Bribie Island National Park

Even though it’s only an hour from Brisbane’s big city lights, Bribie Island National Park is about as remote as it gets. Only accessible by 4WD (or in some cases, by boat), the park offers coastal scenery looking back towards Queensland’s coast. When looking across the Pumicestone Passage on the island’s western shore, keep an eye out for dolphins and dugongs splashing within the surf. The Glass House Mountains rise in the west to perfectly frame the sunset, and days on the island are spent exploring the wetlands, dunes, and coast. Pack a picnic and go for a bushwalk from the coastal town of Woorim, or bring along some camping gear for a stay at Ocean Beach. Driving along the beach at low tide is a great way of getting around—although just be sure to watch the tide and know how to drive in sand. For birdwatchers, over 300 species of migratory birds have been spotted here on the island, as have dingoes, wild dogs, and even the occasional emu.

Practical Info

Bribie Island National Park is one hour north of Brisbane and connected by bridge to the Mainland. To drive in the park, travelers require a vehicle access permit, which can be either purchased online beforehand or at a local booking office. There are no facilities within the park, so travelers must carry all their own water as well as food, shelter, and supplies. Facilities are available on the southern coast outside the town of Woorim, and even those without 4WD can hike the network of bushwalking trails that lead from the end of the paved road.