In search of Australia’s best beach adventure, Luxury Escapes invited Nat and daughter Harper to experience the ultimate off-road day trip from Brisbane to North Stradbroke Island in the brand-new Land Rover Discovery. Our mother-daughter travellers tackle a world of diverse natural beauty behind the wheel of the versatile Land Rover Discovery, seamlessly transitioning from city streets to beach drives for the ultimate in on- and off-road comfort.
Read on to learn why Brisbane and North Stradbroke Island, the destinations on Nat and Harper’s third road trip leg, are a must-see for all Aussies. Plus, explore Nat and Harper’s discovery of the Gold Coast and its Hinterland.
Why North Stradbroke Island is the Perfect Day Trip
1. You can go off-road
Adventure-seekers can make the most of the Land Rover Discovery’s smooth handling by driving down onto must-see Flinders and Main Beaches. Having never taken a car off-road before, Nat was blown-away by the experience. “Being able to park the Land Rover Discovery on the beach, pop down the chairs and just sit on the edge of the boot and look out at the ocean – that was pretty amazing.”
A day trip, overnight adventure or camping expedition are all well-served by the Land Rover Discovery’s plenty of ample boot space and storage compartments, meaning all tents, equipment, beach toys and supplies are all easily accommodated. The journey to the island is easily accessible thanks to the regular vehicle ferry.
2. It’s only 25 minutes from Brisbane
With a convenient passenger ferry trip from Brisbane, or a vehicle ferry taking just 50 minutes, it’s easy to put North Stradbroke Island at the top of your itinerary, whether you’re a local or holidaying in the city. And with a wealth of activities to enjoy, from the scenic to the cultural, this is one day trip worth the journey.
3. The scenery is out-of-this-world
Renowned for its stellar beaches and windswept landscape, North Stradbroke Island has some pretty spectacular sights to behold. Seasonal whale-watching can be enjoyed at scenic Point Lookout on the Gorge Walk, while the balmy waters of Cylinder Beach are as pleasant to swim in as they are to look at. On the west coast, Myora Springs is a tranquil spot for bushwalking, swimming in the freshwater spring or watching for wildlife.
4. It’s a dream for families
From camping to wildlife tours, sand-boarding to surfing, there’s a plethora of family-friendly activities to enjoy on the island. Local Quandamooka guides offer cultural tours through this native country, and cycling adventures are a great way to soak up the scenery. No matter how big the family or how fast the itinerary, the versatility of the Land Rover Discovery gives you room to explore everything North Stradbroke Island has to offer.
5. It’s rich with Indigenous culture
Known as Minjerribah to the traditional owners of the land, the island has plenty of cultural history to appreciate as well – more than 25,000 years’ worth of it. Local Quandamooka guides offer cultural tours through this native country, including traditional smoking ceremonies and explorations of native flora and fauna. In the town of Dunwich, visitors can admire contemporary Indigenous arts and crafts at the Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Art Gallery.
How to Spend The Rest of Your Time in Brisbane
Where to stay
For riverside style, book a room at Emporium Hotel South Bank, boasting five-star style best experienced from the rooftop infinity pool. “It’s such a lux hotel,” says Nat. “Everything about it is just that little bit extra.”
In the trend-setting James Street precinct, road trippers can stay at one of Australia’s hottest hotels, The Calile. Named Best Hotel in Oceania 2024 – and ranked 25th in the world – it combines 1960s Australiana with a sunny Palm Springs aesthetic.
Where to eat & drink
While Melbourne and Sydney typically get most of the attention, Brisbane has been making a name for itself with a burgeoning culinary scene to rival the best. Hellenika, The Calile’s flagship terrace restaurant, brings considered cooking and Mediterranean flavour to the city, while nearby Agnes serves up seasonal sensations that have delighted the likes of Nigella Lawson. At The Gresham Bar, the heritage-listed structure sets the scene for enjoying exceptional, creative cocktails and an impressive selection of whiskeys.
What to do & see
Built on the banks of the Brisbane River, the city has fostered a vibrant riverside arts and culture scene, with plenty to do while you’re in town. A host of trendy shopfronts dot the idyllic Teneriffe River Walk, while the man-made Streets Beach is a great place to cool off on hot evenings. Culture lovers can stroll through the Gallery of Modern Art, get their live entertainment fix at the Riverstage or book a show at Brisbane Powerhouse, a repurposed tram power station turned arts centre. At River Quay, the South Bank Parklands are brought to life with classy dining, and a CityCat ferry service to the north shore will take you to the popular Eat Street market.
Brisbane may be known for its beaches, but the expansive Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in quaintly named Fig Tree Pocket is one of the largest in the world. More than just koalas, this sanctuary boasts a diverse population of native animals from kangaroos to rainbow lorikeets, emus to kookaburras and more. For a more manicured landscape, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha include the mesmerising beauty of the Tropical Display Dome.
When it’s time to load up for a drive into the great outdoors, Brisbane is the ideal base to explore the nearby Glass House Mountains. With extensive Indigenous heritage, the 13 volcanic peaks of this range make for a combination of easily rewarding hikes just an hour’s drive north of Brisbane. One of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s most scenic spots, this spectacular area is also the perfect place to test the Land Rover Discovery’s impressive air suspension, keeping your wild ride nice and smooth.
To see Natalie and Harper’s road trip in action, check out the full episode.
Catch up on the first and second legs of the road trip, too.
Discover Brisbane
This article was produced in partnership with Land Rover Discovery. Nat travelled in the 24MY Discovery R-Dynamic HSE P360. Explore Land Rover Discovery.
