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 

---------------------------------------

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A 2025 screenshot of that page has been archived at https://web.archive.org/web/20250725165645/https://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/people/government---local/display/90636-bill-scarth/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

1923 Racehorse named Bribie

One hundred years ago, there was a racehorse named Bribie, owned by James Clark. James Clark and his family owned the Toorbul Point property for most of the twentieth century, the land now being the location of the suburb of Sandstone Point. 

A Racehorse named Bribie

Photo: Berry and Whalley.
The Telegraph 1.6.1923 p.4

This is Bribie, who, like Lady Aura, will represent Sydney in the Stradbroke Handicap [in 1923]...  Bribie, however, is owned by a Queenslander in Mr James Clark, but has done all his racing in Sydney.  He also is engaged in the Sires' Produce Stakes.  

Bribie is a nice-looking colt out of Kummulla, and was bought by his present owner, Mr J. Clarke, for 800 guineas. Mr Clark named him after an island in Moreton Bay, Queensland.

Bribie has only started twice, but it would be strange if he could not gallop for he is a brother to that brilliant sprinter, Glenacre. His dam, Kummulla, . . . This family has been a very successful one, having produced countless good performers. Bribie finished in impressive style, and in this colt there is every probability of Mr Clarke having another Tangalooma. 

J. Clark’s Bribie winning the Claret Stakes from Ardglen and Belle of Crecy.

Photo: King Arnold
The Telegraph 11.6.1923 p.4

Mr J. Clark's Bay Colt Bribie, winner of the Claret Stakes at Ascot on Saturday last, about to be swung aboard the Kanowna yesterday on his way to Sydney.  

Photo: Berry and Whalley
The Brisbane Courier 12.6.1923 p.16

Mr James Clark (1858-1933) "nothing but the best"

From his obituary 10.7.1933: "In his day Mr. Clark was a famous yachtsman, and right up to the close of last season’s sailing calendar he could be found regularly every Saturday following with the closest interest the sailing races on the Brisbane River, sometimes in his own launch, but more often on the flagship of one of the clubs.  He was a sound cricketer, one of the best rifle shots in Australia, and did not neglect the turf, for he owned many good racehorses.  It was characteristic of Mr. Clark that he had but one standard for his varying diversions, and that was “nothing but the best”."

REFERENCES

Bribie. [Photo] This is Bribie, who, like Lady Aura, will represent Sydney in the Stradbroke Handicap on Saturday.  Photo: Berry and Whalley.
The Telegraph, Fri 1 Jun 1923, p. 4 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article177041048  

J. Clark’s Bribie winning the Claret Stakes. [Photo] Photo: King Arnold
The Telegraph, Mon 11 Jun 1923 p. 3 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article177042928 

Shipping a racehorse. [Photo] Photo: Berry and Whalley.
The Brisbane Courier, Tue Jun 12, 1923, p. 16 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20627185 

Racehorse Bribie owned by James Clark.
Referee (Sydney) Wed 13 Dec 1922, p. 7 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127923486

Obituary. Mr James Clark (1858-1933)
The Brisbane Courier, Mon 10 Jul 1933, p. 10 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22193812 

1978 Solander Lake

 The following article outlined the land development plans for Dux Creek and an estate on the northern side of the creek. The photo shows how the area looked almost 50 years ago.

1978 advertorial article:

Solander is Progressing

The new Solander Lake development on Bribie Island, is rapidly taking shape.

Two Gold Coast enterprises, who between them have helped put the city on the map as the "Venice of Australia," with waterway developments, have combined to bring a distinctive style of waterfront living to Banksia Beach on Bribie. Dredges, scrapers and teams of men from Blondells Pty. Ltd. have moved in and the first stage of the major Solander lake development is well underway.

The first section of filling, to provide choice lakeside allotments, is nearing completion. About eight hectares (20 acres) of the lake will be dredged in the first stage, but eventually it will cover 24 hectares (60 acres).

Solander Lake will pave the way for Brisbane commuters, apart from the obvious attraction as a holiday centre. The estate, being prepared jointly by McIlwain Enterprises and the Custom Credit Corporation, will consume up to $20 mil. in a 10-year span. The result will be a combination of waterfront and other home sites, recreation and foreshore areas and shopping centres.

The Caboolture Shire Council lost no time in getting the water main through to Banksia Beach and the Solander Lake estate. The council received a cheque for $60,000 from the developers, to be used on the water supply extension, during a ceremony to mark the beginning of the estate in August, last year. Within months, the main had been planned and work was under way. The main has been extended from Verdoni Street to Banksia Beach. 

Caption: The first aerial picture [1978] of the birth of Solander Lake centre, on Bribie Island. The estate is in the foreground, with the major road system clearly shown. In the centre is the first stage of the huge lake development. The relationship of Solander lake to the rest of the development on Bribie Island is also visible, with the bridge connecting the island to the mainland in the top right of the picture.

