North Stradbroke Island Ferries: How much does the Stradbroke ferry cost & is there a car ferry?
Two companies run North Stradbroke Island ferries from Cleveland, Brisbane – Stradbroke Flyer and Stradbroke Ferries. The quickest Stradbroke ferries cost from $10 and take 25 minutes. The North Stradbroke Island car ferry takes 45 minutes and costs from $63.50.
North Stradbroke Island is the largest of several islands around Moreton Bay in Queensland. Along with Fraser Island and Moreton Island, it is one of the three largest sand islands in the world.
To book your ferry ticket, click here. To take the easy route and go on a North Stradbroke Island day tour from Brisbane, book here.
North Stradbroke Island – often known as Straddie – has great beaches, fabulous whale-watching and plenty of adventurous activities, including 4WD tours and sandboarding. But you have to get to Straddie first, and that means taking the Stradbroke Ferry.
Or, rather, one of the North Stradbroke Island ferries. There are two ferry services running from Toondah Harbour in Cleveland to Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island.
Stradbroke ferry services: Stradbroke Flyer & Sealink
The Stradbroke Flyer calls itself a water taxi, but it effectively acts as a Stradbroke Island ferry service. It offers several services per day, roughly hourly with the odd quirk in the timetable.
The Stradbroke Flyer costs $20 one way, with services starting from Cleveland – an eastern suburb of Brisbane – at 4.55am. This is sometimes called the Gold Cats service, should you wish to throw in a little extra confusion.
Stradbroke Ferries – aka Sealink South East Queensland – runs two Stradbroke Island ferry services. One is for passengers only, the other a car ferry. The Stradbroke Ferries passenger ferry runs in scarcely concealed competition to the Stradbroke Flyer, operating to almost the exact same timetable.
The Stradbroke Ferries passenger service is cheaper, costing $10 one way. Again, the ferry crossing to North Stradbroke Island lasts 25 minutes. You can book online.
North Stradbroke Island car ferry
If you want to take a car, you’re going to need the North Stradbroke Island car ferry. This is also run by Stradbroke Ferries, but takes longer to get to the island. It’s a 45 minute journey time.
Ticket prices on the Stradbroke car ferry vary depending on season, but they start at $63.50 for a normal-sized car and $72 for a larger vehicle or 4WD.
It’s possible to travel on the North Stradbroke Island car ferry as a foot passenger. This costs $10 one way or $18 return. Again, bookings should be made online.
Attractions on North Stradbroke Island include Cylinder Beach.
There are several other ferry services in Moreton Bay, including the Tangalooma ferry to Moreton Island, the Russell Island ferry and the Coochiemudlo Island Ferry.
More Queensland travel
Cross Cobbold Gorge on the infamous glass bridge.
Go for a rainforest swim at the Babinda Boulders.
Visit Australian Age of Dinosaurs on the drive from Longreach to Winton.
Pick your own strawberries at Tinaberries in Bundaberg.
Learn about Australia’s favourite song at the Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton.