28 Fun Things to do on Bribie Island with Map!

If you’re searching for a coastal escape that doesn’t feel overdeveloped, finding out the best things to do on Bribie Island often comes up. Sitting just north of Brisbane as the forth largest sand island in the world, Bribie is one of those places people hear about but aren’t always sure how much there is to see.

For many visitors, finding out if Bribie more about beaches or nature? Do you need a 4WD to enjoy it properly? And beyond the obvious spots, what actually makes the island worth your time?

As a Brisbane local, this guide is written for anyone planning their first visit or wanting to see more than the main beach. I’ll share my favourite experiences and attractions that define Bribie Island and help you decide how to spend your time there.

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Best Things to do on Bribie Island & Map

Bribie Island located on the north side of Brisbane, near Caboolture & Sandstone Point. Surprisingly, it’s one of the few Island you can actually drive to and separated from the mainland by the Pumicestone Passage (by crossing the Bridge).

Plus, the northern tip can be seen and accessed from Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast.

The Island is worth checking out for the many different beaches and I just love the camping spots. But, there are plenty more attractions which are accessible to almost everyone and this is what I’m going to detail today!

Luckily, Bribie is actually accessible in a standard Two wheel drive vehicle. However, a 4WD is needed for the beach and National Park areas. But, to make it easier, you can click here for my specially pinned map on everything mentioned below, to help apply directions from your location.

1. Seaside Museum

You can learn all about Bribie Islands history at the local Seaside Museum. There is a large collection of preserved fish, theatre show about the SS Koopa Steamship and history of the people, and their role in world war 2, along with a replica bunker.

There’s also belongings of Island personalities, interactive displays and new exhibitions passing by throughout the year. Therefore, you can visit again and again, especially with their events and workshops available.

It very much one of the best free activities to do in Bribie, as well being open almost everyday (except Monday and Tuesday).

2. Butterfly House

One of my favourite activity’s on Bribie would be visiting the amazing insects at the Butterfly house. They are lucky to have species like the Varied Eggfly, Monarch, Orchard Swallowtail, Cairns Birdwing, Grass Yellow and Chequered Swallowtail. Plus, you can walk the free-flight Avery, with the butterflies all around you.

Unfortunately, the centre is only open on Sundays and Wednesday from 10am to 4pm. There is also a $12 entry fee and you should allow about 1 hour to see everything the centre has to offer ( I was there for about 30 minutes). Also know, the mornings are the busiest, so lunchtime could be a good time to visit.

Tip: There are indoor displays, but it’s not so good with rainy weather, as the butterfly’s are not very active at this time.

3. Hire Equipment or Tours

Obviously, when you’re travelling on holidays, there might not be an opportunity to bring your own water crafts. Therefore, it’s handy to know that you can hire some equipment on the Island, when you get there.

The Hire hut has kayaks, stand up paddleboards, water bikes, and go karts….. this would also be a great place to stop by on a day trip to the island and fill in a bit of time.

4. Gondola Hire

If you’re after a little luxury, or sharing a romantic night with your partner, then maybe take a look at the Venetian-style Gondola experience.

They have daily cruise options available, that can leave almost every 30 minutes throughout and especially at night. All this on a One hour cruise, along with a fruit and cheese platter, while listening to soft Italian opera playing in the background.

Great for a date night, or celebrating a special event!

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!

5. Water Tower Art

Silo art is becoming increasingly popular around Australia and even though this is not a Silo, it’s still considered part of the Art trails. This tower is located on Welsby Parade, free to see and in between the Caravan Park and bowls clubs (easier access from Queen Street).

It depicts the unique thriving aquatic to the area with a beach and surf life saver! Alternatively, you can see another one on the other side of the Island near the corner of Jacana Avenue and First Avenue.

➡  Find prices for other Hotel Deals HERE with Booking.com

6. Hiring the Barbeque Boat

Another option could be the BBQ boat hire, which has boat suitable from 6 to 12 people and can be rented for half or full days out on the water.

