Cylinder Beach is within walking distance of Point Lookout, the main tourist destination on North Stradbroke Island. Walk to this sheltered cove between the Cylinder and Home Beach Headlands to enjoy fun summer activities, such as swimming, surfing and snorkeling.
Oriented directly to the north, Cylinder Beach is often basking in the bright sunlight of subtropical Queensland. Sunbathe for a while to work on your tan and cool off by jumping in the clear water of the Pacific Ocean. The waves are relatively low here due to a protecting sandbar that has formed just offshore.
Bring a snorkel set and fins with you to find the colorful fish and other species that swim and crawl among the rocks. During strong westerly drifts or southerly winds, rips may drag you out to sea or parallel to the beach, so always follow the advice of the lifeguards that usually patrol this beach. If the conditions are right, grab your board and go surfing or watch others ride the low, right-hander waves that this beach is famous for.
A plaque placed at the edge of the Cylinder Beach carpark explains Matthew Flinders’ connection to the beach. In 1803, the explorer was on his way to Sydney to rescue shipwrecked passengers and moored at the island to find supplies. The local Nunukul people helped his crew find fresh drinking water. This is believed to be the first recorded European contact with the Aborigines on the island.
Walk along the beach to find a quiet spot to go fishing for an hour or so. If you can’t seem to say goodbye to this idyllic island beach, book a shady spot at the adjacent Cylinder Beach Camping Ground. Enjoy a few nights of camping under the stars in your tent and fall asleep to the sound of the lapping waves.
Located close to the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel, private accommodations, camping grounds, restaurants and the shops of Point Lookout, this family-friendly beach can get quite crowded, so come early in the morning or later in the afternoon to have the beach to yourself. During school vacations and weekends the free car park fills up fast. There are public toilets next to the beach.