FAQs
A:
| Monday through to Thursday office hours : | 0600hrs until 1700 hrs. |
| with exception of Fridays: |
0600hrs until 1900hrs. |
| Saturday & Sunday |
0600hrs until 1500hrs. |
or Book online any time and save!
A: You can take your car, 4WD or public transport to North Stradbroke Island. The cost varies depending on which option you take. To take your car or 4WD on a the Big Red Cat ferry its costs $135 return per vehicle (including the legal limit of passengers). It is extra to take a trailer, bus or truck. There are discounts available for North Stradbroke Island residents (via Red Rewards ), Moreton Island residents and Seniors Card holders. As a "walk-on" passenger, it costs $11 return per adult and $5.50 return per child (children 4 and under go free). Once on the island, you can catch a bus to Point Lookout (approximately $9.50 return per adult).
A: Our vessel has a fully licensed cafe on board, where you can enjoy a freshly brewed coffee or snack in Air conditioned comfort . our cafe also has large screen TV on-board. or just sit and watch the marine life from our floor to ceiling glass cafe.
A: For insurance reasons, all freight and other items must be transported in a registered vehicle, and all trailers attached to a vehicle. Even if you have a car waiting at the other end, we regret that transportation of freight on its own is not possible.
For any further inquiries, please contact the Operations Manager on +61 7 3488 9777.
A: Yes, you can take your car to North Stradbroke Island. Most of the roads on the island are sealed and easily accessible by car just like the mainland. a 4WD ( permit) is only needed to drive on the beach. Big Red Cat can supply you with the necessary permit are issued on behalf of the Redland City Council and cost $37.00.
A: Yes - to drive on the beach you need a 4WD permit. As of 1 July 2010, the Redland City Council are only allowing and issuing annual permits.
The cost is: Annual - $37.00*
Big Red Cat can supply you with these permits. Please let our office know when you book your ferry that you require a permit. Application form is required to be completed prior to issue of beach permit label for your windscreen. Beach Permits can be purchased at Big Red Cat and on the North Stradbroke and key out lets.
A: Yes, and its a great way to experience Straddie! There are various campgrounds located on North Stradbroke Island and there are both foreshore campsites and campgrounds with facilities. Please note that foreshore campsites are accessible by 4WD vehicles only, so if you decide to camp on the beach, remember a 4WD beach permit is essential.
It is necessary to book camping before you go. Contact Stradbroke Camping on 1300 551 253 to arrange your camping permit. Big Red Cat can arrange to supply you with the necessary beach permit.
A: Yes, you are welcome to take your dog to North Stradbroke Island, however, your dog must remain on a leash at all times, and it is not possible to take them on buses, in campgrounds, into Blue Lake National Park or on certain beaches.
Dogs are banned from:
- All designated camping grounds and caravan parks
- All beaches, except Flinders Beach (also allowed off leash in a section of Flinders) and Main Beach
- Within 10 metres of public BBQs and playground equipment
- Patrolled designated beaches
- Dogs are permitted on the balance of the area where no signs are erected
- Clean up after your dog
- Dogs should be kept on a leash at all times
- Don't allow your dog to bark excessively, especially at night
- Dogs are permitted to travel on water taxis and vehicular ferries, but must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Dogs are not permitted to travel on buses on the island
A: Yes, bookings are essential for all campsites, including foreshore camping. Contact Stradbroke Camping on 1300 551 253 to arrange your camping permit.
Remember, foreshore campsites are accessible by 4WD vehicles only, so if you decide to camp on the beach, remember a 4WD permit is essential. Sea Stradbroke can arrange to supply you with the necessary beach permit.
Remember, foreshore campsites are accessible by 4WD vehicles only, so if you decide to camp on the beach, remember a 4WD permit is essential. Sea Stradbroke can arrange to supply you with the necessary beach permit.
A: Yes. If a fire is necessary, always keep it small and, where possible, light fires where it is already cleared of vegetation, on the site of a previous fire. However, when there is a high fire danger, the council will issue a Total Fire Ban. Keep an eye out for signs, or ask the Ranger or the Stradbroke Island Tourism office (ph +61 7 3409 9555).
A: Yes, there are a number of shops on the Island. There are convenience stores in both Dunwich and Amity Point. In Point Lookout you can buy souvenirs, and everyday items are available from the local butchery, bakery, chemist, newsagent and convenience store.
Q: Do I have to take my own groceries?
A: No, there are a number of shops selling groceries on North Stradbroke Island. There are convenience stores in both Dunwich and Amity Point. In Point Lookout everyday items are available from the local butchery, bakery, chemist, newsagent and convenience store.Q: What can I do over there?
A: There is an extremely wide variety of activities on North Stradbroke Island. In addition to camping and 4WD activities, you can go bird watching, take scenic walks, play bowls, go diving or snorkeling, go fishing, play golf, challenge yourself on a ropes course, sand boarding, sea kayaking, swimming, whale watching or simply relax on the balcony of your accommodation in the afternoon sun with a good book! See activities/tours for a list of options.A: Its great! Local surfers say that on a good day, the swells can get up to 8 feet. NSI is the oldest venue for pro surfing events in QLD.
Q: Can I do whale watching on Straddie?
A: Yes, land-based whale watching is very popular at Stradbroke. From May to November each year, the whales pass close by the coast on their annual migration from Antarctica to their calving grounds near the Great Barrier Reef.The rocky outcrops at Point Lookout are ideal vantage points for land-based whale watching. The whales pass close to the island, so it is usually possible to see them without the aid of binoculars. You can take your car and a picnic lunch and eat your lunch at one of the tables overlooking the ocean. Those wishing for a different viewpoint can take the Headlands walk. Starting at the Captain Cook memorial, there is a signed track all the way to North Gorge.
There are also 4WD whale watching tours available. See the Tours page for providers.
Q: Does the Big Red Cat take American Express / Dinners Club?
A: American Express or Dinners Club will only be accepted when a direct payment is made. Visa , Master Card transactions accepted at all times and on-line .Q: How long does it take to get to Straddie?
A: Usual travel time to North Stradbroke Island is 45 minutes.A: Standard vehicle includes all most all regular vehicles up to an overall length of 5 meters .
Q: Where is the baby change area on board the ferry
A: Baby change room and table is located in the wash room main vehicle deck only for your convenience.
Q: Where can i find the terms and conditions ?
A: Terms and conditions can be found on booking page of this web site and at the ferry terminals at Cleveland and at Dunwich North Stradbroke Island.
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