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

1925 Social outing to Bribie

The following description of a social outing for members of two Brisbane timber associations is illustrated with the programme from the day which was printed on "Stanply" wooden tablets. This memento of the day, kept by Mr James Schroder Campbell, was recently donated to BIHS. 

Timber Trade. Annual outing to Bribie. 1925  

The annual outing of the members of the Brisbane Timber Merchants' Association and Brisbane and District Joinery Association and their wives and guests took place to Bribie Island on Wednesday.  

Doomba at the Bongaree Jetty (1924)
Photo: Caboolture Shire Council
Repository: Moreton Bay Libraries 

Luncheon was served on the Doomba, presided over by the respective presidents of the Brisbane Timber Merchants' Association (Mr. Wm. Patterson), and the Brisbane and District Joinery Association (Mr. W. Blackband). 

Programme of Social Outing to Bribie Island 25 November 1925
printed on "Stanply"wooden tablets 
Courtesy James Schroder Campbell collection

In proposing the toast of “The Day We Celebrate,” Mr Patterson said that they would like to see the association taking a more practical interest, in matters pertaining to afforestation, by an effort to promote a scheme for growing softwoods within a reasonable distance of the cities, so that future generations would be able to draw their supplied from areas handy to railways, in proximity to good roads. They had come through a strenuous and eventful period. During the early part of the year trade was slack, causing very keen competition, and on the other hand, they had increased costs to contend with, which made it very difficult to carry on their business successfully. As the year advanced there was a slight improvement in the volume of business but the extra overhead costs and shortage of pine supplies had added to their difficulties. 

The question of pine supplies was a very urgent one, as the industry was dependent upon the Forestry Department to a great extent. The shortage might be relieved by opening up more timber areas either by tramlines, or by making good, serviceable roads. ... During the year they were faced with the proposed Child Endowment Scheme, which would not have come into force before the middle of next year. Members were favourably inclined towards the principle of this form of assistance to workers, provided that the added cost could be recovered. Unfortunately, owing to force of circumstances, the Government had to abandon this Bill, and, instead, granted an increase of the basic wage at a moment’s notice, which did not give members any chance of providing against the added burden. 

Menu and Toast List
printed on "Stanply"wooden tablets 
Courtesy James Schroder Campbell collection

Responses made by Mr George Brown and Mr C.H. Bromily (country sawmillers), Mr W. Blackband, the vice-chairman, proposed the toast of "Our Guests," coupling with his toast the names of Mr F.J. Morrgan (National Bank of Australia, Ltd.), F.H.F. Swain (chairman, Provision Forestry Board), J.V.D. Coutts (Queensland Institute of Architects), M. Doggett (Queensland Master Builders’ Association), and Mr J. Hood (Suburban Master Builders’ Association), Mr F.J. Morgan, of the National Banks of Australasia, Ltd., responded.  

Mr E.H.F. Swain responded on behalf of the Provisional Forestry Board. The representatives of the Queensland Master Builders’ Association (Mr Doggett) and Suburban Master Builders’ (Mr Hood)... .

The toast of the ladies, proposed by Mr J.F. Brett, was acknowledged by Mrs J. Henry Hancock, on behalf of the ladies present.

In proposing the toast of the "newly-elected presidents of the respective associations," Mr. C.W. Campbell paid a tribute to Mr. Wm. Patterson and Mr. W. Blackband, two gentlemen who were held in very high esteem, both for their personal worth and for their devotion to the welfare of the timber industry in general, and the members of the association in particular.  

The toast of the Press was proposed by Mr F.O. Nixon, and acknowledged by Mr J.V.D. Coutts and Mr McCorquodale, on behalf of their respective journals.

On the return of the Doomba to Circular Quay, about 8 p.m., expressions on all sides testified to a very pleasant day's outing having been spent. 

