Twenty year old explorer and navigator Matthew Flinders sailed on the HMS Reliance from England back in 1794. He eventually came to circumnavigate Australia. Do you think he ever explored the idea that one day so many people would walk a beach with his name on it?
This quiet piece of Queensland coast is located on North Stradbroke Island adjacent to Adder Rock Campground at the beginning of Point Lookout. Grab a couple of lawn chairs, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the day sitting, playing in the waves, fishing, and watching the dolphins go by. For a longer lasting eperience you can book a site and camp for a few days admiring the changing tides of Flinders beach.
It's a great place for the youngsters to learn how to surf and for mom and dad to unwind; a peaceful spot to forget about exams and wonderful to explore as a traveller. You can clamber over the rocks or sit in the shade under the old weathered trees and be inspired by the setting sun. You can take photos, paint, gaze at the stars, tell ghost stories, or play family games.
Adder Rock campground has all the services you need including powered sites so you can still bring your laptop if you feel the need. All the information regarding campground bookings and 4WD permits can be accessed
here. Follow the headings at the left hand side of the page to get to Camping on Straddie and Leisure and Recreation for permit information if you choose to drive the beaches.
Families, university students and travellers can access the island quite inexpensively and group bookings can also be made for the campground.
You can drive or walk onto the ferries. If you are driving you will need to book a time and pre-pay at
Big Red Cat or
Stradbroke Ferries. If you are just coming for a day or walking on with your camping equipment you can park and cross the bay for a small fee. Catch the bus at the ferry terminal and get off at Adder Rock camground on the way to Point Lookout and Flinders Beach. For scheduled bus times go to
Stradbroke Buses.
You don't need to be a 4WD enthusiast to enjoy this amazing stretch of silica sand. There is parking just off East Coast Road. Turn left at the campground and continue to the parking area that allows public access to the beach. There is a scuba shop and a general store within walking distance as well.
You can hike to Point Lookout from here and explore the rest of the town, the beautiful North Gorge walk with views of sea turtles, manta rays, whales, dolphins and the rest of the beaches.
Matthew Flinders spent the greater part of his life at sea exploring. You too can be an explorer on Flinders Beach.
