Bribie Island

A great tourist escape just north of Brisbane. Book accommodation on the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane.

Caboolture has the best of both worlds. Its boundaries stretch from the shores of the Pacific Ocean and Moreton Bay to the magnificent dairying country of Mt Mee along the spectacular D'Aguilar Range, offering panoramic views stretching out to sea.

One of the jewels of Caboolture Shire is Bribie Island. Only one hour's drive from Brisbane, the island is linked to the mainland by a bridge, which spans the beautiful and environmentally sensitive Pumicestone Passage.

With century-old mangroves and protected natural bush growing to the water's edge, it is home to more than 350 species of birdlife and provides protection to dugongs, turtles and dolphins. Cruises operate along the passage to allow visitors to appreciate the spectacular scenery.

And there is nothing that can compare with a stroll along the Bribie foreshore with the sun setting over the spectacular Glasshouse Mountains, named by explorer Matthew Flinders 200 years ago. Indulge in succulent fresh seafood at one of the island's many restaurants, hotels, motels and clubs.

Bribie offers the perfect family holiday. Total relaxation, long stretches of white, sandy beach and superb bushwalks through national parks that comprise 80 per cent of the island.

Special 4WD tours can take you along the beach towards the northern end of the island to the national park. Beach permits are available to private owners of 4WD vehicles and can be obtained from the Caboolture Shire Council or at the Bongaree Caravan Park on the island.

For those interested in history, original World War II bunkers and gun emplacements positioned along the ocean beachfront to defend the entrance to Brisbane, can still be viewed.

For the energetic, there's windsurfing or catamaran sailing or even a dip in the warm waters off Woorim Beach, the closest patrolled surf beach to Brisbane and the venue for regular surf carnivals. Woorim Beach is acknowledged as one of Queensland's safest beaches and is a perfect spot for family recreation and relaxation.

Bribie Island is a fisherman's paradise with tailor, bream, whiting, mackerel and cod frequently caught in and around the island. Moreton Bay has emerged in recent years as one of the great game fishing centres and is only a short cruise by high-powered charter boat from Bribie Island. World game fishing records are regularly broken with catches of yellowfin tuna, black marlin, sailfish and kingfish.

Scuba diving is also popular on Bribie, with trips organised to some of the best and most stunningly beautiful coral reefs in Queensland. For those wanting a more leisurely day out on the Bay, regular cruises are available from Bribie Island to Moreton Island. No visitor should miss visiting the art gallery at Whitepatch, with regular exhibitions of some of Australia's best known artists. While the island is a popular day trip destination, those wishing to stay a few days or longer have the opportunity to relax at a wide range of holiday accommodation. Facilities range from caravan parks, including camping and cabins, to motels, holiday homes and apartments at affordable prices.

For more information:
Bribie Island Tourist Information Centre
Tel +61 7 3408 9026

For beach permits:
Caboolture Shire Council
Tel +61 7 5420 0100

Bongaree Caravan Park
Tel +61 7 3408 1054

Buses and trains from Brisbane stop off at Caboolture Railway Station and buses provide a regular commuter service to the island. Other towns and villages in Caboolture shire with access to Moreton Bay are also well worth a visit. These include Beachmere, with its safe, sandy beach, as well as Toorbul, Donnybrook, and Meldale.