Queensland for all it's sunshine, can also be a state of extreme weather events. It's important if you are visiting the region and there is a weather event, that you stay informed at all times via the Moreton Bay Regional Council's, MoretonAlert service.
MoretonAlert is a free SMS, email and voice notification system that provides severe weather warnings, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services’ bushfire warning messages, council prescribed burn notifications, potential flash flooding incidents and planned dam releases within the Moreton Bay Region.
You can also check weather via the Australian Government Bureau Of Meteorology (we call it 'BOM') website or download the phone app.Please stay safe when visiting our region. If in doubt about what to do during a weather event, please drop into one of our Visitor Information Centres or just ask a local, we are a friendly bunch.
000 is the number for all emergency services in Australia. An operator will connect you to police, ambulance or the fire brigade. You should only call 000 in an emergency.
Public hospitals are located in Redcliffe and Caboolture.
Private hospitals and 24 hour medical centres are located throughout the Moreton Bay Region.
For more health and hospital information visit Queensland Health or phone 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
The legal drinking age in Australia is 18. All venues and locations that serve alcoholic beverages within the Moreton Bay Region (including events) must abide by the Queensland Responsible Service of Alcohol Legislation, it's the law. Please understand that bar staff have legal responsibilities to refuse service to those that appear to be drunk, you can read more here.
In addition to alcohol, you need to be aware of the drug laws in Queensland and be familiar with which drugs are considered 'illegal', these include:
There are a large number of offenses you can be charged with in connection with illegal drugs. Please refer to Legal Aide Queensland Government for further information.
The Moreton Bay Region has many popular and beautiful beaches. But, although beautiful, these beaches can hold hidden dangers in the form of strong currents, marine stingers and beach conditions that can change dramatically.
Popular beaches are usually patrolled by volunteer life savers from October to April and red and yellow flags mark the safest area for swimming. Exercise a high degree of caution and safety and be sure to always swim between these flags, swim with other people and never under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Make sure that you keep a look out for safety signs and obey these at all times.
If you do get into trouble, stick your hand up, stay calm and call for help.
For more detailed information visit Surf Life Saving Australia
For more information about marine stingers visit Queensland Government website
The stunning Moreton Bay Marine Park is one of our region's signature natural attractions, but before heading out into the bay, please ensure you have all the correct safety equipment. We recommend you visit Marine Safety Queensland, the website also includes the current Queensland Tide Times, before disembarking.
Volunteer Marine Rescue, Bribie Island is on emergency call 24 hours a day seven days a week operating out of its base station in Marine Parade, off Sylvan Beach Esplanade, Bellara.
The radio, a lifeline for boating enthusiasts, operates all year round seven days a week from 6.00am to 6.00pm on:
You can call on (07) 3408 7596, however remember mobile service is not always available out on the water.
We are fortunate to also have the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard located at Scarborough.
If you plan on driving in Australia, you must hold a valid international driving permit accompanied by the drive licence issued in the country you live.
Please follow these simple road safety tips to help make your driving holiday in Australia safe and enjoyable: