The secret holiday spot Brisbanites have been hiding

Bribie Island is the secret holiday spot Brisbane residents have loved and kept to themselves for years.

Crossing the bridge that spans the deep blue of Pumicestone Passage, the lure of island life begins to work its magic as sandy beaches, calm waterways and natural beauty beckon. Linked to the Queensland mainland by bridge, Bribie Island is just up the road from Brisbane and part of the Moreton Bay region, where beaches, wildlife encounters and lively markets abound.

Locals have known the lure of Bribie Island activities for years, and those new to discovering the island will be surprised by the many secluded beaches overlooking Glass House Mountains, as well as the patrolled surf beaches, like Woorim Ocean Beach – the closest surf beach north of Brisbane. Not to mention jet ski adventures, heritage walks and camping in a national park.

This is an island getaway without having to travel far.

Discover Bribie Island’s idyllic beaches

Hire a boat from Bribie Beach Shack for a cruise along Pumicestone Passage to reel in the catch of the day.

Or head to Woorim Ocean Beach for fishing on the beach and in the bay. This is also the place to catch the perfect wave – and it’s especially good for beginners, thanks to Moreton Island protecting Bribie from southerly swells. Join Bribie Island Surf School for a lesson.

Family-friendly Sylvan Beach and secluded Banksia Beach are popular swimming options, while Red Beach is the place to go at low tide with your pooch.

Hire a boat to try your hand at fishing. (Image: Peter Wallis)

Dine at Bribie Island’s best cafes

Wherever you go on Bribie, the dining options at the four main communities of Bongaree, Bellara, Banksia Beach and Woorim are as good as any city can offer. Head to North Street at Woorim for lunch at one of the many cafes and enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the beautiful beach shoreline.

At Bongaree, the award-winning Annie Lane Cafe serves up some Insta-worthy dishes for breakfast or brunch. Famed for its banana split waffles and crazy shakes, the cafe has a locally sourced menu that’s bound to include your favourites. Another popular haunt is Kenilworth Bakery, known for its delectable doughnuts.

For water views and seafood feasts head to Sandstone Point Hotel, where you can choose between the pub menu and the Oyster Shed Beach Club. On weekends, there’s also live music on the sweeping lawns; time your visit right and you might catch a concert from a big-name artist.

Enjoy a fresh seafood feast. (Image: Peter Wallis)

The best of Bribie Island nature

With 80 per cent of the island devoted to Bribie Island National Park and Recreation Area, nature is always close. Within minutes of a smart cafe you can explore sand dunes, heathland and woodland, paperbark wetlands and open forests, freshwater creeks and lagoons.

The national park is home to goannas, kangaroos and kookaburras, while Pumicestone Passage (part of Moreton Bay Marine Park) is a haven for wildlife, including dugongs, turtles, dolphins and a diverse range of birdlife.

Hire a kayak and explore the island’s creeks and tranquil lagoons, another well-kept secret of Moreton Bay; Welsby and Mermaid lagoons and Norfolk and Freshwater creeks offer chances for refreshing dips or paddling into quiet corners.

Bird watchers flock to Bribie, and the best hides are at Buckley’s Hole Conservation Park at Bongaree, where more than 190 species have been recorded, or at Toorbul Bird Roost near Bribie Bridge. The Toorbul roost and adjacent mudflats give sightings of large numbers of shorebirds.

Get up close with local wildlife. (Image: Scott Nelson)

Tour Bribie Island by land or water

Tap into local knowledge by taking a tour by 4WD, kayak, boat, gondola or jetski.

If you don’t have a 4WD, join family-friendly G’Day Adventure Tours to explore the national park. The tours reveal many of Bribie’s hidden treasures, including the heritage-listed Fort Bribie on the north-eastern sands of Ocean Beach, a relic of the Second World War.

Thrill-seekers can take a guided tour through Bribie Island’s waterways and out onto Moreton Bay with Moreton Bay Jetski Hire & Ride. You’ll experience the natural wonders of Pumicestone Passage as you explore marine ecosystems and encounter native birdlife.

For something more relaxing, Bribie Island Gondola will take you into the canals with spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains, accompanied by a bottle of wine, chocolates, fruit or dessert (or BYO). Whether it’s a romantic sunset outing for two or a fun trip for up to six people, a gondola at Bribie is a memorable experience.

Take a leisurely gondola ride to enjoy scenic views.

Choosing your Bribie Island accomodation

From camping to luxury apartments and spacious holiday homes, Bribie Island’s accommodation caters to every need.

There are 64 designated camping spots in Bribie Island National Park, with reservations available online through the Queensland National Parks Bookings Service. Camping areas are accessible only by 4WD or boat.

For greater comfort, a large range of holiday rental homes are available across the island with Bribie Island Holiday Hub.  For a touch of luxury, On The Beach Resort Bribie Island offers spacious, self-contained two-bedroom apartments with ensuites and spectacular ocean views; alternatively, opt for the luxe two- and three-bedroom beachfront villas. Either way, you can’t beat this right-on-the-beach location.

Find your perfect holiday rental. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Walk through Bribie Island’s history

Explore the island’s history on a self-guided waterfront walk at Bongaree. The walk takes in 16 historical landmarks and buildings and shows how the landscape has changed since Matthew Flinders landed on the island in 1799.

Bongaree is named in honour of Aboriginal explorer Bongaree, who accompanied Flinders on his expeditions and helped encourage communication between the British and Indigenous peoples. For more history, spend some time in the Bribie Island Seaside Museum on the Esplanade at Bongaree.

At the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre – one of Australia’s largest and busiest arts centres – stop in at the Matthew Flinders Art Gallery or browse the artists’ wares in the retail galleries. This is also where you’ll find the Bribie Vibe Arts and Crafts Markets on the last Sunday morning of each month.

Step back in time with a self-guided walk. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Start planning your great Bribie Island getaway at visitmoretonbayregion.com.au.