Bribie Island
Escape
Your Bribie Island 4WD adventure begins the moment you roll off the bridge and head toward the Bribie Island National Park and Recreation Area. To access the 4WD zones, you’ll need a Vehicle Access Permit (VAP), which can be easily purchased online through the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
The main 4WD track is Ocean Beach Drive, stretching north from the Woorim beach access point. It’s a firm, scenic beachfront route that feels a world away from the city. The moment you air down your tyres and hit the sand, the sense of escape kicks in. The drive hugs the coast, offering ocean views and sea breezes all the way up to the northern tip of the island.
If you’re after something quieter and less exposed, the Inland Track offers a shaded alternative through bushland, with soft sand and corrugated sections that provide a decent test for your rig.
Explore
Bribie Island isn’t just about beach runs — there’s a whole network of off-road trails and tucked-away spots to explore. One of the island’s highlights is the Poverty Creek area, accessible via the Inland Track or from Ocean Beach depending on conditions. It's an ideal spot to set up camp or stop for a picnic, with large shady trees and great views over Pumicestone Passage.
For a wilder experience, make your way to Gallagher Point, a tranquil beachside location popular with boaties and 4WDers alike. It’s less crowded and has a peaceful, back-to-nature vibe.
As you push further north, you’ll reach Lighthouse Reach and Fort Bribie, the remnants of World War II military structures that once guarded the coastline. These are best accessed at low tide, as the sand can get soft and tides unforgiving. The journey here is half the fun, with changing terrain and some decent dune crossings.
Adventure
When the day’s driving is done, Bribie offers several standout camping areas where you can pull up, light a fire (season permitting), and sleep under a sky full of stars. The top 4WD-accessible campsites include:
🏕 Ocean Beach Camping Area
- Located along the eastern shore, this is the island’s flagship beachfront camping zone.
- Sites are unmarked and spread over several kilometres — perfect for those who want their own slice of sand.
- Toilets available, but bring your own water and supplies.
🏕 Poverty Creek
- A more structured campground with defined spaces, toilets, and sheltered picnic tables.
- Suitable for families and groups, with direct access to calmer waters of the passage — great for fishing or kayaking.
🏕 Gallagher Point
- More rustic and remote, but worth the trip for those seeking solitude.
- Limited facilities, but plenty of shade and serenity.
🏕 Lime Pocket
- A lesser-known gem on the Pumicestone Passage side, this site offers calm waters and peaceful bushland surroundings.
- Requires a 4WD and some navigation, but the rewards are big.
Before heading out, check tide times and track conditions — especially after rain, as the inland trails can become boggy. And always follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve Bribie’s fragile coastal environment.
10 Things Not to Miss on Bribie Island
- Driving Ocean Beach at sunrise — golden light, empty tracks, and stunning views.
- Exploring the WWII bunkers at Fort Bribie — a slice of wartime history right on the sand.
- Sunset from Poverty Creek — the perfect mix of water views and bush setting.
- Fishing at Gallagher Point — throw in a line and catch dinner by camp.
- Picnic stop at Mermaid Lagoon — a small freshwater oasis near the inland track.
- Birdwatching near Mission Point — part of the Pumicestone Passage Marine Park.
- Spotting dolphins and turtles in the calm waters of the western shore.
- Crossing the dunes near the Northern Access Track — soft sand and epic scenery.
- A beach fire under the stars (where permitted and with a fire permit).
- Bringing a kayak or SUP for paddling the calm western side of the island.
Trip Snapshot: Bribie Island 4WD Getaway
Distance from Brisbane
~65 km (1 hour drive)
4WD Access Permit
Required via QLD Parks website
Best Time to Go
Autumn–Spring (cooler temps, fewer mozzies)
Main Tracks
Ocean Beach Drive, Inland Track
Top Campsites
Ocean Beach, Poverty Creek, Gallagher Point, Lime Pocket
Facilities
Toilets at most major sites; no power or potable water
Essential Gear
Recovery kit, compressor, air-down tool, shovel
Ideal Trip Length
2–4 days for full experience
Activities
4WDing, camping, fishing, kayaking, photography
@the Jetty is a locally owned family business, situated on the absolute beachfront at beautiful Bribie Island.
Just like the name suggests, Pigface is located right on the sand dunes at Woorim, Brisbane’s closest white sand beach.Come and cool your jets and let us tantalise your taste buds with succulent locally sourced Seafood & fourth generation Gelato
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