June 21, 2022
7 mins Read
It may only be a short ferry ride from the mainland, but Minjerribah feels a world away from the bustle of life. And beyond its popular surf beaches and camping spots, this south-east Queensland island offers more than meets the eye.
Leave the car behind and hop on a SeaLink passenger ferry from Cleveland to unearth an astonishing landscape, an ancient culture, and creative practices to inspire on Quandamooka country. And with the launch of eight exciting day passes, there’s never been a better time to visit this eco-forward island paradise, just choose your travel style.
1. Food with a story: the Bush Foods Gathering Day Pass
2. For little day-trippers: the Children’s Island Adventure Day Pass
3. A cultural deep dive: Minjerribah Cultural Tour Day Pass
4. Photo opportunities: the Island Photography Walk Day Pass
5. Creative pursuits: the Island Jewellery Making Day Pass
6. Scenic sporting: the Social Golf Day Pass
7. Reach and relax: the Island Oasis Yoga Day Pass
8. Walk through time: the Island Heritage and Arts Day Pass
For those whose travels are generally centred around what they’re going to eat next, this unique epicurean experience is unmissable. Join ‘The Quandamooka Chef’ Keiron Anderson as he guides guests through his native flavours cooking demonstration and seafood lunch.
The 90-minute experience sees eight to 12 visitors graze in the courtyard of the local museum, where they can taste enticing bushfoods and learn about their uses, flavours and cultural significance on Quandamooka country.
Hosted by lauded Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins and the North Stradbroke Island Museum on Minjerribah, this day trip will inspire a sense of adventure in young travellers. Inside Delvene’s art-filled studio, children can take part in a series of immersive activities and hear stories of the island before creating their own mermaid or whale artwork.
Families can then take a break at the island’s cafes before visiting the museum; there, they can collect a wax-sealed interactive map (complete with QR codes) to follow the ‘Goompi Family Quest’ on a treasure hunt. Along the way, kids can discover key landmarks and stories of the island’s past.
There are few people as knowledgeable and passionate about Minjerribah’s culture than Quandamooka guide Elisha Kissick of Yura Tours. On this immersive, small-group day trip, Elisha shares social and ecological stories of the Quandamooka people and their 21,000-year connection to the island.
Visitors will stop at Bummiera (Brown Lake) and learn about its significance as a women’s place, head to Mulumba (Point Lookout) to hear fascinating creation stories with a striking view, and return to Goompi (Dunwich) to see the work of Delvene Cockatoo-Collins.
Capture the natural beauty of Minjerribah on an Island Photography Walk Day Pass. The two-hour guided walk is hosted by renowned local landscape photographer Julie Sisco, who welcomes all guests regardless of their photographic talent or experience, whether they’re shooting on professional gear or regular phone cameras.
Learn about composition and using photography as a visual medium for storytelling while Julie introduces you to some of the island’s most picturesque sites.
Learn to make woven fibre jewellery under the tutelage of brilliant artist Paula Boo. During the two-hour session, held at event venue Oasis on Straddie, you can design your own woven earrings or pendant with Paula’s expert guidance.
Visitors will make jewellery using popular coiling basketry techniques, working with natural and hand-dyed raffia and sterling silver jewellery findings.
You’ll also hear about natural fibres sourced from the island, as well as other materials Paula uses in her artworks and wearable pieces.
North Stradbroke Island Golf Club’s Social Golf presents a great opportunity to practise your form on a scenic and unique course. Book with three friends and tee off on Minjerribah’s nine-hole course, which is home to friendly kangaroos, osprey and abundant flora.
While you’re in the area, you can check out the Golf Club’s all-new Bistro Seymour for lunch and drinks overlooking the magnificent Bummiera (Brown Lake), melaleuca wetlands and Moreton Bay.
In need of reprieve? Set sail for Minjerribah and head to Oasis on Straddie for a relaxing day’s getaway. Sip on a welcome smoothie and ease into the ambience of the space before taking part in a moderate yoga infusion experience with your yoga teacher. Yoga mats are provided, and, with the help of your highly trained instructor, modifications are easily made for those whose mobility is limited.
Then it’s time for a wholesome breakfast – think fresh fruit, cleansing juices and savoury tarts – before wandering to nearby Home Beach for a dip in the sea and spending the day exploring the island at your leisure.
Join Delvene Cockatoo-Collins in collaboration with North Stradbroke Island Museum on Minjerribah to learn about the rich history of the island, stepping back in time with a walk through historical Goompi (Dunwich).
At Delvene’s studio, walkers will collect their contemporary dilly bags and browse the artist’s locally informed works before setting off to discover the sculptures, historic sites, museum and more.
Visitors can then enjoy lunch at popular local spot The Barn Cafe. Entry to the museum and a lunch voucher is included in your day pass, as is your calico bag and a bookmark.
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