1970s First beach ranger on Bribie

In the late 1980s a stone cairn was erected at Woorim with a plaque commemorating the first beach ranger on Bribie Island, Bill Scarth (1915-1986). The following information is from entry 90636 recorded by Monument Australia.

We are seeking any photos of the monument. If you have a photo of the monument please contact us on bribiehistoricalsociety@gmail.com 

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Monument Australia - entry 90636

Bill Scarth 

Monument address: Ocean Beach, Bribie Island, 4km N of Woorim

Approximate GPS co-ordinates: Latitude: -27 01 21; Longitude: +153 10 39

Monument Type: Monument

Description:

The monument commemorates Bill Scarth, who was the first Beach ranger on Bribie Island.

In the late 1970s Caboolture Shire Council was concerned about the damage caused to Ocean Beach by four wheel drive vehicles, motor bikes and campers. Bill Scarth was employed by the Council to clean up the beach. The problems he encountered were sometimes hazardous but he stuck to his task earning the reputation of a just and fair man in the difficult balance of preserving the beach and the needs of its users.

In 1980 Peter Scott took over Bill's duties and, both in response to requests from the fishermen and four wheel drive owners who used the beach, and Peter's own appreciation of the man himself, Peter Scott erected a memorial to Bill Scarth. The rock and seashell cairn, approximately 1.25 metres high and .7 metre square is built on a concrete base.

Monument Designer: Peter Scott

Front inscription: 

In Memory of 

WILLIAM (BILL) SCARTH 

13.6.1915 to 12.2.86 

First Beach Ranger Bribie Island

Banner of Monument Australia website
accessed 28.6.2012

Monument Australia Source: NRUM

Memorial cairn for Bill Scarth, Woorim Beach, circa 1989.
Photo: With permission of Loretta Street.

REFERENCES

The Monument Australia website is no longer live in November 2025. The information above was excerpted on 28.6.2012 from http://monumentaustralia.org.au/australian_monument/display/90636

A 2025 screenshot of that page has been archived at https://web.archive.org/web/20250725165645/https://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/people/government---local/display/90636-bill-scarth/

Photo: Displayed with permission of Loretta Street, posted on Bribie Island History Facebook page, 8.2.2021. Loretta recalls "we used to rent off Bill in Nulu Street, Bongaree. He was an awesome man". Thank you Loretta.

We are SEEKING any photos of the monument. If you have a photo of the monument please contact us on bribiehistoricalsociety@gmail.com

Surf Life Saving Competition Summer 1929-30

This year the Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club is celebrating 100 years 1923-2023. The following items relate to the 1929-1930 Surf Life Saving Competition which was held at Bribie Island's ocean or main beach (now known as Woorim beach).

Lifesaving Cup - The Silver Cup

Brisbane Tug and Steamship Co. Ltd.

source: The Telegraph 10.12.1929 p. 4

The Silver Cup which is offered by the Brisbane Tug and Steamship Co. Ltd. For Life Saving Competitions at Bribie Main Beach.  The first competition will be held on Sunday next.

Advertistment for Excursion

to Bribie Main Beach

source: The Brisbane Courier 14.12.1929 p. 2

The final surf life-saving competition for the silver cup donated by the Bribane Tug Company was decided at the Bribie ocean beach yesterday. The teams were judged on equipment and ceremonial work. The march past was followed by a demonstration of land and release drills and the resuscitation of the apparently drowned. ... Mr M.J. Kirwan, M.L.A. (president of the Royal Life Saving Society), presented the cup to Mr W.J. Smith, instructor to the Metropolitan A team.

