12 DRIVE QUEENSLAND North Stradbroke Island is the second largest sand island in the world and located just one hour from the Coast. It is the perfect destination for a getaway and more than suitable for a self drive tour. Unlike other sand islands, Straddie – as it is affectionately known by the locals – is easily accessible with a conventional vehicle as the townships are networked with bitumen roads. The island is renowned for its natural beauty and there are a diversity of beautiful spots, pristine beaches and National Parks. Book your car on to the vehicular ferry for a 45-minute trip from Cleveland to North Stradbroke Island. On arrival at Dunwich, the first excursion into nature is only a five minute drive away. Brown Lake is located 4 kms east on the Trans-Island Road. Around the edge of the lake are walking trails from which different types of native wildlife in the surrounding bush land can be spotted. It is also suitable for swimming and has amenities. From Dunwich it is only 5 kilometres along East Coast Road to Myora Springs, which is located on the left hand side of the road. These springs have been a source of fresh water for thousands of years and still have an abundance of wildlife in the surrounding forest. If you are a nature lover and feeling a little more adventurous you shouldn’t miss Blue Lake. Blue Lake is located 8.5kms from Dunwich but the lake itself is only accessible by foot or 4WD. A 5.2 km return walk from the car park will take you to the lake. Keep an eye out for wildlife and don’t forget to bring your swimmers. Just make sure you are carrying enough water with you as there are no facilities at the lake or car park. Amity Point, which is 8.5km from Dunwich, is a quaint little fishing village. It is popular with families, fishermen and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the mainland. After continuing back to the main road it is another 6.5kms to Point Lookout, the holiday destination of the island. The “Point” is only 4kms in distance with East Coast Road being the link between all the accommodation, attractions and beaches. From Dunwich, it is 18km to Point Lookout. The North Gorge headland walk is a must do at Point Lookout. The walking track offers spectacular views across the South Pacific Ocean and is the perfect spot for viewing abundance of marine life that frolic in the waters off the headland. Turtles, dolphins and manta rays can be seen all year round, with the Humpback Whales making an appearance from June to November. There are several beaches at Point Lookout, however the two that are patrolled are Cylinder Beach and Main Beach and both are popular with surfers, swimmers, sunbathers and fishermen. A trip to North Stradbroke Island would not be complete without a visit to the famous Straddie Pub now known as the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel Spa Resort. This is the perfect way to finish the perfect day trip to Straddie. With the ferry services operating as late as 6pm on weekends and 7.45pm on a Sunday you can really take the opportunity to make the most of what the island has to offer. North Stradbroke Island Tyre & Auto Services Have your Motor Home or Light Truck Serviced without any Fuss! 1-b Gateway Dr, Harbourtown PH: 5529 0827 Bosch Auto Service www.boschautoservicendm.com * LIGHT TRUCK, BUS, MOTORHOME & VAN SERVICING - UP TO 8 TONNE * LARGE 4X4’S * CARBON CLEANING OF ALL DIESELS Bosch Car Service Nationwide Warranty $300 save over ON LABOUR COSTS GET YOUR VEHICLE BACK SOONER! Simple things owners can do to minimise repairs and running costs 1. Keep your tyres pressures UP to 10%-20% above manufacture manufacturer-suggested pressures. This will give better tyre life, and lower fuel use age. Better handling and higher load carrying . 2. USE the BEST possible fuel, Premium Fuel where possible. This helps avoid expensive repairs and reduces carbon build up in engine and systems. 3. If you keep your engine oil levels halfway between Add and Full marks on levels, it reduces the need for catch cans 4. Every 80-100,000kms give your engine a carbon clean to reduce carbon build up in engine DPF, EGR. (from $580) Keep your filters clean and change them regularly so the engine can operate efficiently. What are the DO's • Keep your tyre pressures up with your pressure gauge, do not trust servo gauges they are usually wrong. • Keep using the best quality fuel. • Keep AdBlue levels correct. • Keep your vehicle service clean filters and fresh oil. • Have your mechanic always use engine flush before changing oil. I have done this for 30 years and have not had to repair any of our regular clients engines in 30 years. • Carry out a battery, starter motor, and alternator test with every service.
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