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This region provides great
events and entertainment all year round in a variety of environments, from
beach towns to picturesque country locations. Major events in the region
include the Urban Country Music Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, Redcliffe
Festival of Sails, Abbey Medieval Festival,
EXPLORE WALKING IN THE MORETON BAY REGION -
CLICK HERE FOR THE COUNCIL WEBSITE FOR WALKING.
The main tourist strip on Bribie Island is
along Welsby Parade on the Pumicestone Passage towards the pier at Bongaree. Many tourists enjoy the beauty of Woorim with the lure of the ocean beach and the sound of crashing waves.
Both sides have hotels & motels with nearby services that cater well for
tourists.
The ocean side of Bribie Island at Woorim
allows access to the beach. The Ocean Beach access track entry is from the end of North
St. The
ocean beach
track travels past a number of lagoons (sometimes these may have washouts
into the ocean that need extra care when crossing). The lagoons are very
popular and are spaced along the beach drive and include Freshwater Creek,
Norfolk Creek, Mermaid Lagoon and Welsby Lagoon. 
Jacana Ave,
Woorim.4WD Bribie Permit - Online Booking Phone 13 74 68. Fees: Weekly Pass $39 Annual Pass $121.80 Beach Camping Info & Online Booking Fees: $5.30pp/night, Family $21.20/night (kids under 5 free) Permits available at Gateway Bait & Tackle, 1383 Bribie Island Rd, Ningi. Ph 5497 5253
BRIBIE MAGAZINE - PUBLISHED BY THE BRIBIE ISLAND CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE
UNIQUE BRIBIE ISLAND
WRITTEN BY
KIM MAYES
PHOTOGRAPHS BY
RULE
PHOTOGRAPHY Bribie Island is a unique holiday or lifestyle destination. The beaches on the island are varied so whether you are after calm swimming for the family or the fun of catching some waves, Bribie is the spot to choose. Reaching Bribie by crossing the bridge is quite spectacular as you glimpse the lifestyle that awaits you on the other side. The Pumicestone Passage separates the island from the mainland, and flows out to Moreton Bay at one end and to Caloundra at the other. To explore the full extent of the passage the best way is by boat. If you have your own there are boat ramps at many locations on Bribie or on the mainland at Spinnaker Sound Marina. Ferryman Cruises are another popular way to see the passage and you also learn about the area while enjoying the cruise. Hiring a self drive boat is also a great experience and you don’t even need a boat licence. There is a variety of options for boat hire so you can choose the one that suits your outing. The suburbs of Bellara, Bongaree and Banksia Beach all offer safe passage swimming with a host of playgrounds as well as bbq and picnic areas to take advantage of. Bellara is the area of Bribie you reach when you drive either to the left when coming off the bridge or straight ahead. Straight ahead has the central shopping district of Bribie and also the Information Centre where volunteers are more than happy to point you in the right direction to get the best out of the island. The area to the left of the Bribie bridge is the location of the Volunteer Marine Rescue headquarters and public boat ramps.
Buckley’s Hole Conservation Park is located at the end of the Esplanade at Bongaree. The park contains a diverse habitat with a freshwater lagoon, woodland, open forest and beach all located in this area. This has led to a large number of bird species being recorded in this small area so it’s a great place to get back to nature. According to local folklore, a fisherman by the name of Buckley favoured an area of deep-water directly offshore from where the lagoon is now. This area, which was particularly good for fishing, became known as Buckley’s Hole. The name has since come to refer both to the lagoon and the conservation park. Banksia Beach features it’s own Marina which offers boat owners a new location to launch from or berth their boat. The Kakadu Bird Roost is situated at the southern end of Solander Esplanade before the canal entrance and it attracts a wonderful selection of birdlife all year round. Migrating birds from as far away as Siberia come here in the summer months to feed and rest in the mangroves and wetlands. The Bribie Island Community Arts Centre is also located in Banksia Beach on Sunderland Drive. It is set in picturesque bushland surroundings and is the place to go for a great display from local artists and craft persons in areas such as painting, pottery, woodcraft, jewellery, paper craft, gems and many other handmade items. The centre also includes the Matthew Flinders Gallery which regularly hosts exhibitions from local and regional exhibitors. The centre is manned by volunteers and welcomes visitors Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm. The centre is also the starting point for a well maintained bushwalk that weaves through the natural bushland of the area, it is suitable for prams or wheelchairs so is very accessible for all.