The Metropolitan A Life-saving Team,
winners of the Brisbane Tug Company's Silver Cup at Bribie.
source: Daily Standard (Brisbane) 31.3.1930 p. 10 

REFERENCES:

Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club - 100 Years 1923-2023
https://www.bribieislandsurfclub.com.au/

Lifesaving Cup - The Silver Cup (photograph)
The Telegraph, Tue 10 Dec 1929, p. 4 Via National Library of Australia, TROVE online database http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article181317350

Advertistment for Excursion to Bribie Main Beach
The Brisbane Courier 14 Dec.1929 p. 2 Via National Library of Australia, TROVE online database http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article21470439

Life Saving Competition. The Metropolitan A Life-saving Team, winners of the Brisbane Tug Company's Cup at Bribie. (photograph)
The Week (Brisbane) 4 Apr1930 p. 21 Via National Library of Australia, TROVE online database http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article182584176

1926 Trip to Ocean Beach

 Trip to Ocean Beach

1926

by Edward Harvey Gibbon

The following "Letter to the Editor" was written by Edward Harvey Gibbon (1849-1928) during his latter years when he lived at Ocean Beach (Woorim).

"The Brisbane Tug Co., although not a philanthropic institution, is to be congratulated on the manner in which it caters for the pleasure of the public. Through its agency has been opened up one of the most glorious marine suburbs of Brisbane. It is at once easier to access than any of the northern or southern watering places, and certainly possesses bathing and fishing facilities unsurpassed by any other coastal resort in Southern Queensland.

To reach this "Mecca," the company has organised an excellent service by means of the S.S. Koopa and Doomba. Bribie is reached about 12.30 p.m., or approximately three hours from town. Three commodious motor buses meet the visitors, who are conveyed across to Ocean Beach, the time occupied about ten minutes over a perfectly straight well-made road.

Doomba and Koopa plied the Brisbane to Bribie journey
Photo: Mountain and seaside resorts of Southern Queensland, 1925, page 94

Arriving at Ocean Beach terminus, one's attention is drawn to the magnificent kiosk built by the company for the convenience of the public. The dining hall alone can conveniently seat from 150 to 200 guests, whilst the dancing hall on the opposite side is of equally generous proportions. At the entrance hall is located the shop, where comestibles of great variety can be obtained at very reasonable prices. 

Kiosk at Ocean Beach with bus and sand on the front doorstep!
Photo: Mountain and seaside resorts of Southern Queensland, 1925, page 96

Leaving the kiosk and walking to the top of the sandhill, about two hundred feet distant, a most glorious vista meets the eye of the visitor. Extending northerly for fifteen or twenty miles and for five or six miles southerly is a simply perfect beach of smooth hard sand with the rollers of the Pacific bursting with resounding crash upon it.

This beach for surf bathing is remarkably safe, there being no under tow and no treacherous double beaches, whilst at low tide, no matter how the waves may roar, they are all broken up and a wide expanse of shallow water is provided for the veriest toddler to paddle in and enjoy itself with the utmost safety. Last year the Government sold about forty leasehold allotments on the beach frontage, and already some comfortable and neat sea-side cottages have been erected, notably by Mr. Hooper, Mr. J. Morgan (Arakoon), Mr. J. Murray, Mr. Dickson and Miss A.M.F. Gibbon (The Bean).

When satiated with the rough and tumble of the sea, the visitor can thoroughly enjoy a ramble in the unspoiled primeval bush, after which he can return to the motor 'bus and by that means and the Koopa or Doomba, be landed again in Brisbane shortly after 6 p.m., having had a most enjoyable trip."

REFERENCE
Ocean Beach by E. Harvey-Gibbon.
Letter to the Editor. The Daily Mail (Brisbane) 9.1.1926 p.11

Mountain and seaside resorts of Southern Queensland : from Noosa to the Tweed.
Compiled by the Queensland Government Tourist Bureau, 5th edition, 10th December 1925.
Repository: State Library of Queensland

1954 Celebrations Switching On Electricity Supply for Woorim

 Electric Light "Switching On" Celebrations

Ocean Beach * Woorim * Bribie Island

Saturday 8th May 1954

Programme for "Switching On" Celebrations
Saturday 8th May 1954
source: KB02_011

Programme of Events!

Sports and Treasure Hunt for Children

Caboolture Ambulance Entertainment

Official "Switching-On" of Electric Light

4KQ Fine and Dandy Show.

Modern and Square Dancing

...... Stay awhile in the brilliant sunlight atop the high sand dunes - watch the heaving sea, whose booming voice is music in your ears. Inhale that pure ozone till your lungs expand and rejoice at your good fortune in having chosen for your holiday - "The Isle of Mystic Charm" - Bribie Island. ...