REFERENCES

Timber Trade. Annual outing to Bribie.
The Brisbane Courier 28.11.1925 p. 9  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20981480

Photo - Doomba at the Bongaree Jetty (1924) 
Moreton Bay Our Story, accessed 20/10/2024, https://ourstory.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/nodes/view/30551

Programme of Social Outing to Bribie Island 25 November 1925.
four leaves printed on "Stanply" wooden tablets.
Courtesy of James Schroder Campbell collection, BIHS. 

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

A day-trip to Bribie

Almost a century ago, a day-trip to Bribie for local community groups was a popular excursion destination. The following descriptions from 1923 and 1924 almost allow the reader to feel the wind on their face and hear the shrill whistle of the steamers!

1923

A DAY AT BRIBIE

Lockyer Schools. Annual Excursion.

It has been the custom for a number of years for the whole of the schools in the Lockyer district to co-operate in an excursion on Moreton Bay, and this year's outing took place yesterday. The rain which fell during the afternoon affected the visitors but little, as at that time they were aboard the Koopa just outside the river. Two trains were requisitioned to carry the crowd of holiday-makers to the city, the Central station being reached shortly after 9 o'clock. No time was lost in making for Kennedy wharf, where the Koopa was boarded. In an atmosphere of animated good-fellowship, the run down the river and out into the bay passed all too quickly, and tying-up operations were begun shortly before 13 o'clock at Bribie Island jetty.

Some elected to dine on board, but a great number went ashore, and picnic lunches were almost immediately in full swing. It was not very long before some of the more adventurous spirits disappeared behind convenient trees and huts, emerging clad in costumes for the water.

Just before 3 o'clock the warning whistles began to blow, and in twos and threes and laughing little companies the trippers re-embarked.  Kennedy wharf was reached again about 5 o'clock, but as another hour yet remained before they had to board their trains, they soon scattered again, and for a little while Queen-street was filled with happy, sunburned faces. Two trains were again provided for the run home, and punctually at 6.18 the second division pulled out from Central station.

Source: The Daily Mail (Brisbane) Thu 22 Nov 1923 p. 10 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218217570

1924

Bread carters have happy day at Bribie. 

Bribie was again chosen by the bread carters for their annual outing. The day was a glorious one, the weather doing its best to co-operate with the bread carters, their wives and friends, to make the day an enjoyable one. The steamer Doomba was well patronised, about 1100 attending, and the trip down was rendered most enjoyable by selections from a fine orchestra. On arrival at Bribie each child was handed a parcel of lollies and fruit, which they greatly appreciated.

Sports were commenced immediately, the results being:- ... Boys' Race... Girls' Race ... Members' Handicap ... Open Handicap .. Single Ladies' Race ... Married Women's Race ... Old Buffers' Race ... Committee Race...

Dancing took place in the hall, the music being supplied by the courtesy of a friend of the committee. Those who did not partake in the sports or the dancing were busy fishing, and everybody thoroughly enjoyed the day.

The thanks of the committee are due to Mr. Davies, of the jetty kiosk, for the excellent way in which he has prepared the course, and the way he had carried out the arrangements asked of him by the committee.

At 3.15 p.m. a loud call from the siren of the Doomba hastened the picnickers aboard, and the return journey was commenced. Fruit was distributed amongst the passengers. The trip was again enlivened by choice selections from the orchestra. Presentations followed ...

The Doomba berthed again at Brisbane at about 6.10 p.m., everybody thoroughly happy and contented. The bread carters' picnic committee feel sure that all who attended this trip will do so again and recommend these outings to their friends. ...

Source: Daily Standard (Brisbane) Fri 10 Oct 1924 p. 6 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article182822795

Excursion to Bribie via Koopa and Doomba

Travelling to Bribie aboard the steamships Koopa and Doomba are memories  held by many people.

Here is a glimpse of some of the advertisements used in the 1930s and earlier to entice excursionists to see the sights of our picturesque bay! 

The 1919 advertisement is particular relevant to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

December 1936

The Telegraph, 7 Dec 1936, p. 20

The Telegraph, 7 Dec 1936, p. 20

The popular and delightful fishing, camping and holiday resorts of Moreton Bay

Adults 4 shillings, return ; Children 1 shilling, return.

