With all the essential ingredients to create a cracking family escape, this island getaway could just be your next favourite adventure

WRITTEN BY MICHAEL BORG & IMAGES BY OFF THE TRAX & CAMPER TRAILER LIFESTYLE 

They don’t call Australia the land of opportunity for nothing. This is especially true when it comes to 4WD touring with a camper trailer in tow. So, you want to see the desert? No worries, you’ll find open expanses of nothingness all within a day’s drive from any major city in the country. You want steep terrain to get the heart pumping? That’s not a problem either; over half the Australian states have their own “High Country” to explore. But, if you want an island that doesn’t require a barge crossing to get you there yet has still plenty of beach to explore, you go to the one and only Bribie Island. 

WHAT’S ON THE MENU?

Navigating the island via the sand can be pretty adventurous. The tides tend to creep quite high up the beach with the occasional water crossing thrown in for good measure, so keep an eye on those tides, eh? 

If going for a nice relaxing paddle sounds like a good way to blow off some steam, there are several freshwater lagoons available, most of which offer shallow water for the kids frolic in. Don’t forget the fishing too. You’ll find these waters can be up there with the best of them. Just

FORT BRIBIE

A must-see attraction on Bribie Island is Fort Bribie. These Second World War Fortifications are located along the eastern shore of the Island and display the remains of Fort Bribie on north Bribie Island, Skirmish Point Battery, which is north of Woorim on the southern end of the Island, and the Royal Australian Navy Station No.4 at the north end of Woorim. 

The forts were a major defence installation constructed between 1939-1943. Their purpose was to defend the main shipping channel through Moreton Bay and into Brisbane during the war, and provide a place for artillery training for Australian soldiers.

WILDLIFE ON THE MOVE 

Bribie Island is a haven for wildlife. Kangaroos, Goannas and even the odd Python can all be considered campsite neighbours. You might even spot the odd Bandicoot! 

Some days you may be lucky enough to see dolphins just off shore, and from July to October Humpback Whales usually move through the deeper waters between Moreton and Bribie Island, with many 4WDer’s catching a glimpse during their travels. 

WHERE TO CAMP 

If you want water views without the price tag, try camping at Ocean Beach on Bribie Island. At just $6pp (or $25 per family) per night, it’s a great campsite that won’t blow the budget. There is also additional camping at Poverty Point, which has a nice and relaxing feel to it.  Or you can spend a night or two at Galligers Point. It’s a fairly low-key kind of campsite that’s located about 2km north of White Patch, which is on the western side of the Island. You’ll need to drop your tyre pressures down, engage 4WD and hit the sandy inlet track to get there. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

– Bribie Island is a National Park, which means dogs are not allowed.

– You’ll will require a vehicle access permit. As regular visitors to Bribie we find an annual pass ($150) the best value, but you can also purchase weekly passes ($48). 

– Pre booking is essential for any of the sites and can be done via the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services online booking system.

ON TWO FEET

You’ll find the Islands Bicentennial Bushwalks are the perfect place to start your adventure on two feet. They are easy to moderate graded walks that stretch around 3.8km return. If you’d like a challenge, you could take a stroll around the whole island via the beach, providing you’re adequately prepared for the task. 

IT’S YOUR TURN 

A trip to Bribie Island is exactly what you need to relax and unwind. Whether it’s a spot of fishing, swimming, wildlife spotting or beach driving you’re on the search for, this is the place that will scratch the itch. So go on, do yourself a favour and set a date on your calendar to get your backside to Bribie Island.