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In a recent Letter to the Editor, J. Rossborough recalls the "Turning on of the Power" event:

"In my younger days I lived in North Street Woorim - it was just a sandy track and many a car bogged  in the loose sand. We had a milkman who delivered milk and blocks of ice three times a week. With no electricity most folk had an ice chest. It was my task to empty the water dish underneath that collected the melted water.

My mother was a chef at the hotel at the time. I think the Dudley Family were licensees. We had to chop the wood for the wood stove, peel the vegetables and start the evening meal.

Then it was time to light the Kerosene and carbide lights so we could commence doing our home work.

The streets were graveled in the 50's much easier to ride our bikes to the shop.

The hotel had a verandah on the front of the building and it was on this verandah that the official Turning on of the Power to Bribie island took place. Radio 4BK from Brisbane broadcast live on the night. The Premier of Queensland at the time Frank Nicklin turned on the power and a lot of other Dignitaries gave speeches. There was also other entertainment. (Radio 4BK) is now an FM station.

Our first appliance purchase was a Charles Hope Refrigerator, no more emptying that ice chest water.

We still kept our wood stove well into the Sixties."

REFERENCE:
Letter to the Editor by J. Rossborough. [reprinted with permission of J. Rossborough]
The Bribie Islander, issue 134, 26 Feb 2021, page 69.

Bribie tourism 1940

...

In 1940 a tourist brochure Moreton Bay Queensland was a guide promoting tourism to the Moreton Bay area, encompassing Bribie, Stradbroke and Moreton Islands. This guide contained a map, pictorial content and a description of each location.







MORETON BAY AND ISLANDS. [1940]
Moreton Bay (with an area of 735 square miles) is protected from the Pacific surge by Bribie, Moreton, and Stradbroke Islands. These insular Ardens, together with groups and clusters of smaller isles, form a truly enchanting marine playground. Cruising along the lanes and waterways between the archipelago of islands, fishing off the reefs and headlands and in the deep channels, bathing in pellucid bays or in the thundering surf on the outer beaches, exploring cool green valleys and forested hills of the larger island . . . . . There is an infinite number of pleasures which a vacation among the island of Moreton Bay can offer.

The following excerpts show the Bribie Island content from the brochure.

BRIBIE ISLAND. [1940] 

Long and narrow, this island of 59 square miles extends from Toorbul Point to Caloundra, with the ocean beach on one side, and on the other the tranquil waters of Deception Bay and Pumicestone Passage. 

Access is by means of s.s. "Koopa," which leaves Circular Quay several times weekly on the 78 miles round trip (three hours each way). Visitors may prefer to journey by motor 'bus to Redcliffe and then connect with the steamer. The period on the water is thus reduced to one hours to Bribie each way. 

There is a 'bus service across the island between the township and the settlement on the ocean beach. Splendid fishing is obtainable along Pumicestone passage, which winds its sinuous course for more than 20 miles. Launches may be hired for fishing and boating excursions. Accommodation may be obtained on the ocean beach and at the township of Bongaree.  

Bribie, with its wide range of holiday interests and picturesque setting, is indeed an appealing Bay resort. It was off Toorbul Point that Flinders anchored in 1799. He named Point Skirmish and "Pumice Stone River." Oxley, in 1823, anchored almost in the same place as Flinders, near the present jetty, and found one of four castaway cedar-getters living with the blacks. As a result of information received from Pamphlett and Finnigan, Oxley discovered the Brisbane River.

 
REFERENCE: 
Moreton Bay Queensland: spend a sunshine holiday in Moreton Bay. Brisbane : Queensland Government Tourist Bureau, 1940. Online copies available at:
via Queensland State Library: http://hdl.handle.net/10462/pdf/1100
via Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/MoretonBayQueensland

1925 Bribie Island The Rising Resort

The following advertorial appeared in the 1925 brochure entitled Mountain and Seaside Resorts from Noosa to Tweed which was compiled and issued by the state Tourist Bureau. 

