Why do people move to Bribie Island?..and when they do, do they like it?

A long answer, but worth taking the time to read, as it is, well worth the move.

Bribie Island is a coastal paradise that offers not only the closest surf beach to Brisbane but also protected sailing and fishing in Pumicestone Passage. Bribie Island is predominantly National Park and Marine Park, and is characterised by a relaxed lifestyle and enjoyable sub-tropical climate.

Bribie Island is 45km from Brisbane’s CBD and some 17km from the Bruce Highway, the main north-south arterial route connecting Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast. The Island is approximately 34km long and up to 8km wide. Bribie Island’s wetland areas, heath, coastal forest and beaches are largely protected within the Bribie Island National Park. In fact, less than 20% of the Island can be built upon.

The tranquil waters of Pumicestone Passage are a sanctuary for dolphins, turtles, dugongs and migratory birds. Pumicestone Passage extends north to Caloundra, and much of it is a Marine Park. Bribie Island is also only a short cruise from some of Queensland’s best fishing and game fishing grounds off Moreton Island. The Moreton Island resort of Tangalooma is also within easy reach, as are some of Queensland’s best diving spots such as Flinders Reef. Ocean access is quick and safe, with no treacherous bars to navigate.

According to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), a little over 20,000 people currently live on Bribie Island, however, 84% of the island is protected from development and this limit to development dictates a natural population cap of around 30,000 people, meaning that Bribie Island will never become as crowded as the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast.

In addition to the 20,000 permanent residents, up to an additional 1,100 people at any one time visit the Island. There are now less than 10,000 chances to live on this Island paradise and when we reach the proposed population cap of 30,000 people, up will go the ‘No Vacancy’ sign. Is the glass half empty?

If I am ever down to my last five dollars, I will stroll along the waterfront, to the ‘Blue Anchorage’ restaurant, order a glass of the house white, sit outside in the sun, watch people catch bream off the jetty, children play on the pristine sand, dolphins slowly cruise by, and look down at my glass. Yes, I wish the market would improve, but thank goodness my glass, is still half full.
Thank goodness, I live in paradise.

According to the population census as of 1 January 2018, the population of Bribie has reached 33,000. There is no cap on the population as some people mistakenly believe. Also, it is actually 66kms to Brisbane CBD and takes up to 2 hours to commute if you working the standard 8am to 5pm job.

Are there many community groups/organisations/activities for Senior's. My mum is 84 and looking to move from South Australia.

its 79.8 kms from Brisbane CBD to Bribe Island, which makes it a 1 hour and 31 minute drive on the M. its 113.2 kms and 1 hour and 43 minutes if you where to take the M3 and M1 together.