Bribie Island National Park and Recreation Area Brisbane | Sunshine Coast

Picnic under the trees and enjoy views over the Pumicestone Passage to the Glass House Mountains. Photo credit: © Ben Blanche

Bribie Island has beautiful coastal scenery, low-key camping spots and great 4WDing, boating and fishing. Photo credit: © MJL Photography

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Poverty Creek day-use area

Relax and unwind next to the gentle waters of Pumicestone Passage and enjoy expansive views across to the Glass House Mountains.

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD
  • Boat

Attraction facilities

  • Wood-fired barbecue (BYO wood)
  • Picnic tables
  • Toilets (flush)

Stoke the wood-fired BBQ and enjoy a relaxing picnic surrounded by shady trees, as you gaze over the tidal wetlands of Pumicestone Passage.

Arrive by boat or drive along the Poverty Creek access track, exploring the island's varied habitats along the way.

Paddle your canoe or kayak from the shore and spot turtles and dugong feeding on seagrass beds. Enjoy watching migratory shorebirds fossicking along the shoreline and look for sea eagles, osprey and brahminy kites gliding overhead.

Throw in a line and try your luck at catching a flathead, whiting, tailor or mangrove jack for dinner.

Getting there and getting around

The Poverty Creek day-use area is in Bribie Island National Park and Recreation Area, 65km north of Brisbane.

  • The day-use area is on the western side of the island, on the shores of Pumicestone Passage, and can be accessed by high-clearance 4WD with low range capability, or by boat.

Road access

  • From the bridge, drive north along Sunderland Drive and continue along White Patch Esplanade.
  • At White Patch, follow the main track north, passing the turn-off to Gallagher Point camping area.
  • At the next track intersection, veer left and continue to the Poverty Creek camping area.
  • A vehicle access permit must be purchased. Display the permit on your windscreen before driving in the recreation area. 24hr number plate surveillance cameras in use. Please ensure vehicle registration details are correct on your permit. For more information see:
  • Two-wheel-drive (2WD) vehicles, trail bikes and motorbikes are prohibited from obtaining a vehicle access permit and entering the Bribie Island Recreation Area.
  • Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.

Speed limits

Boat access

  • The closest boat ramps are on the mainland at Donnybrook, Toorbul and Sandstone Point.
  • Boat ramps are also located at Golden Beach, Bells Creek and Coochin Creek on the mainland.
  • You can also launch your boat from the island at Bellara and Bongaree boat ramps.
  • When boating over seagrass beds in Pumicestone Passage, do your best to minimise impacts on dugongs. Take it easy and observe the go slow areas (PDF, 793.2KB) .
  • Read boat and fish with care for tips on boating and fishing safety and caring for parks.

Getting to Bribie Island

The island can be reached via a road bridge from the Caboolture turn-off on the Bruce Highway, or by boat from the nearby mainland.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Poverty Creek day-use area is open 24 hours a day

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Bribie safely.