Our journeys
Five private expeditions through the landscapes of South East Queensland and Northern NSW
Stradbroke Inner Passage
5 Days · From $5,999 per person 2-8 guests
A five-day guided sea kayak journey from the Gold Coast to North Stradbroke Island, following the calm inland waterways of Moreton Bay. Paddle sheltered channels, drift past mangrove systems, and sleep under the stars in places few travellers ever see. Soft adventure with real comfort — cabin accommodation on night one, wilderness camping in the heart of the passage, and a luxury finish on North Stradbroke Island before walking the spectacular North Gorge Headland.
At a Glance
5 Days · 4 Nights — 1 night cabin + 2 nights wilderness camping + 1 night luxury accommodation
2 to 8 guests maximum
Sheltered, protected waters
Gold Coast pickup and drop-off
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Runaway Bay to Tipplers
Private pickup and gear briefing at Runaway Bay. Launch into the protected waters of the Gold Coast Broadwater and paddle south through the sheltered channels of South Stradbroke Island (12–15km). Settle into your cabin at Tipplers Resort as the sun sets over the bay.
Day 2 — South Stradbroke to North Stradbroke
Cross the tidal flows of Jumpinpin Bar and continue north into the quieter waters of southern North Stradbroke Island (18–22km). A moderate day on the water with good chances to swim, spot sea eagles and watch dolphins in the shallows. Wilderness camp.
Day 3 — Canaipa Passage
Paddle into the tranquil mangrove systems and open bays of Canaipa Passage (15–18km). A slower day — wildlife viewing, lunch on a quiet beach and a relaxed afternoon paddle. Camp at the remote Blaksleys Anchorage.
Day 4 — Blaksleys to Dunwich
An easy final paddle to Dunwich (12–15km) — route dependent on weather and tidal conditions on the day. Vehicle transfer to luxury accommodation on North Stradbroke Island. Hot shower, a fresh meal and an evening to unwind in comfort after four days on the water.
Day 5 — North Gorge & Departure
Leisurely breakfast before a guided walk along the famous North Gorge Headland — one of the best coastal walks in South East Queensland, with dramatic cliff views and regular whale and dolphin sightings in season. Ferry transfer back to the mainland and private transfer home.
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Private return transfers to and from the Gold Coast
All sea kayaking equipment and safety gear
5 days guided paddling with experienced sea kayak guides
1 night cabin accommodation at Tipplers Resort
2 nights wilderness camping at remote sites
1 night luxury accommodation on North Stradbroke Island
Walk the famous North Gorge walkway
All meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner and trail snacks
Tea, coffee and soft drinks throughout
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Alcoholic beverages available for purchase
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The Stradbroke Inner Passage is designed for:
Couples looking for a genuine shared adventure — something that takes you out of your comfort zone together without being reckless
Families with older children or teenagers ready for a multi-day paddling journey through one of Australia's most beautiful coastal waterways
Small corporate groups wanting a team experience built around rhythm, nature and genuine disconnection from screens and schedules
Friends or small groups who want to do something they can't stop talking about — a journey that feels earned rather than packaged
Anyone drawn to the water who wants to experience Moreton Bay the way almost nobody does — from the inside, at paddle pace
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Are comfortable on the water or open to learning — no prior kayaking experience required, our guides handle everything
Want a mix of genuine wilderness and real comfort — camping under the stars doesn't mean giving up good food or a comfortable finish
Love wildlife — sea eagles, dolphins, dugongs and rays are regular companions on this route
Appreciate the feeling of arriving somewhere under your own steam
Want to see a side of South East Queensland that most locals have never experienced
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You're not comfortable being on the water for extended periods each day
You prefer hotel-based travel every night — two nights of wilderness camping is central to this experience
You need to stay connected to work — signal is limited on the water and that's part of the point
You're looking for high-intensity adventure — this is a flowing, immersive journey rather than an adrenaline experience
You have significant upper body injuries or mobility limitations that would make paddling uncomfortable
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Fitness level: Easy to moderate. Daily paddling distances of 12–22km in sheltered, protected waters — no white water or surf conditions. Suits most active adults including beginners.
Best time to travel: Year-round, though autumn through spring offers the calmest conditions. Whale season June–November adds spectacular sightings from the water and along the North Gorge Headland on Day 5.
What to bring: Quick-dry clothing, a hat, reef shoes and a dry bag for personal items. Full packing list below.
Accommodation: Night 1 cabin at Tipplers Resort, Nights 2 & 3 wilderness camping, Night 4 luxury accommodation on North Stradbroke Island.
Paddling experience: No prior kayaking experience required — full briefing and skills session provided before launch on Day 1.
Pricing
2 Guests (Intimate private journey) — $7,299per person.
3–8 Guests (Shared expedition group) — $5,999 per person.
All prices are per person, fully inclusive as outlined above.
Stradbroke Inner Passage - Map
1 - Runaway Bay - Sea kayak Starting Point
2 - Tipplers Cabin Accommodation
3 - Wilderness Camp
4 - Blaksley’s Anchorage Camp
5 - Dunwich - Sea Kayak End Point & Ferry Departure
6 - Luxury Accommodation & North Gorge Walkway
7 - Mainland Ferry Arrival and Private Transport Home
Stradbroke Inner Passage - Packing List
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Lightweight quick-dry shorts and t-shirts (4-5 pairs) — you'll be on the water most of the day
Long sleeve quick-dry layer for sun protection on the water
Warm fleece or jacket for cool evenings at camp
Light rain jacket or windbreaker — essential for open water crossings
Swimwear (2-3 sets)
Casual clothes for your final night at luxury accommodation on Stradbroke
Underwear and socks for 5 days
Reef shoes or water shoes — worn while paddling and at camp
Thongs or sandals for evenings
One smart casual outfit for your final night at luxury accommodation
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Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ — applied generously, reapplied often
Insect repellent for evenings at camp
Lip balm with SPF
Personal medications in a waterproof container
Motion sickness tablets if prone — open water crossings can be choppy
Small personal first aid items — blister patches, pain relief, antiseptic
Hand sanitiser
Biodegradable soap and shampoo — essential in a protected marine environment
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Photo ID in a waterproof sleeve
Travel insurance details
Emergency contact information
Any dietary requirement notes for your guide
Cash for optional purchases at Tipplers and on Stradbroke — kept dry in a waterproof bag
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Phone in a waterproof case or dry bag
Waterproof camera or GoPro — the wildlife and waterway scenery deserves it
Portable battery pack — no power at wilderness camps
Earphones for downtime at camp
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Hard suitcases or large bags — everything must fit in your kayak hatches
Excessive valuables — jewellery, expensive watches, unnecessary electronics
Cotton clothing — it stays wet, gets heavy and gets cold. Synthetic or merino only
Single-use plastics — you're paddling through a protected marine environment, pack reusable where possible
Anything you'd be devastated to lose to the water
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All paddling and camping equipment is provided — kayaks, paddles, tents, sleeping bags, mats and safety gear. Your personal gear travels with you in your kayak hatches, so packing light is essential. A small soft duffel or dry bag of around 30-40 litres is ideal. Your guide will help you pack your kayak efficiently on Day 1.