Take the kids on an island getaway without queuing at the airport or travelling for hours.
Bribie is less an hour from Brisbane and the only Queensland island connected by a bridge.
Calm beaches
One of Bribie's best features is it gives you the choice of calm, shallow waters on one side of the island or surf beaches on the other, with less than a 10-minute drive to move between them.
Bongaree is a popular place for birthday parties with several shelters and BBQs. The big kids (or kids at heart) can bomb dive off the jetty and tiny tots will enjoy the calm, shallow waters.
Or perhaps head to Banksia Beach and play castaways. There's a good chance you'll have it entirely to yourself. There are toilets and a playground there too.
Surf beachesFor those littlies who love to hold your hand and jump over waves or bigger kids with boogie boards, head to Woorim beach.
Surf side - Woorim Beach, Bribie Island
There are a couple of playgrounds behind the dunes and several cafes to refuel from your time in the surf.
Got the dog in tow too? At Red Beach, you can let your pooch run free off the lead.
Bribie Island Butterfly House
Tranquil Bribie Island Butterfly House
This is how the passionate staff at the
Butterfly House describe the miracle of metamorphosis - where a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.
Butterflies like to land on visitors too
Apart from a fascinating lesson in nature's miracles for ages 1 to 101, the butterfly house and colourful garden is a beautiful, tranquil spot.
The butterflies are so numerous they land on your head or outstretched hand.
Expect to see 50,000 to 100,000 take offs and landing on a fine and sunny day
Bring hats and sunscreen because the butterflies love the full sun.
Bribie Island Community Arts Centre
Parents who enjoy beautiful artwork and shopping for handmade gifts can confidently make a family visit to the
Bribie Arts Centre.
Staff warmly welcomed my two young children and directed us to a free rock painting activity.
Courtyard with outdoor artworks
There are several rooms of local artworks to admire, including woodcraft, jewellery, glass, art and ceramics. (Lots to look at but young kids will need supervision.) Plus there are two fairly childproof outdoor areas with further creations.
Glass bottles repurposed for art
They run a busy calendar of workshops including a few for kids.
If you're visiting on the last Sunday of the month check out the Bribie Vibe markets - fresh produce, food, entertainment, craft and artworks.
Kayak or boat hire
Get out on the water and explore Moreton Bay under your own steam - kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard - or with the aid of a motor.
Trusted boat hire businesses such as Bribie Island Boat and Kayaks, and Bribie Island Hut Hire and Tours operate near the bridge.
Passage side - Bongaree Beach, Bribie Island
A network of flat bike paths, relatively little traffic and beautiful seaside scenery - Bribie is a beautiful place to cycle, walk or scooter. And the ocean is right there when you're ready to cool off.
Sandstone Point Hotel
Immediately after you leave the island you might want to extend your getaway a little with a meal at the well-known and child-friendly
Sandstone Point Hotel, just off the mainland end of the bridge. It has not only an outdoor playground but also a petting zoo!
