A short ferry ride but a world away- North Stradbroke Island -Part 1

North Stradbroke Island is a short ferry ride from the mainland but the island is a world away from the city and has so much to offer. The wintry sunshine warms us all as we set off to rediscover the island. Straddie as it is called is home to the Quandamooka people. It is the second largest sand island in the world and was named after The Earl of Stradbroke the father of Captain Rous who first sailed into Moreton Bay in 1827.

We have visited several times but this time was quite special, not only because it was our first outing in Corona Times but because we were also accompanied by our two sons who I have not seen since January. We could not believe the wildlife we came across but we all agreed that our top moment was this encounter with mum and bub as she was searching for some fresh eucalyptus leaves. 

We saw four koalas - two on the first day and this mum and babe on our last day - but that is not all, though I have little to show. Kangaroos bounced along or took siestas under the trees.  The whales breaching and beating their tails in the water were plentiful as were the schools of dolphins frolicking around. The Fish eagle sitting and waiting for a tasty morsel of fish. 

The bird life was nothing short of sensational and as we walked in North Gorge we listened to calls and song which competed with the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks. Fryer birds, fig birds, ospreys, drongos, butcher birds, kookaburras, honey eaters, cat birds, oh the list is long.Best sighting of all were the glossy black cockatoos in the National Park.

The sunsets captured the serenity and beauty of this setting. 

More on the beaches and lakes in Part 2.