Beautiful Bribie

By Ross and Cher Brighouse

Long derided by Brisbane residents, and the subject of a bawdy ditty by a well known local radio announcer in the late 70's or early 80’s, Bribie Island has come of age. Colloquially known as "Bribie", the island now boasts ritzy canal estates, championship golf courses and is a sought after destination for the well-heeled. All just a one-hour drive north of Brisbane.

Sunset over the Glasshouse Mountains and Pummicestone Passage
Photo: © Ross and Cher Brighouse

Bribie also boasts suburbs that would pass as quaint beachside “villages”, and of course, beautiful golden beaches. But, for us at least, the jewel in the crown is the national park. The park covers approximately 55.8 square kilometres, and with the adjoining 25 square kilometres of state forestry, protects most of the island.

Although only accessible by four-wheel drive, the national park is well worth a visit. The northern access track winds past Gallaghers and Poverty Creek campsites on the Pumicestone Passage (Western) side of the island, and ultimately onto the eastern beach. Both are basic campgrounds – there are no facilities at Gallaghers and only toilets at Poverty Creek. The lack of facilities is well compensated by the stunning views over the tranquil waters of the passage to Queenland’s iconic Glasshouse Mountains.

Birds over the Glasshouse Mountains
Photo: © Ross and Cher Brighouse

Camping is also allowed at the Ocean Beach Campground at the end of the northern access track. The campground consists of approximately 60 individual sites, which have varying levels of seclusion, nestled behind the dunes. It is also accessible via a 30-minute drive along the beach, which is subject to tides, from Woorim.

There are activities available to suit most ages and fitness levels. Exploring the natural surrounds, and beach walking and swimming are amongst the most popular. There is also the ruin of the old fort to explore. The fort, a remnant from WW2, existed to protect Brisbane’s shipping channel where the shallow waters of Moreton Bay are littered with sandbars and islands, forcing larger ships to stay in the main north–west channel which runs beside Bribie. The passage of time and tides has left the northern searchlight structure exposed on the beach, and the weathered remnants of the gun emplacement is hidden behind the dunes, although accessible by a well signed walk.

Ocean beach from the searchlight position
Photo: © Ross and Cher Brighouse

Goannas and wallabies abound, and there are also occasional sightings of dingoes and emus. Over 300 different species of birdlife have been identified - from raptors such as brahiminy kites, ospreys and white bellied sea eagles to the beautiful but tiny red-backed fairy wren. It is estimated that between 10,000 and 15,000 migratory waterbirds use Bribie as rest stop on their trip from breeding grounds as far away as Alaska, China and Siberia.

A white bellied sea eagle soaring above Ocean Beach
Photo: © Ross and Cher Brighouse

Wetting a fishing line is also popular and often a rewarding pastime, as there are many different ways and places to make a catch. Species will depend on where on the island you choose to throw in your line, as well as the season, but whiting, flathead, dart and bream are common catches. Sand and mud crabs are also plentiful according to the locals.

There is also the option to kick back, relax and enjoy the uninterrupted beach vistas - a fantastic pastime best enjoyed at dusk from the dunes in front of the ocean beach campsite.

And for photography enthusiasts, if this hasn’t whet your appetite, as an added bonus, there is the opportunity to photograph sunsets and sunrises over water. We have been fortunate indeed to witness some stunners.

Mackerel clouds at dawn, Ocean Beach
Photo: © Ross and Cher Brighouse

The national park is managed by the Department of Environment and Resource Management – camping and driving permits are required and can be arranged via their website. Facilities are limited, but the rates are modest considering you get waterfront real estate.
http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/bribie-island/index.html