The island lifestyle and fishing go hand in hand. Fishing was the main attraction for tourists right from the beginning and it still has a great attraction to tourists and locals today. You can easily find a great spot for fishing either from land in one of the many idyllic beach locations. You can also hire a boat from Bribie Island Boat Hire or a bbq boat complete with on-board toilet and covered seating areas from Bribie Island Boat Charters to enjoy a day fishing in the beautiful Pumicestone Passage. The waters of Bribie Island suit all types of boating craft and you will find there are designated areas to water ski, wakeboard and jet ski. Bribie is well equipped with a variety of sports clubs to join or visit on when holidaying. There are two championship golf courses located here, the Bribie Island Golf Course is in Woorim and the Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club is located in Banksia Beach. Both courses offer gorgeous vistas of the surrounding Bribie landscape to enjoy while playing your game. The island boasts 3 bowls club each with their own clubhouses, restaurants and modern facilities. The Bribie Island Bowls Clubs on Welsby Parade, Bongaree has 4 outdoor greens and in 2010 hosted the Queensland Open Tournament with players coming from all around Australia to compete. They have an great spot overlooking the Pumicestone Passage so whether it’s to play or relax it’s worth a visit. The Bribie Sports Club is home to the Bongaree Bowls Club and is located on Toorbul Street, Bongaree. They offer morning, afternoon or evening bowls so have something to suit everyone. Solander Lake Bowls Club is on Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach and is once again a top class location for a social or competitive game or a meal and a drink. They are only a short stroll from Solander Esplanade where you get wonderful passage views out to the Glasshouse Mountains. The island also has an Indoor Bowls Club located on First Avenue, Bongaree. This centre is the perfect venue to enjoy your favourite game when the weather decides to take a turn for the worse. If you’re interested in Bribie Island history pick up a copy of the brochure “Bongaree Walkabout” from the Information Centre. This brochure was produced by local historians and takes you on a self-guided walk around the historical area of the island. It starts and finishes at the Bongaree jetty and visits sixteen sites along the way. See how much the island has changed and also, in some instances, how much hasn’t changed, it is a great experience. There are also plaques located at each site for you to read a bit more about the area. Another way to learn some history of the area is by visiting the “talking monuments” located around the island. On Solander Esplanade, Banksia Beach, near White Patch Esplanade you will hear the story of the landing of Matthew Flinders. At Marine Drive, Bellara near the Volunteer Marine Rescue building you will hear the history of the island, and while visiting the Community Arts Centre, Banksia Beach you can hear the history of the aboriginals on the island. Bribie makes a great base for your next Queensland holiday. There are many great day trips and activities that can be done within an hour of Bribie. This makes it perfect, as you can visit other areas then return to your idyllic Bribie location to relax at the end of a busy day. The Abbey Museum on Old Toorbul Point Road has a world renowned collection of artefacts and is worth a visit as you make your way towards the highway. Once reaching the highway you can turn towards Brisbane and visit Alma Park Zoo with it’s great array of Australian, exotic and endangered animals. The zoo features free bbq facilities and has picnic areas set in rainforest gardens so is very family friendly.
Also in
that direction you can take the turnoff to Redcliffe and at the
Redcliffe Jetty you can climb aboard a boat bound for Moreton Bay.
T
Heading
north on the highway from Bribie you can’t help noticing the
Glasshouse Mountains rising from the hinterland. In summer there is
always a cooling waterfall to refresh yourself in. Winter is a great
time to try some of the bushwalks in the area and for the more
adventurous some rock and mountain climbing. Galleries, cafes,
restaurants and wineries are just some of the places to stop on the
way. If you are visiting this area look out for when the Eumundi
Markets are on, they are worth visiting for the sheer variety of
stalls on offer. Heading north you can also enjoy day trips to Australia Zoo, made famous by Steve Irwin. See all their spectacular animals, watch some great shows and learn heaps as well. Underwater World is located at Mooloolaba and is Queensland’s largest oceanarium and aquarium with over 5,500 sea creatures to see, and in some cases, touch. Inland from Bribie Island you will find some unique country towns such as Woodford, Mt Mee and Dayboro, just to name a few. So why not drive around that area for a day and explore. When it comes time to relax, wine and dine, you can enjoy what’s on offer at any of Bribie Island’s many fine clubs, hotels, restaurants and takeaways. There is certainly a style to suit your mood and appetite. Accommodation is well catered for too with a huge variety of accommodation styles including B&Bs, motel rooms, self-contained units and holiday houses. So whatever you get up to on Bribie, whether on holiday or living here, there are a great many choices to make the most of your time. The environment that Bribie Island offers makes it a very unique place to live or visit.
Morayfield is nearby and features a great selection of shopping centres and major stores all in close proximity to each other along Morayfield Road. Caboolture has an airfield that services small aircraft and gliders. The airfield has hangers along the runway that house museums of vintage aircraft and famous 'war birds'. Joy Flights are available, from scenic gliding tours of the Glasshouse mountains & bay to adrenalin pumping warplane flights. There is also an environmental centre called the Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre (CREEC). This centre provides you with outdoor fun in a beautiful natural setting for the family with the perfect mix of entertainment, education and exploration. It features a community nursery, 400m bush walk, native birds and butterflies. Located: 150 Rowley Rd, Burpengary. Mon-Fri 8am-3.30pm Ph 3888 8751
Redcliffe Visitor Information Centre: Located at Pelican Park, Hornibrook Esp, Clontarf. History of Redcliffe Area: Moreton Bay Regional Council Information.
