The Bribie Island Recreational Area reopened on the 2nd June after a two month closure to all but the Rangers and other workers.
An additional day pass requirement was implemented for the reopening to ensure no overcrowding occurred in the area which can be obtained free at the Department of Environment and Science website. This is on top of your paid access permit.
Heading up the inland track that day we discovered the area had enjoyed the break from constant tourists with natural sand formations everywhere. The local kangaroos had overtaken Poverty Point camping area as their own and pine tree seedlings littered the sand between the wheel ruts.
The natural beauty of the area is great to revisit including scrub, pine plantations, swampy marshes and rain forest areas on the 20km track. The inside of the island to the north holds the remains of a lighthouse with local picnic areas and facilities before the track spits you out onto Ocean Beach.
A quick turn north to the WW2 bunkers and gun emplacements shows you how close you are to Caloundra looking north. Drift wood, shells and washed up fishing ropes and floats can be found on the pristine beach along with footprints from the enormous Roos that live behind the dunes.
The trip back to Woorim along the 20km stretch of beach takes you past four natural fresh water lakes behind the dunes which have now resealed after breaking through the beach pouring tannin tea coloured water in to the ocean earlier this year.
Moreton Island becomes bigger in your view to the left and the calm waters on a westerly winters day makes a picture perfect way to spend a day in the Queensland sun. On a clear day you can see the sand dunes which denote the location of Tangalooma across Moreton Bay and watch the progress of yachts and cargo ships in the channel on their way in and out of the Port of Brisbane.
The Sea Eagle family of five swoop overhead and into the sea to catch a feed and the Seagulls cruise alongside vehicles in a show of speed. Tiny Sand Crabs and large Pandanus trees enjoy and protect the dunes and the burned out bush land behind the dunes to your right are a stark contrast to the blue sky and sea.
Nothing left behind but tracks the beach gives way to the track past the Primary Industries facility to the car park at Woorim where it’s time to reinflate your tyres and try a pie up the road or drop in to a cafe for coffee and cake.
This is a unique experience for islanders and day trippers alike in an environment we need to respect to enjoy, let’s hope this is always the case.