North Currigee Campground is on South Stradbroke Island, straight across the Broadwater from the Gold Coast, under twenty minutes by boat from Main Beach. What people come back for is the combination of sandy beachfront sites, calm water, and having both the ocean side and the Broadwater within walking distance. Sheltered, with real facilities, it is about the most convenient island camping in south-east Queensland.
The sheltered Broadwater beach gives safe swimming and easy boat access. The campground has barbecues, showers and shady sites. Walking tracks run through the dunes to the surf side.
Getting there
Launch from the Muriel Henchman Drive (Main Beach) ramp. Head north across the Broadwater and follow the marked channel past Wave Break Island. Currigee is on the western shore of South Stradbroke, with sandy beach access right in front of the campground.
Stick to the main channels, especially on the lower tides. The Broadwater's sandbanks shift, so check the charts and keep an eye on the sounder. At North Currigee, beach the boat carefully or anchor just off.
| Waypoint | Position | |
|---|---|---|
| A | Muriel Henchman Drive boat ramp | -27.9514, 153.4244 |
| B | Wave Break Island (marker point) | -27.9359, 153.4216 |
| C | North Currigee Campground | -27.8854, 153.4188 |
There is a recording of the run across if you would rather see the route than read it.
Tides
Mid to high tide is the easiest for beach access. The Broadwater shallows move around, so arrive with enough water under the keel to avoid finding one of them.
Safety
Check the weather, the tides and your gear before you go. The Broadwater is sheltered, but it changes quickly when the wind turns against the tide.
North Currigee sits within smooth waters, which means the safety equipment you must carry is different from offshore: lighter, but not nothing. Confirm the current list with Maritime Safety Queensland.
For local assistance, keep the contacts for Coast Guard Southport (QF1) where you can find them in a hurry.
Things to do
Camping
Book one of the shady beachfront sites. Barbecues, showers and toilets on site. No fires and no generators. Good for families and for groups.
Fishing
Work the Broadwater for flathead, bream and whiting, or walk across to the surf beach for tailor and dart.
Swimming
Safe swimming inside the Broadwater. The surf side is reachable on the walking tracks but carries stronger rips, so swim there with care.
Walking and exploring
Take the track over the dunes to the surf side for a complete change of scenery. Watch for wallabies and birdlife on the way.
Wildlife
Wallabies, curlews, goannas and a lot of birds. Respect them, and do not feed them.