REFERENCE
Solander is progressing. Article from unknown publication, 1978. 
Holthouse family collection scrapbook, BIHS historical collection HH99.

1947 Koopa trips resume

 In 1947 the Koopa resumed carrying passengers on pleasure trips from Brisbane to Bribie Island much to the delight of many. The following are a sample of the happy holiday makers making the trip during this latter era of the Koopa which ended in 1953.

1947 - KOOPA CHEERED AT BRIBIE

BY A STAFF WRITER.

Residents of Bribie gathered on the jetty today and gave three cheers for the Koopa when she arrived on her first trip since her return from war service.

The entire population of the island — men, women, children and dogs — was there to turn on a welcome. For them it meant again a regular and comfortable connection with Brisbane.

As she moved down the river this morning on her first pleasure trip in five years office staffs and dock workers came out to wave a welcome.

The Koopa has had a complete "face lift" to prepare her for her peacetime activities. She has been refitted, freshly painted inside and out, seats, cabins and saloons have been done over, and her engines and boilers overhauled.

The Koopa, popular excursion steamer of pre-war days, leaving the city on the resumption of her regular schedule of trips to Bribie Island today.
The Telegraph 4.2.1947 p. 6

Many of the people who travelled on her today did so for purely sentimental reasons, because it was her first trip since the war. Some were old Bribie residents who used to travel backwards and' forwards to their home. One woman made the trip up from Bribie specially to travel back by the Koopa today.

Off to Bribie - 1947

Miss Mona Neven hurried up the gangplank of the Koopa this morning in the rain. 
She was off to Bribie Island to relieve as post mistress there.
The Telegraph 20.2.1947 p. 3

"Once we leave you can't come up here," said Captain J. Davis of the Koopa to
little Eunice Moyle when she boarded the Koopa for Bribie today. So he showed her all the gadgets before the ship left the wharf.
The Telegraph 28.6.1947 p. 7

Kay Chapman (left) and Shirley Clayton aboard the Koopa
as they left today for a week-end at Bribie.
The Telegraph 28.6.1947 p. 7

Off for a holiday at Bribie, Mrs J.F. Gilroy and her three children
Michael, Margaret and Peter, about to take their luggage aboard the Koopa.
The Telegraph 28.6.1947 p. 7

Holiday Smiles - 1948

It was an occasion for smiles today after the wretched week-end weather. The happy picnickers depicted here went down the bay on the Koopa.

Miss Pat Hambleton was ready for the day's sunshine with a shady straw hat.
Brisbane Telegraph 3.5.1948 p. 3

Misses Beth Dooley, Val Snow, Shirley Gorring, Beth Gentner and
Alisa Groth happily make their way to the ship.
Brisbane Telegraph 3.5.1948 p. 3

REFERENCES

Koopa cheered at Bribie. Telegraph 4.2.1947 p.3 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article186699546

PHOTO - The Koopa resumes. Telegraph 4.2.1947 p. 6 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article186699548

PHOTO - Miss Mona Neve. Telegraph 20.2.1947 p. 3 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article186692756 

3 PHOTOS - Off to Bribie. Telegraph 28.6.1947 p. 7 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article186718941 

2 PHOTOS - Holiday smiles. Brisbane Telegraph 3.5.1948 p.3 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article212178620 

1900 Cruising yachts

 The following article describes a cruising yacht race from Brisbane to Toorbul Point and back, over the weekend of 8-9 December 1900. Between the two legs of the race, an afternoon and evening were spent at Toorbul Point, where the team-members participated in a cricket match and later an impromptu concert.

Aquatics. Queensland Yacht Club. Cruising Races

Weekend at Toorbul Point

8-9 December 1900

. . . . After finishing the race the boats proceeded across to the residence of the club's commodore, Mr. James Clark, at Toorbul Point, Bribie Passage, where they joined a number of other club boats, which had preceded them. Most of the boats sailed across to Bribie Passage by moonlight, and the sail was described as being a beautiful one. 

Next day the Q.G.S. Albatross, with the Hon. E.B. Forrest and a party on board, arrived about 1.30. In the afternoon an interesting and highly-amusing cricket match took place between teams captained by the commodore, Mr. James Clark, and the vice-commodore, Mr. W.A. Douglas. 

The vice-commodore’s team batted first, and scored 63, the principal scores being : Fox 17, Douglas 12, Hunt 7, Harvey 7, and Warry 1. The other side only compiled 29, of which 11 were made by Gray, Westaway compiling 6, and O’Beirne 2. 

After tea a very pleasant evening was spent on board the Albatross, when an impromptu concert was organised, some very good items being rendered by the following gentlemen : Messrs. D.B. McSwaine, G. Barnett, Gray, Arthur, F.J. Macgillycuddy, G. Warry, and others, while Mr. G.C. O’Beirne accompanied a number of the songs, and gave selections on the banjo. 

