Queensland Police are still trying to establish the identity of a man whose body washed up on South Stradbroke Island.

The heavily tattooed body, clad only in black pants, was discovered by a park ranger about 7.30am (AEST) on Sunday on the ocean side of the island, about 5km north of the Gold Coast seaway.

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Police said it appeared the man had been dead for at least five days.

The cause of death is yet to be determined.

Detective Superintendent Brian Swan said initial checks with the missing persons register in Queensland and NSW have failed to find a link to the man.

“Hopefully we can ID him as quickly as possible,” Det Supt Swan said.

Media reports suggested the dead man might have links to a criminal motorcycle gang, but police say his tattoos are not bikie-related.

Police investigations continue.