Beautiful coastal scenery, birdwatching opportunities, wildflowers and popular boating and fishing areas abound in the Pumicestone Passage. The beauty of Bribie is that it has retained a small seaside village charm, while offering some of the most stunning scenery of the Glasshouse Mountains on the east coast of Queensland.
The Pumicestone Passage connects to the sea at each end of the island. It is a haven for endangered migratory birds and marine mammals. The dugongs frequent these waters seasonally to feed on the seagrass. Dolphins and turtles also make the passage home, as do over 350 species of birds.
If you're keen on catching dinner flathead, whiting, tailor and mangrove jack are on offer. You can fish from the beach or your boat. Or simply enjoy exploring the sheltered waters of the Pumicestone Passage Marine Park, which has 24 islands and is bounded by 240 kilometres of shoreline.
Some of the popular destinations along the Northern passage include Mission Point (town of Toorbul) where there is a public pontoon to tie. Other interesting anchorages are at Elimba Creek, (town of Donnybrook), Gallaghers, and Poverty Creek. Closer to Bribie Island bridge you have access to Bellara with foreshore walks, cafes, restaurants and the Bribie Island Hotel.
The southern entrance of Pumicestone Passage, which can be accessed at the specified low tide of under 1 metre, offers sheltered anchorages. Here you will find easy access to the infamous Sandstone Point Hotel where you can tie your tender up and enjoy breakfast or lunch. The Bongaree jetty, also provides easy access to the foreshore and various restaurants and cafes. Alternatively, you can drop anchor all along the Bongaree foreshore.
Stunning views over Pumicestone Passage to the Glass House Mountains and Toorbul.
In the summer months, stroll along the shoreline at low tide and look for migratory shorebirds visiting from China, Alaska and Siberia as they recuperate ahead of their long flight home in April.
On Bribie Island's western side Poverty Creek has large open grassy areas and shady trees on land that was once a cattle property. It can only be reached by boat and 4WD and offers a fantastic location to exercise your sea legs and enjoy a picnic.
Lime Pocket is the perfect spot to drop anchor and enjoy excellent fishing. Here you will wake to scenic views of the Glass House Mountains.
At night, you can enjoy a campfire on the beach and then be lulled to sleep by the sounds of water lapping. Hook a flathead, whiting, tailor or mangrove jack on your line and enjoy fresh fish for dinner.
Watch for dugongs feeding in the seagrass offshore and spot shorebirds feasting along the tide line. Look for birds of prey, including sea eagles, brahminy and whistling kites along the coastline.
Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) is 40km offshore from Brisbane. Anchorages are located near the main barge landing point for Moreton Island Ferries. It is an excellent place for water activities with abundant marine life to explore around the shipwrecks snorkelling or you can hire a glass bottom kayak. End the day with beautiful sunsets across the bay.
Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) is in exposed waters. Large seas can be experienced between Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) and the mainland. Consider your experience and take into account currents and predicted weather and sea conditions when planning your trip. No public moorings are available at Mulgumpin and anchoring sites are in high demand, so it is best to arrive midweek to secure your spot.
With heaps of tours and activities on offer, Tangalooma Resort is the jewel of Moreton Bay and islands. Activities on offer include Whale Watching Cruises, ATV Quad Bike Tours, Marine Discovery Cruise, the Desert Safari Tour with sand tobogganing, Snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks and so much more! There are also a variety of places to eat and shop.
Moreton Island
Protected from Eastly winds
The Sandhills
Lucinda Bay
The Wrecks
Cowan Cowan Bay
Blue Hole
Teerk Roo Ra (Peel Island)
Peel Island is a small, heritage-listed island and national park located in Moreton Bay between North Stradbroke Island and the mainland suburb of Cleveland. The remote island paradise is enjoyed by many locals and visitors, and can be accessed only by boat or watercraft. It provides shelter from northerly winds.
Horseshoe Bay and Platypus Bay are both pristine calm spots to go swimming. For keen snorkelers, there is a historic shipwreck in Platypus Bay that attracts fish and other marine life. There is also the Harry Atkinson Artificial Reef which was constructed to the north of Peel Island.
Platypus Bay is also open to visitors and has a large historic shipwreck, but the rest of the 519 hactare island is surrounded by mangroves and closed to the public for the preservation of historic remains apart from the camping are on the beach.
Horseshoe Bay on the southern side is the most popular beach on the island, and the only one with sand. It has some spectacular sandstone outcrops to explore.
Peel Island
Protected from S/SE winds
North side
The Lazarette
Protected from NE/NW winds
Platypus Bay
Horseshoe bay
Protected from Eastly winds
The corner
Minjerribah (North Stradbroke)
Go ashore at One Mile Beach in Dunwich and walk up to visit the bakery, buy a coffee or some of the local produce from the organic fruit shop. If you have time, catch the bus over to Point Lookout. You will find good surf, glorious views, an excellent modern pub and lots of walking trails.
Anchor at Deanbilla Bay or find the peace and tranquillity of Myora Point (Reef) find the peace and tranquillity where the water is clean and offers great fishing the Rainbow Channel.
South Stradbroke Island
At the top of South Straddie lies the Jumpinpin channel, a hugely popular fishing location. The pure white sand gives you an area to anchor up and simply enjoy the serenity of it all. Or walk over the sand dunes to the coastal side of Straddie and take in the magnificent panoramic view of the Gold Coast.
Just 2km North of Tipplers Café is a tiny hideaway known as the Bedroom, protected by Shelter Island giving it beautiful, calm waters to anchor up in. At the top of the sand dune you can take in panoramic views of pristine sands, ocean surf and the broadwater.
Tipplers Cafe (which is only accessible from the water) is a hidden gem, offering delicious food, drinks and even live entertainment. Another relatively unknown beauty spot near South Stradbroke is Slipping Sands. A gorgeous anchorage that draws people in to enjoy the beautiful calm water.
North Stradbroke Island
Protection from S/SE winds
Myora
Protection from NE/SE winds
Dunwich (one mile jetty)
Deanbilla Bay
Kooryaba
South Dean Billy Bay
Protection from most winds
Canaipa Passage
South Stradbroke Island
Protection from NE/SE winds
Near Jumping Pin
Protection from most winds
Dux Anchorage
Tipplers
The Bedroom
Something different
If you are looking for an outing for breakfast or lunch Jacobs Well Bayside Tavern and Harrigans Drift Inn in Calypso Bay are the two places to go. Anchor off the jetty, away from all moorings and use the dinghy to head to shore, there is also a small grocery store and news agency.
If the breeze is anything west, head over to Raby Bay public jetty with your tender. They have all the shops you could need and lots of restaurants. If you’re staying west, anchor around Green Island, St Helena Island or Mud Island.