Clianthus cruising yacht

The following boats anchored at Toorbul Point on Sunday night: Harriette Ann, Viking, Ida, Vixen, Clyanthus, Maroma, Gondolier, and Balmoral. 

Gondolier cruising yacht

The second of the cruising races was run, the course being from Toorbul Point to the Pile Light. The wind was very light, from east-north-east, at the start, which took place at about 11 o’clock. The give-flag system was again used for starting, and the start was a perfect one, the boats getting away well … . The wind was very variable, but the boats were enabled to lay the course with eased sheets. … . At the finish the times were : Gondolier, 1h. 34min. 40sec. ; Viking, 1h. 37min. 44sec.; Ida, 1h. 39min. 47sec.; Harriette Ann, 1h. 44min. 2sec. ; Clyanthus, 1h. 47min. After the handicaps had been adjusted, the corrected times order was : Viking ; Gondolier ; Ida ; Clyanthus, Harriette Ann.

All the boats returned to their moorings early, after having spent a most enjoyable outing.

REFERENCES

Aquatics. Queensland Yacht Club. Cruising Races.
Brisbane Courier Tue 11 Dec 1900, p. 7. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/19082818

Sailing as a Pastime in Brisbane.
Sydney Mail and New south Wales Advertiser 28 Jan 1903 p. 217, photos 9. Clianthus 10. Gondolier https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/163777544

FURTHER READING

Government Steamer Albatross
Brisbane Courier 16 Sep 1903 p. 7 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19241952

Obituary for Edward Barrow Forrest (1838-1914)
E.B. Forrest "assisted in the formation of the Royal Queensland Yacht Club, on which he was president for many years."
Telegraph (Brisbane) Tue 31 Mar 1914, p. 8 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article174274105

1926 Annual Picnic

 One of the many clubs and associations to have their annual excursion trip to Bribie in the 1920s was the Kennel Association of Queensland. Formed in 1921, the following items record their Second Annual outing to Bribie on 26 January (Foundation Day) 1926.

Annual Picnic on Bribie
1926

The Queensland Kennel Association has chartered the s.s. Koopa for a Bribie trip on January 26 (Foundation Day). The club is donating several trophies for a fishing competition which will be conducted by the A.F.A., assisted by the Paddington Club. No entry fee is to be charged, and names of intending competitors may be left with Messrs. George Shaw's depot, Edward Street, where tickets for the outing may be obtained. 

Kennel Association. Excursion to Bribie. 

The Kennel Association held its annual picnic yesterday, when the Koopa conveyed about 800 persons to Bribie. A sports programme was provided, and a fishing competition was also held.

The excursion steamer Koopa berthed at the wharf at Bribie.
From article Bribie's Spell. Health and Happiness.
The Brisbane Courier, Tue 23 Nov 1926, p. 18

The sports programme received much support from the visitors. The officials were: Messrs. F.L. South (president), R.L. Hanslow, H.G. Riley, and Stott.

The results were: Councillors’ race, I. Ham 1, Stott 2; after a dead heat. Boys under 14, C. Harrison 1, N. Tacey 2. Girls under 14, M. Pearce 1, D. Easton 2. Single ladies, M. Westphal 1, D. Easton 2. Single men’s handicap M. Gold 1, J. Wilkie 2. Married ladies’ handicap, Mrs. Swiney 1, Mrs E. Lawson 2. Married mens handicap, W. Proud 1, J. Gregory 2. Egg and spoon race for girls, E. Brown 1, M. Parkin 2. Egg and spoon race for boys, C. Smythe 1, B. Creber 2. Cigarette race, Miss M. Westphal and Mrs. Westphal. Necktie race, Mrs. Swiney and C. Smythe. 

In one of the heats, Mr. R.L. Hanslow and Mrs. G.L. Hutchinson were disqualified. Their protest, however, was upheld, and special prizes were presented to them by Mr. J.G. Riley (secretary). Mr. F.L. South distributing the prizes.

FISHING COMPETITION

The fishing competition evoked much interest, 18 persons casting their lines into the sea. Although Mr. George Patrick ran short of bait before the expiration of time, he was an easy winner with 17 fish, weighing 6 lbs. 12 ozs. One whiting weight 14 ozs., which was the heaviest individual fish. The second prize was secured by Mr. Joe Massai with four fish, weighing 1 lb. 2 ozs., while the aware for the heaviest fish (apart from the winner of the collection prize) went to Mr. T. Siggs, who landed a rainbow weighing 12 ozs. The six competitors who weighted in their hauls landed 29 fish, of a total weight of 11 lbs. 