No licence is required and comes with flushing toilets. Therefore, grab a bunch of friends and enjoy the freedom of driving yourself around while relaxing on the waterways.

7. Cruise the Passage

Try immersing yourself in a leisurely cruise around the Pumicestone passage aboard a Ferryman Cruise. There are choices between morning, lunch and sunset cruises and you can experience the historic trails of Matthew flinders, with live commentary from the skipper.

Stay on the lookout for local’s wildlife like large pelicans, sea birds, dolphins, dugongs and turtles.

8. Tourist Information Centre

If you wanting to find out about current events or things happening that might not be mentioned in in the blog today, then check out the Visitor Information Centre.

They are open from 9 to 4 every day and there to provide local knowledge of area, what to do, attractions and activities. This one is located on Brenabrow Avenue, in the islands centre and contains a couple of car parks

Note: The Building sits in between the traffic that travels east and west – like on a traffic island.

9. Sandstone Point Caravan Park

While you might be here for what to do, I’m also going to suggest somewhere to stay with plenty of fun activities. The best news is, it can take care of camping, glamping, fixed accommodation, as well as some luxury style suites.

Please check out my review of the Big4 Sandstone Point Caravan Park – which isn’t officially on Bribie Island, but it’s just the other side of the Bridge. I just love the massive Waterpark (and so will your kids), pool and Bali-style Bar, with an endless supply of games and activities.

10. Walk or Cycle the esplanade!

Walking or cycling along the shoreline of Pumicestone Passage is the perfect free activity to start of your day, especially while watching the sun rise. The island has a network of paths winding through the beaches and provides stunning views of Moreton Bay.

There’s also wildlife to spot, from crabs, fish, birds and maybe dolphins. So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, Pumicestone Passage is a great place to explore on foot or by bike.

11. Sandstone Point Hotel

The Sandstone Point Hotel is not officially on Bribie Island (Next to Sandstone Point Caravan Park). Still, it’s just over the bridge, and you can easily walk there. Of course, you’ve got your pub food staples like burgers and chips, as well as those more adventurous choices or easy snacks for the kids.

It’s recognised as Queensland’s Best Entertainment Venue in their second year of opening, which is not only an award-winning entertainment venue but a great family-friendly venue. Additionally, the kids can experience a gaming facilities, outdoor playgrounds, soccer nets and trampolining!

12. Community Arts Centre

Are you looking for a place to unleash your creativity? Or maybe you’re just searching for a fun place to hang out with friends. The free community Arts centre is open daily and offers a wide range of workshops, events, and also tour through the gallery.

From painting and sculpture to pottery and photography, and you can even get the kids involved. But, if you’re unsure where to start in their establishment, their friendly staff will be happy to help you find your niche.

13. Hire or Ride your own Jet ski

Matt and I love taking the opportunity to ride a jet ski anywhere we go, since it can be a lot of fun. Moreton Bay is a great place to hire one (from Caloundra or Bribie) or bring your own to explore the calm waters through Pumicestone Passage.

You can also ride them in the surf at the beach, but probably safer when the wind is down and less waves. Either way, it’s an exhilarating way to spend a day out on the water and get some Vitamin D.

14. Learn their history and walk the Heritage Trail 

The Heritage Trail begins and ends at the Bongaree Jetty and features about 16 prominent historical landmarks on the Island. This includes buildings like the Coungeau House, plaques with information to read, and sites of the first developments.

Please use this map and enjoy this free, low-impact stroll through the streets of Bribie Island.

15. Let you Pup run on Red Beach.

Although dogs are not allowed Off-leash on most of the beaches in Queensland, they are more than welcome at Red Beach. This popular spot is specifically designed for dogs and their owners, and it is the perfect place to let your furry friend run free.

The beach is located on the southern tip of the island, and it offers stunning views of Moreton Bay. Enter the area by driving along the Red Beach Access road and walking about 100 metres through a sandy track.

