A short boat ride or ferry trip from the heart of the Gold Coast is South Stradbroke Island. It’s a convenient and enchanting way to appreciate more of what Queensland has to offer. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time to this Gold Coast camping haven, it is always a great place for the perfect weekend escape or holiday destination.
For those with your own boats or jet skis, you will be pleased to find that South Stradbroke Island destinations are less than 10 minutes from many parts of the city, making it an extremely quick and easy ride to our favourite Straddie landing spot, like Tipplers Campground.
Alternatively, non boat-owning visitors can easily reserve the Tipplers ferry or a water taxi for a scenic and economical ride to the shoreline. Leaving from Jacobs Well every day, it’s easy to book by visiting their website www.tipplerscafe.com.au
With easy access for boats and ample accommodation options, Tipplers Campground has 70 sites and offers plenty of space to spread out, relax, and savour the scenery. While tent camping is the most budget-friendly option, new onsite shacks are available for couples and families seeking a bit more privacy. Located in the boating mecca of Tipplers Passage, with picturesque views of the Broadwater and the oceanside, the area is equipped with everything you need for a successful camping excursion, including fire pits, a covered dining area, gas grills, hot water showers, clean bathroom facilities, a children’s playground, and even a store with firewood, ice, snacks, beverages, and basic toiletries. And for those who don’t want to cook, the Tipplers Café and Bar is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
During the busy summer months, there is a noticeable increase of visitors from both near and far, coming to bask in a leisurely weekend away. No matter what time of year you decide to visit, campground reservations are required prior to arrival.
Pack your fishing poles, insect repellent, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water for the best results, and be sure to properly hide your food from nearby wildlife found on the island, primarily the friendly wallabies and notoriously curious Australian white ibis.
If you have been searching for a reason to leave your cell phone at home, work on your grilling skills, build an epic fire and explore nature’s finest in a compact and easy-to-navigate destination. You will be delighted with your options on South Stradbroke Island.
Only a short walk from the campground lies an amazingly desolate and large surfing beach, perfect for a morning sunrise walk, surf session, or sun-soaked lounge on the 22 kilometres of white sand. During whale season, be sure to keep an eye out for nearby humpback whales!
In the early afternoon hours, you may be lucky enough to be treated to a show from a nearby pod of playful dolphins, happily swimming in the calm waterways near the many excited onlookers. Wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to travel south along the island, towards Couran Cove Resort to see the wallabies, birdlife, lizards and more.
Visitors seeking a bit of exercise with their relaxation time may also want to do some sand dune climbing just north of Tipplers, while those who prefer their mornings with their feet in the sand can sit back and take advantage of the prime fishing conditions right off the beach, or at Jumpinpin, just a 10-minute boat ride away.
Regardless of your reason for visiting, Tipplers at South Stradbroke offers something for everyone, for couples, families, solo adventurers, groups of friends, and determined anglers looking for an exciting base for a fishing getaway. It is highly recommended to visit during the beautiful Gold Coast summer months when the area becomes the premier boat cruising anchorage in Southeast Queensland. At the very least, it is a great reason to get out on the water and treat yourself to a fun weekend adventure!
Published in print July-September 2022