Bribie Island The Rising Resort

December 1925

Bribie Island, or Bribie, as it is more conveniently called, is reached by continuing the steamer trip in the s.s. Koopa or Doomba past Redcliffe to its furthest limits. It is 38 miles from Brisbane, and is reached after a three hours run from the city, the steamers berthing at a short, well-constructed jetty. Bribie Island and Moreton Island, which lies opposite at a considerable distance, form the most northern outposts of Moreton Bay. Bribie Island is about 20 miles long, from 2 to 3 miles broad, and is well timbered.  

Near the jetty there is a commodious refreshment-room, where fish and oyster dinners are obtainable, and also stores at which campers can purchase requisites. A large pavilion, bathing-sheds, and other conveniences for the use of visitors have been erected. Accommodation is provided for by a number of boarding-houses, and, as a further inducement, the steamship company has erected twelve huts of a standard design and size (14 feet by 12 feet) along the inner beach. 

On application to the caretaker, Bribie, these may be let at the following rates:- Ordinary weekly tariff, 6s.; Christmas, New Year, and Easter, 10s. per week; week-ends, 3s. 6d. 

For the excellence of its fish and oysters, Bribie is known far and wide, and during the summer months the company run their steamer to Bribie every alternative Saturday to afford city folk and anglers an opportunity of a week-end at this resort. 

The Amateur Fishermen's Association has erected a fine cottage for the convenience of members. It is situated about half a mile from the jetty. 

Bribie has made rapid and substantial progress during the past two years. An excellent road has been constructed from the jetty across the island to the Ocean Beach, where a handsome and commodious kiosk has been erected by the Brisbane Tug and Steamship Company for the convenience of visitors. 
The main ocean beach is ideal for surfing, and excellent fishing may be enjoyed nearly all the year round. This beautiful hard sandy beach stretches for miles along the eastern side of the island. Motor 'buses meet all steamers and convey passengers to the ocean beach.

 There is a Government experimental station a short distance from the jetty. Visitors will receive much assistance and useful information from Mr. Bob Davies, at his store near the jetty.

Travelling from Bongaree to Caloundra through Pumice Stone Channel

December 1925

Caloundra can be reached by a through smooth trip from Brisbane. The glimpses of scenery obtained during the passage through the winding channel are such that must be seen to be appreciated. Leaving Bribie, Toorbul Point, on the mainland, is passed; thence the old fish-canning works. Presently an old iron hulk is viewed; then are seen what appear like fenced selections on the sea, which are really licensed oyster banks protected by this means against the enemies of the shellfish.

Looking further northward one perceives the green-carpeted sward of the banks on which hundreds of aquatic birds, from the large pelican to small snipe, are peacefully feeding, whilst further away great flocks of black swans are gracefully swimming.

Ever and always about us are the towering peaks of the Glass House Mountains, their grey trachyte sides viewed first from the south-east, thence due east, and again from the north-east. By proceeding from the metropolis to Caloundra Via Bribie, and returning via Landsborough by rail to Brisbane, or Vice versa, a splendid round trip is afforded tourists.

REFERENCE:
Mountain and seaside resorts from Noosa to Tweed. (1925) Compiled and issued by The Queensland Government Intelligence and Tourist Bureau, 10 December 1925. Bribie Island the rising resort [text and photos] pages 94-94. Travelling from Bongaree to Caloundra through Pumicestone Channel [text and photos] pages 67-70. Viewed on the Internet Archive https://archive.org/  

1928 Motorcycle race on Bribie Island

Sporting Events held on Bribie Island

1928 - Motorcycle racing

In 1928, the sandy Ocean Beach at Bribie Island was the scene of a novel race, a unique one-off event that generated a lot of interest at the time. Sensational speeds of over 70 m.p.h. were reached by Eddie Smythe on his "Ariel" motorcycle at the Brisbane Motor Cycle Club's racing carnival.

Below is an article on the race as well as two photos from The Brisbane Courier Monday 19 March 1928 p. 7 and 16.

Racing on Bribie Beach. 

Eddie Smythe Excels. 

