington National Park Road. If you pass O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards you’re heading the right way (may as well pick up a bottle too!).
Words by Belinda Symons.
World-class waves await.
Learning to surf is practically a rite of passage on the Gold Coast. With year-round warmth and world-class breaks dotted along the coastline, there’s no better place to give it a go. In honour of that, here are five local spots that both Gold Coasters and out-of-towners love to surf.
Get out there, frothers.
Kicking off with four surf breaks in one, The Superbank is a high-performance surfing mecca and home to some of the longest waves in the world. Man-made by sand dredging from the Tweed River, it offers a mix of waves for every level. The crowds demand patience here, and when the swell’s up, it’s best for beginners to sit on the sand and enjoy the show.
Snapper Rocks dishes out crisp barrels for seasoned surfers, while Rainbow Bay is ideal for beginners and longboarders with long, cruisy walls. Greenmount is more user-friendly than Snapper, but the sweep can make paddling back out challenging. Kirra itself is another consistent but crowded break with a shifting sand bottom. Bring your good vibes and you’re sure to have a whale of a time.
Where: Marine Parade and Snapper Rocks Road, Coolangatta
The waves that break off Burleigh Headland make up one of the Coast’s most-loved surf spots. When it’s on, it’s packed with everyone from novices to pros, plus plenty of photographers perched on the hill. Experienced surfers jump in from the rocks on the northern side of the point, while beginners can paddle out from the beach and sit wide in the smaller reforms.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Where the creek meets the sea lies Currumbin Alley, one of the most scenic spots on the Coast and a favourite for beginners and longboarders. The bay usually serves up mellow waves, with plenty of groms in the shallows giving it a go. If you’re keen to learn but haven’t yet worked up the courage, the Alley is the perfect launchpad.
Where: Northern end of Currumbin Beach
Duranbah (or D-bah to locals) is technically in NSW, but we’ll claim it anyway. You’ll find both lefts and rights, generally suited to surfers with some experience. Even on smaller days, there’s usually something punchy and fun to play with. It’s also a great spot to sit on the sand and watch more seasoned surfers to pick up tips.
Where: Coral Street, North Tweed
Some say South Straddie is the best beach break on the Coast thanks to its A-frame peaks and swell-magnet reputation. You’ll need a boat to get there, but the reward is a peaceful stretch of surf-soaked paradise with kilometres of untouched beach.
Where: Across the bar from The Spit (Southport)
If you’re after something more relaxed, there are countless beach breaks up and down the Coast perfect for practicing the basics. Always be aware of other surfers and brush up on surf etiquette before paddling out.
And if lessons are on the cards, Hang Ten Co at Bilinga, Currumbin Alley Surf School and Surf Easy at Currumbin Alley, Kirra Point Surf School in Kirra, Go Ride A Wave at Coolangatta, Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise will get you up and riding.
Words by Lisette Drew
