Caravan Tales CCVII Bribie Passage

Caravan Tales, chapter CCVII, Bribie Passage

Caravanner makes a trip by motor boat along a picturesque waterway.

1932 article by The Queenslander Journalist-Photographer

The following article and accompanying photos was published in
 The Queenslander, 14 July 1942, p. 4, 20 and 21.

1932 was at the height of the Great Depression, with 32% unemployment in Australia. The following article describes a trip through the Bribie Passage (now called Pumicestone Passage) and the author seems to have captured the spirit of "sometimes the best things in life are free".

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I THINK one of the things that impresses me most as we continue on our journey is the fact that money, as an actual substance, save for what is required in order to keep our wheels oiled, counts much less in the scheme of things than we are led to believe. No one wishes to be short of it, of course, but I fancy that to have more than is required (as many have) is to be loaded with a burden the weight of which (especially when so many have insufficient) must always be felt. It has been said by one writer that the best things in life cannot be bought. That is true. They may be earned, won, but not bribed to come to us. I would never expect that many would believe this, nor even attempt to bring themselves to think it, because almost all our idols (earthly ones) must have money — the present-day standard of greatness — yet it would not be bad, I think, if those who are doing quite well (and there are still many) were to cease prattling of the depression which they have never felt. Such talk is so futile, and we have lately so much of it that I would now welcome the business man who limited his conversation to, say, the weather — that being a subject about which most of us know just as much, and that much being very little! 

Lately I have met one or two men who carried their depression tactics to the seaside, endeavouring apparently to turn the thoughts of contented fishermen like myself into financial channels. That is not kind, nor thoughtful, nor indicative of singular mental balance. The amateur fisherman wants, fish, not imaginative theories of finance. Fish will not bite at them, nor will the tide be deviated by them from its inward and outward flow.

Just before going on a launching jaunt up Bribie Passage I happened (like an accident) across a genuine depressionist who, after flattering me by expressing the opinion that after all my travels I must know everything (or something to that effect), started on a financial caper. He knew the solution to everything — except how to rid himself of depression. I suggested that he should take up fishing, and he replied that the times were too serious. It was a world-wide matter and he felt it incumbent upon him to show an example to others by refraining from sport of any kind — and so forth. 

And down Bribie Passage the sun sparkled on sparkling water; fish leapt from the briny, and here and there small boats with parties of enthusiasts (not depressionists) chugged away to some sublime spot where Nature would recompense them with something more solid than all the Yellow God promises them. Though myself keenly interested in the problems of today I find myself just as much interested in life and the enjoyment of happy moments as ever I was, with perhaps a keener realisation of the necessity for mental rest (only obtained when we enjoy ourselves) than ever. So, removing my depressing friend's metaphorical finger from my metaphorical buttonhole, I joined our small party and, like those who went before, was soon chugging away up the passage.

I suppose there are many who know Bribie Passage well and who have spent many holidays in the vicinity, but to me it is something entirely new, a place with a strong lure. Of course it is more or less a freak of Nature, and therefore appeals to those inclined to things curious. They tell me the passage is slowly but surely silting up, suggesting the possibility of Bribie Island becoming common or garden coastline in a century or so. And, after all, what do a few hundred years or so matter? One can easily imagine men of a few centuries hence referring to the fact that their city was built upon a place where Bribie Island once was, just as the residents of Chillagoe say: "This was once the bed of the ocean, you know," which makes a visitor go to bed and dream of being clutched by an octopus or being devoured by a shark.

Wild Bird life.

MEANWHILE the aforesaid passage is a reality, and as the Marine Department has recently revised the channel markings navigation there is not difficult. The journey provides many features of interest, including almost unlimited numbers of pelicans, black swans, and other species of bird life. One can see black swans in parks, of course, but they do not ap pear to be quite the same. They get a tame look and the watchfulness of the hunter disappears from their eyes. I know there are many persons who think only the human face has any marked expression on it, but that is a mistake. It's just another case of the two-legged animal thinking he is all that counts, and assuming the right to a monopoly of intelligence. When I meet persons of this type — and they certainly are not uncommon — I think of a writer who said: "The dullest men are those who think they are clever." As I am married it would be unwise of me to suggest that this remark evidently was intended also to refer to women. How easy it is to "tread upon delicate ground." Some miles up the passage we sighted one particularly fine swan sunning his wings, and immediately one lady in our party said: "Isn't she a fine bird?" I said: "Yes, he is," and was told that men always imagine they are the superior sex. Still, I am sure, by the poise of that bird's head and by the light of ultra-intelligence shining in its eyes, that it was a male. There are things one has to keep to oneself.