By “Wayfarer”

The Brisbane Motor Cycle Club’s racing carnival held on the ocean beach at Bribie Island yesterday was a very successful fixture.  The racing was witnessed by a huge crowd, and it was noticeable that, despite their enthusiasm, the spectators were at no time a source of trouble.  They kept clear of the course and observed the barriers erected in the interests of their safety.

   The racing was staged on the tide-washed section of the beach at low water, which was beautifully hard and level.  As the day wore on the sharp turns at either end were torn up by skidding wheels, and as the rising tide encroached on the course the men had to race on the softer sand of the upper beach, and the spills were more numerous.  The course was a mile in length, comprising two straight runs each of half a mile, with hairpin turns at each extremity.  

Sensational speeds were made in the straights that attained by Eddie Smythe’s Ariel, which proved itself the fastest machine of the day, being calculated at well over 70 m.p.h.  In one race this rider came off twice, and then registered an average of 46 ½ m.p.h., which was wonderful speed, considering that the race included ten extremely sharp turns.  

Besides moving fast in the straights, Smythe showed a mastery of the art of broadsiding around the turns in little more than a machine’s length.  He was easily the best rider of the day in every department, and particularly in negotiating the turns.  Smythe won the two-mile B.M.C.C. handicap, and was just beaten by A.R. Walton in the five-mile open handicap, in which, however, he registered fastest time.  

The rapidity with which the tide rose caused the cancellation of one event, a three-mile club handicap.  Details:- [of the results – name of the rider and type of cycle] . . .

Reference:

Racing on Bribie Beach. Eddie Smythe Excels. By "Wayfarer". The Brisbane Courier, Mon 19 Mar 1928, p. 7 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article21234347 

Enchanted Isle 1936 article

A wonderful online resource for researching local history is Trove, provided by the National Library of Australia, particularly Trove's access to digitised copies of Australian newspapers. Many a happy hour can be spent looking through articles and advertisements from a bygone era and occasionally, photos sprinkled through the article delight and entertain the reader!

Such a series of articles appeared in The Telegraph in the latter part of 1936 when journalist A.E. Simmons covered the emerging tourism industry of south-east Queensland.  The final article in the series, published in December 1936, was on Bribie Island, and though it was written to entice "new tourists" in 1936, it gives today's reader a glimpse of Bribie Island as it was 80 years ago.

BRIBIE - ENCHANTED ISLE

by A.E. Simmons, December 1936.

The Telegraph, Mon 7 Dec 1936, p. 20

"It is almost unbelievable that Bribie Island, with all that it has to offer the holiday-maker, has remained, until recent years, almost unknown to the citizens of Brisbane.  Situated on beautiful Moreton Bay, and only 36 miles by sea from the Custom House wharf, the commodious steamship Koopa, belonging to the Brisbane Tug and Steamship Co. Ltd., in command of Captain J.S. Johnson, reaches it in about 3 hours.  . . .

   The journey down the Brisbane River and across Bramble and Deception Bays is a most enjoyable one.  Each wind of the river presents a picture of fresh charm, many steamers (overseas and coastal) and sailing and motor boats adding their quota to the life of the river and bay.  The many beautiful homes with their well-kept gardens in New Farm, East Brisbane, Bulimba and Hamilton complete a picture of rare charm, some of these homes being amongst the finest to be found in Brisbane.
   After passing Lytton, with its fort and quarantine station, we see St. Helena and the white sand hills of Moreton Island on the right.  The steamer turns north almost opposite Fisherman Island, with Bishop's or Wreck Island on the east, and proceeds through the Old Channel and past the Old Pile Light.
   On the left we pass Cribb Island, Nudgee Beach and Sandgate nestling in Bramble Bay, and in the distance, to the north-west, we see the Hornibrook Highway with its high pylons, connecting Sandgate with Clontarf on the Redcliffe Peninsula.  We next pass Woody Point and Scott's Point with their charming beaches, the steamer calling at Redcliffe jetty to embark passengers for Bribie Island.
   Leaving Redcliffe, the steamer proceeds past Scarborough and across Deception Bay, reaching Bribie jetty, in the Pumice Stone Channel, about 50 minutes after leaving Redcliffe.