Here is a view of the “groper king” G. Rich, with his latest
captive (the 29th), weighing 112 lb,
obtained while fishing from Bribie jetty this month.
Photograph kindly forwarded by Mr. C. Smyth.
The Daily Mail (Brisbane) Sun 24 Jan 1926 p. 9

Just prior to the Koopa leaving, a fisherman landed a blue parrot fish, weighing over 12 lbs. 

The excursionists reached the city at 7.15 p.m.

The Kennel Association's second annual picnic to Bribie on the Koopa on foundation day was a splendid all-round success, over 800 members and friends joining in the trip.

REFERENCES
Queensland Kennel Association.
Telegraph (Brisbane) 15.1.1926 p. 10 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article177843518

Kennel Association. Excursion to Bribie. 
Telegraph (Brisbane) 28.1.1926 p. 14 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article177835412

Kennel Association's second annual picnic to Bribie. 
Brisbane Courier 30.1.1926 p. 15 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article21020000

PHOTO 1: The excursion steamer Koopa berthed at the wharf at Bribie. From article Bribie's Spell. Health and Happiness. The Brisbane Courier, Tue 23 Nov 1926, p. 18 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article21063053 

PHOTO 2: Here is a view of the “groper king” G. Rich, with his latest captive (the 29th), weighing 112 lb, obtained while fishing from Bribie jetty this month. Photograph kindly forwarded by Mr. C. Smyth. The Daily Mail (Brisbane) Sun 24 Jan 1926 p. 9 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220622033 

FURTHER READING
The Canine Control Council, Queensland. By D.W. Armstrong. From the book titled "An Historical Record of Australian Kennel Councils", edited by H R Spira. 
https://dogsqueensland.org.au/media/1688/10351history_of_the_ccc-q.pdf 

1925 Seaside Resorts Guide

During the 1920s a popular way to visit Bribie Island was to travel there and back by the steamships Koopa or Doomba. A variation to this route, was to travel from Brisbane to Landsborough (51 miles) by a morning train, to be met by a seventeen-seater char-a-banc for conveyance to Caloundra. Next day a motor-boat trip from Caloundra to Bongaree through the Pumicestone Passage, would meet up with a steamship for the voyage back to Brisbane.

For several years, the launch 'Calbri' was operated by Andrew Tripcony (1864-1945) and conveyed excursionists through the Pumicestone Passage, as described in the following advertisements.

1925 SEASIDE RESORTS

Bribie Island 

TRAVELLING FROM BONGAREE TO CALOUNDRA THROUGH PUMICE STONE CHANNEL

Through the pioneer enterprising efforts of a Caloundra company, the launch Calibri was built and a regular motor boat service from Bribie to Caloundra through the scenic Pumice Stone Channel inaugurated. This motor boat is built on the tunnel stern principle, has a length of 36ft, beam 9ft, and only draws 8 inches of water. By this means 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 fısh-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 shellfısh.

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 fırst 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.

Scene on the
Landsborough-Caloundra Road

Good accommodation is obtainable at the hotel and boarding establishments and during the summer months it is advisable to address the proprietors some time in advance regarding the arrangements for quarters.

Means of Access

(1) Caloundra can be reached by rail to Landsborough; thence motor-car (15 miles), which connects with the North Coast morning train from Brisbane on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. At other times it is necessary to arrange with the hotel proprietor or boarding-house keepers to meet you at Landsborough. For such trips special rates are charged.

(2) Caloundra may also be reached by taking the motor launch Calibri from Bribie after the arrival of the steamship Koopa on Thursdays, and Sundays and at other special occasions during the summer months. Arrangements for this trip may also be made with Mr A.B. Tripcony, of Caloundra.

Fares.

Railway - Ordinary single: First, 9s 1d; second, 6s.

Friday till Monday excursion: First, 13s 11d; second 9s 3d.

Saturday-Sunday excursion: First, 10s 6d; second, 7s.

Motor-car from Landsborough: Single, 7s 6d; return, 15s. Special trips at special rates.

Motor launch from Bribie. Fares: Brisbane to Caloundra and Return, 30s: single. Brisbane to or from Caloundra, 12s 6d; Bribie to or from Caloundra and Return, 16s; single, Bribie to or from Caloundra, 10s. Children half fare.

Bribie Island, or Bribie, as it is more conveniently called, is reached by continuing the steamer trip in the 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.

REFERENCES

Andrew Buchanan Tripcony (13.4.1864-12.4.1945)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/154371052/andrew-buchanan-tripcony

See Queensland First. Glories of the North Coast. ... Landsborough. Caloundra.
Daily Standard (Brisbane) 1.4.1920 . p.8 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article180956245

Mountain And Seaside Resorts From Noosa To Tweed by Queensland Government Intelligence and Tourist Bureau, 1925, pages 67-70; 97-99. https://archive.org/details/MountainAndSeasideResortsFromNoosaToTweed/page/n95/mode/2up?q=bribie