Nearly one hundred years before I was born (that is a good way to remember dates) Bribie Passage was discovered by Matthew Flinders — a fact of which I was quite ignorant until I read the story of it in "The Queenslander" some weeks back. We all speak, of course, from present-day standards, having little else to go upon, hence it may even be possible that Bribie Passage, in keeping with the rest at Australia, may have been discovered many millions of years ago. All save geologists appear to me to work out all their theories as to the origin of places, &c., on a sort of X basis — X equals so-and-so, but goodness only knows what so-and-so equals, unless it be the unknown quantity. When I was quite young, even the most clever people seldom dared to trace things back more than some 2000 years, and any one who suggested the bare possibility of anything at all having existed, say, a million years ago was supposed to be decidedly abnormal. But times change, and the searcher for ancient relics who can give us news of bygone civilisations is welcomed as a provider of thrills. He is pardoned nowadays for trespassing even on traditions, though he may possibly dispel some of them — which on the part of any other man is an unpardonable thing to do. Writing of traditions makes me wonder what really constitutes them. What is tradition? Of late I have purposely asked several persons what tradition was, and not one of them could put the answer into words. One man, whom I met while on this launching jaunt, said he considered tradition was something based upon the glorious deeds of the past, but he subsequently qualified that statement by saying that, as all the alleged glorious deeds referred to had not been tried by a high court and proved to be absolutely worthy of worship, it might be necessary to add other elements to the make-up of tradition. Personally I think the best tradition is concocted from the doings of such men as Captain Cook, Matthew Flinders, Amundsen, and the like, because we know pretty well what they did. 

So, while we spent this day in the passage I was pleased that I had read so much of the life of Matthew Flinders (even though the Bribie Passage incident had receded from my memory), and I found myself wishing that I, too, had been on voyages with the discoverers of places and the makers of real history. I wonder what it is that makes us long to be the first to see new things — even if it be only a new type of valve for wireless that is not yet on the market, anything however small. I suppose it is some of the old spirit that directed the actions of explorers, a spirit that is still trying to eke out an existence beneath the ever-thickening coat of insulation and veneer that advancing civilisation is compelling us to adopt. In all our modest travels I have never experienced a greater thrill than when on the north-western line we followed for a day in the footsteps of Sir Hubert Wilkins — photographed the same carvings in the rocks, passed along the same track guided by the same guide. It is better, perhaps, to walk in the shadow of a great man (if we cannot be the man himself) than it is to have no objective other than passing along through life in the ruts of the multitude. Some would say: "Oh, but we cannot all do that." Why not? Is it absolutely essential that every young man should go to the same seaside resort each year instead of hiking away in search of the uncommon? How we love comfort these days. Truly we are wrapping the present generation up in cotton wool.

Caption: Lunch!
The Queenslander, 14 July 1932, p. 21
Photo has been digitally coloured.

Just a few hours ago we had five lines out from our boat, and the fish were generous. To our lines came big bream and flathead and crabs galore. We tarried over-long until the shadows fell and the waters of the passage grew glassy, as such waters do on the fall of the wind and the coming of evening. On the homeward run a long line of churned water spread away to our stern, phosphorescent. Hills and the outline of the land melted into apparent nothingness. We all became silent, as people are wont to do after a good day, just as if this falling of night were the spreading of a pall over something we particularly loved and to which we were saying a last farewell.

The engine chugged on. The night grew cooler. Nature was asleep at last — and we were yearning for it, too. Such moments appear to me to be exceptionally transitory. I was wondering how long this could last when the voice of our skipper, a man-aged by many years, brought me back to life. "Here we are," he said, and the keel of our boat grated on the beach. Such is life.

We have just left Caloundra. As we passed the State school the children, lined up by the kindly school master, gave us a final cheers. (The journey to be continued.)