Sundays only: Adults 3 shillings return!

"Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Sunday's time-table allows four hours ashore for surfing, fishing, etc at Bribie. Refreshments obtainable on board steamers."

Accompanying this advertisement is an article entitled "Enchanted Isle"

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

July 1930

The Brisbane Courier, 22 Jul 1930, p. 2

Bay trip on the Koopa on Sunday to Bribie

Return fares 3 shillings, children 1 shilling

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

January 1924

The Doomba carried her happy cargoes to the cooling breezes at Redcliffe and Bribie.
Photo: W.G. Cummings
The Daily Mail (Brisbane) Sat 19 Jan 1924 p. 13

December 1924

The Brisbane Courier, 6 Dec 1924, p. 3

The Brisbane Courier, 6 Dec 1924, p. 3

Special Sunday afternoon excursion!

Return fares 3 shillings, children half price

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

March 1919

Koopa Trips to Redcliffe and Bribie

In our advertising columns appear a few statements on the "flu" question as regards bay excursions. 
Pure sea air no doubt goes a long way to keeping one healthy, and the opportunity to partake of it, the Brisbane Tug Co. Points out, is within the reach of all.

source: The Brisbane Courier Wed 5 Mar 1919 p. 3

The Koopa and the Flu
source: The Brisbane Courier Wed 5 Mar 1919 p. 2

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

January 1915

The Telegraph, 16 Jan 1915, p. 3

School Children's Excursions with special fares!

School children - sixpence each return. 

Adults - 2 shillings, sixpence return.

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

Source:
The National Library of Australia's online newspaper resource Trove is indeed a wonderful treasure-trove. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/?q=

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/  

Bongaree Jetty Heritage

Bongaree Jetty and Bongaree Esplanade

Heritage site signs

Bongaree Jetty and park area, Aug 2017.
Photo: Donna Holmes

A walk along the Bongaree Jetty and Esplanade precinct is very pleasant and allows an opportunity to read the information contained on several Heritage site signs.

In this picturesque area there are three Heritage site signs which were unveiled in 2004.

For those folk who are not able to walk through this lovely area, below is a copy of the signs and information about their unveiling.

The Bribie Jetty, Jetty Precinct and Twelve Apostles Lookout Heritage site signs were unveiled on Sunday 5 December 2004 at the Official Opening of the newly refurbished Bongaree Jetty and Bongaree Esplanade Improvement Project.

Source: BIHS database GEN_011

Source: BIHS database GEN_011

Program for the Official opening of the newly refurbished Bongaree Jetty and Bongaree Esplanade Improvement Project.

                       The Heritage Site signs give a brief history of:

Bribie Jetty           Twelve Apostles Lookout        Jetty Precinct

     Bribie Jetty [Heritage Site sign]

Source: BIHS RP2_001_jetty2004

1911 The Birth of Modern Tourism in Queensland

Caption: The Brisbane Tug and Steamship Company established the first Island tourist resort in Queensland on the 153 sq km Bribie Island. Prior to this, the Tug "Greyhound" and then "Beaver" had opened up a service to Bribie in 1901.
SS Koopa photo by permission of the Hall Family.







1912 The First Jetty at Bongaree

Caption: The Brisbane Tug and Steamship Company built the first jetty at Bongaree and commissioned the SS Koopa to transport tourists from Brisbane and Redcliffe. Since then the jetty has been expanded, reduced and rebuilt many times.
Photo by permission of the Campbell Family.

1920s The Golden Years

Caption: Prior to the great depression, up to seven ships were tied up at the jetty. Thousands of tourists disembarked on first one walkway then two and then three, with an extended head connecting the multiple walkways. It is interesting to note that in 1917 a competitive destination "Umbigumbi" opened, this is now known as Surfers Paradise.
Photo by permission of the Campbell Family.

