Bushwacker Eco Tours North Stradbroke Island Day 4WD Tour

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A day on Minjerribah, North Stradbroke Island, by 4WD from Brisbane: a ferry across Moreton Bay with dolphins and turtles, a swim in Brown Lake, the surf beaches of the north coast and the headland walk at Point Lookout, one of the best places in Queensland to see whales from land.

Includes

Return transport from Brisbane City
Moreton Bay ferry crossing
4WD island tour with a local guide-driver

Swim stop at Brown Lake and the Point Lookout Gorge walk
Picnic lunch

Bushwacker Eco Tours North Stradbroke Island Day 4WD Tour

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Itinerary

Map

MORNING: ACROSS MORETON BAY TO MINJERRIBAH

Your day starts with the ferry across Moreton Bay Marine Park, about 50 minutes on the water. Stand at the rail and watch for dolphins, turtles, seabirds and sometimes a dugong. Moreton Bay is one of the few places in the world where dugong graze within sight of a capital city. You land on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), the second largest sand island on earth and Quandamooka Country for thousands of years. Your guide-driver loads up the 4WD and heads up into the island's sandy hills, telling stories of its past along the way.

BROWN LAKE AND AMITY POINT

A short bush walk leads down to Lake Bummiera, better known as Brown Lake. Its water is stained the colour of strong tea by the leaves of the paperbarks and tea trees around it, and it's lovely for a swim or a snorkel. From there the track runs north to Amity Point, named after the brig Amity, which carried the first convict settlers to Moreton Bay in 1824. Keep watch on the water here, as dolphins often feed close to shore.

THE NORTHERN BEACHES

Next come Cylinder Beach and Flinders Beach, on the island's north coast. Tides and the state of the beach decide how far along the sand you can drive. Across the passage you look to Moreton Island National Park and the Big Sand Hills at its southern end. Watch the dunes for the island's 'beach kangaroos', eastern grey kangaroos that graze along the edge of the sand. A picnic lunch fits in during the day.

POINT LOOKOUT AND THE GORGE WALK

At Point Lookout, named by Captain Cook as he sailed past in May 1770, you walk the Gorge Whale Walk with your guide. The path follows the cliffs above narrow rocky gorges where the swell surges in. Look down for turtles, sharks, dolphins and manta rays in the clear water. From June to November humpback whales pass close to the headland on their migration, and time is set aside to watch for them from one of Queensland's best land-based whale-watching spots.

LATE AFTERNOON: BACK TO BRISBANE

The route heads back past Amity Point to Dunwich, the island's ferry town, for the crossing back to the mainland and the drive into Brisbane.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Brisbane City pick-up. Reconfirm your pick-up time and place at least 48 hours before the tour.
Minimum age: Children must be over 5.
Please note: Beach driving and some stops depend on the tide and beach conditions on the day. Whales pass Point Lookout from June to November.

What to bring

Towel
Swimmers
Sunscreen
Hat
Bottle of water

What is included

Return transport from Brisbane City
Moreton Bay ferry crossing
4WD island tour with a local guide-driver
Swim stop at Brown Lake and the Point Lookout Gorge walk
Picnic lunch

Not included

National park permit, ferry and lunch fees: $50 per person, paid on the day
Suitcases or large backpacks over 5 kg: $40 each

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.