Rite of Passage. (Torbul looking north)
Half way between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, just off the mainland lies Bribie Island. Like other islands of Moreton Bay, it is a sand island, but in this case close to the mainland and linked by a bridge. The island is also quite flat, an easy place to ride a bike and great place to live. Our in-laws live there so we have semi-frequent visits.
The island is separated from the mainland by a channel called Pumicestone Passage which extends as far north as Caloundra. Wide at its southern end, it narrows and shallows as it reaches north. At certain times of year at high tide it is navigable by fairly shallow draft vessels (tours available) but at other times that is problematical. The Passage is aptly named because the area of mainland is part of a huge former shield volcano now punctuated by the remaining volcanic plugs which are known as the Glasshouse Mountains. The passage is also famous for its rich diversity of fish and other marine life and wildlife, including dolphins and dugong.
North of the bridge on the mainland, there are a couple of small townships, started partly as fishing villages although they now also serve as retirement and dormitory areas. It's not that far to travel for work to the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Region or evening Brisbane although the major artery, the Bruce Highway is notorious at times for congestion. The two small towns are Donnybrook and Toorbul, both on the coast and within sight of Bribie Island, or even good swimming distance if you are an excellent swimmer and prepared fo risk it. Canoe is no doubt better and motor boat the preferred means of water transport.
This shot is taken looking north from Toorbul (mainland), closest to the Bribie Bridge as the crow flies but a longer way round by road. Two of the Glasshouse Mountains can be seen in the distance, Tibrogargan on the left and Coonoowrin on the right. The Passage is great for sea grass in this area and also attracts black swans. There were some just out of shot munching away with the heads mostly in the water. If we swung to the right,mae would see across the Passage to Whitepatch from where beautiful views of the mountains are also available.
Nikon D810 with Sigma 150-500mm lens.
Rite of Passage. (Torbul looking north)
Half way between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, just off the mainland lies Bribie Island. Like other islands of Moreton Bay, it is a sand island, but in this case close to the mainland and linked by a bridge. The island is also quite flat, an easy place to ride a bike and great place to live. Our in-laws live there so we have semi-frequent visits.
The island is separated from the mainland by a channel called Pumicestone Passage which extends as far north as Caloundra. Wide at its southern end, it narrows and shallows as it reaches north. At certain times of year at high tide it is navigable by fairly shallow draft vessels (tours available) but at other times that is problematical. The Passage is aptly named because the area of mainland is part of a huge former shield volcano now punctuated by the remaining volcanic plugs which are known as the Glasshouse Mountains. The passage is also famous for its rich diversity of fish and other marine life and wildlife, including dolphins and dugong.
North of the bridge on the mainland, there are a couple of small townships, started partly as fishing villages although they now also serve as retirement and dormitory areas. It's not that far to travel for work to the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Region or evening Brisbane although the major artery, the Bruce Highway is notorious at times for congestion. The two small towns are Donnybrook and Toorbul, both on the coast and within sight of Bribie Island, or even good swimming distance if you are an excellent swimmer and prepared fo risk it. Canoe is no doubt better and motor boat the preferred means of water transport.
This shot is taken looking north from Toorbul (mainland), closest to the Bribie Bridge as the crow flies but a longer way round by road. Two of the Glasshouse Mountains can be seen in the distance, Tibrogargan on the left and Coonoowrin on the right. The Passage is great for sea grass in this area and also attracts black swans. There were some just out of shot munching away with the heads mostly in the water. If we swung to the right,mae would see across the Passage to Whitepatch from where beautiful views of the mountains are also available.
Nikon D810 with Sigma 150-500mm lens.