1911-1961 ss Koopa Luxury Steamship

Source: BIHS RP2_009_Heritage

Caption: This 62-metre vessel could carry up to 1200 passengers and at one time even had an orchestra for entertainment. The travel time from Brisbane to Bribie was a leisurely three hours. To cope with shallow waters in Pumicestone Passage it had a flat bottom hull to achieve a draft of two metres. As per the 'Packet License' regulations at the time, at three nautical miles from the home berth, the stewards opened the lavish bar on the lower forward deck. On the intermediate deck, patrons could enter the casino, where they mostly played poker. Excellent food was also served. For example: Oysters with buttered bread were 1/- (one Shilling) per plate. At night the ss Koopa was an impressive sight as she was well lit with a total of 159 lamps. During WWII the Royal Australian Navy commissioned the ss Koopa in 1942. After her war service she was returned to public service. The locally formed Moreton Bay Development Company bought the Koopa and began operation in early 1952. Their objective was to keep the Koopa operating until the bridge was built bu ceased operating in 1953. The Koopa continued on various runs until finally scrapped around 1961. The bridge opened in 1963 ending this era of steamship transport.
Photo by permission of John Oxley Library.

1923-1939 ss Doomba 

Caption: This 70-metre vessel could carry up to 1524 passengers. Formerly H.M.S. Wexford, the vessel was built in 1919 and arrived in Brisbane in November 1923. She was refitted as a passenger ship with a promenade deck added to seat up to 280 passengers. The Wexford was then renamed the ss Doomba. Her fastest run to Bribie was two hours (excluding berthing in Redcliffe) and she touched a top speed of 19 knots. The Royal Australian navy re-commissioned the H.M.A.S. Doomba in 1939 and she served once again as a minesweeper, mainly in Bass Strait. After the war she was sold and used as a bulk carrier and finally as a barge. She was eventually scuttled in 1976.  Photo by permission of the Hall Family.

1920 Campbell's Kiosk

Caption: 
The Campbell's Oyster Kiosk was very much a family affair. They were a great fishing family with the father Joe Campbell registered as an oysterman having taken charge of local oyster farming operations around 1905.  The Campbell's also hired out boats at 5/- (Shillings) a week and went on to open a cash store on the Esplanade in 1953.
Photo by permission of the Hall Family.




1921 Camping Grounds on the Foreshore at Bongaree

Caption: Looking towards what is now Brennans Park the scene would have looked very different in the 1920s. In the top left hand corner of the photograph is the Brisbane Tug and Steamship caretaker's residence. Underneath this building was the location of the first post office on Bribie Island.
Photo by permission of the John Oxley Library.

1923 Bongaree Streetscape

Caption: View of the township of Bongaree in 1923. The large building on the left hand side of the photograph was the Hall and Bestmann general store. In the centre of the photograph are stacks of tent poles for hire.  The elevated building on the right hand side of the photograph was the caretaker's residence.
Photo by permission of the John Oxley Library.




1924 Road from Bongaree

The road from Bongaree to Woorim was completed and four Model T Ford passenger buses take holiday makers to the Brisbane Tug & Steamship Company Hotel at Ocean Beach.

1951 Bribie Island Bus

Caption: The photo shows a more modern Bribie Island bus meeting the passengers from steamships. The buses operated between the Jetty and Ocean Beach Woorim.
Photo by permission of the John Oxley Library.










1963 The Bribie Island Bridge
 The 831 metre Bribie Island bridge officially opens at a cost of £358,156 and the era of water transport is effectively over. To recover construction costs a 5/- Shilling toll was placed on the bridge until 1973.

Special Thanks to local historians Warwick Outram and Ron Powell for their invaluable assistance with historical research.

1999 Celebration of the Bicentennary of Matthew Flinders' Landing on Bribie Island 16 July 1799

Acknowledgement: This plaque also acknowledges a commemorative ceremony held on 16 July 1999 to celebrate the Bicentenary of Matthew Flinders' Landing on Bribie Island 16 July 1799.