The Coastal Towns are quite popular as they still retain their original charm and relaxed lifestyle. Deception Bay has an excellent esplanade walk (Cottonwood Walk) with viewing platforms that look out across Deception Bay towards Beachmere, Sandstone Point and Bribie Island. Beachmere is beside the mouth of the Caboolture River. It's one of the nearest beaches for Caboolture residents and boasts some great new facilities and park areas near the beach. Toorbul and Donnybrook were originally fishing villages located on the Pumicestone Passage. Boat ramps allow access for the many fisherman that try their luck in the quiet waterways beside Bribie Island. The Hinterland follows the D'Aguilar Range via the D'Aguilar Highway. It travels from Samford in the south, past Lake Samsonvale, through Dayboro and Mt Mee and up to Woodford. The ranges, especially at Mt Mee Lookout, offer views out across the region and out to Moreton Island. Woodford is a quaint one street town that comes alive during the Woodford Folk Festival. The town has an original steam train that operates a short return trip on a section of track that follows the original track through the bush.
Boating and Fishing is ideal in the Moreton Bay Region with easy access to the bay without having to cross any bars. Bribie Island & Pumicestone Passage, Redcliffe, Deception Bay and Beachmere are great locations for fishing and boating. Bribie Island, Moreton Bay and Deception Bay are known for Yellowfin Bream, Snapper, Garfish, Tailor, Blue Swimmer Crabs, Mud Crab, Corbia, Dusky Flathead, Estuary Cod, Grass Sweetlip, Moses Perch, Spanish Mackeral, Spotted Mackeral, Whiting, Yellowtail Kingfish, Northern Bluefin, Mangrove Jack and Tuna. Rescue Services : Volunteer Marine Rescue - Bribie Ph 3408 7596 Marine Place, BellaraRadio Operates 7 days, 6am-6pm, 27MHZ Ch 86, 88, 90, VHF Ch 16, 21, 67, 73, 81 Coast Guard Redcliffe QF3 Ph 3203 5522 Scarborough Boat Harbour. Call Sign: VMR 403
PUBLIC BOAT RAMPS: PUMICESTONE PASSAGE: Donnybrook: Esplanade (adjacent to jetty)
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Bribie Island is linked to the
mainland by a bridge making the visit to the scenic island a breeze. Bribie
has always captured the imagination of tourists due to the spectacular
beaches, fishing and relaxed lifestyle. The island has the calm waters
of the Pumicestone Passage on one side (most populated side) and the open
ocean on the other at Woorim. Woorim has a patrolled swimming beach
year round with great picnic facilities and cafes. The ocean side also
allows four wheel drive vehicles (permit required) to drive north along the
deserted beach to camping facilities and historical WW2 bunkers. 
Bongaree is
on the right as you enter Bribie over the bridge, this area boasts
the new Bribie Island Seaside Museum and of course the Bribie Island
jetty which is a huge part of Bribie history, it’s where our tourism
got it’s start. The bike and walking track in this area runs all the
way from the end of the Esplanade (near the museum), under the
Bribie bridge and to the end of Sylvan Beach Esplanade at the canal
entrance. This is a truly memorable and fun way to see the whole
beachfront of Bribie. This bike track will also take you all the way
to the surf side of Woorim by following First Avenue past the high
school and across the island.
When
visiting the surf side of Woorim you can enjoy the waves at the
fully patrolled surf beach. The volunteers of Bribie Island Surf
Life Saving Club have been keeping beach goers safe for many years.
It is also a regular spot for surf carnivals which are always fun to
watch even if you’re not competing. Woorim also has a skate park and
3 playground and bbq areas for your beach outing. Surf fishing at
Woorim is another unique experience to try. Ocean Beach at Woorim
can be explored by 4WD. All you need is a permit and a 4wd vehicle
and you can travel for miles towards Caloundra. Gain access from
the end of White Patch Esplanade, Banksia Beach or at the end of
North Street, Woorim. See the camping page of this magazine for all
details on camping and permits for this area of Bribie.
he wonderful humpback whales travel through the Bay each year so
this is one way to get up close and personal with them. Moreton
Island is also accessible from here. It is the second largest sand
island in the world with crystal clear lakes and lagoons set amongst
sand dunes and pristine beaches. You can go diving or snorkelling
around the wrecks to see colourful coral and marine life. If you
have your own boat Moreton Island is very easy to get to from Bribie
as well.
Caboolture is the heart of the Moreton
Bay Region and is located beside the beautiful Caboolture River. The
Centenary Lakes Parkland is a great place to explore the river. It features
lovely pathways that meander along the river bank and leads to a pedestrian
suspension bridge for a spectacular view of the river. Located within the
park is a free velodrome, BMX track and a variety of meandering pathways
around the lakes.
