Say G'day to Bribie Island

Jason Brown loves taking people off the beaten track – literally.

The founder and owner of G’Day Adventure Tours grew up on Bribie Island and relishes the opportunity to share its hidden secrets with visitors.

“We’re the fourth largest sand island in the world and the largest pure sand island in the world, with no rocky outcrops,” Jason explains.

“The others (K’gari – Fraser Island, Moreton Island and Stradbroke Island) are formed from sand that came from the Granite Belt and made its way up the coast from river systems in NSW and built up around prehistoric volcano caps.

“But Bribie formed from sand bars, with coffee rock underneath.”

Sharing history

Regarded as one of the Moreton Bay region’s top tourism experiences, G’Day Adventure Tours offer the chance to get close to Australian wildlife or swim in the tea tree-stained lagoons.

“No two tours are the same because we come across different animals and birds every time we take a tour out,” Jason says.

The Bribie Island 4x4 Adventure Tour takes guests inland on four-wheel drive tracks, as well as off the trails and onto the beach, with Jason chatting about the island’s geology and history along the way.

“On the journey up the beach, we make several stops to view wildlife and the various lagoons within the Bribie Island National Park.

“The scenery of the national park changes quite dramatically, from rugged native Australian bush and wetlands, to open man-built forests and dirt roads, all in the blink of an eye.”

Iconic landmarks

The five to six hour tour – which includes lunch - also takes in Fort Bribie, where visitors can step back in time and learn about its fascinating history as a strategic defence point for Brisbane during World War II.

Visitors can search for remnants of the fort – such as mine-control huts and the remains of gun emplacements scattered along the beach and hidden in the dunes.

“People are amazed by the history of these great forts and bunkers that were built in the 1940s,” Jason says.

“After the tour of Fort Bribie, this is when the real adventure and fun begins when we head inland and hit the 4WD tracks.

“These areas of the island are only accessible in high clearance and low range 4WDs with the appropriate permits.”

Time for a dip

The Bribie Island Beach and Bunker Tour takes about three hours, with stops at Norfolk Lagoon and Mermaid Lagoon – both are the perfect backdrop for photos with native flora and fauna – before a visit to the World War II bunkers.

“We give people plenty of time to explore and learn the history of these structures, which are slowly descending into the ocean and may one day cease to exist,” Jason says.

There's also time for a short swim after exploring the bunkers and Jason says it's one of the rare areas in Queensland where kangaroos can be seen on the beach.

Camp on the beach

Kayak tours also visit Ocean Beach and Fort Bribie, but give visitors the chance to explore the beauty of Norfolk Lagoon – often referred to by locals as second lagoon.

"If you didn't know where you were, you could be fooled into thinking you're kayaking down the Noosa Everglades," Jason says.

“No experience is necessary – we supply all the equipment and teach them what to do.”

Jason also caters for people wanting to spend more time exploring, with the two-day, one night Camping Adventure.

It too takes in swimming and kayaking at Bribie’s lagoons, exploring the World War II bunkers and drives along the pristine white sands of Ocean Beach, with the added bonus of spending the night camped on the beach adjacent to National Park toilet and shower facilities.

“The camping adventures are great for groups of 10 or more people – they have a really relaxed vibe, with plenty of time to explore,” Jason says.

“We also do beach fishing and beach games at night.

“Tents are provided and we do dinner around the campfire in the camping grounds.

“And no trip would be complete without marshmallows over the fire.”

Find out more about G’Day Adventure Tours here.