Ferries to South Stradbroke Island

For South Stradbroke Island, ferry crossings work a bit differently than for many other islands: there is no large public ferry route like the one to North Stradbroke Island. Instead, you mainly get there by small ferries or water taxis from the Gold Coast.

The most commonly used option is the Tipplers Ferry, which departs from Jacobs Well (Gold Coast). It takes around half an hour to reach Tipplers on the northern side of the island.

An alternative is the ferry to Couran Cove Island Resort. This departs from Mariner’s Cove (Main Beach, Gold Coast) and is ideal if you are staying at the resort. If you book a day visit through the resort’s website, you can also take this ferry as a day guest.

If these ferries don’t fit your travel schedule, you also have the option to book a private water taxi in the area.

From Gold Coast to South Stradbroke Island

Showing all 2 services

Jacobs Well ↔ Tipplers
Tipplers Ferry · 30mfast
🚗 ✕🚐 ✕From $22
prices and availability
Mariners Cove Marina ↔ Couran Cove Resort
Couran Cove Resort Ferry · 30mfast
🚗 ✕🚐 ✕From $64
prices and availability

South Stradbroke Island is a quiet, largely untouched island off the Gold Coast. Unlike many other islands, there are no major towns or large public ferry routes. The island is all about nature, beaches, fishing, and simple day trips or stays at small-scale spots like Tipplers and Couran Cove Resort.

Ferries to South Stradbroke Island

  • There is no large public ferry like the one to North Stradbroke
  • Most visitors use water taxis or small ferries from the Gold Coast
  • The Tipplers Ferry departs from Jacobs Well to the northern part of the island
  • The Couran Cove ferry departs from Mariner’s Cove (Main Beach)
  • The Couran Cove ferry is mainly for resort guests, but day trips can sometimes be booked
  • Alternative: private water taxis if schedules don’t fit
  • Crossings are short, usually around 20–30 minutes
  • Unfortunately, there are no ferries between North and South Stradbroke Islands.

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