BEAUTY OF THE BAY

"A Charming Spot near Bongaree, Bribie Island."
Caption and photo: A.E. Simmons, Dec 1936.

   The beauty and charm of Moreton Bay have been described on numerous occasions.  Suffice it to say that in few parts of the world can such charming and varied scenery being found - the background of hills adding a charm beyond description.
   Bribie Island is approximately 26 miles long and three miles wide.  . . .   At the southern end (Boat Jetty) is Bongaree, and on the ocean beach side (surfing beach), about three miles distant and connected by a good metaled road is Woorim.  . . . 
   The island is a most pleasant spot in which to spend a restful holiday.  Unlike most holiday resorts, it has somehow managed to retain its natural charms, and the proclaiming of the island as a sanctuary has certainly helped to preserve the bird and animal life which would otherwise have been completely wiped out.

"Enjoying the cool breezes on Bribie Island,
away from the heat of the city."
Caption and photo: A.E. Simmons, Dec 1936.

   Bribie Island boasts that it has something to attract all types of holidaymakers - the fisherman, the swimmer, the surfer and the lover of nature.
   The western coast of Bribie Island, at the southern end of which is Bongaree, is one of the oldest fishing resorts in Moreton Bay.  Here, in the far-famed Pumice Stone Channel, squire, whiting, flathead and bream are to be found in season, which oysters and crabs abound.  This place is the Mecca of the fisherman, and those who have once tasted of its charm return again and again to the old haunts.
   Safe swimming and paddling for children can be enjoyed in this district, the youngsters delighting in the clean sand to be found here.
   There are several old residents in the district who have resided here practically all their lives.  One of the oldest is Mr. E.H. Freeman who now lives on the mainland side of Pumice Stone Channel, a short way up Ninghi Creek.  I understand this gentleman has spent about 68 years in and around Bribie. . . . 


ACCOMMODATION AND SPORT
   There are many good camping reserves at Bongaree, and furnished and unfurnished houses and flats are available for those preferring same.  The family man could choose no more pleasant spot in which to spend a holiday with his family at a reasonable cost.  The fare is the cheapest in Queensland, and all supplies may be obtained at prices that compare favourably with those in the capital cities.

"Bribie Bowling Club - set amid delightful surroundings."
Caption and photo: A.E. Simmons, Dec 1936.

   There are several tennis courts and bowling green set in delightful surroundings, and visitors are always welcome to enjoy their favourite sports.  There is also a fine cricket pitch, and dances are held several times a week during the holidayseason.  For those fond of riding, horses may be hired for the purpose, and many beautiful spots may be visited by this means.  The hiker will find himself in a veritable paradise, fresh pastures with most delightful surroundings beckoning him in all directions. 

"Australian Coat of Arms, Davies' Ornamental Garden."
Caption and photo: A.E. Simmons, Dec 1936.

   A place of interest that should on no account be missed by visitors to Bribie Island, is Davies' ornamental gardens, situated a few hundred yards from the jetty at Bongaree.  These gardens, which were founded by the late Mr R.J. Davies, are now carried on by his family and show the artistic temperament of the founder.  Here are many specimens of statuary in cypress pine, the only tools of trade of the artist being an ordinary pair of garden clippers and pieces of string.  To see these gardens flourishing in the pure sand, is simply a revelation.  The most striking design is one depicting the Australian coat of arms, the kangaroo, emu and shield being perfectly executed.

   A favourite design, especially with juveniles, is "The Bribie Limited," which is a model of a train, with an engine and six coaches attached.  As the visitor moves from tree to tree he cannot but marvel at the amazing patience that must have been required for the successful carrying out of the work.  There are dozens of models, including Phar Lap, Cleopatra's Needle and many others too numerous to mention, but all well worth seeing.  Visitors are always welcome, and the Davies family are proud of the many letters of appreciate they have received from distinguished visitors.

"Congeau House, formerly the beautiful home of the late Mr and Mrs Congeau, which was given to the Church of England for use as a Home of Rest for members of the Clergy and their wives. The beautiful gardens and quiet surroundings are very much appreciated by those who come here for a holiday."
Caption and photo: A.E. Simmons, Dec 1936.

