Everyone in Brisbane has been to Straddie at least once — and everyone has been to the Straddie pub, too. There's a reason for that. When it comes to classic southeast Queensland experiences that involve ocean views and a cold drink in hand, it really doesn't get much better. Now, North Stradbroke Island's much-loved watering hole is back, reopening as The Straddie Hotel after a thoughtful redevelopment that brings the venue into a new era without losing its soul. Set on the headland just steps from the ocean, the refreshed hotel still leans into surf culture and that unmistakably laidback island energy, just with a few more modern comforts. New and reworked spaces include a breezy upper deck, an expanded all-weather deck complete with an operable roof, a reimagined bistro and main bar, plus a second bar in the thick of the action — all designed to keep the focus firmly on the sweeping views of Cylinder Beach and the Coral Sea beyond. The kitchen delivers generous pub classics with a coastal twist: alongside island-sourced oysters, fish tacos, prawn and bug cocktails, and fish and chips, the menu includes staples like schnitties, hand-stretched pizzas and grill items like a Black Angus rump. At the bar, you'll find local beers from Straddie Brewing Co., easy-drinking wines and beach-ready signature cocktails like the Straddie Island Iced Tea, Coco Margarita and a rotating slushie of the month. Early risers in the summer months will also be rewarded with breakfast bites and coffee from a grab-and-go kiosk. Beyond the food, the refreshed Straddie Hotel also offers family-friendly spaces, a regular program of live music and a renewed focus on local culture and community — cementing its place as one of southeast Queensland's great island institutions.
