16 Best Things to Do on Bribie Island with Kids
Bribie Island is a large sand island with plenty of fun things to do for all ages, including kids.
Located about 1.5 hours north of Brisbane, Bribie Island is accessible by car, and you do not need a 4WD except in some areas of the island.
Bribie Island is separated from the mainland by Pumicestone Passage. Boat rides and water sports take place in this area. The island has many beaches, a national park, and an array of things to do with kids including a miniature steam train ride, visiting a butterfly sanctuary, and lots of playgrounds.
Keep reading to find the best things to do with kids on Bribie Island.
Free Things to Do on Bribie Island with Kids
You can spend an entire day on Bribie Island without needing to spend any money. There are plenty of fun things to do on Bribie Island with kids for free.
#1 Bribie Island Beaches
As it is an island, Bribie Island has quite a few beaches.
For families, Sylvan Beach is popular due to its calm waters and location near a playground, BBQs, and toilets.
While families can bring their own picnic to enjoy at Sylvan Beach, there are also plenty of cafes nearby.
Sylvan Beach has a boat ramp and a bait and tackle shop.
Banksia Beach is on the passageway side of the island and is another kid-friendly swimming beach on Bribie Island. Banksia Beach has a playground, BBQ, and toilets as well as a sand boat ramp.
Dogs are allowed on Banksia Beach as long as they are on a leash and on the walking track.
A popular beach for Brisbane families is Woorim Beach as it is the closest patrolled beach on Bribie Island to Brisbane.
There is a playground, BBQs, and toilets located at Woorim Beach, and there are shops and restaurants nearby.
More beaches on Bribie Island include Bongaree Beach, Red Beach, and Skirmish Point.
#2 Bribie Island Seaside Museum
The Bribie Island Seaside Museum is free to enter and they offer a scavenger hunt for kids.
There are 2 versions of the scavenger hunt, one for older kids and another that is just pictures for younger kids.
Bribie Island Seaside Museum tells stories of the island’s history and includes a large collection of preserved fish.
#3 Bribie Island National Park
Bribie Island has a National Park that is perfect for families. In addition to hiking and fishing, camping is available at Bribie Island National Park.
Bribie Island National Park is only accessible by 4WD.
#4 Bushwalks
If you are looking for a family-friendly bushwalk on Bribie Island, there are a few options. Find out more about the location, length of each bushwalk, and difficulty level here.
Another option is Banksia Walk in Bribie Island National Park
#5 Walk Heritage Trail
Take a self-guided tour that begins and ends at the Bongaree Jetty and visit 16 different sites along the way. This tour takes about an hour to complete.
#6 Playgrounds
There are quite a few waterfront playgrounds on Bribie Island including Pirate Park, Brennen Park, Crest Park, and Pumicestone Lions Park.
No matter where you are on Bribie Island, you are not far from a playground.
#7 Bribie Island Markets
There are markets held on Bribie Island almost every weekend.
On the first, second, and third Sundays of each month, a market is held at Brennen Park. Different groups run the markets and the times vary.
While there used to be a market on the last Sunday of the month, that is no longer being held.
#8 Bribie Island Community Arts Centre
The art gallery at Bribie Island Community Arts Centre is free to enter. The gallery is open 6 days a week and is located at Banksia Beach.
They have a cafe that is open daily at the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre.
Workshops for adults and teens are offered.
More Things to Do on Bribie Island with Kids
#9 Melsa Park Steam Train Ride
On the 3rd Sunday of each month, there are mini train rides at Melba Park from 10 am to 2 pm.
While the steam train rides are suitable for all ages, participants need to wear enclosed shoes in order to be able to participate.
Concessions are sold next to the line for the miniature train.
#10 Bribie Island Butterfly House
I have never seen more butterflies in one place than at Bribie Island Butterfly House.
Once you enter, there is a display of cacoons you can observe before heading into the butterfly house.
Everyone who enters gets a list of the butterflies that can be seen inside.
The enclosure has beautiful flowers, a water feature, and plenty of signs to read.
TIP: Go when it is sunny. The butterflies tend to hide when the sun is not out.
#11 Bribie Island Cinemas
If it is a rainy day on Bribie Island, or you just want to spend a few hours indoors, head to Bribie Island Cinemas to see the latest new releases.
#12 Bribie Island Surf School
Kids 5+ can learn to surf with Bribie Island Surf School. They offer a learn-to-surf program for kids 5-12 and group lessons for kids under 18.
Bribie Island Surf School is introducing a new surf program for kids 9-16, and they currently offer a teen program for those 13-17.
SUP classes are also taught at Bribie Island Surf School.
