Bribie Island National Park

Bribie Island National Park is located in Queensland, Australia, on the eastern coast, about 70 kilometers north of Brisbane. The park occupies much of the northern part of Bribie Island, which is bordered by the Pumicestone Passage and the Coral Sea. The nearby towns include Bongaree, Bellara, and Woorim, all on the island itself, while the closest mainland town is Caboolture. The park was established in 1989 to protect the island’s diverse ecosystems, including coastal dunes, wetlands, and forests. Bribie Island has historical significance, with early European exploration and interactions with the local Aboriginal groups. The island was also used for military purposes during World War II, and remnants of gun emplacements and bunkers can still be found within the park. Parking facilities are available at several locations around the park, with car parks near popular sites such as the Woorim beach access points and various walking tracks. There are no entry or parking fees, but visitors must follow specific rules for beach driving, including permits for 4WD vehicles on designated areas of the beach. Bribie Island National Park is home to an array of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of bird species like the white-bellied sea eagle, black swans, and migratory shorebirds. The island's wetlands attract large numbers of waterbirds, making it a key area for birdwatching. The park’s flora includes coastal heathlands, paperbark forests, and mangroves along the shoreline. Unique vegetation such as banksias and tea trees thrive in the sandy soils. Notable features within the park include the Glass House Mountains views from various lookouts, the lagoons, and the WWII fortifications. Public transport to Bribie Island is available from Brisbane, with buses connecting to the island’s main centers, though accessing the national park itself requires a private vehicle or 4WD.