Soft sand, shallow water and gentle waves make Bongaree one of the top beachside communities on Bribie Island. It’s set on Pumicestone Passage, a picturesque channel rich in marine life. Relax on the sugar-white beach, fish off the jetty and make a splash with water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkelling.
Things to do in Bongaree
Enjoy fun in the sun on Bongaree Beach, a long stretch of sand fringed by lush vegetation. The beach overlooks the Pumicestone Passage and commands spectacular views of the Redcliffe Peninsula and towering Glasshouse Mountains. Swim in the crystalline water, jump off the jetty and enjoy a picnic in the beachside park. Rent kayaks and standup paddle boards from local outfitters on Bribie Island. You’ll find cafes, ice cream parlours and fish and chip shops within walking distance of Bongaree Beach.
Join a guided boat tour and explore the Pumicestone Passage. The shallow channel stretches for 35 kilometres from Caloundra to Deception Bay and is a sanctuary for marine life. Spot dolphins, turtles, dugongs and dozens of resident and migratory bird species. Don’t forget your camera - the turquoise tidal channels and sugar-white sand bars are incredibly photogenic. Learn more about the island’s unique ecosystem at the family-friendly Bribie Island Seaside Museum in Apex Park.
Charter a fishing boat and reel in bream, tailor and jewfish. Bribie Island is a bucket list destination for anglers and offers a mix of popular spots and hidden gems. Cast a line off the jetty to catch cod, flathead and parrotfish. Prawns are a local specialty and can be caught by hand or purchased from local fishmongers. Cook up your catch of the day at a public beachside barbecue and watch the sunset.
Getting around Bongaree
Bongaree is compact and easy to get around on foot. The neighbourhood is on the western side of Bribie Island in the Moreton Bay Region, a one-hour drive from Brisbane. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Bongaree and explore Bribie Island at your own pace. Buses run between Brisbane and Bribie Island in around two hours.