#13 Rent a Boat
Rent your own boat and explore the water around Bribie Island with Bribie Island Boat Charters. Fishing boats that hold 4 or 6 people are available to rent by the hour or day.
BBQ Boat Hire Bribie Island rents out boats that sit 6, 8, or 12 passengers. Each boat has a BBQ and a sink onboard. The larger boats include a toilet. BBQ boats are available to rent for a full day or half a day.
#14 Ferryman Cruise
You can cruise by Bribie Island on Pumicestone Passage throughout the day with Ferryman Cruises.
A morning tea cruise is offered and includes freshly baked scones with jam and cream.
A 2-hour long lunch cruise includes roast chicken, cold meats, and salads.
For those who want a larger meal on board, the Bribie Seafood Sunset Cruise is 2-hours long and includes a share plate of prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, sand crab tartlets, ceviche, potato salad, fruit, and bread rolls.
Another option for a sunset cruise doesn’t include a meal but includes access to a full bar.
During the holidays, an hour-long Christmas Canal Cruise takes place.
#15 Moreton Bay Jetski Hire and Ride
Take a 60-minute, 1.5-hour, or 4-hour-long jetski ride with Moreton Bay Jetski Hire and Ride, leaving out of Sandstone Point.
You can take a guided tour, or just ride on your own.
Jetski from Sandstone Point with Brisbane Buccaneer. Kids 8+ are able to ride and those 16+ can drive the jetski.
#16 Minigolf
Take the kids to play 18 holes of minigolf at Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club.
Stay and enjoy a meal at The Deck Bistro after your game.
Where to Eat on Bribie Island
Savages Seafood
Sit at one of their picnic tables or get a box of fish and chips to go at Savages Seafood.
The shaded tables were full, so we took our meal across the street and sat at the picnic tables by the playground.
Annie Lane Cafe
Brunch is served all day at Annie Lane Cafe.
They have a fun presentation with different items including fairy floss, fruit, and candy.
Bribie Island Hotel
Sit indoors or outside at Bribie Island Hotel.
Kid’s activities are offered during the Queensland school holidays and include jumping castles, petting zoos, entertainers, and movie nights.
Bribie Island RSL
Kids will love the family room at Bribie Island RSL. There are interactive games for all ages, plus lots of Legos for the kids to build with.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there is a dedicated kid’s menu with traditional and unique options.
Bribie Island Day Trip Itinerary
If you are trying to decide how to fit everything into a day trip to Bribie Island from Brisbane, here is what my family did.
We had visited Bribie Island once before and went on the Ferryman Cruise. During that visit we also stopped for a meal at Sandstone Point Hotel.
We visited Bribie Island on a Sunday, meeting up with my in-laws on the Sunshine Coast. We wanted to do something everyone would enjoy.
- Start at the markets at Brennen Park. There are food vendors as well as shop vendors. Additional shops and restaurants are located nearby.
- Visit the Bribie Island Seaside Museum, which offers free entry and a scavenger hunt for kids.
- Take a short walk to Melsa Park to ride the miniature steam train, if it is the 3rd Sunday of the month.
- Pick up lunch to enjoy at a picnic table by the playground. If possible, let the kids play while one person waits on lunch. We ordered fish and chips from
- Enjoy time on the beach.
- Drive to Bribie Island Butterfly House to see the beautiful butterflies.
At this point, we drove back to Brisbane, but depending on the time of day, there are many more fun things to do with kids on Bribie Island that you can cross off your list before heading home.
If you haven’t been to Sandstone Point Hotel, it is very kid-friendly with an outdoor playground and indoor area for kids. Often, there are events happening there as well.
Family-Friendly Accommodations on Bribie Island
On the Beach Resort Bribie Island
Located at Woorim Beach, On the Beach Resort Bribie Island has an outdoor swimming pool as well as apartment-style rooms with kitchens and laundry facilities.
Parking is free at On the Beach Resort, and rooms sleep up to 7 guests.
Big 4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort
Though it is not directly on Bribie Island, the amenities make up for it. Big 4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort has 2 swimming pools, a water park, a game room, and a playground making it a very kid-friendly option.
There are plenty of accommodation options at Big 4 Sandstone Point with the largest option sleeping up to 8 guests.
Bribie Island FAQ
Yes! Some of the beaches at Bribie Island have calm waters and are safe for swimming.
Yes! There are plenty of kid-friendly activities at Bribie Island. Bribie Island has safe swimming options, playgrounds, and other kid-friendly attractions.
Yes, you are able to drive a normal car into and on Bribie Island. There are places, such as Bribie Island National Park, where you need a 4WD.
Islands Nearby
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