   There are many charming homes on the island, and one of the most beautiful is that of the late Mr and Mrs Congeau, which was handed over to the Church of England, together with its contents, for use as a rest home for members of the clergy and their wives.  This home was opened on November 3 last by Archbishop Ward, and with its glorious gardens is much appreciated by those who avail themselves of same. 
   At Bongaree is the home of the Amateur Fishermen's Association, and here they have a fine club house which is always well patronised by its members.
   On the east coast of Bribie Island, about 3 miles from Bongaree, is Woorim, which is easily reached by motor bus along a good metalled road, built by the Brisbane Tug and Steamship Co. Ltd., as a cost of over £8,000.  Here is the finest stretch of surfing beach in Queensland, if not in Australia.  For a distance of about 26 miles, this beach stretches from Tripcony's Beach, about 2 miles from Bongaree, to the northern end of the island opposite Caloundra.  It is a safe,  . . . beach, free from sharks and above all, . . .  The breakers are just ideal for surfing, not too boisterous, but gentle . . . and surfing can be enjoyed here at all seasons of the year, even during the winter months.  The entire stretch of beach is of the hard sandy variety, and a walk or drive along here is most enjoyable.  When the tide recedes the beach is strewn here and there with thousands of small shells which will delight . . . the youngsters. 

BEAUTY SPOTS

"The Pine Forest - Stirling Creek."
Caption and photo: A.E. Simmons, Dec 1936.

   The island abounds in beauty spots, lagoons, creeks, and plains covered with wildflowers, especially boronia and Christmas bells, the latter growing to a huge size, the white heath completing a glorious picture.  At every period of the year wildflowers of one kind or another are in bloom, and the plains on which they grow are easily accessible from either Bongaree or Woorim.  Bush orchids grow here in all their glory, and a feature of the fauna is the bridal bush which grows to a height of 12 feet and is a mass of white and yellow.  Wild hops grow on several parts of the island, and pines, dark cypress, and banksia are some of the principal trees which flourish here.
   Along the beach there are many fine specimens of casuarinas or horse-tailed oak trees, and these trees grow practically along the entire length of the beach.
   The lagoons, of which there are four on the island, are of outstanding charm, and the photographer will here find scenes to depict which could not be equaled in any other part.  The calm, placid water, with the trees on the banks perfectly mirrored, is a picture that lingers long in the memory of those who visit here.  The lagoons are full of fish, and crabs can easily being caught here, owing to the shallowness of the water.
   The bird life on the island consists of several varieties of gulls, magpies, butcher birds, blue mountain and green parrots, wrens, difference species of pigeons, doves, brolgahs, leatherheads, black cockatoos, Australian black swans and ducks.  Emus are also found here, these birds having waded across from near Caloundra.  Kangaroos and wallabies have also found their way to the island in this manner and besides these, there are dingoes and several species of iguanas.

"Ocean Beach - Woorim, Bribie Island."
Caption and photo: A.E. Simmons, Dec 1936.

   The surfing beach at Woorim is patrolled by the Bribie Surf Life Saving Club in a most efficient manner, and here they have a shelter-shed and reel.  Persons who intend camping or residing at Woorim should note that orders for all goods are taken at the kiosk, including meat and milk.
   The charms of Bribie Island are inexhaustible.  The visitor fond of boating can hire a boat at all times, and I would certainly recommend a trip through the Pumice Stone Passage as far as Caloundra.  The journey through the passage thrills one with the beauty of the scenery, the narrow channel threading its tortuous course for miles and miles between Bribie Island and the mainland emptying itself into the sea, at Caloundra.  It is indeed a most pleasing trip, with its myriads of small islands and bays, and the majestic Glasshouse Mountains and Taylor Range, stand out as a fitting background.
   The sunsets in this region are beyond description, and to see the glories of a dying day in this locality is ample recompense for the time spent in coming here.  As before mentioned, the Pumice Stone Passage is an angler's paradise, and for years has been known to the numerous habitués of the bay.
   A holiday spent on Bribie Island, away from the turmoil and hustle of city life, is a holiday well spent, and the visitor can rest assured that no dull moment need be spent here, and that the scenic charm of the Island and Bay, together with the exhilarating surf, will fit him afresh for the battle of life."

