South Stradbroke Island

Island Sandy barrier island in Queensland, popular beaches

Off Queensland’s Gold Coast, South Stradbroke Island has long sandy beaches, surf breaks, walking trails and birdlife. Visitors arrive by ferry for day trips, fishing, kayaking and a quieter shoreline alternative to the city.

Main image
South Stradbroke Island
South Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia
-27.8640, 153.4232

How to Get to South Stradbroke Island #

Ferries run from the Gold Coast: the regular barge from the northern Gold Coast (e.g., from Main Beach/Coomera/Southport ferry terminals) carries vehicles and passengers to the island’s car-access points. Passenger-only ferries also operate from various Gold Coast marinas to the island’s southern passenger ferry terminals.

Tips for Visiting South Stradbroke Island #

  • Take the ferry from Southport or run a short drive from the Gold Coast; check tide tables if planning beach walks across sandbars.
  • Head for the northern tip (Tipplers) at low tide for good tidepooling and natural pools.
  • If bringing a car, note that much of the island is car-free by policy and vehicles are restricted to certain zones and tracks.

Best Time to Visit South Stradbroke Island #

Spring and autumn offer mild weather and smaller crowds; summer is busiest and warmest for swimming.

Autumn
March-May · 18-25°C (64-77°F)
Less crowded than summer and generally warm sea temperatures; good for walking and wildlife watching.
Spring
September-November · 15-23°C (59-73°F)
Wildflowers and migrating birds; comfortable weather for beach exploration.
Summer
December-February · 22-29°C (72-84°F)
Peak season with warmer water and more visitors; watch for stinger season depending on currents.

Weather & Climate near South Stradbroke Island #

Climate

Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 10°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1415 mm/year), wettest in February.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
28°
Warmest Month
10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (163 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 28°

Weather

163 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (174 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 28°

Weather

174 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
19° 27°

Weather

138 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
17° 26°

Weather

141 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 23°

Weather

155 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 21°

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° 21°

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
12° 23°

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 24°

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
18° 26°

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
19° 28°

Weather

143 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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