Col Battersby is the founder and Principal of Discover Stradbroke, North Stradbroke Island’s specialist holiday home management company.
Col first came to Straddie as a child in the mid-1970s, when his family bought a holiday home on the island. After 15 years in the tourism environment of Thredbo, he moved to the island in 2006 and took over Fishes Cafe at Point Lookout with his brother and late father. He founded Discover Stradbroke in 2009.
Today the business manages more than 120 holiday homes across Point Lookout, Amity Point and Dunwich, generating more than $5 million in annual bookings. Built on an in-house housekeeping and property care model, it holds back-to-back Best of Queensland Experience recognition (2025 and 2026) and Airbnb Superhost status.
Col served as President of the Straddie Chamber of Commerce from 2015 to 2026. He is a strong advocate for regional tourism, responsible short-stay accommodation and the communities that host it.
