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A little love for Bribie

January 28, 2019 By EatWellTravelOften Leave a Comment

My friend Jenny lives on Bribie Island so I’ve been there a few times now… and each time I leave feeling more a little more in love with the place.

You hear people talking about their wonderful holidays to Fraser Island, Moreton Island and Stradbroke Island, but you hardly ever hear mention of Bribie. Why is that?

I reckon Bribie deserves some love.

Home to a solid population of retirees, its reputation as a quiet (and maybe a little dull?) destination precedes it. Just to be clear, you’re definitely not coming to Bribie to party. You’re coming to Bribie to slow down, escape the crowds, and enjoy the sand between your toes.

One of the best things about the island is…. you can drive there, no ferry needed! Connected to the mainland by an 831m long historic bridge, Bribie is only 2.5 hours drive from the Gold Coast.

Pumicestone Passage is the sheltered stretch of water between Bribie and the main land. Home to dolphins, dugongs and turtles, the marine park is also one of the most important bird habitats on the east coast of Australia. The white sand beach on the ocean-side of the island stretches for miles and Bribie Island National Park offers camping and short hiking trails.

There’s something for everyone on this 34 km long sand island and I’ve made a list to give you some ideas (I’ve personally done them all, except the BBQ boat which is high on my list):

  1. Count the number of pelicans perched on the lights as you drive across the bridge onto the island (a fun game for kids). My friend Jenny has done this with her family since she was a little girl and they still count pelicans to this day. 
  2. Visit the Bribie Island Butterfly House and walk among thousands of colourful butterflies, if you sit really still they’ll land on you (a great photography opportunity). Run by volunteers, the funds raised from ticket entry are donated to other local community projects. 
  3. Visit the Seaside Museum (free) to lean about the islands fascinating history (during World War II Bribie Island was seen as a first line of defence against the invasion of Brisbane and you can still see remnants of the gun turrets). 
  4. Enjoy a gourmet pizza and a glass of wine with friends at La Vera restaurant in Bongaree.
  5. Visit the excellent Arts Centre to see the latest exhibition and browse a wide array of arts and crafts for sale. I always head home with a new treasure and it’s nice to support local artists. 
  6. Swim at picturesque Woorim Beach on the ocean-side of Bribie (safely between the flags, rips and drags are common). Great for a morning sunrise walk, the stunning white sand beach stretches for miles. 
  7. Get a double scoop ice cream from the famous Scoopys Cafe. 
  8. Visit the awesome Bribie Island Book Exchange, one of the best you’ll find – I dare you to walk out empty handed. 
  9. Sunset walk along Bongaree Beach where the walkway meanders along the waterfront for 3 kms. If you want to stretch your legs turn up First Avenue and walk across the island to the Bribie Island Surf Lifesaving Club where you can enjoy a drink and a meal with a view. 
  10. Jetty jumping at Bongaree Jetty – a very popular pastime (the ‘no jumping’ signs are merely a suggestion right?). 
  11. Hire a standup paddle board, kayak or ebike at the Bribie Hire Hut on Welsby Parade in Bongaree.
  12. Sunday morning markets.
  13. Capture the moment with your camera – the scenery, birdlife and spring wildflowers on Bribie are a photographer’s dream.
  14. Hire a BBQ boat. Book 6, 8 or 10 seater boats (floating pontoons) which come with a shade cover, gas BBQ, drinking water and a toilet. Anyone can be Captain (you don’t need a boat licence) so bring an esky with cold beers and sangers, fire up the barbie and float around on the water for a half or full day.
  15. Finally, stop at the Sandstone Point Hotel (mainland side of the bridge) for a coffee on the way home. Even better head to The Oyster Shed for some fresh local seafood or fish and chips on the jetty, great views right on the water’s edge.

If you’re hunting for good coffee, I’ve been told the best place is the Bongaree Hot Bread Shop. Also worthy a mention is the fantastically secluded camping area at Ocean Beach on the far side of the island – but note this is 4WD access only.

So many reasons to love this little paradise island, I hope this post inspires you to visit Bribie soon.

Would love to hear your experiences of Bribie, comment below if you have another tip for me!

 Hi I’m Shannon, and this is my blog Eat Well Travel Often. If you enjoyed this post and want to follow my travel and foodie adventures sign up for my newsletter. I post heaps of photos on Instagram, and you’re welcome to pop into my Facebook lounge for a chat about all things travel and food.  

Filed Under: All, Travel Adventures Tagged With: bongaree, bribie, bribie island, butterfly house, jetty jumping, pumicestone passage, things to do, things to do bribie, visit bribie island

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Are you a food tourist? Then you’re in the right place…welcome to my blog

I'm Shannon, a not-so-flightless Kiwi, living in Australia. I'm busy makin memories... and doing my bit for regional food tourism. Last year I converted a Toyota Estima for a taste of vanlife (I call her Geisha). I share my adventures and the special moments I capture with my camera. And I host most excellent gatherings for fabulous ladies who like to wine and dine. Make yourself comfortable and have a read... Eat Well Travel Often my friend Read more

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Italian baker and pizza master @chef_roberto_giammellucca runs workshops after hours at @aperitivo.cafe.

This particular workshop was extra special as Roberto was celebrating his 100th student at The Sourdough Science Academy. 

A class of 12 people gathered around a big square table. We learned how to make and look after #sourdough starter, and Roberto shared his personal sourdough recipe and #bakingtips.

Aprons on, we all enjoyed getting our hands into the flour. There’s something so calming and earthy about kneading dough. And the smell when you pull your fresh baked loaf out of the oven is so divine.

There’s simply nothing better than a slice of sourdough warm from the oven, slathered with butter.

If you want to learn the nitty gritty of sourdough making, give one of Roberto’s workshops a try. He also runs sough dough pizza-making classes. Check out @the_sourdough_science

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I have visions of walking with an amazing bunch of women, making new friends and drinking lots of red wine. Are you with me?

There are different accommodation options available, I’ve booked the glamping option in a bell tent.

Dates: 1-8 October (Queensland’s long weekend).

To reserve your place you need to pay a $600 deposit, the rest is due a month before the hike.

Places are filling up fast so don’t leave it too long to book ladies! Tours are a maximum of 15 people. If you book, please mention you are with ‘Shannon’s group’.

Margaret River is about 3 hours drive south of Perth. The tour includes Perth pickup and drop off.

➡️ Link to tour in profile!

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