Cylinder Beach Campground (North Stradbroke Island)

Cylinder Beach is widely considered the “Holy Grail” of camping on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), primarily because of its unique geography. It is one of the few beaches on the east coast that faces North, which means while the rest of the island is getting hammered by the prevailing south-easterly trade winds, Cylinder remains calm, sheltered, and pleasant. This wind protection, combined with a dedicated Surf Life Saving patrol, makes it the safest and most stress-free option for families with toddlers or babies. You are camping in the lap of luxury here: the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel is a 5-minute uphill walk for a pub feed, and you can get a barista coffee nearby. The site offers powered and unpowered options, with modern amenities that are well-maintained. The Dad Reality Check: Getting a spot here is the hardest part of the trip. Bookings open 12 months in advance and vanish instantly for school holidays. You need to be online the second they release. Strictly no pets and no open fires.