Ocean Beach Camping Area at Bribie Island National Park

If you’re looking for a true Queensland beach escape, the Ocean Beach camping areas in Bribie Island National Park are hard to beat. Located along a stunning stretch of coastline, this camping spot gives you the chance to fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake up with your toes practically in the sand.

I know that for first-timers, organising a camping trip here can feel a little daunting, from permits and vehicle access to picking the right campsite. I want to share tips from my experience, to help make your first Bribie Island adventure as smooth as possible.

In this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about Ocean Beach camping on Bribie Island, including what to expect, how to book, and some handy tips we wish we’d known before going.

This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Please read my disclaimer, T&C’s & privacy policy here.

Are the Ocean Beach Camping Sites Worth it?

Yes, the Ocean Beach camping sites on Bribie Island are definitely worth visiting if you’re after a true coastal adventure. Set right along the shoreline, they offer incredible beach views, easy access for fishing, swimming, and 4WD exploration, and the chance to fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

It’s a raw and natural experience, but with basic facilities, so it’s best suited to campers who don’t mind going a little off-grid.

✅ Pros

• You camp right behind the dunes (or on them) on a long stretch of beach, with great views over Moreton Bay
• There are 62 campsites spread over 3 kilometres
• Micro-flush toilets available in communal area, cold screened showers, water taps (though not drinkable), a dump point, fire rings at each site.
• Great for getting away without travelling too far from Brisbane City.
• Expect wallabies, native birds, and bushy vegetation behind dunes giving shade and some shelter from wind.
• Affordable National Park nightly rates.

❌ Cons

• You need a high-clearance 4WD with low range to reach many of the soft sand sites soft sand.
• Mostly off-grid Camping with communal Facilities limited, no toilets or showers at every site
• Wild pigs roam and may raid campsites at night, mozzies & miggies can be bad, especially in certain zones and at times of the year.
• Beach erosion can affect access (vehicle tracks / safe entry points). Some sites have been temporarily closed due to erosion. Tidal effects / lagoon crossings can be tricky, particularly near high tides.
• No generators allowed, rules around open fires and no using Park Trees for wood.
• Booking is essential and in peak times spots fill quickly.

Where are the campsites on Bribie Island?

Bribie Island is located about 1 hour north of the Queensland capital, Brisbane. You will exit the M1 Bruce Highway near Caboolture, onto Bribie Island Road. Driving another 30 minutes, you’ll cross the Pumicestone Passage, straight over the bridge and onto the Island.

The Ocean Beach camping area is located on the east side of the Island (please see location Map HERE). Drive to Woorim and along North Street until you get to the Access Track. This area is a big parking space and has defined track entrances. It’s also a great time to reduce the air out of your tyres and prepare for beach driving ( around 20 to 25psi). 

What’s the cost to stay?

There are two different permits you’ll need to purchase for Ocean Beach Camping Area sites:

• Vehicle Access Permit to drive on the beach is $57.80 for 1 week, or up to 1 year is $179.20.
• General Camping Fee’s are a single adult for $7.50, or Family rate is $30.00

Luckily, these can be purchased separately and at the same place online at the Qld Parks booking service HERE. And, once you have booked, you will be emailed the paperwork and you’re booking number. 

My Biggest Tip: Saturday nights tend to be booked out well in advance (sometimes up to 6 months). If you’re flexible with your dates and can visit last minute, then Log into the booking site two to three days before, and you’ll often find some cancellations. 

What to Expect & Best Sites?

There are about 60 different sites available and you can find a Map HERE. These vary in size, the number of people, how many vehicles, or ones suitable for Tents or campers.

General Facilities

The sites are mostly off-grid, and you’ll need to be self-sufficient to camp there. This means there are no toilets, no showers, no water and you must provide your own sleeping and cooking facilities. 

However, sites 37 to 53 are grouped together with bush toilets, cold showers, and a dump point or Toilet waste disposal. Anyone staying at the sites are welcome to use these facilities, but other sites will need to drive to get there. 

What’s the best site?

A great site for one person is not necessarily going to be the best for 6, plus where it’s located could factor into your enjoyment.

Therefore, If you’re looking for beach views then Sites 9 and 10 (or maybe 11) would be my recommendation.

These are placed on top of the sand dunes and very few tree obstructions. However, know on a windy day, you’ll find sand blowing over the dunes, getting in your eyes and covering your gear. 

