Bribie Island in WW2 and Yabbie Pumps.

Bribie Island has more seniors per head of population than any other Australian local government area and is affectionately known as “God’s Waiting Room”. There is also a higher chance of getting killed by a pensioner whizzing past on a mobility scooter than anywhere else in the country. And why not? It’s only and hour and a half north of Brisbane, Queensland’s capital city, and just a drive across the bridge to the Island. There is something really comforting about being able to just walk across the road to throw in a fishing line.

Lousy weather but who cares? Can you see the bridge?

Bribie Island is a haven for water lovers and the anglers and boaties just love the side of the island facing the mainland. Pumicstone Passage is also wonderful swimming for all ages and home to dugongs and dolphins. In fact, it was a Bribie gentleman that invented the yabbie pump.

The other side of the island, Woorim, is a surf beach looking out towards New Zealand and has a strong connection to WW2. An exhibit at the Seaside Museum at Bongaree (Free entry) highlighted this fascinating history of wartime Bribie.

Worth doing and there is a Scavenger Hunt to keep the Little People occupied

Not quite NZ. Moreton Island.

During the war locals were evacuated and both Australian and American soldiers were stationed on Bribie to practice both jungle warfare and sea landing skills. “Two mine control huts were used by Royal Australian Navy during 1942 and 1943, known as RAN 2. These monitored and controlled the guard indicator loops and mine loops set in the North West Channel.” – wikipedia

Well, you know I’m just a sticky beak at heart and this is what I discovered having left the patrolled surf area and having travelled as far as you can without a four wheel drive vehicle. This part of Woorim is well worth visiting as Rotary have added picnic facilities though it didn’t seem that many bothered.

More trivia about beautiful Bribie Island next time.