16. Grab your next Seafood Meal

Savige’s Seafood is a popular seafood spot (on the Bongaree Side) and it’s located near the water, so diners can enjoy beautiful views or sit on the beach while eating. They specialize in fresh, locally-caught seafood, and the menu features a wide variety of items such as lobster, crab, and fish.

The Crab Pot is another popular seafood restaurant, but located on the Woorim side. It has an extensive menu, and the prices are very reasonable. It also offers outdoor seating so diners can enjoy the beautiful weather.

17. Get a bargain at the Markets

On any given Sunday, locals and visitors stroll around the arts and crafts markets to pick up their latest bargain. Depending on which one you visit, there is anything from hand-crafted soaps and jewellery to paintings and sculptures, and it offers a unique opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind items.

• District Community Chest Market is on every 3rd Sunday of the Month at Toorbul Street in Bongaree.
• Arts & Craft Fair is on the last Sunday of the Month at 191 Sunderland Drive in Banksia Beach.
• Rotary Markets is on every 2nd Sunday of the Month at Toorbul Street in Bongaree.

18. Go Fishing

If fishing one of your favourite Past-times? Well, all year round you’re going to find some brilliant areas to perfect your craft on Bribie. The Jetty is especially popular with anglers as it’s often easier than fishing off the beach.

Otherwise, there is Woorim and Skirmish Point, The Lock and Pacific Harbour canals, White Patch and Gallaghers Gutter.

Catch fish like whiting and flathead as well as bream and mud crabs. In the surf, dart and jewfish are the most common catches, although whiting and bream can also be found close to the shore.

19. Watching the sun cross the Horizon

Nothing is as stunning as watching a sunset or sunrise on the beach – Am I right? The sky is ablaze with vibrant colours, and the gentle waves offer a soothing backdrop to the dazzling spectacle.

We like to take romantic beach walks, while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views. However, for those who want a more active experience, stand-up paddle boarding is a great way to enjoy the sunset.

20. Visit Buckley’s hole Conservation Park.

Buckley’s Hole Conservation Park spans 88 hectares and encompasses an open forest, a freshwater lagoon, and woodland. It is a haven for bird watchers, with more than 190 species of birdlife calling it home. These include:

• Eurasian Coot
• Great Crested Tern
• Australasian Grebe
• Royal Spoonbill
• Pied Cormorant
• Rainbow Lorikeet
• Osprey
• Noisy Miner
• Australian Magpie
• Sacred Kingfisher….just to name a few

You can access the park from Tully Street near Red beach or the Boulevard.

21. Experience one of the Nature Walks

Banksia Bicentennial bushwalk

Distance: 500m one way ( Allow 15 minutes of walking time)

Wallum Heathlands features grass trees and banksias, starting from Sunderland Drive near the bridge. You’re likely to spot scarlet honeyeaters or Scaly-breasted lorikeets while strolling quietly through a banksia woodland.

Melaleuca Bicentennial bushwalk

Distance: 1.5km return (Allow 1.25 hrs walking time).

Take in the magnificent views, smells, and sounds of these melaleuca wetlands as you wander along this path. You’ll be surrounded by flowers like mauve vanilla lilies and a wonderful green understory canopy created by bloodwoods.

Palm Grove Bicentennial bushwalk

Distance: 1.3km return (Allow 1hr walking time)

Start your adventure at Sunderland Drive and explore this quiet, serene area near the bridge. You don’t need a 4WD to access this path, but you should tread quietly so as not to scare off any animals. Keep an eye out for Aussie eastern grey kangaroos or lace monitors basking in the sun.

And if you look up into the trees, you might even spot a koala.

22. Golf

Want to try out or chill on the greens with a game of golf! The Golf Club, has an 18 hole course, stretching over 6000 metres. It’s an easy walking course, suitable for all level of golfers, with challenges by the bunkers and sandy lies off the fairways. 

The greens are generous in size and offers a great putting surface.

Note: The famous explorer Matthew Flinders landed on Bribie Island in 1799. His encounter with the indigenous people at what is now known as Skirmish Point is a notable historical event.

23. Surfing

Matt use to enjoy surfing a lot in his younger days and try’s to get back into the waves as much as he can.

