You're closer than you think. A short water-taxi crossing from Cleveland, a quick island bus ride, and you're at our door in Point Lookout — where an afternoon at the studio is the reason to come, and a beautiful island day is the bonus.
Just over an hour from Brisbane, Straddie feels a world away — the home of the Goenpul, Ngugi and Noonuccal First Nations Peoples and the second largest sand island on earth. Come for the day: wander the headland, swim the gorgeous beaches, and let Second Sand Studio be the heart of your visit — a place to slow down, meet the makers, and find something made with meaning to carry the island home with you.
From the mainland to our door is a beautiful little journey in three parts — by car or train to Cleveland, across the bay by water taxi, then a scenic ride with the island bus to Point Lookout.
Make your way to Toondah Harbour, Cleveland — the SeaLink terminal at 12 Emmett Drive. Drive east from Brisbane in around 45 minutes, or take the Queensland Rail Cleveland line from the city (about an hour) and continue a short taxi, rideshare or connecting bus to the harbour. Find Toondah Harbour on Maps →
Choose your walk-on water taxi from Cleveland to Dunwich on Minjerribah — about a 25-minute glide across Quandamooka (Moreton Bay), with the island bus meeting the boat on arrival. Both operators run the same timetable, so simply pick whichever suits you.
SeaLink passenger ferry — departs Toondah Harbour, runs every day. SeaLink timetable & bookings →
Stradbroke Flyer (Gold Cat) — fast catamaran to One Mile, Dunwich, with a free courtesy bus that meets ferry passengers at Cleveland train station. Stradbroke Flyer timetable & bookings →
From Dunwich it's a short, scenic hop east to Point Lookout — choose whichever suits your day.
North Stradbroke Island Bus Service (route 880) — meets the ferry and runs roughly hourly, 7am to 7pm. Step off near Mooloomba Road, moments from the studio. Island bus timetable →
StradEasy — a book-ahead, ferry-to-door shuttle that meets boats at Dunwich and One Mile and drops you wherever you like on the island. Call or text to book. StradEasy transport →
However you begin the day, all roads lead to the water taxi at Toondah Harbour.
The studio is your reason to come — and there's a whole island to enjoy around it. Here's how to fill the hours between the ferry and the last bus home.
A short, spectacular headland loop where the ocean churns below. Keep your eyes on the water for turtles, dolphins, manta rays — and whales in season.
Cylinder, Frenchmans, Main and Deadmans — white-sand Pacific Ocean surf beaches for a swim, a surf, and long stretches of sand for doing very little, beautifully.
From roughly June to November, humpback whales pass close to the headland — one of the best land-based vantage points in Queensland. Year-round, watch for dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, eagle rays and, in the cooler months, koalas in the bushland and kangaroos on the beach at dawn.
Begin where you land. At Dunwich, QUAMPI is the First Nations–owned Quandamooka arts and culture centre overlooking Deanbilla Bay, with a gallery, café and gift shop. Learn more →
Settle in for a leisurely ocean-view feed — Point Lookout's seafood shacks, island pub and seaside cafes are all made for lingering. See our pick of the local spots in Our studio neighbours, just below.
Walk Quandamooka Country with a First Nations guide on a 3-hour cultural tour — stories, traditions and a living connection to land and sea. Book a tour →
A handful of the local spots we send everyone to — all a short stroll from the studio in Point Lookout – Mulumba.
Fresh local seafood and cocktails with sweeping ocean views. Visit website →
Trawler-fresh prawn rolls and hand-selected oysters — a Straddie institution. Visit website →
The newly renovated island pub, perched above Cylinder Beach — an absolute must. Visit website →
A vibrant Mexican cantina in a bohemian garden setting. Visit website →
Fresh sushi made on-site daily in the heart of Point Lookout. See on Instagram →
Arguably the best ocean-view breakfast and coffee on the island — whale-watch from your table.
