Blue Lake National Park on North Stradbroke Island is now part of Naree Budjong Djara National Park, and its centrepiece is Kaboora (Blue Lake), a freshwater lake in the sand dunes. You reach it on a bush walk of about 5.2 km return, and visitors are asked not to swim in it.
The park’s name means “My Mother Earth” to the Quandamooka People, the Traditional Owners of Minjerribah. This guide covers the walk, what the track is like, and how to get across from Cleveland.
The Blue Lake walk (Kaboora track)
The track leads through wallum woodland, flowering heath and stunted eucalypts to the lake. The island’s tourism site lists it at 5.2 km return, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours, and the path is loose sand that can be hot in summer. Another official listing gives 6 km return, so allow for a little more.
Carry drinking water, a hat and sunscreen, and go early or late in the day when it is hot.
What you will see at Kaboora
Kaboora sits in the dunes inside the national park, so the walk is as much about the country you cross as the lake itself. Expect wallum woodland, flowering heath, wildflowers in spring and glimpses of wildlife, which is why the island’s tourism site recommends binoculars.
Because swimming is not allowed, this is a place to sit, look and take photos rather than a day at the water. Visit with that in mind, and pair it with a swim at Brown Lake or at one of the patrolled beaches at Point Lookout if you want to cool off afterwards.
Can you swim at Blue Lake?
No. The lake is a place of significant cultural value to the Quandamooka People, and visitors are asked to respect that by not swimming in it. For a freshwater swim on the island, head to Brown Lake instead, which is just outside Dunwich and has picnic tables, barbecues and toilets.
Is Blue Lake National Park dog friendly?
No. The island’s tourism site lists Naree Budjong Djara National Park, including Blue Lake, as prohibited to dogs at all times. The North Stradbroke Island guide lists where dogs can go on the island.
If you are planning a longer trip, the island also has a second national park walk to Neembeeba lookout, listed at 6 km return, with views over the southern island, the Pacific Ocean and the Gold Coast.
Respecting Kaboora
The national park carries a Quandamooka name, Naree Budjong Djara, and the lake is part of that story. Staying out of the water is the main way visitors show respect, and the same goes for staying on the track, taking your rubbish home and leaving plants and wildlife as you found them. Smoking is not allowed in the park.
Planning your visit
- How long: the island’s tourism site lists the walk at 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Best time: early morning or late afternoon in hot weather. Spring brings wildflowers.
- Cost: free.
- What to bring: plenty of drinking water, a hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes for loose sand, a camera and binoculars.
- Who it suits: people who are happy to walk a few kilometres on loose sand.
Getting there and parking
You reach North Stradbroke Island by ferry from Toondah Harbour in Cleveland, about 30 km and 40 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD. Vehicle ferries take 45 to 50 minutes to Dunwich, and passenger water taxis about 25 minutes. The North Stradbroke Island guide has ferry operators and parking at Cleveland.
A car park is listed for the park. The Redlands Coast Information Centre can help on 1300 667 386.
Nearby
- Brown Lake – the swimming lake near Dunwich, with picnic tables and barbecues.
- North Stradbroke Island – ferries and the rest of the island.
- More national parks and everything on North Stradbroke Island.
You might also like
- Point Lookout – the Gorge Walk, whale watching and ocean beaches.
- Cylinder Beach – a patrolled swimming beach.
- Conondale National Park (Sunshine Coast Hinterland)
Quick answers
Is Blue Lake National Park the same as Naree Budjong Djara?
Yes. Blue Lake National Park is now part of Naree Budjong Djara National Park, and the lake is also called Kaboora.
Can you swim in Blue Lake on Stradbroke Island?
No. Visitors are asked not to swim because the lake is of significant cultural value to the Quandamooka People.
How long is the Blue Lake walk?
About 5.2 km return and 1.5 to 2 hours, on loose sand. Another official listing says 6 km return.
Are dogs allowed at Blue Lake?
No, dogs are prohibited in the national park at all times.
Does it cost anything to visit Blue Lake?
No, visiting is free.
How do you get to Blue Lake from Brisbane?
Drive about 30 km to Toondah Harbour in Cleveland, take the ferry or water taxi to Dunwich, then drive to the walk’s car park.
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