While Bribie doesn’t have the biggest of waves, it can be great for body boarding, or using it for beginner surf lessons.

27. Four Wheel Driving

Bribie is THAT holiday place where you can lay on the beach and relax the days away. If you’re like us, you can dive headfirst into the numerous adventure activities like Four Wheel Driving.

It’s a huge draw card for Brisbane locals and you can easily cruise down the east coast of the island for a day out. There are plenty of attractions to see along the way, including the Welsby Lagoon for swimming and the World War 2 remnant Bunkers and Gun tower.

Just make sure that you organise the 4 wheel drive permit before entering the Recreation area. Also, remember that your rig will need to have a high clearance and keep a keen eye on the tide’s times for beach access.

25. Camping

You can choose Bush & Beach Camping in the Recreation Area like Ocean Beach Camp sites, Gallagher Point, Poverty Creek, Mission Point, Lime Pocket camping areas.

They will require some grunt power from your 4WD vehicle with high clearance (or a boat). But, make sure you book well in advance and organise any Camping permits & beach driving fees.

Alternatively, there are more two-wheel drive assessable Caravan Parks like the Bongaree Caravan Park on the west side of the island. Otherwise, there is the Bribie Island Caravan Park situated only 200m from Woorim beach.

26. Woorim Beach

OK, we are here for the amazing and spectacular beaches, right? Let’s look at the east side first where you’ll find at Woorim beach. With its scenic surrounds and amazing atmosphere, this is my favourite beach to hang out and walk the shores.

27. Bongaree Beach

More options await on the west or what is known as “The Passage” side which runs along Pumicestone Passage. Calm beaches & sheltered waters is a great option for those with younger families to provide a stress-free sea experience.

28. Take a dip in Mermaid Lagoon.

Mermaid Lagoon is a hidden gem and a great place to cool down on a hot day. Although, this is part of the 4-wheel driving section in the National Park & recreation area.

The Park covers 55.8 square kilometres of spectacular beaches, camp sites, great boating, fishing and bird watching. Therefore, you can experience everything from bush trails to sand dunes.

Where to Stay?

If camping is not your style you certainly are spoilt for choice when it comes to your accommodation options. This includes from cheap and cheerful, to private vacation rentals.

➡  Compare Hotel Deals HERE with Booking.com

With hotels ranging from three to four stars, it makes accommodation very affordable so that you can concentrate on exploring the rest of the Island. But, here are just a few of the choices on my list to help round it down for you.

The Best time to visit?

There is a saying in Queensland, “for us to get bad weather, you must have bought it with you”. Therefore, Bribie Island is known for its Mediterranean style climate, and has great weather all year round.

You may need a light winter jacket for those pleasant walks along the beach, even in the warmer months. Otherwise, thunderstorms are common to look out for in the summertime from December to March.

The average temperatures are recorded between 16.2°C and 26.4°C and there’ll still be a few people swimming in the winter from June to August. Therefore, I would round down your activities and then find a time of year that best suits that!

Note: For thousands of years, Bribie Island (Yarun or Yirin, meaning ‘Hunting Ground’,) was known to the Kabi Kabi and Joondoburri people as a sacred place for hunting and gathering. As the traditional owners of this land, the aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have an incredibly rich history and connection to its land and waterways.

Wrap Up!

Thanks for reading todays blog on my highlighted things to do on Bribie Island and I hope you have found the information you were looking for. If your still researching, please click HERE for my other Brisbane Blogs to help give you more ideas.

• Brisbane at night, Fun things to see and do
• Moreton Island Vs Stradbroke Island – Which is better to visit?
• Skip the Brisbane Airtrain: Save Using my Airport Hack
• Best Areas to Stay in Brisbane: Neighbourhood Breakdown
• Best Free Things to do in Brisbane
• 5 Day Brisbane Itinerary in South East Queensland
• Closest Motels/Hotels to Brisbane Airport
• Reasons North Stradbroke Island is worth visiting!
• Ways to get to Moreton Island