REFERENCE:

The Queenslander Caravan Tales, CCVII, Bribie Passage. By our Journalist-Photographer. The Queenslander Thu 14 July 1932, page 4 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23150372
Photos on page 20 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23150495 and page 21 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page2368229

National Museum Australia. Defining Moments - Great Depression
https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/great-depression

FURTHER READING:

The Queenslander Caravan Tales, CCVI. Caloundra – II. 7 July 1932 p. 4 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23150162 accompanied by photos: Nature’s Runes, Sea Carvings at Caloundra, page 19 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23150243 And on page 20, photo: Kilcoy as seen from the air – F.W. Thiel photo. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23150243 

The Queenslander Caravan Tales, CCVIII. Landsborough. 21 July 1932 p. 4 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23150557 accompanied by photos: The Inner Light, Bribie Passage “The Queenslander” Caravan photo on page 19 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page2368274 And on page 20: Toogoolawah as seen from the air – F.W. Thiel photo. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page2368274 

The Queenslander Caravan Tales, CCIX. Mt Mellum. 28 July 1932 p. 4 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23150735 accompanied by photos: beautiful North Coast scenes on page 24 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page2368326 and page 26 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page2368327 

Fishing on Bribie in the 1920s and 1930s

 Fishing on Bribie in the 1920s and 1930s

Bribie Island
(with a similar view to the 1937 photo below)
This photo won first prize in Class C Kodak Competition for R.J. Davies, Bribie.
Source: The Australasian Photo-Review, June 15, 1923, p. 311.

1923 July - Bribie fishing

Mr A.E. Godwin writes :- The roughness of the waters for the past week has unquestionably marred the pleasure and takes of many anglers on Bribie fishing grounds and Redcliffe anglers journeying to Bribie have been somewhat disappointed with their catches, the fish being on the small size. However, a few specimens of jew and some fine schnapper and squire have been hagged, the list being headed by Mr. E.H. Freeman with a total of 32 for the day, with Mr. R. Campbell next.

Last week-end some very choice fish of a pleasing size were caught by a party of Bribsane anglers up the passage, under the guidance of Mr. McPherson.

The sea mullet seem to be evading Bribie Passage, although now is the season, and many visitors to Bribie have been disappointed in this direction.

During the two hours' stay of the Koopa at Bribie some fine bream have been caught, particularly by some enthusiastic lady anglers, while, although on the scarce side, the size and quality of whiting caught were excellent.

Some of the finest rock cod the writer ever saw were caught in the passage during the week.

The Daily Mail (Brisbane) Sun 8 Jul 1923 p. 7 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218209720

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This unusual photo was taken at Bribie Island Beach, as a storm was approaching.
Half guinea is awarded to Mrs Bert Spring, Barter Street, Gympie.
Source: The wireless weekly : the hundred per cent Australian radio journal, v.30(17) 22 Oct 1937, page 79

1937 January - Record at Bribie Island Cottage

MANY parties during the holidays had fine fishing. Twenty-seven anglers stayed at Bribie Island cottage, and this is the record number of guests the A.F.A. has had there in a holiday period.

One party of seven at Donnybrook, up the passage, secured full creels of mixed fish, bream, flathead, and squire providing the greatest number. Another party of eight, fishing in the same waters, caught 101 mixed fish a few days later. ... 

At Bribie G. Shaw hooked a 7lb snapper on a horse-hair trace line.

The Courier Mail Fri 8 Jan 1937 page 10 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36874780

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REFERENCES

1923 Photo Bribie Island (with a similar view to the 1937 photo). This photo won first prize in Class C Kodak Competition for R.J. Davies, Bribie. Source: The Australasian Photo-Review, June 15, 1923, p. 311.

Bribie fishing. source: The Daily Mail (Brisbane) Sun 8 Jul 1923 p. 7 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218209720

Record at Bribie Island Cottage. The Courier Mail Fri 8 Jan 1937 page 10 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36874780

1937 Photo with caption: This unusual photo was taken at Bribie Island Beach, as a storm was approaching. Half guinea is awarded to Mrs Bert Spring, Barter Street, Gympie. Source: The wireless weekly : the hundred per cent Australian radio journal, v.30(17) 22 Oct 1937, page 79. http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-707770345

1933 Field trip to Pumicestone Passage

The following article was written by Hector Dinning (1887-1941), a distinguished author and journalist. He was born in Maryborough and educated at the Brisbane Grammar School and the University of Queensland of which he was a foundation member. Enlisting in the A.I.F. in 1914, he served in Gallipoli, France and Palestine and was eventually seconded to the War Records Section, where he assisted in the compilation of the official history of the A.I.F. Following wide journalistic experience, on the outbreak of war in 1939 Mr Dinning turned his energies to a wartime occupation to the position of State Publicity Censor.