The 1999 ceremony focused on the planting of a Flindersia australis species (crows ash) tree by His Excellency Major General Peter Arnison AO Governor of Queensland, Honourable Peter Beattie MLA Premier of Queensland and Cr Tom McLoughlin Mayor of Caboolture Shire.

 Twelve Apostles Lookout [Heritage Site sign]

Source: BIHS RP2_001_jetty2004

1925 Dance Hall, School and Bowls Club

Source: BIHS RP2_009_Heritage

Caption: Near to this site was the Bribie Island Dance Hall. This was also where the first School on Bribie Island was conducted. Later the stumps were removed and the hall was re-located to become the first clubhouse for the Bribie Island Bowls Club.
Photo by permission of the Hall Family.

1920s Twelve Apostles

Source: BIHS RP2_009_Heritage

Caption: Around 1918 just after the war the Brisbane Tug and Steamship Company constructed twelve huts on their foreshore leasehold just behind the Bribie Jetty.

In the foreground of the photograph is a temporary jetty for unloading road metal (gravel) during construction of the first road to Woorim.

The aim was to provide cheap holiday accommodation for visitors who did not wish to camp. 

In later years these twelve apostles, as they became popularly known, were to provide more permanent accommodation to the Island's pensioners.
Photo by permission of the Hall Family.

1901-1912 Tugs on the Leaning Fig

Source: BIHS RP2_009_Heritage

Caption:
From 1901-1912 the tugs 'Beaver' and 'Greyhound', which had been refitted to carry passengers, transported early visitors to the Island.

Prior to the Jetty (shown in the photo just completed in 1912) passengers were transferred to the shore in a square end Punt with seats all around. The Punt was hauled ashore and secured to a tree. That tree is believed to be the leaning Fig adjacent to this site.

Photo by permission of John Oxley Library.

Welcome to the Jetty Precinct [Heritage Site sign]

Source: BIHS RP2_001_jetty2004

1932 Hall and Bestmann General Store

Source: BIHS RP2_009_Heritage

Caption: In 1913 Alfred Hall and Artie Bestmann started what was to become the first general store at Bongaree. Alfred Hall owned a grocery store in Brisbane and started by bringing up some groceries and selling them through the kitchen window. In 1921 they built the purpose built store shown in the photograph next door to their residence.
Photo by permission of the Hall Family.







1924/25 Toll Road and Early Transport

Source: BIHS RP2_009_Heritage

Caption: To recover the construction costs, the road from Bongaree to Woorim had a Toll of 1/- (One Shilling). During its construction road material was brought from Brisbane and crushed at Bongaree. A horse attached to a skip by rope pulled it up a ramp. A truck drove under a level section of the elevated ramp and workers tipped the skips to drop the road base into the truck. The 1925 photo here shows a self-made roundabout for tour buses. 

Source: BIHS RP2_009_Heritage

 Model T Ford passenger buses take holidaymakers to the Brisbane Tug and Steamship Company Hotel at Ocean Beach Woorim. Bus fares ranged from 9d (nine pennies) for children to 1/6 (One Shilling and sixpence) for adults.
1920 Holiday Time at Bribie in the Early Days

Caption: This is the scene you would have seen in the 1920s. Tents and the ss Koopa tied up at the Jetty. 

Photo by permission of John Oxley Library.

1920s Shops and Guest House - Northern Side of the Jetty

Source: BIHS RP2_009_Heritage

Caption: The facilities available in the 1920s included a Cafe, Museum and Boarding House. The Cafe's veranda reached out onto the water's edge.
Photo by permission of Mr. Sam Hawkins.

The Jetty Precinct looking towards First Avenue

Source: BIHS RP2_009_Heritage

Caption: 
This photograph shows a view of the Jetty, Camping Area and First Avenue going straight ahead to Woorim. To the left of the Jetty is the temporary gantry for unloading the road metal.
Photo by permission of the Campbell Family.

Acknowledgements:
The above photos have been collected by the Bribie Island Historical Society for the BIHS Historical Database, particularly from the collections of Peta Newcomb, Robert Price and Donna Holmes.