Research shows tourists flocking to North Stradbroke Island

New figures reveal that tourism is looking up on North Stradbroke Island as the island shifts away from sand mining and cements its future as an eco-tourism destination.

HOLIDAYMAKERS are keen to get a slice of Straddie, spending more time and money on the island.

The University of Queensland released figures today revealing that 375,000 people visited North Stradbroke Island in 2018 — 25,000 more visitors than the year before.

The data showed day trippers were also splashing more cash — forking out $120 per day on average and 20 per cent more than last year.

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The university’s Business School associate professor Pierre Benckendorff said the research showed domestic tourists made up more than 95 per cent of visitors.

25,000 more tourists visited North Stradbroke Island in 2018 than the previous year.

He said a “growing apettite” for cultural experiences among southeast Queenslanders meant that 72 per cent of domestic visitors were travelling from no more than 50km away.

“Our research shows that there is a growing appetite for local cultural experiences, including indigenous tourism, markets, festivals and events,” he said.

“Minjerribah is also attracting its fair share of first time visitors, and many of these are surprised by the fantastic beaches, whale encounters and nature-based experiences.”

Underbelly star Gyton Grantley, with son Rocco on Flinders Beach, North Stradbroke Island, the place he calls his ‘spiritual home’.

Earlier this year, the new 2.2km Mount Vane walking track opened on the island.

It is one of several eco-tourism experiences being planned for the next few years as part of a strategy to transition the community away from sand mining by the year’s end.

Tourism minister Kate Jones said the State Government was investing $24.75 million in more than 20 projects to help the transition to help boost tourism even further.

“This is one of the most beautiful places in the world — that’s why tourism makes sense for North Straddie,” she said.

“The main reasons they come is to visit the beach, view wildlife and hit the waves for a surf or a swim.”

Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Cameron Costello said tourism was the island’s largest employer — so it was important as the industry progresses that Minjerribah maintains its “natural and cultural sanctuary”.

“As we move into this new era of sustainable tourism, we will get the balance right between protecting our environment and culture and creating a strong economy,” he said.

“The Quandamooka people, as Traditional Owners, are committed to working with business, government and the community to get this balance right.”