Bribie Island National Park and Recreation Area Brisbane | Sunshine Coast

Coastal swamps are just one of the fantastic features long this drive. Photo credit: Rose Gray © Queensland Government

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

Be inspired: Explore the Sunshine and Fraser coasts—your go-to weekend escapes!

They’re renowned for surf and sun-drenched beaches, and deservedly-so, but take a closer look and you’ll find the Sunshine and Fraser coasts have so much more in store! Photo credit: Adam Creed © Queensland Government

Be inspired: Favourite hikes for groups of ‘besties and buddies’ around Brisbane

When it comes to bushwalking with your ‘besties’ (friends or family), in Queensland National Parks near Brisbane, you’re truly spoilt for choice! Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Be inspired: Queensland National Parks’ best-loved camping areas

We are truly a nation of coast dwellers, so when it comes to camping holidays, where do we head? To the water, of course! Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland

Northern access track

Cruise in your 4WD through scenic landscapes where you'll discover heath, eucalypt and melaleuca woodlands.

Journey type
4WD
Distance
16.5km one way A path where the start point is different to the finish point
Time suggested
Allow 35min driving time.
Grade
Unrated

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Journey facilities

  • Scenic drive

Begin your 4WD adventure at White Patch then follow the track as it meanders inland, and brings you to the coast on the east side of the island.

Discover heath and eucalypt forests and melaleuca woodlands along the track. Detour into Gallagher Point camping area and Poverty Creek day-use area to launch the kayak from the beach if you want to paddle or fish. Enjoy a picnic at Lighthouse Reach or Fort Bribie day-use areas and explore heritage-listed WWII remnants.

Drive on the beach to Ocean Beach camping area to sleep under the stars, with the murmur of the ocean for company.

Getting there and getting around

The Northern access track is in Bribie Island National Park and Recreation Area, 65km north of Brisbane.

  • This drive takes you along an inland track, from the Poverty Creek access track on the western side of the island, past Lighthouse Reach and Fort Bribie, to the beach.
  • From the bridge, drive north along Sunderland Drive and continue along White Patch Esplanade.
  • At White Patch, follow the main track north to the gate at the turn-off to the Poverty Creek camping area. This is the start of the Northern access track.
  • A high-clearance 4WD with low range capability is required to drive this route.
  • 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

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

Northern access track 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 and Four-wheel drive with care.