Discover the ultimate oyster experience at Straddie Oyster Festival on Stradbroke Island and dive into local Moreton Bay oysters this November.
The 2024 Straddie Oyster Festival will be held on Saturday, November 23 from 10 am. Visiting Minjerribah is one of my favourite getaways, and I have a great list of things to do on Stradbroke Island.
Where is the Straddie Oyster Festival held?
It is held at Ron Stark Oval in Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island, which is within walking distance of the car ferry wharf, and you’ll see the crowds as the ferry cruises into land. If you want to take the passenger ferry, it’s about a 15-minute walk from One Mile Jetty to the oval.
Expect an abundance of fresh local Moreton Bay oysters, prawns, crabs and bugs, and oysters Kilpatrick or Mornay, all on the oval at Dunwich. This year the mud crab races will provide lots of fun.
At previous festivals, you could purchase a dozen oysters for the bargain price of $15. I can guarantee you will find it hard to stop at one dozen! Remember to bring a cool bag or esky along to the festival to fill full of fresh seafood to take home. Yes, Straddie is single-use plastic bag-free.
The oysters grow in the beautifully clear waters of Moreton Bay around North Stradbroke Island. Small and sweet, these oysters make delicious eating, and many are snapped up by Brisbane’s best restaurants for their menus. Record crowds in previous years meant many stalls sold out by 2 p.m., so get there early.
It is interesting to chat with the oyster farmers about farming techniques and how and where the tasty local Moreton Bay oysters are farmed. Challenge yourself to a taste test between the different growing conditions.I
Where to find a Stradbroke Island oyster
If you can’t make it to the festival, some oyster farmers like Dialba Oysters sell at the Stradbroke Island Markets. Local oysters are also available at restaurants on the island and increasingly in Brisbane Restaurants such as Otto Ristorante. Rufus King Seafoods at Ashgrove also stocks Straddie oysters. The Stradbroke Island oyster season runs from September through to February.
Prices at the Straddie Oyster Festival in previous years were very accessible.
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Plan Your Trip to Stradbroke Island / Minjerrabah
Commonly known as Straddie, North Stradbroke Island or Minjerribah, the island lies in Moreton Bay, about 30 kilometres southeast of Brisbane. There is no road to the island, but vehicle ferries run frequently.
Stradbroke Island, located off the coast of Brisbane, Queensland, is a popular escape known for its pristine beaches and lush natural scenery. To reach Stradbroke Island, also called “Straddie” by locals, you can take the ferry from Cleveland, which is accessible by both car and train. If you’re driving, head to Cleveland, about 30 km southeast of Brisbane’s city centre. You’ll need to book ahead to get your car onto the Sealink North Stradbroke Ferry.
There’s ample parking at the ferry terminal if you prefer to leave your car behind and explore Straddie by foot, bike, or local transport. Alternatively, take the Cleveland train line from Brisbane and disembark at Cleveland Station, where a short bus or taxi ride will bring you to the ferry terminal. There are two water taxi services servicing the island, and the journey takes around 25 minutes. The Stradbroke Passenger Ferry SeaLink service costs $21 for adult return. The Stradbroke Flyer costs $21 for an adult return. Tickets can be purchased online. Both ferries depart from 3 Emmett Drive, Cleveland, but from different terminals. Street parking is available but limited, so allow extra time to find a park.
Brisbane Airport (BNE), approximately a 30-40 minute drive from Cleveland, is the closest airport, making Stradbroke Island an easily accessible destination for both locals and visitors flying in. Once on the island, ferries dock at Dunwich, and from there, you can access the island’s main attractions, including Point Lookout, Amity Point, and various beaches and walking trails.
- Cheap flights
- Savings on accommodation
- Affordable sightseeing tours and day trips
- Affordable car rental options
- Great destination touring options
What else to do on the island?
- Enjoy some local art by following the Minjerribah Arts Trail.
- Take a Stradbroke Island road trip
- Try Island Glamping
Disclaimer: Ed+bK is an oyster lover.
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