North Stradbroke Island - Dunwich

The first glimpse most visitors get of Stradbroke is Dunwich – a small town with a big history.

 

You can learn more about Aboriginal art, hunting methods, bush tucker, artefacts and the island’s history by participating in the "Goompi Trail". The Goompi Trail tour is an informative walking tour of Dunwich with a local aboriginal guide. Available for group bookings only - bookings are essential. Make sure you also visit "Terra Bulla Leumeah" at Myora for an inciteful look at the original mission site and the well laid out variety of Indigenous plants used for food and medicine. Bookings for both of these experiences can be made through The Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders on 61 7 34099723

You could also explore the history of the town by taking a free self-guided historical walk around Dunwich. The walk winds its ways past convict relics and graves dating back to shipwrecks in the 1800s. The Dunwich Cemetery gives visitors a fascinating insight into the island’s past.

The Dunwich Museum (Welsby Street) offers an impressive display of photographs, items retrieved from shipwrecks, and information about early tourist ventures and the sand mining industry. The Museum is open on Wednesday and Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Entry fee of $2.20 per person.

For those not interested in history, Dunwich still has a lot to offer. For the day tripper, Dunwich offers an island experience just 30 minutes by water taxi from Cleveland (see "GettingHere"). A picnic beneath the massive camphor-laurel trees on the foreshore is an ideal way to spend an afternoon. There are also several eateries and shops within walking distance from the ferry.

Fishing off the jetty and swimming in the safe, salt water enclosure are favourite pastimes among both locals and holiday makers.

Myora Springs, 4kms along East Coast Road, is well worth a visit and has a grassy picnic area and swimming hole. Myora Springs is a pristine source of natural spring water surrounded by a small tropical forest.

There are a few options available for dining. See food and drink for listing of venues. Everyday items are available from the convenience store. See shopping for further details.
Also in Dunwich is the Straddie Holiday Parks kiosk just to your left as you come off the barges. The staff will assist you with any information you need about the island and can arrange camping bookings and 4WD permits. ALL CAMPING ENQUIRIES and BOOKINGS must be made here or by phoning: 1300 551 253