STRADDIE SALUTE: The Island Race‑cation That Feels More Like Play Than Pain

kanefinch
Mar 3
2 min read

🏝️ Welcome to the Straddie Salute

Some races feel serious.

Some feel scary.

And then there’s the Straddie Salute — a race that feels like someone handed you a holiday brochure and said, “Hey, want to do a triathlon in here?”

Just off Brisbane, North Stradbroke Island is basically paradise with a start line. It’s the kind of place where you forget you’re racing because you’re too busy thinking, “Should I move here?”

🌊 The Swim: Crystal‑Clear Water & Zero Stress

You kick things off by diving into water so clear you can see your own reflection and question your swim technique in real time. It’s calm, it’s warm, and it’s the friendliest ocean swim you’ll ever do.

Honestly, it feels less like racing and more like a guided snorkel tour where you happen to be wearing a timing chip.

🚴 The Bike: Rolling Hills & Holiday Vibes

Then it’s onto the bike — road or mountain, depending on your flavour of fun.

Roadies get rolling hills and the peaceful bushland surrounds.
MTB riders get a little adventure sprinkled in.

Either way, the island breeze hits you and suddenly you’re smiling like someone who’s forgotten they’re supposed to be working hard.

🏃The Run: The Scenic Route

This run course is a highlight reel of Straddie’s greatest hits.

Trails.

Beaches.

Ocean cliffs.

Views that make you forget your legs exist.

And the wildlife? It’s like the island hired a cast.

Turtles drifting in the shallows.

Kangaroos supervising from the headlands.

Dolphins surfing the break.

Whales waving from offshore like supportive aunties.

It’s adventure without the stress — the kind of run where you’re half racing, half sightseeing.

It’s basically a David Attenborough documentary, except you’re sweaty and trying not to trip.

🍻 Saturday Afternoon: Bowls Club Glory

Presentations at the Bowls Club are peak Aussie charm.

Cold local beers, hearty food, and that relaxed island energy where everyone becomes mates instantly.

It’s the perfect way to celebrate a day of “racing” (and by racing, we mean exploring Straddie at pace).

🌅 Sunday Sunrise: Kangaroos & Dolphin Surf Shows

Sunday morning starts with a sunrise stroll along the Gorge Walk — kangaroos casually hanging out, dolphins surfing like they’re filming a tourism ad, and you wondering why you don’t do this every weekend.

🏊 Sunday Swim: A Bonus Dip Because Why Not

Then it’s back to the beach for the Sunday Open Water Swim — 500m or 1km. Clear conditions, gentle swell, and a finish where you literally surf the waves into shore.

It’s the only race where your final sprint might involve catching a wave like a nipper.

The Race‑cation Wrap: Mates, BBQ & Island Adventures

Ten of us shared a holiday house — affordable, chaotic, and full of laughs. BBQ brekky, a bit of packing, then off exploring the island’s best spots before lunch at the local brewery and a late barge home.

It’s the kind of weekend that fills your cup and makes you forget Monday exists.