Bribie Island:
Things to do            

18 JANUARY 2023

As the only island in Queensland connected to the mainland by bridge, Bribie Island has a carefree community feel with a combination of calm bay beaches and surf beaches ideal for either a leisurely swim or surfing safari. Bribie Island makes for a gorgeous island escape and is popular with nature lovers, water sport enthusiasts and families alike. Read on for our top things to do on Bribie Island. 

01. Play in Pumicestone Passage

Pumicestone Passage is a protected marine park and safe haven for wildlife, running as a 35km channel between Bribie Island and the Caboolture coastline. A popular location for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers, visitors can take a guided kayak tour, wind or kitesurf, go bird watching, pump for yabbies or simply watch the magic of a sunset over the Glasshouse Mountains. 

02. Explore Bribie's beaches

Boasting both a long stretch of surf shoreline and a calm protected coastline, Bribie offers the best of both worlds for the beach lover. For surfside fun and access to long, white sandy stretches of four-wheel driving areas, head to the popular Woorim Ocean Beach on the eastern side of the island. On the protected western side of the island, the beaches at Bongaree and Bellara are both favoured spots for families. With barbecues, picnic facilities, play areas for the kids and calm swimming spots, they make the ideal destination for a day out with family and friends. 

03. Visit the Bribie Island Seaside Museum

Learn about the stories of Bribie and the people who shaped, lived and loved it at the Bribie Island Seaside Museum. Become acquainted with Matthew Flinders and his encounter at Skirmish Point. Reflect on the brilliant reclusive artist Ian Fairweather. Learn about the American troop occupation during World War II and get up close to the local bounty of the sea in the incredible fish collection of the Amateur Fishing Association of Queensland. 

04. Cycle along Pumicestone Passage & Bongaree Beach

With a collective network of cycling paths along Bribie Island, Pumicestone Passage and Bongaree Beach are two cycling destinations for those looking to bask in the sun and take in the scenic surroundings. Bike along the beach starting at the esplanade and cycle your way through to Sylvan Beach on the other side of the bridge. 

05. Get back to basics with a camping trip

The Bribie Island Recreation Area provides a variety of coastal camping experiences, some accessible by 4WD, others accessible by boat. Try the Ocean Beach designated camping area, located 16km north of the beach access point on North St, Woorim. Find out more and get the right permits from the national parks service

06. Savour stunning Bribie from the air

Rather than falling to the ground at scary speeds, join Oceanview Helicopters for a unique and fun view of the island. This Moreton Bay helicopter company takes pride in showing off beautiful places around the region and making memorable experiences for its passengers.

Man and woman kayaking on Bribie Island river.

Kayaking on Bribie Island

07. Hiring a kayak

Pumicestone Passage is gorgeous to look at, and even better to be out on. Hire a kayak from Bribie Island Hire Hut (they also rent stand up paddle boards, paddle boats, and electric bikes) to enjoy the scenery from the water. 

08. Learn to surf with Bribie Island Surf School

Master the waves with expert tuition from Bribie Island Surf School. Experienced instructors will help beginners navigate the small waves and warm waters of the island. 

09. Sink beers or enjoy lunch at the Sandstone Point Hotel

On the mainland across from Bribie Island lies the trendy Sandstone Point Hotel with lush green lawns that roll into Pumicestone Passage. It's the perfect vantage point for island viewing. From time to time it hosts boutique music festivals on the green. 

Four people experiencing Pumicestone Passge in a Gondola and drinking.

Gondola ride on Pumicestone Passage

10. Find romance as sun sets on a gondola cruise

The gorgeous Bribie Island Gondola Cruise seats up to six people – but is best for just two to watch the sun set and enjoy a romantic evening. Best of all you can BYO drinks and lunch or dinner can be arranged too. 

11. Taking an eco-cruise with Ferryman Cruises

Join the search to spot dugongs, dolphins, turtles, dingoes, jabiru, sea eagles, osprey and 360 other types of birds on an eco-cruise with Ferryman Cruises through the passage. With more bird species than the Kakadu, it will be a tour to remember. 

12. Run a triathlon on the island

For more than 30 years the Bribie Triathlon Series has kept the island moving. Now there are four races each year which include a short course, long course and an active kids triathlon. 

Three people walking towards a 4WD on the beach at Bribie Island.

4WDing on the Beach, Bribie Island

13. Go 4WDing with G'day Adventure Tours

G’day Adventure Tours have a range of activities that are bound to get you pumped. Choose from a range of tours where you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with native wildlife, go swimming and kayaking in lagoons, 4-wheel drive across Bribie Beach or go on a cruise and spot dolphins. 4WD enthusiasts will love the opportunity to set up camp on the gorgeous white sandy beaches of Bribie National Park.  

14. Explore the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre

The Bribie Island Community Arts Centre is the heart of creativity and the arts on Bribie Island. Drop by the Banksia Beach building to see contemporary art, woodwork, pottery, fabric and glass work. Look out for market day at the centre. 

15. Gather friends and rent a BBQ boat

BBQ Boats are essentially a floating pontoon. No licence is required to drive one and cruising up and down the flat passage is easy. Pack an esky, buy some snags and set out for a day on the water with friends. There are a few companies that rent them – try BBQ Boat Hire Bribie Island or Bribie Island Boat Charters. 

16. Catch a flick at Bribie Cinema

Bribie Cinema is a boutique independent theatre that shows the latest flicks plus has all your favourite cinema snacks including choc tops, popcorn and coffee. Tickets are cheap too. 

17. Live the lush life and hire jet skis

Just admit it, we all want to own a jet ski so we can cruise around Moreton Bay, taking in the sights and jetting between islands. Well, why not rent a jet ski? Moreton Bay Jetski Hire and Ride offer a highly personalised jet ski experience to those without a boat licence. Choose between a 60-minute, 90 minute or four-hour experience and get your taste of adrenaline pumping water sport. Be sure to book online to secure your jet ski. 

18. Tee off at Pacific Harbour Golf Course

Pacific Harbour Golf Course is an 18-hole championship golf course is one of the best in the Brisbane region. Water is the central theme of this Bribie Island course, with it incorporating the wetlands, watercourses and native vegetation to craft a “risk and reward” style par 72 course. Drop by for a round, take your clubs to the practice range, purchase new gear at the shop and dine in the course-side restaurant and bar. 

A teenager and a young woman Stand Up Paddling with their dogs at Red Beach.

Stand-up paddle boarding

19. Take the dog to Red Beach

The white sands and typically calm waters of Red Beach is a perfect spot that your furry family member will love to explore – run, swim and play!  

20. Stroll along the accessible heritage walk at Bongaree

Explore the history and heritage of Bribie Island with Bongaree Self-Guided Walkabout. Start your walk at Bongaree Jetty and stop in at 16 other sites along your way to finish up at the Pioneer’s Heritage Plaque. This map will guide you through your walkabout and take you on a journey. 

21. All aboard the steam trains at Melsa Park

Take a ride on miniature steam trains every third Sunday of each month at Melsa Park. The Melsa Park Steam Train Rides are run by model engineers and live steamers – anyone can hop on board and take a ride through the bushy park.

A distant shot of a couple sitting on a tree trunk on a beach