Please note we are travelling on the Straddie Flyer this time – I usually go with Sealink but it is time to try the other water taxi service.

Please note the parking is scarce around the marina area and there could be problems with finding a parking spot near the marina so you may have a 10 minute walk to the marina/ jetty

This is a lovely walk over on Straddie, it is about 9 km long. For most members it will be a brand new walk as the club has only been there once before back in 2023.

The walk is through mainly low eucalyptus woodland and some wallum heathland.  This walk is in the centre of the island so no beach walking. This walk is on the high dunes, Basically, the trip is in the centre of the island and is within the Naree Budjong Djara National Park.

We will catch the ferry over to Dunwich (at the One Mile) and then get a minibus taxi to the start of the walk which is near the end of Alfred Martin Way. The cost of the taxi is about $40 each way and we will split the cost between the walkers. (I expect to have about 8 walkers for the trip). We will have an early morning tea at the start of the walk as there is a nice area with log seating. The track isn't hard per se, but there are a few uphill sections. The walk is basically a big loop that goes to Blue Lake (called Kaboora) but the walk includes an offshoot (or spur track or side trip) to Mt Vane. This side trip is about 3km return.

This track to Mt Vane is only a few years old (opened in 2019?) and includes a nice viewing platform at the summit where we will have a second morning tea. We will then zoom along to Blue Lake and have lunch there. Another aspect to be aware of is the traditional significance of Blue Lake. It has a multitude of stories about its history and is of special significance.to the Quandamooka people (‘people of the bay’). They know North Stradbroke Island as Minjerribah meaning ‘place of many mosquitos. Kaboora (deep silent

pool) is an area of special cultural significance to the Quandamooka people. Please respect their culture by not swimming in the lake.

At the end of the walk (about 3 ish) we will get a taxi back to One Mile jetty. Please note there is a hotel beside the jetty for coffee and other refreshments. I expect to catch the 4.15 pm ferry back to Cleveland. Bring the usual daywalk stuff.

Another note is this walk was initially programmed for 1^st August but it needed to be rescheduled as there is now a musical on that day with the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and the Club traditional goes to one of the performances on a Saturday afternoon (namely 1^st Aug) and hence I was asked to reschedule this walk and of course I did and the 3^rd May was the most suitable date without rejigging other walks.

As regards transport from the city to Cleveland you can catch the Cleveland train from Brisbane and there is a connecting bus service to take you from the station to the Marina. I will include the times for next months magazine.