On the other hand, most of the other sites are over the dunes and protected by the surrounding trees. These can be great for privacy, shaded, and better on windy days. Note that you can still hear the waves, just not directly see the beach waves from your site. The distance to walk to the beach will vary at each site, although it is only a short way. 

We stayed at site 55 this time but will be going back another time to check out site 9 or 10 for the views. You can check out our site first hand by watching my You Tube HERE, but we also give a brief tour of the National Park and other sites.

Do you need help planning your trip to Queensland? Book a one-on-one consultation call with me, to get your questions answered & personalised help!

Can you have a fire?

Yes, you can have a campfire at the, but you’ll need to use the fire pit provided. Additionally, you will need to bring along your own milled or purchased firewood. All National Park areas are protected, and you can’t use any branches on the ground, or chop down any of the surrounding trees.

Note: There are hefty penalty fines for both lighting a fire on the beach (that’s not in the provided fire pit), or using the local trees or branches for burning. Rangers patrol the area all the time for people not following the rules.

Amenities

If you choose sites 37 to 53, there will be bush toilets provided and cold showers. These are shared between everyone staying at all 60 sites, but you’ll find only the people staying in this group will use them at night. 

FAQ’s – Common Questions?

Do you need a 4WD to camp?

Yes, you will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to access any of the Beach Camping areas. This includes the Ocean Beach, Poverty Creek, and Gallagher point. Both Mission Point, and Lime Pocket areas are only accessed by boat. 

Is there Mobile Service

Mobile Data service is available, but, can be intermittent in some areas and not always fast. Additionally, there is no Wi-Fi available near the camping sites.

When can you drive on the beach?

You’ll need to prepare your journey and beach access by checking out the  Tide times. Driving within 2 hours on either side of High tide is not allowed or advisable, and even better outside 3 hours.

Your time of travel will factor on the water levels, weather, and swells. Therefore, it helps to be knowledgeable about four-wheel-drive safety and driving on beaches. 

You also need to consider the driving rules and speed limits.

• 50klm/hour on the beach except near the camping areas.
• 30klms/hour for all other roads and near the Camping area.
• Slow down whenever you see people and wildlife.
• Seat belts are mandatory.
• Keep left of oncoming traffic.
• Use indicators when necessary.
• Never carry passengers outside the vehicle.

Can you take dogs?

There are no dogs allowed in any National Park areas in Queensland. Therefore, no domestic animals in the Bribie Island National Park or the Ocean Beach Camping areas. 

However, you can take dogs to the Island itself and to areas on the southern side of the Island. This is the main populated, living area!

If you’re looking for Beachside camping that does allow dogs, then you might want to check out the Flinders Beach Camping Sites on Stradbroke Island. This is the second-largest sand island in the world and a short ferry ride from Brisbane. 

Things to do nearby?

Most of the island contains sealed roads and has a population of over 16 thousand people. This means you are never short of supplies, entertainment, and things to do on Bribie Island. Mostly, it’s known as a slow-paced island paradise where you can get away from it all and beautiful coastal scenery.

Some of the activities are:

• Swimming in the beach
• Paddle boarding
• Jet ski’s
• Watching the Sun rise over the Horizon
• Hiking through the coastal plant communities
• Fishing ( Bream, Whiting & Taylor)
• See the World War 11 forts – Northern Searchlight, Battery Plotting Room, Mine Control Buckers, Number one and two Gun. These can be dangerous and are eroding away on the beach, so please don’t touch or climb on the remnants.
• Swimming in one of the Lakes – Norfolk Creek, Welsby Lagoon, Mermaid Lagoon

Wrap up!

Thanks for reading today’s blog post on Ocean Beach Camping area in Bribie Island National Park. This is an easy (popular) and relatively cheap beach camping site to go to that’s so close to Brisbane. But, one of the reasons why it’s so busy on weekends. 

I hope you found what your were looking for, but if you’re still researching, please explore other Queensland treasures HERE for inspiration and planning.

• Closest Motels/Hotels to Brisbane Airport
• Kinkuna Beach Camping Review
• Best Things to do in Agnes Water & 1770
• How to 4WD from Rainbow Beach to Double Island Point
• Noosa North Shore Beach Camping Review
• 4WDrive from Noosa to Double Island Point
• Best Day Trips from Brisbane & South East Queensland
• 5 Day Brisbane Itinerary in South East Queensland