Easter 1933

Afield with the Bug Hunters

by Hector Dinning

Pumicestone Channel
The Telegraph (Brisbane) Sat 13 May 1933 p. 9

"A company of thirty-two souls - as they say in describing travellers by water - we left Brisbane by the Koopa on Easter Thursday for the Field Naturalists annual camp. ...

About to embark
The Telegraph (Brisbane) Sat 13 May 1933 p. 9

"The steamer that takes the Easter campers to Redcliffe and Bribie is bound to be a bit jammed. We got - after a search what we never expected at that late hour - seats. Both decks were as crammed as a boat of war time refugees. Only the kids looked happy as they slept, which they did early. ...  At Redcliffe, though we disgorged hundreds it made no apparent difference. Such is the growing lure of Bribie, it would seem.

"At Bribie pier we were met by the advance guard of the Field Naturalists, who had gone down by the morning boat, had pitched tents for the females in a one-night camp, and prepared supper for the lot. Having spent the day in this recreational style in God's own sunlight, they were in great form. Infected by this, and heartened by jorums of steaming coffee and Easter buns, we jaded and belated travellers revived a little.

The camp - mess tent and sleeping quarters.
The Telegraph (Brisbane) Sat 13 May 1933 p. 9

"The men, it appeared, were to sleep on the launch that was destined to take the party next day up The Passage to Caloundra, the permanent base of this expedition. A keen wind was blowing and the launch was tossing viciously. It was apparent that, except to those inured to the sailor's life (such as the skipper, his wife and family, stowed for'ard) there would be little sleep afloat that night. So it proved in the event, as related by all but the three of us who had the decision of mind desperately to snatch our sleeping bags from the launch as she cast off and spend the night on the hard, but stable, planks of the jetty. We slept not the less soundly for a notice over our heads that the electric torch revealed: "Camping on this jetty strictly prohibited." ... [on to Caloundra and then back on the Sunday] ...

"We embarked for South Bribie early on Monday. There was lunch and a scramble on South Bribie and a bathe in the easterly surf, and a race back by charabanc over that bizarre, undeviating road to catch the homeward boat. It was stuffed with campers who must at all costs (poor dupes!) be a work on Tuesday morning.

Ocean Beach, Bribie.
The Telegraph (Brisbane) Sat 13 May 1933 p. 9

"When we reached Redcliffe there was standing room only, and when they opened the pier gates the embarking host swept down upon the ship like a flood and swarmed over gangway and ship's side like a horde of boarding pirates. Soon they were standing as thick on the decks as in a London tube during an air raid.

"The engine room telegraph rang out and we began throbbing on the long, long voyage to Brisbane. But over that journey let us draw a veil.

References:

Afield with the Bug Hunters by Hector Dinning. 

The Telegraph (Brisbane) Sat 13 May 1933 p. 9 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168420593

Death of Mr Hector Dinning.
The Telegraph (Brisbane) Mon 24 Nov 1941 p. 4 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article172348397

Portrait of Hector Dinning, Brisbane, ca 1930s.
National Library of Australia, image 137952953

1938 Holiday scenes from Bribie

Holiday Scenes from Bribie

January 1938

The following seven photos show people enjoying the sandy foreshore of Bribie Island more than eighty years ago!  

Swimming, fishing, boating or just sitting on the beach watching the waves roll in were activities then and are activities now.

Caption: Misses Dorothy and Helena Shirley with their dogs, Toby and Teddy,
all ready for a game on the sands of the ocean beach at Bribie.

Caption: Misses Jean Thurling and Joan Davidson cross the while sand-hills of
Bribie beach as they make their way down to the surf.

Caption: Hoisting the sails on the launch Mimosa as she returned
to Scarborough from Bribie Island.

Caption: Homeward bound. Mr R. Rankin and his dog Patch make their way
up the wet beach at Bribie after a morning's fishing in the surf.

Caption: Miss Nita Robertson was full of holiday fun as she gathered
shells on the beach at Bribie.

Caption: Bronzed holiday-makers use the pier as a diving tower.

Caption: Guiding back to Scarborough the launch that took
them to a happy holiday picnic at Bribie Island.

REFERENCES:

Holiday scenes from Bribie [pictorial]  The Telegraph, Sat 1 Jan 1938 page 26.

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.