Homemade food and great coffee for a casual island bite. See on Facebook →
Daily-made gelato in flavours that change with the season. Visit website →
Coastal art, jewellery and books from local makers. See on Instagram →
Beautiful soft furnishings, homewares and block-printed quilts. Visit website →
Australian-made homewares and art by local artist Jess, inspired by Straddie. Visit website →
Handcrafted surfboards, Malibus and a great range of surf clothing and gear.
A relaxed template you can shift to suit the tides, the timetable and your mood — times shown are a guide only.
Catch an early SeaLink or Straddie Flyer water taxi from Cleveland. Coffee in hand, watch Minjerribah come into view.
Step off the ferry at Dunwich and onto the island bus for the coastal run east.
Stretch your legs on the headland loop. Whales and turtles if you're lucky.
Wander Second Sand Studio on Mooloomba Road — take your time, take something home.
Down to Cylinder or Frenchmans Beach for a dip and a lie in the sun.
Seafood at Six Beaches or the Prawn Shack, Mint Sushi, or a pub feed at the Straddie Hotel — all overlooking the water.
Catch the island bus back to the ferry terminal, sandy and happy.
A late-afternoon crossing back to Cleveland as the light turns gold over the bay.
For a day trip, leave the car at Cleveland and cross as a foot passenger — the island bus connects you to everywhere you'll want to go.
Ferry and bus times shift seasonally and on public holidays. Confirm the first and last services with SeaLink and the island bus before you travel.
Plan your day around the final crossing back to Cleveland so you're never cutting it fine at Dunwich.
Sun, swimmers, a hat, water and good walking shoes for the gorge. Straddie rewards the unhurried.
A few practical answers before you plan your day. Anything we haven't covered, just message us — we're always happy to help.
Second Sand Studio is open Thursday to Monday, 10am – 4pm, and available by appointment on Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Hours can shift with the seasons and the ferry timetable, so if you're making a special trip across, message or call us before you cross to confirm we'll be open and ready to welcome you.
Yes — there's street parking throughout Point Lookout – Mulumba, a short stroll from the studio on Mooloomba Road. For a relaxed day trip, though, we suggest leaving the car at Cleveland and crossing as a foot passenger; the island bus brings you right to our corner.
Little ones are very welcome — there's plenty to catch the eye. Assistance animals are always welcome inside; if you'd love to bring your dog along too, send us a quick message before you visit and we'll let you know.
We do. We host seasonal workshops & events, and can arrange private or small-group studio visits — get in touch to plan one for your group.
We accept card and cash in the studio. Travelling light? We're happy to post your treasures home for you — just ask at the counter, or shop the same pieces anytime in our online collection.
Set aside an hour to explore the collection, find a piece to take home, and meet the makers behind it. Browse before you come, then plan your visit — we'll help you make the most of your time on the island.
Gather a group or join a seasonal workshop or event.
Second Sand Studio is open Thursday to Monday, 10am – 4pm. We're often in and out — unpacking new arrivals, sourcing and sending treasures, connecting with our island home. Before you cross, send a note or give us a call: a quick word means we're definitely here for you, and we can gather what you'd love to see, ready for when you arrive.
Shop 7, 29 Mooloomba Road,
Point Lookout, Minjerribah
North Stradbroke Island QLD 4183
Open Thursday – Monday, 10am – 4pm
Tuesdays & Wednesdays by appointment
Clare — 0409 577 093
hello@secondsandstudio.com.au
@secondsandstudio
We acknowledge the Goenpul, Ngugi and Noonuccal First Nations Peoples of the Quandamooka Region, the Traditional Owners of this land. We pay our respects to Elders past, present & future.
Ferry and bus details are a guide only — please confirm current timetables and fares directly with SeaLink, the Stradbroke Flyer, the North Stradbroke Island Bus Service and StradEasy before travelling. With love, from Minjerribah / Terrangeree.