Acknowledgements:
A.E. Simmons, journalist.
The Telegraph (Brisbane newspaper) Monday 7 December 1936, p. 20.
Trove, National Library of Australia: access to digitised copies of Australian newspapers.

In memory of Ranger

A Memorial to a dog named Ranger

by Lynne Hooper, president, Bribie Island Historical Society

Bribie Island in 1936 had its own “Red Dog” story and with the prequel movie “Red Dog – True Blue” released in 2016 it's fitting that “Ranger’s” story is told.

A little wooden cross used to stand on the sand dunes at Main Beach (Woorim), Bribie Island, just in front of the lifesavers’ club house and fixed to it was a glass-covered frame, behind which were framed these words:

Source: The Telegraph, Thu 18 Nov 1937, p. 15

“In memory of Ranger,

Died May 8th, 1936.

If there be an after world for such as thou –

May the juiciest of bones be thy reward”

The little cross was erected, as the wording implies, to the memory of a dog, just one of the many friends and allies of man.

Ranger was a dog with no especial owner. A black, retriever type, dog he was the special pet of the Bribie Lifesavers’ team, and a general favourite with residents and visitors of the Island, going from one to the other for an occasional meal and a little affection. His particular pals, the lifesavers, were only there during the week-ends and holidays.

When the steamships Koopa or Doomba arrived each Saturday Ranger would be there to meet the team and after greeting them all joyfully would race away through the scrub, covering the three miles from the boat berth to the main beach ahead of the bus and be waiting for the boys to arrive at the clubhouse.

He would not ride in the bus, apparently, he thought that he should be the perfect host and receive his guests at the door.

Ranger's memorial cross, 1950.
Photo: G. Dudley via BIHS.

When the team were on beach patrol, so was Ranger, and he would accompany them into the sea, always swimming out beyond the furthest swimmer.  As long as the men were in the water he would continue to swim around beyond them. He remained at his self-appointed task until the patrol withdrew, sometimes being in the sea for hours on end.

Whenever beach sports or team competitions were held Ranger took his place at the front of the team, trotting along, tail erect, as the men marched.

So popular was Ranger with everyone on the island that one could hardly imagine anybody wishing him harm.  The lifesavers were heart-broken when they found him dead.  They buried him in the sand in front of the club-house and the flag was flown at half-mast. They placed the cross on top of his grave, overlooking the sea, in memory of a faithful friend.

Sydney cartoonist Harmuth Lahm
visited Bribie Island in 1950.
Photo: G. Dudley via BIHS.

Ranger's memorial cross, 1950.
Photo: G. Dudley via BIHS.

In 1950 the Sydney cartoonist Harmuth Lahm visited Bribie Island and was photographed at Ranger's memorial cross.

The cross remained in position into the late 1960s.


References Used for above text:  
World News, Sydney, 27 July 1940, p. 12
Sydney Morning Herald, 14 August 1946, p. 4

Bribie postcards 1970s

Bribie Island

Postcard folder circa 1970

BIHS has recently recorded in our historical database, a folder of 6 postcards entitled simply Bribie Island Qld.

The folder was produced by Murray Views, Gympie around the year 1970.

Each postcard has a caption which describes the location of the picture as it was around 1970.  So not only can we see familiar island vistas as they were almost 45 years ago - we can also read what they were called at the time!

 Toll Bridge from Toorbul Point to Bribie Island 
[There were toll charges to cross the Bribie Bridge from 19 October 1963 to 22 March 1975.]

Bongaree Beach and jetty

Shopping Centre, Bribie Island [First Avenue, Bongaree]

Ocean Beach, Bribie Island

Picnic area, Bongaree Beach

Pumicestone Passage and bridge, Bribie Island

Acknowledgements
Murray Views, Gympie.

If you would like to share your Bribie Island postcards - our email address is bribiehistoricalsociety@gmail.com