North Stradbroke island is the second largest sand island in the world, and is located just off the coast of Brisbane. Thankfully it is quite easy to get there on public transport: a local bus to the ferry terminal, followed by a half hour ferry crossing and then another bus journey once you reach the island to take you to Point Lookout.

When I got on the ferry the sun was shining, but about half way across a torrential downpour started. By the time I reached the other side, the rain was bouncing off the ground! This wasn’t shaping up to be the beach trip I had hoped for. Thankfully, the downpour was over quickly, and by the time I reached Point Lookout the sun was shining again.

I picked up some water and an ice cream from a lovely little shop and set off on the coastal gorge walk. This route takes you to a few beautiful beaches, including Frenchmans Cove, Cylinder Beach and Deadman’s beach. The path winds through eucalyptus trees, so I tried to do some koala spotting. Once again I was unsuccessful though – I’m beginning to wonder if there are really any here!

I spent the rest of the day happily sitting on the beach, and indulging in a second ice cream before taking the ferry home.