Frenchmans Beach is a 500 metre east-facing beach at Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island, below the headland and the whale-watching platforms. It is a place to come for the view, the surf and the fishing rather than a family swim.
The beach is reached down the revamped Frenchmans Stairs, or on foot around the rocks from Deadmans Beach. This guide covers how to get down, what the water is like, where to park and how to get to Straddie in the first place.
Can you swim at Frenchmans Beach?
Not recommended. The beach faces due east with little protection from south-east swell, waves average 1 to 1.5 metres, and the inner bar is usually cut by two rips, including a permanent one against Dune Rocks. The island’s beach guide warns that it is rip-dominated and hazardous, and Visit Brisbane says only experienced surfers should dare to challenge the surf.
The president of Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club has said Frenchmans Beach is particularly treacherous and should be avoided for swimming and water-based activities, citing unpredictable rips and limited access for emergency services (Redland City Bulletin, undated article). For a swim, go to a patrolled beach instead: Cylinder Beach is patrolled 365 days a year by island lifeguards, with volunteer surf lifesavers from the club on summer weekends. Swim between the red and yellow flags.
Surfing and fishing
When southerly winds blow offshore the beach can have good beach breaks over the sandbars. Fishing is popular because of the rips and rocks, and anyone fishing from the rocks should take care.
How to get down to the beach
There are two ways in.
- Frenchmans Stairs: a signed, steep track and stairway leads from the main road down to the sand. The Minjerribah Panorama Coastal Walk starts at the whale-watching platforms above the beach and includes the revamped Frenchmans Stairs down to the sand.
- From Deadmans Beach: you can also reach Frenchmans Beach around Dune Rocks from Deadmans Beach.
The track is steep, so expect a climb back up.
Whale watching and the Gorge Walk
The platforms above the beach are part of what makes Point Lookout one of the best land-based whale watching sites on Australia’s east coast. Humpback whales pass Redlands Coast from June to November. The Panorama Coastal Walk connects south to the 1.2 kilometre Gorge Walk around the rocky headlands, which has some of the island’s best vantage points. The walk has picnic areas and viewing points.
Outside whale season, dolphins, turtles and manta rays also pass by Point Lookout, so it is worth scanning the water from the headland whatever the month.
The Blue Room Cafe serves breakfast and lunch with a view of the beach, so it is an easy stop before or after the stairs.
Dogs
Dogs must be on a leash at all times at Frenchmans Beach.
Planning your visit
- How long: 30 minutes to an hour for the stairs, the beach and the lookout. Longer if you add the Gorge Walk.
- Best time: June to November for humpback whales from the platforms. Surf conditions change, so check them before you go near the water.
- What to bring: sturdy shoes for the stairs, water and a fishing rod if you fish. Leave the swimming for Cylinder Beach.
- Facilities: no facilities are listed on the beach itself. The Blue Room Cafe overlooks it.
Getting to Frenchmans Beach and parking
From Brisbane CBD it is about 35 minutes by car to Toondah Harbour at Cleveland. A passenger ferry takes about 25 minutes (SeaLink to Junner Street, Dunwich, or Stradbroke Flyer to One Mile Jetty, Dunwich), and a SeaLink vehicle ferry takes about 45 minutes to Junner Street. Parking is available near Toondah Harbour.
Dunwich, Amity Point and Point Lookout are connected by sealed roads. From Dunwich it is about 25 minutes by car to Point Lookout. The North Stradbroke Island Bus Service links the Dunwich ferry terminals with Point Lookout and Amity Point. Check the Translink journey planner for times.
Parking at the beach is informal roadside parking for about six cars, so it fills quickly. Ferry and island travel details are on the Redlands Coast travel information page.
Nearby
- Cylinder Beach – the patrolled swimming beach at Point Lookout.
- Point Lookout – the headland, village and North Gorge.
- Amity Point Jetty – the island’s other main settlement.
- More in the Beaches and North Stradbroke Island guides.
You might also like
- North Stradbroke Island – the island guide.
- Dunwich – where the ferries arrive.
- Clontarf Beach (Redcliffe Peninsula)
Quick answers
Can you swim at Frenchmans Beach?
It is not recommended. The beach is described as rip-dominated and hazardous, with a permanent rip against Dune Rocks, and the local surf club president says to avoid swimming there. Swim between the flags at a patrolled beach such as Cylinder Beach.
How do you get to Frenchmans Beach?
Down the signed, steep Frenchmans Stairs from the main road at Point Lookout, or around Dune Rocks from Deadmans Beach.
Is there parking at Frenchmans Beach?
Yes, informal roadside parking for about six cars, so it fills quickly.
Are dogs allowed at Frenchmans Beach?
Yes, but they must be on a leash at all times.
Why is it called Frenchmans Beach?
It is named after four men who landed there in the late 19th century after sailing west from French-speaking South Pacific islands. They were taken to the Myora mission, and their descendants still live on the island.
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